Alay'nya (Alaynya) Studio and the Troupe Seraband; Women's Dance, Belly Dance (Bellydance; Mid-Easterm Dance) Intermediate-Level Instruction, Classes and Workshops in Greater Metro Washington DC and Northern Virginia NoVA McLean, Alexandria, and Woodbridge, including Fairfax County and Prince William County

<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Alay'nya (Alaynya) Studio and the Troupe Seraband; Women's Dance, Belly Dance (Bellydance; Mid-Easterm Dance) Intermediate-Level Instruction, Classes and Workshops in Greater Metro Washington DC and Northern Virginia NoVA McLean, Alexandria, and Woodbridge, including Fairfax County and Prince William County

Are you just now joining a women's multicultural dance class? This can be "belly dance," Rom ("gypsy") dance, or a related area of folk or ethnic dancing. On this page, we'll try to answer some of your questions.

Of course, every person is different and unique. You are, also. But over the years, we've noticed a few things that many of us seem to feel during the first few times that we attend a dance class. So, at the risk of sounding like one of those "what to expect" baby books, let us just share and connect with you about what to expect in your first three weeks of "multicultural women's dance" classes.

Expect to feel really weird - this only lasts for a short time, but it takes a little while to get used to the moves. The movements should feel good, but maybe just very different from anything that you've done before. And remember, any "weirdness" that you might feel as you try these out is more due to societal conditioning than to anything about you. These movements are designed to work with and for a your body, but society has taught us to be very "locked up" and rigid. So give your body just a little time to adapt. In the meantime, no judging!
Expect to get a really good workout in your butt, abs, and thighs. And even in your upper arms. We are occasionally (although not too often) a bit "aerobic." But we do work our large muscle groups. (Even I can feel sore if I've taken a short break and go back to teaching or taking classes again.) You might want to plan on taking time for a hot bath with Epsom salts. Maybe a little extra stretching on "the morning after." And you might want a little extra sleep - the way you would after starting any new exercise regime. Remember, you're getting one of the deepest conditioning workouts possible, and so you can expect to feel it the next day!
Expect that it will be a lot harder than it looks! No kidding. Remember, a ballerina spends years of hard work learning how to float "effortlessly." A Zen master spends years learning to create an evocative landscape with a few simple brushstrokes. With women's dance, you are learning one of the most ancient, subtle, and complex dance forms in the world. Even though this is a natural and organic dance form, it is not typically taught in Western society. Expect that in the first few lessons, you will feel about as comfortable as if you suddenly picked up a saxophone and tried to improvise a jazz solo. Your instrument is yourself, and you can spend a lifetime cultivating your expression. (But you'll be able to do a competent, and charming, dance within a few months. We promise!)

We don't expect you to wear anything fancy to your first few classes. In fact, we'd rather that you didn't spend any money at all - just come wearing something comfortable, and pretty - if at all possible. (You want to feel good about yourself as you move.)

For your first few classes, emphasize:

--- FUN, PRETTY, and COMFORTABLE! ---

You will soon see a lot of different ideas. I wear "casual costumes" to class; they are inexpensive, and give you ideas that you can use. Students often come up with creative ideas, and are always willing to share their favorite sources and inspirations.

Choose from one of three basic looks:

Long, loose skirt + comfortable top + hip sash. Inexpensive, pretty skirts that have elasticized or drawstring waists are easy to find, especially in summertime. For a top, use a sports bra, a little camisole, or a lightweight and comfortable blouse or sweater. Showing your midriff is absolutely up to you.
Harem pants instead of a skirt. If you are a seamstress, harem are surprisingly easy and fast to make - and any loose, "ethnic-type" pants will work as well.
Classic "dance clothing" - leotards and tights - preferably with footless or stirrup tights. We dance barefoot, so you want your feet to connect with the floor! You can add a hip scarf.

HOW TO GET A FAST HIP SASH:

Hip sashes are wonderful! They bring your attention to your hips, so you can focus in on your pelvic movements. They also help you look and feel wonderfully exotic.

For a good, fast hip sash, look for a long scarf, and tie it around your hips. Alternatively, get a large square of fabric. (45"X45" is ideal, that means, buy 1 1/2 yards if you go shopping and select a 45" wide fabric.) Fold it on the diagonal, wrap it (point down below your hips) around you, tie the two long pointed ends in front. After time, you might want to decorate your sash with fake coins, tassels, or fringe. But by all means, if you can simply start with a nice piece of fabric, then start there and think about details later.

All of our classes are "ongoing." That means there's no particular start date, and no particular stop. You join in when you can. Learn at your own speed. When you are ready, you can progress to a different level - but that will be when you are ready (and you'll know by then).

The only constraint that this approach puts on you is: Be patient when you join a class. Everything gets repeated; I go back to basic materials time and time again. But you might just wind up "winging it" for a few classes; that's ok. You'll adapt, and you'll learn, and you'll have a good time.

Many of you want to get started with at-home practice to supplement your weekly classes. I so appreciate your eagerness and willingness to learn!

But before you jump in with all sorts of "extras," let me ask you to spend the first three weeks just listening to your body. This really is the most important thing that you can do, and I'm going to ask you to return to this state again and again. So instead of going out and investing in "externals" (even that wonderful music), spend some time being quiet with yourself, feeling how how feel, stretching out, and giving yourself the time and space to experiment with the new "ranges of motion" that you've been shown in class. Then, as the spirit leads you and your inner muse guides you, carefully select from the recommendations that we offer on the next web-page, "Your First Three Months in Multicultural Women's Dance."

Remember - no rush, no strain, and NO JUDGING! You're doing this for yourself, and that alone is a wonderful and fantastic thing. All the extras will still be there a few weeks from now. But from all of us, as you embark on this journey, Welcome In! We're glad you are "coming home."

Email Alay'nya (alaynya at alaynya.com) with questions you'd like to ask. She will try to get back to you. Over time, she'll put the ones that are asked most often on this page - and you'll be helping others find the answers without having to ask!

I'm over "X"-ty years old. Can I still dance?

This kind of dance form is actually one of the best exercises that a woman can do - at any age. But your question is a common one, and we're happy to talk with you about it. Please go to a special page that we've set up just on this topic: (link coming soon - promise!)

I did belly dance years ago, and I'd like to start up again. Which class is best for me?

Any of our beginner's classes will work for you, but you might particularly enjoy our Woodbridge class. Many of us there did somebelly dance a while back, and like the
"classical" approach that class is taking. Woodbridge classes are currently "mixed levels," including lots of beginners.

(Maybe the Most Important Question)

... How Long Before I Look Like Shakira?

Start now, practice often. I've been doing this for 20 years, don't look like Shakira yet, but definately look the best that I can be - and a lot younger than my age! (No, of course I'm not telling you what that really is.)