The Bellydancer Studio
About
I teach students with no experience up thru years of experience. I direct Diamonds of the Nile dance troupe, with participants from my classes. Belly Dancing is fun,and provides fitness along with fantasy! This beautiful sensuous dance builds body strength, grace in movement, coordination, and provides both energy and the ability to relax - similar to meditation, due to its' ancient roots. As a teacher, I work closely with students so they can learn at their own pace. Body build nor age matters. Classes are typically small groups. Private lessons are available. Call or text me if you would like to learn 714-731-4574! Visit bellydancerstudio.com. Thank you! ATESH
I enjoy seeing the progress of my students, many of whom have never taken dance of any kind before. Most of my performing students had never performed before. Belly Dance is a healthy and fun exercise which I have devoted my life too. I design costumes, choreographies, stage designs involving belly dance, as well as teach the art of. I have great respect for this ancient dance which we have rediscovered!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I determine their level of fitness. When I begin teaching a student, either in a group or private setting, I really watch for coordination, body strength, grace, ability to translate instruction into body moves, and more. From this assessment, I know what I will need to do to teach them this ancient art of Belly Dance. My small group classes allow for individual instruction and I work to progress my students, moving them forward with every class they take, encouraging them to learn thoroughly and well.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied for 5 years with a famous dancer and instructor then started teaching through various venues. My classes were large but I determined after a few years of this, that I prefer to teach smaller classes where I can really assist each student to learn more thoroughly and at their own pace. I teach dancers for the purpose of fun, exercise, and those who want to become serious professional performers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $50 for 4 consecutive small group classes.
I charge $15 to come and try 1 class or to pay per class.
I charge $60/hr for private instruction.
I accept cash or check.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching friends initially - everyone I knew wanted to learn some belly dance moves. Then I worked at the YWCA and taught large groups of women. We put on shows with the students I had there to raise money for the YWCA. During that time, I opened The Bellydancer Studio in Corona del Mar where I continued teaching groups, giving private classes, and performed at restaurants and various venues as well as for many private parties and special events like weddings, etc. Now I teach smaller group classes in North Tustin/Santa Ana and draw students from all over Southern CA and sometimes from out-of-state.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught one of the winners for the Ms. California contest. I have worked with scientists, attorneys, housewives, students - women of all ages and abilities and from every part of the world!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Our Dance Troupe just finished performing at the Los Angeles County Fair on the main stage. I created the costuming and we danced original Egyptian and Arabic choreographies. We had a professional makeup artist so that all of our makeup was consistent and "stage-oriented." Everyone looked and danced beautifully.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find out the size of the group you will be working with.
If there are 25 or 30 people, you might be learning the dance from the moves of the person standing in front of you because you can't clearly watch everything the teacher is doing. Does she care that your figure 8 move is lopsided or does she even notice? It is elements like this that encouraged me to teach in smaller groups where each person receives a lot of assistance.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do they understand that Belly Dance is an art form and is not a dance to learn in a couple of classes. It is developed over time. Because it is such a beautiful and fluid dance, some get the impression that it is easy. The teacher has to understand the level each of her students are at, as far as fitness and abilty, so that she can work with the student at her own level.