Are your classes for all sizes and age groups?
Our classes are best suited for teens and women and men. Bellydance does not discriminate and our students are Plus Sized to Petite and from teens to adults of all ages. Classes for younger children are available on request providing we have a large enough registration to hold the class.
Where are you located and what are your hours of operation?
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. Our Studio phone # is 905 465 3100 and our studio cell # is 416 414 1115. The studio is only open when classes are running so please refer to our class schedule for studio times.
How long is a session and how soon can I get started?
A session is typically twelve weeks (3 months). We run two types of learning tracks. One is Open Class Card so you can sign up and start anytime and attend whichever open classes suit your scheduling needs. The other is Term Class or Intensive which is by advance registration only and you attend the same class each week for the specified duration of the program. You must use up your Open Class Card classes within the session and you cannot carry over unused classes or be refunded for classes you do not use. If you miss a class in a Term program you can make-up your lost class by attending any other class time. We do urge you to please stick to the regular class as much as possible.
Can I try out a class before joining?
Yes you can 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.
Which level should I register for?
Our web site details class descriptions for every class so please refer to the profiles we've provided. If you still require guidance, just call the studio and we'll be happy to help you decide which is best for you. We recommend that all new students to bellydance start by taking several Level 1 sessions before advancing. If you have some bellydance experience we suggest you take one Level 1 session to familarize yourself with the BellyUp vocabulary of movement and approach to classes and even to refresh your skills.
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 and pay for classes?
You have several options for registering. Online through our web site or directly at the studio using cash, debit or credit card. We do not accept AMEX. You can also phone your registration in with a credit card or we can send you a PayPal invoice but we will add 3% to all PayPal orders.
Can I pay by the class?
Absolutely. We offer a drop-in rate of $20 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 such as ATS and miss a class, unfortunately you lose a class because there are no make-ups.If you are in a Term class or Intensive you can makeup your class by attending another class anytime during the session. If you attend belly dance classes you must use your classes within the 90 day session. On an Open Class Card 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?
Yes private and semi-private belly dance lessons are available. Email us at info@bellyup.ca for more information.
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!Bellydance builds stamina, coordination, grace and poise and so much more.
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.
Studio Etiquette
We appreciate all students who adhere to our studio guidelines.
1. Please be on time to start your class. Students will not be admitted to class after it has begun to ensure you arrive about 10 minutes before class start time. If you are visiting for a Free trial class expect to arrive 20 minutes ahead of class time to complete a waiver form and be ready to start on time. Again you will not be admitted to class after it has started.
2. Cell Phones Off! - must be turned off in the studio so they do not disrupt the class. Please no text messaging or talking on the phone during class.
3. Excessive talking - We all want you to have fun and laugh in class. Excessive talking to neighboring students while the teacher is giving breakdowns and instruction is disruptive for all.
4. Teaching for the Teacher - if someone next to you isn't getting a move being taught, please refrain from trying to teach this move to a student. Allow the teacher to do her job and work with the student.
5. Water bottles must be placed on the floor - not on the furniture.
6. Coins lost from hip scarves must be picked up if they fall off while you are dancing. They can be come hazardous to your feet as well as others. There is a coin box in the studio if you wish to drop them in the box.
7. Take all your belongings with you when you leave the studio.
8. Open mindedness is so important when learning to bellydance. Come with a positive, open mind and be ready to learn new things and have fun.
9. Note taking - Note taking is welcome but please jot your notes down after class rather than during.
10. Videotaping of classes is not permitted without express permission from the instructor.