Frequently Asked Questions

What do I wear to class?

A: We recommend yoga pants or leggings, a tee shirt or crop top, and (if you have one) a flared floaty skirt. We provide hip belts, veils, canes, zills etc., though you can order them through class. We also have a range of custom designed bellydance tee shirts. We dance barefoot.

Q: How long is the class?

A: Beginner: One hour.
Advanced: One hour
Workshops: Two to three hours (depending on subject)

Q. How do I pay for class?

A: Payment is made on a weekly basis, with no registration fee, you simply ‘pay as you go’! Costs for 2010 remain the same as 2009, with each class being £6.50, or if you take both the Beginner and Advanced class you pay only £10.00! We regret we cannot accept cheques or credit/debit card payment.

Q: Is there an age limit for class attendance?

A: Yes. We take students from age 12, though there is no upper age limit.

Q: I'm pregnant, can I still come to class?

A: Yes. Many of the movements you will learn with GYR8 Bellydance will strengthen your core muscle groups and pelvic floor. Many students who have come to class during various trimesters have said how envigorated they feel during and after they've danced.

Q: I'm a 'larger' lady, does that preclude me for bellydancing?

A: Absolutely not! GYR8 Bellydance's founder and principle instructor, Pamela, is herself a larger lady who looks and feels great when dancing.

Q: Do you take male students?

A: Yes. There are a number of world renowned male bellydancers and of course, in most of the Middle Eastern countries, it is the traditional form of dance. At GYR8 Bellydance, we use techniques that are performed equally well by both men and women.

Q: I have 'two left feet', can I learn to bellydance?

A: There are no complicated foot sequences to memorise and you will learn to dance as a soloist at the beginner level. You'll soon relax and learn to move quite naturally.

Q: Is it possible to arrange a private lesson, a small group lesson, or a lesson for a party?

A: Yes, private lessons are £55 an hour, semi-privates (minimum of 4 & maximum of 12) are £20 per person (you arrange the group yourself). For information on hiring a teacher / dancer to come to your hen party or birthday party, contact Pamela.

Q: Is bellydance good exercise?

A: Yes! It is a medium level aerobic workout, increases core strength, increases flexibility, and improves posture. Also, the isolations and steps are great for your brain!

Q: I grew up bellydancing, or have taken some classes somewhere else, or have studied other forms of dance, do I start with the Beginners class?

A: Yes. Our Beginners classes offer an excellent technical breakdown of the various bellydance movements. Learning this vocabulary and basic posture will make your subsequent classes much more enjoyable. If it is apparent that you should move on from this class, we will let you know. Scroll down for information about levels.

Q: How long does it take to learn bellydance?

A: After attending the Beginners class for 10 weeks or so, you will know enough to spice up your social dancing with some bellydance moves! Some of the movements you will pick up quickly, others take more time. The key is patience and regular practice. Once you move into the Intermediate class (After you've completed the Beginners Modules) we encourage you to join in class recitals. We offer opportunities for group and solo performance, and will always encourage you to put forward your own choreographical ideas! If you want to teach bellydance, you should plan on a minimum of three years of serious dance training before taking this step. Please speak to Pamela about her Teacher Training Program.

Q: How do I join the dance troupe?

A: If you are already a GYR8 Bellydance student, your dance and performance technique will already have been evaluated by Pamela. Just make it known to her that you would like to become a member of the troupe and she will explain what is required in terms of skillbase and commitment. If you are a bellydancer who has not attended GYR8 Bellydance classes, please contact Pamela who will arrange a brief appraisal session at the studio.

Q: What do you offer besides the weekly belly dance classes?

A: We host events at the dance studio and Arena area of the Lights such as haflas (bellydance parties where students perform as well as other guest dancers), bellydance lessons for parties and corporate team building.