Learning about a particular instructor's interpretation of music is a very valuable part of learning choreography in a workshop.   You may not ever dance the Choreography again, or even retain much of the choreography—but when you dance to that music, you will think of it and your performance will be flavored with the instructors’  interpretation of the music.

Often, choreography classes aren’t about teaching you the choreo, the class is about using the choreo as a common set of steps that everyone "knows" so that the instructor can use it as a springboard to teach some other skill (e.g. how to make an entrance, how to do turns, music interpretation, and perhaps insight into the lyrics ).   So, you will get technique as the teacher will be explaining difficult technique as she/he goes along, (Egyptian teachers sometimes explain this by saying “the technique is inside the choreography ’)while at the same time providing a good way to 'try on' moves that aren't familiar or wouldn't come naturally to you, you don't need to remember the whole dance to bring some good stuff home.

It's very easy to get stuck in a rut with how you transition from one move or body-stance into another, so you get to experience what others have come up with. I think the most important thing you come away with in a choreo-based workshop is the deep appreciation of the song. After a few hours working on a master instructor's choreography, you can take the song and improv to it because it's been broken down by someone else's brain and re-applied to your body.

Why should I learn a Choreography, when all I want is the technique ?

Edinburgh Belly Dance Workshops, High Quality, Small Classes, World Class Teachers.

You can wear whatever you like to class—the occasional person wears a circular skirt, most folk are in joggers.  I think I saw someone in jeans once.  Tight clothes (especially tight around the waist) restrict your movement and can be uncomfortable.  However, there are no ‘rules’ per se.

A cane/stick  (if you see “Saidii” or “Assaya”on the class description)

Veil (without beading or coining on it - heavy veils are impossible to work with and can have a fellow students eye out !) Always pack your veil, you never know when a teacher will decide to use one, saying “and THIS is how we can do that same move/entrance with a veil !”

This is what I keep in my practice bag: veil, dance shoes, spare dance shoes, socks with non-slip soles, water, nuts, ibuprofen.

Tracksuit bottoms or similar
fitted stretch top / t-shirt
a decent bra to wear beneath it (like a shock absorber sports bra)
footwear (not socks without grips on them, as you will fall over on the super smooth floor)
lots of layers (warm socks/fleece/jumper).  It can get cold when you take a break or during a demo simple hip scarf or belt of your choice, preferably not coined

If you want to wear your hip scarf—you win extra brownie points if the scarf is a silent one, as the noise can drown out the instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check with your teacher, or phone me and I can talk this through with you.  None of BellyDance Divas Workshops are for Absolute Beginners—you must at least be a high Beginner—be comfortable with all the basic moves (camel, shimmy, Egyptian walk etc.) before you come.

How do I know I am the right level to attend class ?

What do I wear to class?

What else should I bring?

Can I wear my favourite . . . . . ?

To contact us:

Phone: 0131 228 2683

E-mail: BellyDanceDivas@hotmail.com