Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is the true history of Belly Dance?

Who was the first belly Dancer? Where did Belly Dance come from? What is Belly dance? Can anyone try Belly Dance? How did middle eastern dance become known as belly dance in America? Why is Belly Dance misunderstood and sometimes considered trashy? What is the true history or herstory of belly dance? Click to find out the true history of Belly Dance.

What clothes do I wear to a Belly Dance class?

Anything you are comfortable in that will allow you to stretch and dance as well as allow your teacher to see your movements.

Examples: Tank tops and yoga pants are the most popular attire. Some students prefer to wear long, flowy skirts and midriff-showing blouses while other students wear shorts and fitted t-shirts. Choosing form-fitting clothes will help your teacher evaluate if you are doing moves correctly and safely.

Please also try to wear a hip scarf if possible(see below for explanation)!

What do I wear on my feet to Belly Dance?

No street shoes or socks! Going barefoot is best so you don’t slip and can move easily along the floor. If you are uncomfortable with this you can purchase split soul dancer’s shoes, which usually cost under $20 from a dance supply store or on the web.

D.F.T.S. Teachers (such as Suzy) will probably opt. for barefoot.

Egyptian or Cabaret instructors may want you to bring sturdy high heals to dance in.

What is a hip scarf or coined belt?

Hip scarves or coined belts are great tools for the belly dancer. They are worn around the waist and are usually tied in the front. Coined belts help the dancer to not only see the moves on his or her body, but also to hear and feel the moves through the use of the scarves' coins, beads, or cowry shells. Hip scarves are made of chiffon, silk, velvet or other materials. (Many students prefer silk/chiffon scarves, as velvet scarves tend to be too warm and heavy for long hours of use). Many teachers require students to wear hip belts/scarves. In Suzy's classes, there are a limited number of scarves provided for students to borrow during class time in case students forget theirs or do not yet have one of their own.  Scarves are available for purchase through Suzy or can be bought at local stores or online.

Is Belly Dance safe if I am pregnant?

Yes, in fact it is a doctor-approved form of exercise for the muscles used during delivery. Belly Dance makes for a more comfortable pregnancy and exercise during pregnancy will actually help you with a faster recovery after birth.  See benefits of dance for pregnancy for just a few of the many reasons why.

As long as your doctor okays you to begin or continue working out, this is a great exercise option with many benefits for you and your baby. Make sure you practice with a qualified instructor that understands your needs and gives you appropriate modifications for pregnancy so that you can dance safely and comfortably. Suzy offers both prenatal classes and traditional classes where pregnant women are also welcome to attend.

What is Suzy's dance style?

Suzy is inspired by all dance and all movement. As for her belly dance style, she teaches and performs D.F.T.S., Turkish Oriental Dance, American Cabaret, and Fun and Fitness. See my belly dance styles for a description of these styles.

E-mail your questions with your first and last name to Suzy@Spiritfilleddancer.com. Your name will not be displayed for privacy and confidentiality. Suzy Swearingen of SpiritFilledDancerTM does not sell e-mail lists, names, or any other private information.