Frequently Asked Questions
About Classes with Mara Burke
Where do you teach?
I teach in my private home studio located at 1971 Ruby Rd. in Escondido, CA 92026.
What style do you teach?
I'm trained in several styles and bring the techniques and stylizations from all of these into my classes. You will learn basic moves that are common to most belly dance types. In addition I teach specific stylizations and techniques from the traditional to tribal. I consider my own personal style of dance to be American Fusion Belly Dance.
What should I wear to class?
You should wear non-restrictive clothes suitable for exercise. I also suggest you avoid baggy clothing that can make it difficult for me to see your movements during class.
Yoga wear, leggings, sports bras, tank tops, etc are all fine. Additionally, if you have a hip scarf you are welcome to wear one during class. They are sometimes available for purchase at the studio as well.
Note that street shoes are NOT allowed on the dance floor. Your bare feet are all that is required, but feel free to wear socks as well. Other soft soled dance shoes including ballet slippers (NOT pointe shoes) dance sandals, dance "paws", etc are acceptable. I do not recommend dance boots, dance sneakers or heeled dance shoes such as character shoes.
What should I bring to class?
You should bring a water bottle to keep hydrated. I usually provide handouts for each session and you may want a notebook to keep these handouts in and having pen and paper for any notes you may wish to make wouldn’t hurt.
If a class requires additional materials such as a veil or finger cymbals it will be noted in the class description and you are expected to bring this with you after the first week of the session.
Can I start classes in the
middle of a session?
Yes, drop-ins and new students are welcome at any point during a session. I’m always happy to give a new student extra attention to bring them up to speed, while still engaging the more advanced students. However, if you are completely new to belly dance I don't recommend coming into the middle of a choreography session as the pace tends to be faster. Technique/drills/Combo classes can always be tailored to level and are more suited to the first time drop-in student
Will Belly Dance Help Me
Lose Weight and Get into Shape?
As with any activity you get out of it what you put into it. During class you will burn calories, you will work muscles and improve your stamina-- however, a single one hour class a week is unlikely to have a noticeable impact. If you take additional classes, or supplement with other fitness related activities and a proper diet you are more likely to see results. I do find however, that belly dance is often a great incentive to keep on track during the often difficult process of getting into shape.
What if I’m “too old” or
out of shape, have two left feet, etc?
None of that matters. Belly Dance is for everyone: old and young, small or large. Even if you aren’t the most graceful, you can still enjoy the classes and the company of your fellow students, and perhaps you’re two left feet will straighten themselves out in the process.
What level class should I take?
Beginners should always start at Level 1. If you’ve had several months of belly dance specific dance lessons, you may wish to take a Mixed Level or Level 2 class.
If you are not sure which class to take, contact me and we’ll discuss your skills and expectations to decide which level is best for you.
As a side note, my Level 1 classes cover a variety of styles and you may find that even as a more advanced student that you might wish to take a Level 1 class in an unfamiliar style.
I teach in my private home studio located at 1971 Ruby Rd. in Escondido, CA 92026.
What style do you teach?
I'm trained in several styles and bring the techniques and stylizations from all of these into my classes. You will learn basic moves that are common to most belly dance types. In addition I teach specific stylizations and techniques from the traditional to tribal. I consider my own personal style of dance to be American Fusion Belly Dance.
What should I wear to class?
You should wear non-restrictive clothes suitable for exercise. I also suggest you avoid baggy clothing that can make it difficult for me to see your movements during class.
Yoga wear, leggings, sports bras, tank tops, etc are all fine. Additionally, if you have a hip scarf you are welcome to wear one during class. They are sometimes available for purchase at the studio as well.
Note that street shoes are NOT allowed on the dance floor. Your bare feet are all that is required, but feel free to wear socks as well. Other soft soled dance shoes including ballet slippers (NOT pointe shoes) dance sandals, dance "paws", etc are acceptable. I do not recommend dance boots, dance sneakers or heeled dance shoes such as character shoes.
What should I bring to class?
You should bring a water bottle to keep hydrated. I usually provide handouts for each session and you may want a notebook to keep these handouts in and having pen and paper for any notes you may wish to make wouldn’t hurt.
If a class requires additional materials such as a veil or finger cymbals it will be noted in the class description and you are expected to bring this with you after the first week of the session.
Can I start classes in the
middle of a session?
Yes, drop-ins and new students are welcome at any point during a session. I’m always happy to give a new student extra attention to bring them up to speed, while still engaging the more advanced students. However, if you are completely new to belly dance I don't recommend coming into the middle of a choreography session as the pace tends to be faster. Technique/drills/Combo classes can always be tailored to level and are more suited to the first time drop-in student
Will Belly Dance Help Me
Lose Weight and Get into Shape?
As with any activity you get out of it what you put into it. During class you will burn calories, you will work muscles and improve your stamina-- however, a single one hour class a week is unlikely to have a noticeable impact. If you take additional classes, or supplement with other fitness related activities and a proper diet you are more likely to see results. I do find however, that belly dance is often a great incentive to keep on track during the often difficult process of getting into shape.
What if I’m “too old” or
out of shape, have two left feet, etc?
None of that matters. Belly Dance is for everyone: old and young, small or large. Even if you aren’t the most graceful, you can still enjoy the classes and the company of your fellow students, and perhaps you’re two left feet will straighten themselves out in the process.
What level class should I take?
Beginners should always start at Level 1. If you’ve had several months of belly dance specific dance lessons, you may wish to take a Mixed Level or Level 2 class.
If you are not sure which class to take, contact me and we’ll discuss your skills and expectations to decide which level is best for you.
As a side note, my Level 1 classes cover a variety of styles and you may find that even as a more advanced student that you might wish to take a Level 1 class in an unfamiliar style.