FAQ
Lessons
I've decided to learn how to Belly Dance. What can I expect?
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First of all welcome! We are so excited you have chosen Metamorphosis Belly Dance to guide you through your dance journey. Many students find a life long passion in Belly Dance as well as great friends in the process. Remember not to be too hard on yourself. Learning a new skill takes time and patience so try to take pride in the small achievements. A strong foundation is important and all of our classes and courses teach you how to execute movements safely and correctly. We encourage all students to practise at home as it's all about building muscle memory and this will help you build strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. Most of all have fun!
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What is each class like?
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Every class starts with a warm up. New movements will be explained and drilled to a basic rhythm to help with muscle control and timing. Depending on the course these movements will then be created for a one off combination or a section of choreography. Each lesson ends with a cool down. Questions are very welcome and often help other students in class. An explanation about the rhythms, music and history will be included in each course to help you gain more knowledge about Middle Eastern dance.
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What should I wear to class?
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Wear something comfortable that you can move in. Our instructors appreciate form-fitting clothing so that they can see your movement clearly. Leggings, Yoga pants, tank top, t-shirt, or crop top. You don't have to have your belly on show, that's entirely your choice. We dance in bare feet or use ballet slippers, jazz shoes or dance trainers. Also don't forget a bottle of water, you will need it!
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Are your classes for all ages, sizes and levels?
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Our lessons are for adult women only who are beginners or improvers. Our students are all a variety of sizes, ages and nationalities and come together to enjoy Belly Dance. We provide a safe space for students to feel comfortable and focus on their training.
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Can I try out a class before joining?
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We don't offer free trial classes but new students are welcome to come along to try out the first lesson of a course. If you choose to continue the full course you just pay the remainder of the course fee.
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I can't attend the full course. Can I just pay for the classes I can attend?
We ask for the full course fee upfront. No refunds, carry-overs or exchanges for missed classes. We hope this encourages you to attend each week.
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Is Belly Dancing a good work out?
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Yes! Belly Dancing is great at increasing core strength, toning and improve posture and endurance. Combinations and choreography also help exercise the mind. As with any new physical activity be sure to talk to your doctor first.
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Can I belly dance if I'm pregnant?
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Some people believe that Belly Dance was used as a fertility dance and a way of preparing for childbirth. It is healthy for mums to be to attend Belly Dance classes but be sure to speak to your doctor and midwife before starting. Women in their third trimester are advised to avoid strong movements such as shimmies, hip drops and fast travel movements but smooth rolls and figure 8's are a wonderful way to build strength for the baby's delivery.
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How do I book onto a class/course?
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We require advance registration for all our courses. You can register online through our web site. All bookings are done through PayPal. No cash is accepted in class so please be sure to book online or email to pay by BACS transfer before the class.
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Lesson Etiquette
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We want all our students to feel comfortable and happy while attending our classes. We ask that you follow these rules to give you the best experience possible.
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Be on time
If you are late quietly position yourself at the back of the class.
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Pay before class starts
Booking and paying online allows the instructor to spend the lesson time teaching rather than sorting out funds.
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Don’t bring food, gum, or beverages other than water on to the dance floor
Please be sure to keep your water to the side and please take your empty water bottles with you when leaving.
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No mobile phones or texting in lesson
This is distracting and unfair to the rest of the class
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Don't bring negative energy into the lesson
You might have had a bad day but try to leave any stress and negativity at the door so you are able to be calm and focused. Gossiping and negative talk will not be tolerated.
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Don't come in and out of the studio while class is in session
Again this is disruptive to both the class and the instructor. Remember this isn't a gym but a class. Bathroom and water breaks will be given by the instructor during class.
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Don't leave early
If you do need to leave early please let the instructor know before class starts.
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Make sure your belongings are out of the way of the dance floor
They can be distracting and a danger so be sure they are safely by the sides and not at the front by the instructor.
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Don’t video in class without the instructor’s permission
The instructor will often give you a chance to video part of a choreography or combination but please don't just get your phone out and start filming when you want. Also we ask that you do not post any videos of class online.
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Let your instructor know of any injuries or health problems at the start of class
We want to make sure that you are dancing safe and can give advice on moves to avoid. You don't have to share to the whole class but are welcomed to have a quiet word with the instructor beforehand.
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Hire
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***All terms & conditions will be on the hire contract when booking***
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Do you require a deposit?
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Yes. No booking is valid without a deposit. A £50 deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.
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Is travel included in the set price?
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No. All travel payments will be from Ashford and will be added to your final quote.
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What is the booking process?
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After filling in the booking form you will receive a quote for the services required. A deposit of £50 should be sent either through PayPal (payable to metabellydance@googlemail.com) or mailed as a cheque (address will be provided) to secure the booking. A contract is then mailed to you for you to read, sign and return. The remainder of the fee (minus the deposit) is then collected before the show begins to ensure that you are able to enjoy the rest of your evening.
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Will a Belly Dance show be appropriate for children?
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All the performances we offer are family-friendly. Children love to watch and even join in!
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How far in advance should I make the booking?
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We recommend 3-4 weeks in advance of your event. However, I will do my best to fit in last minute requests, if possible.
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Is tipping appropriate?
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Yes! Tipping is very much appreciated and will be done unless the host has requested otherwise. Tips can be placed in the dancers belt or as a "money shower". No tipping in the bra or the front/back of the belt will be allowed. Alternatively tips can be collected at the end of the show.
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Can I book a Belly Dancer for a stag do?
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We do not perform for all male parties.
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What happens about music?
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The dancer(s) will bring a CD and an mp3 player with headphone jack to the event. The client or venue is expected to provide the sound system. A CD will be used but if there is no CD capacity then a mp3 player will be handed to the DJ. Please let the dancer know which one you will be using.
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Parties
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***All terms & conditions will be on the parties contract when booking***
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Do you require a deposit?
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Yes. No booking is valid without a deposit. A £50 deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable. All payments and numbers must be finalised at least four weeks before the party date, after this time amendments will not be accepted.
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Is travel included in the price?
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No. All travel payments will be from Ashford and will be added to your final quote.
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Do you need to be fit to take part?
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Belly Dancing is a medium level aerobic exercise and is suitable for all ages, sizes and shapes. Customers must warrant that they are fit to undertake the workshop and advise the instructor of any medical conditions which may affect participation. You must at all times follow the instructions issued by the instructor, who are trained to be mindful of your health and safety at all times. Any failure to follow instruction will result in the workshop being stopped.
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How far in advance should I make the booking?
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We ask that bookings be made no later that 4 weeks in advance. Gift bags will not be available if the booking is later than 4 weeks.
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What is the booking process?
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After filling in the booking form you will receive a quote for the services required. A deposit of £50 should be sent either through PayPal (payable to metabellydance@googlemail.com) or mailed as a cheque (address will be provided) to secure the booking. A contract is then mailed to you for you to read, sign and return. The remainder of the fee (minus the deposit) is then collected before the workshop begins to ensure that you are able to enjoy the rest of your day.
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What happens about music?
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If you require a sound system a small one can be brought for small spaces. If you need a sound system for a large space please let us know when booking.
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What should we wear?
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Wear something comfortable that you can move in. Our instructors appreciate form-fitting clothing so that they can see your movement clearly. Leggings, Yoga pants, tank top, t-shirt, or crop top. You don't have to have your belly on show, that's entirely your choice. We dance in bare feet or use ballet slippers, jazz shoes or dance trainers. Also don't forget a bottle of water, you will need it!
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Workshops
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***All terms & conditions will be on the workshop contract when booking***
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Do you require a deposit?
​
Yes. No booking is valid without a deposit. A £50 deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.
​
Is travel included in the price?
​
No. All travel payments will be from Ashford and will be added to your final quote.
​
What is the booking process?
​
After filling in the booking form you will receive a quote for the services required. A deposit of £50 should be sent either through PayPal (payable to metabellydance@googlemail.com) or mailed as a cheque (address will be provided) to secure the booking. A contract is then mailed to you for you to read, sign and return. The remainder of the fee (minus the deposit) is then collected after the workshop.
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What happens about music?
​
The instructor will bring a CD and an mp3 player with headphone jack to the event. The client or venue is expected to provide the sound system. A CD will be used but if there is no CD capacity then a mp3 player will be used. Please let the instructor know which one you will be using.
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Do you need to be fit to take part?
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Belly Dancing is a medium level aerobic exercise and is suitable for all ages, sizes and shapes. Customers must warrant that they are fit to undertake the workshop and advise the instructor of any medical conditions which may affect participation. You must at all times follow the instructions issued by the instructor, who are trained to be mindful of your health and safety at all times. Any failure to follow instruction will result in the workshop being stopped.
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What should we wear?
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Wear something comfortable that you can move in. Our instructors appreciate form-fitting clothing so that they can see your movement clearly. Leggings, Yoga pants, tank top, t-shirt, or crop top. You don't have to have your belly on show, that's entirely your choice. We dance in bare feet or use ballet slippers, jazz shoes or dance trainers. Also don't forget a bottle of water, you will need it!
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