Teacher's Features

I publish a monthly email newsletter for my belly dance students and these articles have appeared in previous newsletters under my column with the same name......hope you enjoy reading them and find them useful.

"How to Get the Most from Your Belly Dance Classes"                "Use Your Mental Skills When Dancing"          "1001 Things You Need in Your Bag for a Show"

Basic Class Etiquette for Students

1.  Be on time to avoid missing the introduction portion of the class or the giving out of handouts which relate to material offered in the class.

2.  If you are late, enter the room quickly and quietly so as not to distract other students or the instructor.  Find a place in the back and wait until a break if you wish to be closer to the instructor (remember not to take someone else's place).

3.  Come prepared.  Bring cymbals, veil, skirts and any other items that may be needed in class so you don't miss out due to lack of supplies.  If you don't know what is needed, bring the standard items just in case.  

4.  If you don't understand a move, raise your hand and ask the instructor for clarification.

5.  If other students are asking questions, listen to their questions and the answers given because they may help your understanding of the step or routine.  Please don't chat during this time as this makes it hard for others to hear what is being said and they might like to hear the answers being given even if you aren't interested.

6.  Be aware of your space.  If the class is crowded, limit your movements to avoid bumping into other students while attempting to do a movement.

7.  Compare notes with others during a break as opposed to talking about it in class.

8.  Bring notebook and pen.  Keep it nearby and write down things you want to remember as the class goes along, provided your doing so does not distract others.

9.  Show respect for the instructor by not speaking when they are speaking or asking other students to show you steps while class is in session.

10.  Respect the instructor-student relationship.  No matter what your knowledge and skill level, the moment you sign up to be a student that is the position that should be maintained as long as you are in the class or seminar.  Students come to be taught and not to teach. 

11.  Don't distract others or draw attention to yourself by behaving as if you are in your "own little world" while the instructor is teaching.  Even if you already know the material being taught, please avoid the temptation to be doing other dance steps or movements totally unrelated to the class since this is very disrespectful to the instructor and confusing to others.

12.  Respect the rules.  If you have been asked not to take photos or video of a class or an event, refrain from doing so.

13.  If shopping is allowed during class time, please keep your voice low so that students who are taking the class can hear what is being said and the instructor does not have to raise their voice to be heard.

14.  If you wish to speak with the instructor before or after class, please remember that others might also enjoy that opportunity and limit your comments to a reasonable time.

©Arabian Nights - Belly Dancer 2006