How to Teach a Beginner Belly Dance Course

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Collect basic items to share with your class.

   Hips scarves, veils, skirts, and finger cymbals.
   
   You should have enough for each expected student.
   
   Allow students to borrow your items for the first few classes, but encourage students to buy their own, either from you or a recommended source.
2. 2

   Step 2: Prepare handouts describing zill patterns

   , For example:
   Start class with a hula hoop contest to help your students to begin thinking about hip movements.
   
   OR, begin your course with a short performance of your own.
   
   Your confidence in doing this will assure the respect of your students. , Authentic, soft, melodic pieces work well. , Chest: circles & lifts Undulations, body waves.
   
   Moving across floor:
   Arabic walks, grapevine.
   
   Walk with shimmy (3/4 shimmy).
   
   Basic zill patterns.
   
   Turning: pivots, three point turns (rumba), barrel turns.
   
   Veil: draping, holding, chaine turns, rumba walk with veil.
   
   Basic combinations. , Create a CD (or playlist) of these songs for easy access while teaching.
   
   Your enthusiasm will transfer to your students when you teach with your favorite music. , Belly Dance Magazines, flyers, catalogs posters, newspaper clippings, your favorite DVDS, a list of restaurants featuring belly-dancers, books on Belly Dance, music collections on CD representing various countries, styles, traditions and original classics. ,,
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   Step 3: the history of belly dance

4. 4

   Step 4: music you use in class

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   Step 5: and maybe your bio including names of teachers with whom you've studied.

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   Step 6: Plan something special your first night of class that will unite your students and release inhibitions.

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   Step 7: Start each class with your favorite warms-ups & stretches.

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   Step 8: Plan to cover 10 basic moves over the entire course

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   Step 9: for example: Shoulders: snake arms

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    Step 10: shoulder shimmies

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    Step 11: shoulder lifts Hips: small & large circles

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    Step 12: figure 8s

13. 13

    Step 13: mayas (reverse figure 8s)

14. 14

    Step 14: hip drops & lifts.

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    Step 15: Choose inspiring music from your own collection that fits each move.

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    Step 16: Each week bring to class something different to share.

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    Step 17: Teach new moves each week

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    Step 18: and review the old ones.

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    Step 19: Plan a hafla at a local restaurant at the end of class where you encourage your students to show off their new moves.

Detailed Guide

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