One of the first things everyone says to me when they call is, "I've never taken a dance class, do you think I can do this?" My answer is always "Yes!" Oriental dance is full of organic movements that feel comfortable and natural. It is a "grounded" dance in that you are not leaping around alot or having to execute moves that require a past life as a cheerleader. The next question is usually "Am I too old to dance (or too young)? We range in age from 8 to 68! We are all races, all sizes, all ages, all different levels of previous activity. We are doctors and lawyers, hair stylists and manicurists, sailors, artists and social workers, accountants and financial analysts, web designers and store clerks, in sales and in marketing, housewives and mothers, teachers and poets, fortune tellers and scientists. Some of us were previously pretty sedentary, some run marathons, some are yoga and pilates practitioners. In class you will receive individual attention and correction as necessary. You will join a body of women bound by a common desire, to learn to move in a new and exotic manner that is ancient in its origins. You will learn a new skill shared by women across the world but still a unique and rare dance form. And the best thing is, all you need to do is dress comfortably (shorts and t or leggings or a full cotton skirt), and show up! We'll take care of the rest. Most people take class just for themselves, to dance at home alone or for family and friends. A few like to perform. Our "Beginning Techniques" classes can be taken over and over to perfect your technique. Choreographies offered are intentionally diverse to accomodate all. We always offer both "Oriental" (what you consider typical belly dance) and "Folkloric" classes which represent regional customs in various parts of the world. Most people find that they are best suited, or have a preference for one or the other. Our repetoire of dances is extensive, and we have orignal choreographies, so we guarantee you will never be bored. And yet, to perfect dances, we do offer repeat "refresher" courses interspersed with the new dances. Although you will learn dances quickly over time, as a dancer, you will find that you need a year with a dance to feel truly comfortable with it and to perform it as a "body memory" with fluidity and ease. In closing, we are for you what you want us to be. You'll love it here. We look forward to dancing with you !