"Why Choose a Bellydance Class Over a DVD?"
by Sa'ada

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There are so many DVDs and videos out there on how to bellydance, even some fitness shows on tv -- why would anyone sign up for a bellydance class in person? I mean, a video is only around $18, right? A lot of people think this way. They are missing out! There are a great many things you can gain from taking an actual real-life class.

Having it be a noteworthy event in your day
   A dedicated place, a special time, and a particular purpose to your time in that place makes a lot of difference. At home, there are a lot of things distracting, either in in the back of your mind or right in front of your face, as you try to go about your virtual or tv lesson that prevent you from giving it your all or from really absorbing the information.

You're more likely to actually do it
   When you're just watching a video in your home, you may or may not get around to it. Other things happen, there are other needs to be met, and chores to be done. When you have an "appointment" for your belly dance class, you're more likely to adopt a mentality of getting there and participating fully.

Knowing you "get it"
   A tape can't see what you're doing and give you feedback. In a real life class, the instructor will help to guide you, remind you of proper posture, look out to avoid injury and strain, and make sure you are making progress. He or she will encourage you, let you know you are doing things well, celebrate your strengths as a dancer, and help improve on things which could be better.

You won't be left stuck
   In bellydancing, many movements are cumulative. That is, they are based on one another and often combined. If you don't "get" a movement, it might start seeming like a huge challenge. An instructor will be able to give more than one explanation about how to execute a movement. There are many ways to understand something, and an in-person teacher will be able to help you move past any stuck points so you can move on to enjoying the dance and learn even more things.

The social fun factor
   In a class setting, you will be with other folks who are interested in the same thing. Their questions and the things they learn will help you, and your presence will enhance other's experience, too. Here in a larger class format belly dance is the normal topic of conversation, and conversations are more fun when everyone there has an interest and passion for the dance. Even if you don't want to socialize, a dedicated introvert can still sense the difference a room full of dance-focused energy can make.

You won't miss the bellydance nuances
   Although bellydance moves are based in natural motions, their combinations and nuances are not so straight forward. Most movements are more than just "move from A to B and back again". There are also many different styles of bellydance, and the greater understanding of the possible nuances of movement that a student knows, the better they are to develop their own unique expression of it.

You'll get more & richer info
   A good instructor isn't going to just say "follow along and do what I do". You're going to pick up wonderful tid-bits of information! about history, costuming, anecdotes, and more. Things that you would never get without that in-person interaction. You will also have a chance to get your questions asked and answered, and be introduced to idea that will further your bellydance journey.