About the Bellydance Classes
Frequently Asked Questions
AMERICAN TRIBAL STYLE BELLYDANCE CLASSES
What is the class format?
Who is the instructor?
What is your belly dance philosophy?
What to wear and bring?
Changes and Cancellations
Do you offer workshops?
Do you offer individual instruction?
How many class levels are there?
How long will it take me to move from one level to the next?
WHAT IS THE CLASS FORMAT?
LEVEL 1, FUNDAMENTAL ATS®: This class covers the basic movements of ATS® and is useful for dancers of all skill levels. In it we will always cover one fast rhythmic movement and one slow arrhythmic movement. Posture, basic body mechanics and zills are also covered, as well as review of movements learned earlier in the class cycle. More advanced dancers may attend for a deeper understanding of and to hone their skills in the essential fundamentals of ATS®. It is a wonderful place to examine and sink into your practice.
WHO IS THE INSTRUCTOR?
Natalia Ronstadt Chang is a founding member of Persephone Dance Company, and a FatChanceBellyDance® Sister Studio instructor. She is FCBD® certified in General Skills, Teacher Training 1 and Teacher Training 2. She teaches American Tribal Style® belly dance as defined by Carolena Nericcio, developer of the form and director of FatChanceBellyDance®. For more information on Natalia, click here.
WHAT IS YOUR BELLY DANCE PHILOSOPHY?
Belly dance was developed by women, for women. It is beautiful, sensual, empowering and connecting. I teach with compassion and without judgment, while honoring the importance of technique. We are all part of the dance and wherever the student is personally in her physical ability or her understanding of ATS®, it is about sharing the experience. This is not a solo art form; it takes a community of women to bring to fruition. I invite you to open your heart to having the best experience possible and to come away from class filled with awareness, joy, friendship and celebration of your beauty and power as a woman and sister-in-dance.
Welcome.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING?
Students should wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing like yoga pants and tank top; whatever you already have on hand. Once you have decided if this class is for you, it is recommended that you wear a full skirt fitted at the hips and pantaloons, tights or leggings. Choli's are not required, although they are encouraged. Loose fitting or baggy shirts make it difficult to see the movement of the upper body. Please consider wearing your hair up. We dance barefoot or in dance shoes, please no street shoes in the dance studio. Hip scarves are welcome.
If you already have zills, bring them. If you need some, there will be a limited number of zill sets available for purchase. Please come early enough to make your purchase before class. There is only one set of loaners available. There is a drinking fountain but you are encouraged to bring your own water bottle so you can grab a quick sip during class rather than waiting until the end. Dancing is thirsty work. Please do not come in and out of class unless absolutely necessary. Cell phones off, please.
CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS
Most classes are held in the Hoover Theatre dance studio, Studio A. Studio A is the first door on your right as you enter the main hall of the Hoover Theatre building. Periodically, classes may be moved into one of the other rooms at the Hoover, to avoid sound bleed from the dance studio into the main theatre during theatre events. Room changes will be posted on the CLASSES page and whenever possible, outside of Studio A.
This venue change will provide students with the opportunity to work without mirrors. This seeming disadvantage is quite the opposite, however. It is very easy for dancers to become dependant upon the visual feedback provided by mirrors, rather than internal, proprioceptive (bodily) feedback. In performance situations, there are no mirrors and dancers must be comfortable and practiced in using their well-developed peripheral vision to read their leader's cues. Regular practice without mirrors is key to developing this ability.
Occasionally, the instructor may have to cancel classes or provide a qualified substitute. All cancellations will be listed on the CLASSES page. Please refer to this before attending any class.
All members of Persephone Dance Company have experience in dance instruction and both Natalia Ronstadt Chang and Stefanie Kelly hold FCBD® certification in General Skills, Teacher Training 1 and Teacher Training 2.
DO YOU OFFER WORKSHOPS?
Yes. Private workshops are available for groups and individuals, internationally. Please contact the instructor if you are interested in scheduling a workshop for your group or event.
DO YOU OFFER INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION?
Yes. Private Instruction is available for individuals, internationally. Please contact the instructor if you are interested in private instruction.
HOW MANY CLASS LEVELS ARE THERE?
Currently, PDC offers Level 1: Fundamental Other levels, performance preparation sessions and performance opportunities for students may be added as need or interest requires, and time permits.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO MOVE FROM ONE LEVEL TO THE NEXT?
Every person and body is different and we all learn at different rates. Do not worry about comparing yourself to anyone else and know that you are learning at the pace that is right for you. Level One is useful for dancers of ALL experience levels.
We are all here because we love learning. Whether you are entirely new to dance or are an experienced ATS® dancer, you can gain from the experience of a fundamental dance class. Not only that, but one where you can build an amazing community of sisters! We are here to dance, and there is nothing to gain by comparing yourself to others. Open yourself to the exploration of the power of your body and the dace. Enjoy!