Questions people ask before their first class

None at all. Many people arrive having never taken a dance class of any kind, and every movement is taught from the very beginning. The class is open level, which means beginners and more experienced dancers work in the same room with options offered for each movement.

Almost never. People join at the start of each block, so there are usually others in the same position. And everyone in that room was new once!

Only if you want to. Many students have come to class for years without dancing in front of an audience.

Equally, if you do want to perform, I will always support you to do so. I share info about haflas and other belly dance events across Scotland that you can take part in. Performing is a really fun and exciting way to develop your skills and put what you’ve learned into practice.

No. People of all ages have come through the class! However, to attend these classes you need to be 18+.

It depends. Most students will learn the basics within a few weeks, but progressing depends on how often you attend classes, and practice on your own. It may take months or years to become more advanced. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and that’s completely fine.

Yes. Whilst belly dancing is an inclusive form of dance for all genders, this class is a ladies-only space, which many students find helps them feel comfortable trying new movements and connecting with the group.

Wear comfortable clothing which allows free movement. Bring a scarf you can tie around your hips (optional).

Bare feet, socks with grip, or soft flat shoes such as ballet slippers or jazz shoes. Normal socks can be worn as long as they have some grip and are not too slippy.

No! Wear whatever you’re comfortable in.

No. Belly dance suits every body, and the class reflects that. The people in the class range across ages, shapes and fitness levels. Every body is welcome!

Ten minutes early for your first class so I can say hello and show you where things are. After that, five minutes is enough.

There is on-street parking nearby, free after 5:30pm.

Buses 11, 15, 16, 23, 36 and 45 stop very close to the venue.

A single class is £12. A five-week block is £48, which is 20% off. A taster class is £5. Book a block at the same time as a friend and you each get a further 10% off. Concession discounts are also available. Full details on the classes page.

Yes, that’s what the £5 taster is for. We also offer single, drop-in classes where available.

Whilst classes missed as part of a block cannot be refunded, I will try my best to help you catch up to the missed materials, and you can still get the usual videos as part of the block package. If something significant has happened, just talk to me.

Bookings are non-refundable unless the class or activity is cancelled by Bloom Belly Dance. If you cannot attend a class you have booked, that booking cannot be refunded or transferred to another person.

I teach a monthly open-level class in Dundee for HERA Dundee. That one is run and booked by them, not through this site – details here.

An open-level class is one where complete beginners and more experienced dancers train together in the same room, rather than being split by ability. Every movement is taught from the basics up, with options offered so newer dancers and more experienced ones are each working at a level that suits them.

Raqs Sharqi is Arabic for “oriental dance”. It is the classical Egyptian style of belly dance, danced upright with fluid arm work, hip movements and travelling steps. It’s the main style I teach.

Folkloric belly dance draws on traditional regional dances from Egypt and the wider Middle East, such as Saidi or Khaleegy, sometimes using props like canes. It has a different character to Raqs Sharqi, and occasionally we will also explore folkloric styles in the classes, to gain a complete understanding of the dance.

Isolations are movements that use one part of the body: for example, the hips, ribcage or shoulders, independently of the rest. They’re the building blocks that most belly dance movements, like hip drops and figure eights, are made from.

A hafla is an informal belly dance social. It is the Arabic term for “party”. In the UK, it is a space for dancers, students and teachers to perform for each other in a relaxed setting. I strongly encourage every student to attend these – they are great fun!