My Class and Workshop Teaching Components
by Nizana
Recently I was asked by someone what my teaching format was. While I haven’t formalized and patented it, I guess I certainly do have a format! Different instructors teach different things in different ways and can be equally effective. I have experienced this phenomena by studying with many different instructors, in both the dance world and in school/college. While I respect other styles, there are definite components that I include in my classes and workshops, ones that I feel are the foundation of becoming a good ME dancer.
First of all, (after a demonstration if new class) while I find some people can’t keep up with me, I actually do a lot of sharing of information during class time as well as work on subject matter. (I am still blown away that after teaching a two hour workshop, I went an hour later to teach a one hour workshop with a group of teenagers, and they needed a break after 20 minutes! I’m the one who should’ve needed a break, and know my workouts aren’t that grueling!! LOL) So yes, mostly during warm ups and cool-downs, I share current events and let them know what workshops and shows are going on in the dance community. I teach them about dance etiquette, and what a zaghareet and the hissing sounds are. I give them bits of culture and history of where these dances came from and how they developed. I explain there are differences in rhythms and musical instruments, and tell what some of those are. I let them know of the many differing styles of dances and costumes, and some of the costume issues to be aware of. I tell them how it is a dance for (mostly) women of all colors, shapes and ages. I bring flyers that have been sent to me, and set out examples of props, a dumbek or magazines to talk about and for them to look at. Knowledge is power! I like them to know that this art form is more than putting on a costume, and dancing to “whatever sounds good.” I let them know it is a cultural art form, where respect is needed, as it is at a family level of entertainment. I let them know my opinion regarding those who want to morph this dance with “sex,” if that’s what people feel they must do, they should keep it in the proper venue, and not sully the name of the dance, especially when so many have worked so hard to make it respectable and appreciated for the beautiful dance form that it is. And I talk fast, so I usually get it all in, and make them listen to it again, at least at some point, for maximum effect!
So I mentioned warm-ups and cool-downs…yes, for an hour’s class, I do about 5 minutes of each including nice stretches, and gentle neck, wrist and ankle rolls. I tend to have a mix of students, many of whom have not danced before, (belly danced or any type of dance) and I am more on the low impact side, (due to health limitations) while still getting a good workout in. I let the students know that this dance can be as low or high impact as you want to take it. I tell them not to do something if it doesn’t feel good, and that the moves will not always look the same on different body types. I tell them that everyone learns at different speeds, and if they lose a movement, to break it back down to it’s most basic point and start again. I try to be as supportive as possible, give individual attention and am clear in my direction. (I was told by one lady that she had studied belly dance with a few instructors, but I was the first one she was able to understand and follow! Now that made me feel good!)
Ok, now we go into posture (every time, we review this!) I teach them from the ground up what is considered the best posture with which to belly dance and to prevent injuries. I include the importance of breathing from the diaphragm as you dance, and connecting with the audience, should they take it to a performing level at some point. But they might as well get in the habit now! (In this section, I toss in some humor to make them relax after all the “Ok do this! Do that! And breathe; and smile!) Throughout the class or workshop, I remind and call out what I see (Feet closer together! Bend your knees! Extension!)
Then there is technique. I teach a number of basic movements, moving around as to not tire out any one part of their body and limbs. I remind them of posture and breathing as we work on the movements. I tell them what the names of the moves are, and let them know that not all belly dance movements are called by the same names. Some are named after the dancer who came up with it, some are localized versions, and some, well, just about everyone knows what a snake arms or a head slide is! Then, I put on a song with a strong rhythm that has the 8 count thing going on for drilling purposes and we either get in a dance circle or in staggered lines. I call out the moves as we dance in sets of four, forward and backward, diagonal, or in and out of our circle to get them to apply what they just learned to music. The first thing I hear after the first time we do a dance circle/drills is “That was fun!!!” I ask if anyone needs a move broken down, or if I’ve noticed problems with a particular movement on someone, I will have us all drill it again. We do more dance circles and lines, and as the class advances over time, we go through reviews from each class. We add more movements, as well as combinations and choreographies. From there, I may add specialty classes, such as veils, or finger cymbals, folk dances, or intro to something different such as fusion. Another thing I do with intermediate classes is break the group up into 2’s or 3’s and have each group pick a combination of 3 movements to sets of 8 counts that they will dance for the rest of the class. This particular one requires more confidence of the group, and you may want to match up dancers who are ahead and those who are not learning as quickly.
I also provide handouts of different sorts- choreographies, list of movements, list of suggested recordings and other assorted writings of mine. I suggest to them that they take notes from class to add to it to help them remember something better in their own words. I give my contact and website information, explain there is a vast amount of books, videos/DVD’s and other resources out there, and let them know there is a whole big belly dance world out there, so go for it!!
