About
Belly Dance is a dance of natural movements that address the whole body. It is also fun exercise.
Website: www.shifah.com
I love watching women grow and blossom with belly dance. Personalities take flight with discovery of the dance.
Highlights
Specialties
How often
Student age(s)
Experience level
Number of students
Dance style
Goals and interests
Photos and videos
Reviews
Paula N.
Maria S.
Lori M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask a new student if they've had any belly dance experience. Then I know where to begin. I encourage a beginner to do only as much as they can as I give them the basic steps, movements and isolations. And to just relax have fun. Short choreographies help a student to know how it all comes together as they get a feel for the dance.
I also ask if they want to learn the dance in order to perform or if they just want to have fun exercise. I adjust the class accordingly.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied with both nationally and internationally known choreographers and have produced and directed numerous shows.
I have taught extensively throughout the Pioneer Valley since 1987. My students include women of all ages, from granddaughters and grandmothers to women who have gone on to professional dance careers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Classes are one hour. $15 for a drop-in fee and $12 each for a group of 4 classes ($48)
Mother/daughter fee: $10 each for a group of 4 classes ($40 each)
No belly dance experience?: try the first class free
How did you get started teaching?
I discovered that I was able to break down the movements and teach in such a way that helped students to learn, whether they were visual, kinesthetic, or auditory learners.
What types of students have you worked with?
My youngest student (who went on to perform in shows) was 7 years old. One student progressed to teaching as well as performing. One student was in her 80's. Many students want the dance for exercise or just the fun of dancing. I once worked with a woman who is blind.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I took my class (those who wanted to) to an assisted living facility to perform. The residents were thrilled. They didn't care if you made mistakes. They clapped in time to the muisic and danced in their seats. It is such a warm feeling to brighten someone's day.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who can break down the movements in a clear understandable way. See if you can talk with some students of the dance. Find out how long she/he has been dancing/teaching. Some teachers' main concern is to stear students to perform. Some teach only for exercise. I like to combine so students can choose. There are many forms of the dance. I teach Egyptian and Turkish. Find out what they teach and what the difference is.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Tell her/him about any physical limitations. A teacher should be able to tell you what you can expect. Ask yourself what you like about the dance, i.e. music, exercise, performing, having fun, etc. I try to design my classes to address a students interest.