Q & A with World
In Motion Belly Dance Instructors and Special Guest Lisa Z by Holly Lloyd
After having taken many belly dance workshops over the years
with instructors from all over the United States, I can say with sincerity that
we are really lucky to have these women teaching in our own backyard.
They are passionate and professional, understanding and
supportive, encouraging and enthusiastic.
Recently, I started wondering about how each of them grew
from dance newbie to dance teacher/performer.
I thought it might be interesting to see how they started
and what words of wisdom they might have to share with us.
Being the nosy curious person that I am, I sent an
e-mail questionnaire to:
Patti Beaman (aka Sashi, Owner of World In Motion Studio and
Instructor) http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/sashi/
Sara Beaman (World in Motion Instructor and Director of
Esprit Du Monde http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/sara/
Emily Beaman (World in Motion Instructor and Director of
Raqs al Dunya) http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/emily/
Nandana (World in Motion Instruction and Director of Sunanda
Tribe) http://www.worldinmotiondance.com/instructors/nandana/
Lisa Zahiya (Guest Workshop Instructor at World In Motion
and Owner of Studio Zahiya in Asheville NC) http://www.lisazahiya.com/
They were all kind enough to take the time to reply and here
are their responses:
Question 1 – What made you decide to try your first
belly dance class?
Sashi: I saw a
dancer at the Renn Faire and it looked like fun. Plus to get out of the house
and get some exercise and away from my family.
Look how that turned out ;D
Nandana: I was at
Pennsic War in 1993, an SCA event, and saw Ghawazee perform!! It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen
and experienced in my entire life.
Emily: I took my
first belly dance class a little while after my mom started dancing. She showed me a few things and after trying
some of her dance videos, I could tell that the movement style really suited
me.
Sara: My mom kept
encouraging me to do it. She started dancing when I was 15, but I didn't break
down and try a class until I was 18. I didn't love my very first class, so I
wasn't sure I wanted to continue, but then I started taking classes with
Nandana and I was hooked!
Lisa: I was
teaching hip hop after a belly dance class, I fell in love with the movement
and beauty of the dance.
 |
| Fabulous WIM students in one of our first classes at the studio |
Question 2- Have you tried other classes in other
dance styles? If yes, what style?
Sashi: Not
really. I took one Ballet for Beginners class in college and was the only
person there over 100lbs and who had never taken a ballet class before so I
dropped it after the first class ;-) I have just always loved to dance.
Nandana: I had never
taken another style of dance. I had 3
left feet...
Emily: I have
always loved dancing. When I was little,
I took ballet and jazz classes. In
middle school I always took dance electives.
I got to high school and wasn't involved with any dance classes for the
first time, but fortunately I found belly dance!
Sara: As a young
kid I took ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics classes at a studio in the small
town where I grew up. The teachers there were fantastic and had a very positive
and sane approach to dance. Unfortunately, after I moved to North Carolina, it
was hard for me to find supportive, fun classes like that, so I quit dance
altogether until finding belly dance.
Lisa: I have a
background in hip hop, jazz, ballet and modern so YES!
Question 3 – Do you remember how you felt walking into
your very first dance class as a student?
Sashi: Well, if
you count that ballet class- intimidated. First belly dance class: excited and
a bit nervous.
Nandana: Totally
nervous and out of place. My sweat pants
and t-shirt were definitely out of place.
Emily: I felt
very awkward and nervous, but excited. I
was taking one of the first classes that Nandana taught at the Solution Center
and there were only two other women in the class with me, both of whom were
much older than 15 year me.
Sara: Yes. I was
very confident that I would be awesome at it, because I had a dance background.
I was shocked to discover how different it was from my previous dance training!
I had to learn to think about movement in a completely new way.
Lisa: I was 5, so
not really, I have always loved dance.
Question 4- What was your first belly dance class
like?
Sashi: I liked
it! The teacher (Aziza Fadwa) was fun
and warm and the class was challenging but not overwhelming. I liked that there were women there of all
ages/sizes/backgrounds and that the teacher was closer to my age than not.
Nandana: I
remember feeling totally awkward and it was as if I had no muscle control. It was as if I had never used my body
before. Very strange sensation. However, I knew I was doing something
amazing.
Emily: To be
honest, I don't remember much about it other than the fact that I was nervous
and that Nandana was super nice to me.
Sara: It was a
large workshop that focused on slow movements and isolations. I remember the
teacher encouraging us to think of drawing shapes with our hips, and I found
that just about impossible to do at first.
Lisa: It was with
Autumn Ward in Washington, DC.
Question 5- Do you remember how you felt teaching your
first class (or series of classes)?
Sashi: Oh, I
prepared for weeks and weeks! Wrote
copious notes, practiced endlessly ahead of time, prepared witty comments (most
of which I forgot to use), etc. I was excited, nervous and really happy that I
had partners co-teaching with me so that it wasn’t all on my shoulders.
Nandana: I felt
nervous. I wanted everyone to love
tribal belly dance as much as I did. I also wanted to show that I could
actually teach!
Emily: I was very
nervous! I am an inherently anxious
person, in case you couldn't tell from my previous answers. I was teaching people that I also took
classes with, and they were all older than me, so it was an interesting
dynamic. But, it ended up being really
fun and I was so lucky to have the opportunity to get me feet wet in a
supportive environment.
Sara: I started
off as a teacher's assistant for Sashi and Nandana, which basically meant I
helped them demonstrate moves during large basics classes. When I did finally
start teaching my own classes, I was glad I spent so much extra time in their beginner
level. I think you need to learn how to dance first, then go back and take
beginner classes a second time to learn how to teach. Even given that
background, when I first started teaching my own classes, I felt very nervous.
I had to have note cards to help me remember everything!
Lisa: I was
NERVOUS but had planned out every detail.
I had already been teaching dance but wanted to make sure I was doing
belly dance justice.
 |
| Nandana and Sashi teaching at one of Blue Moon's early workshops circa 2003 |
Question 6- Why did you decide to teach belly dance
classes?
Sashi: People kept
asking, “Do you teach?” and I thought why not?
There were no other tribal style instructors in the area at the time so
it seemed like a good thing to do. I must admit I was naïve and it was probably
premature in some ways, and I honestly am not sure that I would have started
teaching when I did had I known then what I know now. But I had taught in many
other settings and I really did my homework ahead of time so I think it worked
out okay, fortunately for me and the students!
Nandana: I had
just moved from PA to NC and knew no one.
I felt like it was a way to meet new people and also share this style of
dance.
Emily: It just
seemed like it was time, if that makes any sense. I'd been dancing for a while and I felt that
I had knowledge that I might be able to share with others. Mostly, I wanted to share my love for belly dance
and have some fun. I didn't start
teaching in earnest until WIM opened, and it has been a life changing
experience. I've learned a lot about
myself, teaching, and my fellow dancers and I wouldn't trade it for anything
Sara: In 2005, I
got word about a teaching position at the Chapel Hill YMCA from another dancer
who decided to pass on the gig since it was so far away from her house. I was a
student at UNC at that time, living in an apartment very close to the Y, so it
was super convenient for me. I decided to try it out to see if I liked it, and
of course I did! I have been teaching regular classes ever since.
Lisa: People were
asking me to teach.
Question 7-Do you have any advice for someone thinking
of taking their first belly dance class?
Sashi: Have fun,
relax, don’t worry if you make mistakes- everyone else is worried about the
same thing! Ask questions if you have them (chances are everyone else
wants to know the same thing) and ask
for modifications if you need them. Don’t forget to breathe and try your best
to relax- it will actually be easier to execute the moves if you do. And if you
want to get better- practice, practice, practice!!
Nandana: Try it
and enjoy that it is something new, challenging and wonderful for all ages and
body types. Belly dance challenges our
brains, our bodies and encourages growth within ourselves. I can't encourage someone enough!!!
Emily: Just go
for it! Even if you are nervous or
unsure about yourself, take the chance.
Our classes at WIM are so supportive and fun, so if you have any
interest whatsoever you should try it out.
Also, don't be discouraged if you don't look like your teacher or fellow
students right away. It takes most people
a while to learn the movements and no one is going to judge you if you aren't
perfect.
Sara: Come to
class with an open mind. If you don't connect with the first teacher you take a
class from, try another teacher in your area. If you live in the Triangle,
you've got lots of options! Most of all, make sure that you never do anything
that causes pain--although muscle burn is, of course, totally okay!
Lisa: DO IT!
Question 8- What should a new student wear to class?
Sashi: Something
comfortable, breathable, and not too loose fitting so that the instructor can
see your torso, legs and feet in order to assess your posture and form. This
type of clothing also allows you to see your body better in the mirror (if they
have them in your class). Skirts look pretty but aren’t the best choice. If
there are no hip scarves to borrow, a plain scarf around your hips is nice too-
no need for coins per se, but they are a lot of fun to wear. You can dance in
bare feet or dance shoes, but no sneaks/tennis shoes, please!
Nandana: Yoga
pants are wonderful as is a tank top or top that does not cover up the
hips. Instructors need to see what is
going on with each dancer’s body.
Emily: Something
that makes you feel comfortable and that you can easily move around in. Yoga pants or leggings and a tank top or
t-shirt is what most of my students wear.
Also, you don't have to show your belly if you don't want to.
Sara: I love it
when students wear fitted tank tops and leggings, because it makes it much
easier for me to see their body lines and give them technique corrections if
they are doing something dangerous. That being said, start with whatever makes
you feel most comfortable, even if that means super baggy clothing. Just try to
avoid wearing a skirt--you don't want to flash people if and when you do any
stretches on the floor.
Lisa: Yoga pants
and a tank top - let your teacher see your knees!
 |
| Great class attire- just add a hip scarf and you are ready to go! |
Question 9- What should a new student expect to learn
during their first class?
Sashi: Proper
posture, body alignment, form, and weight distribution; safety tips; some basic
moves; background on the style you are studying;, and getting started on
zilling (playing finger cymbals) is almost always included right from the start
in my classes. And to how have fun and smile!!
Nandana: Good
posture, a basic move or 2, maybe basics of zilling and also that we as
instructors are there to help and encourage everyone.
Emily: It really
depends on the instructor. For my
beginner classes, they will learn some basic belly dance isolations and a few
moves or a small combo.
Sara: If all you
take away from your first class is an idea of what belly dance is about, that's
still awesome. Don't expect to become an amazing dancer overnight.
Lisa: That really
depends on the teacher, in my class, basic hip moves, posture and history of
belly dance.
Question 10- How long between your first class and
your first performance?
Sashi: Wow, I’m
not sure! Maybe 6 months?? It was so
long ago that I don’t exactly remember :P
Nandana: I feel
as if it really depends upon the student.
If they are practicing and advancing at a significant level, they will
get to the performance level faster. If
they are only working on moves/concepts, etc. during class time, it will take
longer. It also depends on natural
ability. Some bodies are able to
understand how to move and other bodies take longer.
Emily: I can't
remember exactly how long it was, but I would guess around 6 months. I was so excited about belly dance and wanted
to show the world how awesome I thought I was.
Sara: Well, I was
born willing to do anything to get people's attention, so I wanted to perform
right away. I think my first public performance was about three months after I
started taking regular classes. My first "classes" were actually
semi-private lessons with Nandana, however, so I learned a lot very quickly.
Lisa: For me it was 6 months but I came from a very
intense dance background.
 |
| Sara and Emily at one of their first performances |
Question 11- What can you tell me about your first
performance? Where was it, how big was the audience, do you remember feeling
excited or nervous? What was your costume?
Sashi: First
performance was at a hafla sponsored by Qadria at the YWCA in Raleigh. There
were probably about 30 people in the audience, and I was very, very nervous as
well as thrilled to be performing. My costume was a broomstick-style skirt I
had gotten from Goodwill, a gypsy-type top from a now defunct store in Chapel
Hill, some jewelry that I had already, a flower in my hair, and my very first
coin scarf which I loved, but somehow has disappeared over the years
Nandana: I
honestly can't even remember my first ever performance! I guess it was just that long ago. I was nervous for every performance for
several years. I still get nervous when
performing solos, but now I feel more excited than nervous. I think that having a little bit of
nervousness helps us to focus and feel the moment.
Emily: It was at
a Blue Moon student hafla. There wasn't
a very large audience and I was fortunate to dance with my sister. All I remember is that I regretted that I
wore my glasses with my fancy costume.
Sara: My first
performance was a duet with my sister Emily. We choreographed a routine to
"Sitare" by Oojami and performed it at the Silk Road Teahouse in
Chapel Hill, which was where Tallulah's is today. I wore a purple circle skirt
and lime green pantaloons I made for myself, and a purple mirror choli my mom
bought for me at a Tribal belly dance festival. I felt like a character from a
fantasy novel. I wasn't terribly nervous because I was a little bit arrogant
about my abilities at that time, to be honest!
 |
| After one of Sashi's first performances. Can you tell how nervous she was? |
Question 12- What advice would you give a new student
who wants to perform?
Sashi: Most
students want to perform- it is exciting!
The costuming, make-up and the chance to show what you have learned are
all part of the allure of belly dance.
But keep in mind that there are appropriate venues for students to
perform such as haflas, recitals, student showcases, amateur nights and friend
and family celebrations. When in doubt, seek your instructor’s guidance and
advice re: appropriate venues.
It is not appropriate for beginner students (and most
students are considered beginners for a very long time- much longer than just
one 6 week class session!) to seek paying gigs or to ever offer to dance for
free/less than the going rate at a place that can and/or does pay professional
dancers. This is highly unethical and lowers the standards of our art form for
everyone. Professional performers should have years of studying and experience
behind them, know the ins and outs of performing for a variety of audiences,
and have a thorough knowledge base of the type of dance they are doing.
At World In Motion, we have a student code of ethics which
we ask all of our dance students to read and sign as an acknowledgement that
they have read the document. It includes the following:
At a performance I will:
-refrain from detrimental representations of this dance
-not falsely represent others’ choreography as my own
-strive for professionalism in all aspects of this dance
- practice my piece so I can do my best; try to practice in
costume in advance
- show my support for other performers (smile, clap and cheer),
be polite and not gossip about other dancers while they perform
- know how to be culturally respectful
- know the music I am dancing to and its meaning if I can
- dress appropriately for the venue and audience, make sure
my costume fits properly and is in good repair, and wear a cover-up
Nandana: Make
sure you are ready. Preparation is so
important if you want to come away from a performance feeling good. I always try to make sure I know my music,
check my costuming, videotape myself before I perform to see how everything
flows and make sure I feel confident in my dancing. Remember that dance should be fun and make
you feel amazing. Practice and
preparation are so important in order to have fun when performing.
Emily: Talk to
you teacher about finding an opportunity to do so. There are plenty of good events for beginners
to dance at in the local belly dance community.
I would tell them to try to relax (easier said than done) and just have
fun with it. Even if you mess everything
up, you still are awesome for being brave enough to put yourself out
there. Plus, the more you perform the
more comfortable it will become and everyone has to start somewhere.
Sara: Do it! But
make sure you perform at an appropriate venue. There are many opportunities for
students to perform in an amateur context. Amateur is not a dirty word! Wear
that label with pride until you can reasonably charge a rate in the same
neighborhood as the professional dancers in your area.
If you want to do a solo, consider taking a private lesson
or two from a dancer you admire beforehand, or take a class or workshop which
specifically addresses performance skills. There's a lot of stuff that goes
into performance that won't be covered in a technique class: emotion,
creativity, costuming, and so much more. Getting some instruction on these
topics will give you a sense of direction and probably make you feel more
confident about what you bring to the stage.
Lisa: PRACTICE!
 |
| Haflas are a great place for first performances |
Question 13- What advice would you give a new student
on purchasing costuming items? (Meaning what essentials would you recommend
making, borrowing or saving for if they plan to perform?)
Sashi: This
really depends on the genre of belly dance you are doing. For tribal, I would
say a full skirt (at least 10 yards if possible), a fringed hip scarf, some
simple silver or “ethnic” looking jewelry, and something basic to wear as a
top. We often wear “cholis” which are cropped tops with our without sleeves and
which can be covered in the back or just have ties, but you do not have to show
your belly unless or until you are ready to do so. You can get many of these
items at thrift stores, major retailers like Target or TJ Maxx or online if you
prefer. Or if you are handy, there are online tutorials and/or patterns you can
download or purchase to make many of these items. Many instructors have hip scarves and zils
for you to borrow, but I would recommend that if you are serious about
continuing with belly dance that you purchase a good pair of zils of your
own. No need to do that right away, but
if you have been taking classes for a while, they are a good investment b/c you
need to practice zils if you ever want to be able to perform with them and the
loaner zils just aren’t the same.
Nandana: I would
say that for tribal group improvisation a 10 or 20 yard skirt is essential
(borrowed or purchased) as is a nice fitting choli. Also, a hip scarf to go over the skirt. Many items can be borrowed, but saving for
your own is always fun.
Emily: My biggest
piece of advice is to not run out and buy a super fancy costume. When brand new students wear professional
quality costumes, it is visually dissonant and it looks like the costume is
wearing the dancer. Instead, maybe get a
nice pair of dance pants or skirt and a choli.
Wear something that you feel good in and know isn't going to fall
off/apart at any moment.
Sara: Every
dancer needs a good hip scarf! A pretty hip scarf and some belly dancer-y
jewelry can make a costume out of a black tank top and black yoga pants. I
think that's the best place to start, especially if you're not sure what style
of belly dance you want to focus on.
Question 14- Do
you have any advice for a student about practicing on their own, outside of
class?
Sashi: Just do
it!! Even if only for 5- 10 minutes each
day. You will be amazed at how quickly you will progress if you do. Practice
whenever/wherever you get the chance, and don’t just practice in front of a
mirror (or not!) Try doing it both ways and see what a difference that makes in
your body awareness. You don’t need specific music; anything with a strong beat
and 4/4 rhythm will work (such as good old rock and roll!) For zilling, don’t
just stand in place- at least move your feet and change your arm position from
time to time. Better yet, dance and zil. Start slowly and work up to a faster
tempo/longer periods of time. And when you know that you want to continue with
the dance, purchase some middle eastern/tribal style music. It is important to cultivate an ear for
different rhythms, tempos, etc. as well as to familiarize yourself with the
culture that is the basis of what we represent
Nandana: Set
aside a time on certain days to make sure that it gets done- just like going to
the gym. Have a wall sheet or board that
has written things that you would like to focus on so that your time can be
well spent. Time is precious, so keep
focused.
Emily: Commit to
spending 15 minutes a day dancing. It
can be drilling a move that you need to polish or just free styling to the
music. Anything that allows you to get
more familiar with how your body works and what the movements look and feel
like.
Sara: Remember
that practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. If you
practice things wrong, you're just creating bad habits. This is why I think
it's so important to take regular classes, and not to simply rely on DVDs (or
God forbid, Youtube) as your main source of instruction. Videos can't tell you
when you're doing something wrong!
Lisa: Do it! Ask
your teacher to help you make a practice plan.
Question 15- Do you have any words of wisdom for continuing
students?
Sashi: Keep
studying and practicing. Study from different teachers in different genres.
Take other types of dance and movement classes- they will help with strength,
coordination, fluidity, and conditioning. Take as many workshops as you can
afford, but also ask your teacher who they recommend so you aren’t wasting your
time and money. Practice some more. Learn about the dance and culture you are
representing and what the costuming your wear and music you dance to
represents. Take a drumming class/workshop- they are invaluable in helping to
improve your rhythm and musical interpretation. Really listen to your
music to hear phrasing, tempo changes, flow, and mood. Try improvising on your
own even if all you ever do is choreography.
Try developing choreography even if all you ever do is improvisation.
Watch Youtube for videos of all kinds of dancers for inspiration and costuming
ideas (but don’t rely on them for instruction!)Practice some more. Respect your
body and its needs, the community you belong to, your fellow dancers, and the
culture(s) you represent. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, advice and for
constructive criticism. Now that you know the basics, focus on refining your
posture, stage presence, technique and form. Practice even more! Most of all, have
fun!!
Nandana: Belly
dance is an art form! It takes time,
commitment and hard work, but the rewards are amazing!! Belly dance is great for the mind, body and
soul. Keep up the hard work and the end
result is wonderful.
Emily: As a
continuing student myself, I would say to keep going to classes even if you
feel like you reached a plateau. Maybe
change things up by taking a class with a different instructor, or supplement
with a different style of dance. It is
important to realize that you are never going to be exactly like your
instructor or you belly dance idol, and that is a good thing! Embrace your own dancing and never stop
learning!
Sara: One of the
best things about belly dance is that it is both broad and deep, with many
different subgenres and traditions. Since it's always evolving and changing,
you could study belly dance for your entire life and never learn everything
there is to know! Don't be afraid to try different styles, even if you're not
sure you'll like them. When I first started dancing, I thought I would never
like something like Modern Egyptian, but now I love it!
On the other hand, don't let this depth and breadth drive
you crazy. You don't need to know how to use every single prop, or how to do
every single Middle Eastern folk dance, in order to be legit. All you need to
do is follow your heart and keep learning what really draws you in.
Above all, stay humble. There's always something more to
learn.
Lisa: Always,
always continue to learn.
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