Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
BellyUp is located in Oakville in the village of Bronte. Our closest intersection is Nelson & Lakeshore Rd. W., 2330 Lakeshore Rd. W., Unit 5, Oakville, ON L6L 1H3. Head south on Nelson off Lakeshore Rd. and turn left into the first parking lot. Our main entrance faces a parking lot with plenty of FREE convenient parking.
Can I try out a class before joining?
We invite you to take a free trial class anytime. You do not need to call in advance to make an appointment for a trial class. Just drop in 10-15 minutes prior to class time, complete a waiver form, and then proceed into the class. You can choose from the class times listed on our class schedule on our web site. After the class if you decide you want to sign up, visit our front desk for information on introductory sign-up specials, group discounts if you have friends that want to register with you etc.
Do I have to wait for the start of a new session to sign up and start classes?
We have two words for you...START TODAY! You can sign up anytime and start your belly dance classes right away. Our curriculum rotates so you will always be able to catch up on what you missed.
I have some dance experience, so can I start at Level 2 or 3 right away?
We recommend that all students, no matter what experience level start at Level 1 to become familiar with our teaching vocabulary for movement and for the teacher to assess the best level for you. If you have no belly dance experience at all, but have some dance experience you'll benefit from starting at Level 1. Belly dance is a very specific and different way of moving your body and you need to understand the foundational movements first. Your dance experience is sure to be of benefit when it comes to your comprehension of basic dance steps, posture and body alignment and placement. If you're unsure of your level, take a Level 1 class and ask your teacher to recommend the best level for you after the class.
What do I wear to class?
We recommend a tank top, tshirt, crop top, with leggings or Yoga or track pants, hip scarf with or without coins, bare feet or ballet slippers. We carry a range of hips scarves for sale. No street shoes are permitted in the studio. Please leave them at the door. We have a change room and bathroom. Water bottles are permitted in the studio.
How do I register?
You don't need to register for a specific class or class time. We work on a class card system, so you purchase your class card at the studio for a package of 8, 10, 15, or the unlimited Term or unlimited Annual and you attend classes as you like when it suits your schedule. We recommend coming regularly so that you don't forget what you learn in between classes. But the schedule is flexible for you because we know everyone leads a busy life. We accept debit, credit card, cash or cheque at the studio. Arrive 15-20 minutes early before your first class to complete a waiver form and register.
Can I pay by the class?
Absolutely. We offer a drop-in rate if you'd like to pay as you go. Keep in mind that the more classes you buy, the better the class rate you receive. But if drop-ins work for you, you're more than welcome to attend class and pay with each class.
What happens if I miss classes?
If you are registered for a specialty class and miss a class, unfortunately you lose a class because there are no make-ups. If you attend belly dance classes you must use your classes within the 90 day session. The good news is you can attend whatever classes you want, so you can never lose your classes...unless you don't attend to use them up. That's up to you. Classes cannot be extended to future sessions or to another person so we recommend you don't purchase more than you can use and fit into your schedule. You can always buy more classes if you need them. We will only put class cards on hold if you provide us with a signed letter from your doctor. And if for some reason you need to cancel the class card you purchased we will only provide refunds (less 20% cancellation fee) up to one week after the start of the session.
How long will it take until I can belly dance?
That depends on you and how much time you can devote to practice. After 10 weeks of classes you'll know some basic movements that you can use on the dance floor for sure. Continuing beginners usually stay at that level for for 1-1.5 years. If you want to perform professionally expect up to 3 years of training. Belly dance is a difficult dance form to learn. And the more you practice the faster you'll progress. It may look easy but it's a very specific way of moving your body and it takes time for your body to absorb the movements. We encourage you to enjoy the journey of learning this most beautiful dance form. BellyUp offers students performance opportunities at student haflas and recitals and those who achieve performance level can enlist in BellyUp's Entertainment Agency and be booked for events, weddings, parties etc.
I would like to perform?
Students interested in learning to perform have alot of opportunity to do so at BellyUp. First please make it known that you would like to pursue performance training and Joharah will be happy to discuss with you the training you will need to get you on the right path. We have frequent Hafla's at the studio where students are encouraged to perform, plus we have student performance nights at Tarboosh Tent. Students who have the proven ability to learn and execute choreography can also audition for any of BellyUp's troupes. To be accepted, you are required to learn and perform a choreography in a short period of time and will be given an assessment. If you pass the assessment you are offered an apprenticeship with the troupe and may start attending weekly rehearsals to learn the troupe's choreographies. Once you are deemed ready to perform on stage, you are placed within the formation of the troupe. Auditions and apprenticeship opportunities are offered several times a year.
Should I take private belly dance classes?
Private lessons are available at $65 per hour or $60 if you pay for a bundle of five classes. We recommend that students have at least a good foundation before taking private lessons. Semi-private lessons are $35 per person for a group of 3 or more.
Will I lose weight from belly dancing?
Students have lost weight from regular belly dancing classes if done in combination with a proper, well-balanced diet. At the beginner level belly dance is a low to medium impact workout and as your level progresses you will experience a higher impact workout due to the travelling steps, movements and undulations. Your instructor will give a thorough technical breakdown of the movements at the beginner level and if you engage the muscles in the body that you are required to use to produce movements, you'll experience excellent sculpting and toning of the body.
Will I get a good workout from belly dancing?
Belly dancing is an awesome way to increase core strength, tone and sculpt, improve posture and poise and build your stamina. It is a medium level aerobic exercise. All the upper and lower body isolation work and combinations/sequences of steps are also fantastic exercise for the brain!
Can I belly dance if I'm pregnant?
Historically belly dance was used as a fertility dance and also to prepare a woman for childbirth. It is a perfectly healthy form of exercise for the mom-to-be but of course always get approval from your physician. In the third trimester we advise you to exclude shimmies, hip drops and fast travelling steps from your class and stick to the very soft, and soothing movements...figure 8's are great for the reproductive system and your digestive organs. And undulations are wonderful strengthen your abdominal muscles for the baby's delivery. Many of our students who are new moms have told us how useful their belly dancing skills were during labor.