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How to Choose a Bellydance Teacher?

Learning to Bellydance can offer you so much - whether it be a way of having fun, a way of making new friends, a means to get active, or a push in the direction of the bellydance obsession that can lead you on many wierd and wonderful adventures in life. Finding the right teacher can make sure that you have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding learning experience.

This website lists contact details for JTA members in your area. All those listed have obtained recognised qualifications through JWAAD that have pvovided them with the means to ensure that they can teach safely. Those that have completed the JWAAD Foundation Course are listed as 'Affiliate Members'. Those who have gone on to complete further dance and teaching studies under the JWAAD Diploma are liasted as 'Teacher Members'. All those listed have demonstrated a commitment to professional conduct and Continuing Professional Development by joining the JTA.

The JTA recognises that there are many excellent teachers out there who have not studied with JWAAD. These teachers have gained their experience and knowledge through other forms of study, and can be inspirational in their approach to teaching. At the opposite end of the extreme, however, the JTA is also aware of many individuals teaching bellydance who have very limited technical or background knowledge, poor teaching skills and pay little regard for health and safety in their lessons.

So... how do you choose a bellydance teacher and class that are right for you? Here are some suggestions of things to look out for, or to ask the teacher about when deciding whether to study with them or which class to go to:

      • Safe teaching - to teach safely, a teacher must have some knowledge of how the body works, the potential hazards that exist associated with particular moves, and other health and safety hazards in the environment in which they teach. Formal qualifications (such as the JWAAD Foundation Course, or other exercise/fitness based qualifications) can provide evidence of this. A safe teacher should incorporate an appropriate warm up and cool down in their classes, tailor material suitable to the level of fitness of their students, and communicate potential hazards to their students throughout the class.

      • Professionalism - whilst some teachers have a more informal approach to teaching than others, if they are receiving payment for their teaching you have the right to expect them to behave professionally. This should include dealing with individuals fairly and respectfully, being reliable, planning lessons to enable students to learn effectively and being aware of the legal requirements associated with teaching. A teacher who takes their responsibilities seriously should have public liability insurance in case of any incidents in class.

      • Teaching Experience - the length of time a teacher has been teaching can provide a useful guide on the level of experience the teacher has. This is particularly the case for post-qualification experience. A teacher who has learnt how to teach effectively and has then taught for a number of years to perfect this is likely to have good teaching skills. A teacher who has not had basic training on how to teach effectively may spend twice as long teaching without seeing this kind of improvement.

      • Technique Level/Dance Experience - the level of technical ability of a teacher will directly impact on their ability to teach material to their students correctly. JWAAD has a system for rating technical ability, ranging from Beginner to Improver, Intermediate and Advanced. Advanced is the level of a high quality professional dancer. A teacher should normally only teach students at least one level below their own standard.

      • Teacher Development - in order to continue to engage and stretch their students, a teacher needs to continue introducing fresh, relevant and interesting material in to classes; doing this in a safe manner. In order to keep inspired, maintain/improve their technique level and keep abreast of guidance, a teacher needs to continue developing her own dance and teaching skills throughout her career. Does the teacher continue to develop herself? Attending workshops, events, formal training courses and studying the cultures of the dance can all help develop a teacher's skills.

      • Student Development - students' development (once they have got used to the basics)j can be significantly enhanced if they are encouraged to study with other teachers, for example through workshops, or by getting the opportunity to see others dance. Is the teacher involved in the local/national dance scene? Do they encourage students to study widely? In some areas where teachers are geographically isolated it can be difficult for teachers to find opportunities to get students involved. A good teacher who is confident in their own ability and is continuing to develop themselves should be more than happy to make suggestions of how their students can further expand their learning.

      • Dance Style - bellydancing has many different forms and styles, including Egyptian, Turkish and American Tribal styles. Some styles will suit you better than others, so find out what style the teacher teaches. YouTube offers a wealth of footage to watch if you want to see what styles are available.

      • Class Structure - different classes will be structured in different ways. Some will focus on technique, others on choreography, others on improvisation or musicality etc. It is a matter of preference what you like, however, it is generally considered that a balanced mix of these elements can really assist your progress... even if there are some bits you don't enjoy quite as much as others!

      • Class Dynamics - different classes have completely different vibes. This is often influenced by the type of venue and the mix of people in the class, with the same teacher having different classes with different dynamics. Some classes have a community based feel, where social and fun elements take priority over the materical covered. Other classes relish technical challenges. Some groups will want to get involved in events outside the class such as performances and community events, whilst others have no interest at all in this! Is is a matter of preference what you like, but if a class you go to doesn't suite you, don't despair - there may well be a better class for you out there!

      • Teacher Manner - different teachers have different teaching manners - calm, wild, cheeky, serious, gentle, severe, patient, demanding etc. It is a matter of preference what you like. As a result of these differences in teaching style, some teachers are better suited to teaching classes aimed at one particular of dance experience. For example, beginners often like gentle but fun teachers, but as they get onto more difficult material may appreciate a more serious teaching manner. Word of mouth, or trying a session, is usually the best way to work out whether you'll like the teacher's manner!

Whoever you choose to study with, the JTA hope you enjoy your bellydance classes!