Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Workshops
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably in workout clothes that are not too tight or too loose. I will need to see your body
alignment so I can monitor your posture and see how you move. Wearing a scarf or hip belt around
your hips may also help you learn to feel the movements. If you wear a skirt, please wear pants or
shorts underneath so I can see your knees and legs as well. I encourage all of my students to dress
up if you'd like to - so wear those skirts, choli's, and all your fun jewelry!
Note: Other instructors may ask you to wear or not wear specific items. If you take another
instructor's workshop, check with them on what's appropriate or required.
Do I have to show my belly?
Absolutely not! You will never be required to show your belly in my workshops! I may ask you to
show me your belly when we're working on specific techniques like rolls or flutters, but you are
always welcome to decline that request. I strongly believe that your comfort level is a contributing
factor to how quickly you will learn.
What do I wear on my feet?
I encourage you to dance barefoot, being able to feel the floor beneath you will help you learn how
to place your feet properly. If you're not comfortable going barefoot, ask me for recommendations
on where to order inexpensive dance slippers.
What should I bring?
Always bring water, no matter what the temperature is outside. Also bring along a notebook and
something to write with - I'll give you lots of little tips and instructions that you'll want to take home
and practice to remember what we've learned. Also bring along a veil and zills if you have them.
Although they're not required and we won't always use them, a true belly dancer wouldn't want to
be without them :)
I'm a complete beginner! Do I need to have previous experience with dance?
No, all workshops unless otherwise noted are designed specifically for beginners. So no previous
experience with belly dance or any other format of dance is necessary. My approach to teaching is
very step-by-step, so anyone can follow along. Ask me about my own beginner story, or check out
the "About Kristi" page here on my website.
I've had a few children, gained some weight, lost my flexibility, etc. Will I be able to do it?
The beautiful thing about belly dance is that anyone can do it, regardless of any body issues,
injuries, illnesses, overweight, underweight, etc.! You do not need to have the "perfect dancer's
body". The movements are natural to a female form, and we're not going to push you beyond your
physical limits. It may not be easy at first, and what you do may not look exactly like me or anyone
else, but you can do this and it will get easier!
Will I need to learn a choreography?
Neither of the styles of belly dance that I teach require or promote learning a choreography and I
will not generally teach one as part of a workshop unless it's specifically advertised as such. While I
love choreography and recognize there are some great things it can accomplish, I want to teach
you to dance without one so you can dance wherever you go, to any music that is playing.
However, all of the techniques that I teach could be used in a choreography if that's what you're
comfortable with, and I am happy to help individuals or groups create one!
I'm pregnant. Can I still belly dance?
Yes, belly dance is a great exercise for pregnancy! You'll strengthen all of the muscles you'll need
to support your growing baby, labor, and delivery. You MUST consult with your doctor first however
to ensure that there are no complications which would suggest avoiding physical activity. Also be
sure to let me know before we get started that you're expecting.
Are men allowed?
Please note I do not allow significant others or other males to observe a workshop. The safety and
comfort of my students is absolutely my first priority. If a man shows serious interest in learning belly
dance, I may allow him to attend after much discussion and an in-person meeting to prove sincerity.
I welcome and encourage male dancers!
How is a workshop different from a class?
In a workshop, we have a very limited time together. I want to give you as much information as
possible to enable you to practice after you leave. So a workshop will be a little faster-paced and
more intense. However I'm always happy to stay a few minutes after a workshop to explain
something, or ask me about booking a private lesson if you really liked what we learned!
Do you have another question about belly dance that you don't see answered here?
Please call me or email me! I'd love to hear from you and I may just give you a reward for helping
me improve my site :) Click here for contact information.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably in workout clothes that are not too tight or too loose. I will need to see your body
alignment so I can monitor your posture and see how you move. Wearing a scarf or hip belt around
your hips may also help you learn to feel the movements. If you wear a skirt, please wear pants or
shorts underneath so I can see your knees and legs as well. I encourage all of my students to dress
up if you'd like to - so wear those skirts, choli's, and all your fun jewelry!
Note: Other instructors may ask you to wear or not wear specific items. If you take another
instructor's workshop, check with them on what's appropriate or required.
Do I have to show my belly?
Absolutely not! You will never be required to show your belly in my workshops! I may ask you to
show me your belly when we're working on specific techniques like rolls or flutters, but you are
always welcome to decline that request. I strongly believe that your comfort level is a contributing
factor to how quickly you will learn.
What do I wear on my feet?
I encourage you to dance barefoot, being able to feel the floor beneath you will help you learn how
to place your feet properly. If you're not comfortable going barefoot, ask me for recommendations
on where to order inexpensive dance slippers.
What should I bring?
Always bring water, no matter what the temperature is outside. Also bring along a notebook and
something to write with - I'll give you lots of little tips and instructions that you'll want to take home
and practice to remember what we've learned. Also bring along a veil and zills if you have them.
Although they're not required and we won't always use them, a true belly dancer wouldn't want to
be without them :)
I'm a complete beginner! Do I need to have previous experience with dance?
No, all workshops unless otherwise noted are designed specifically for beginners. So no previous
experience with belly dance or any other format of dance is necessary. My approach to teaching is
very step-by-step, so anyone can follow along. Ask me about my own beginner story, or check out
the "About Kristi" page here on my website.
I've had a few children, gained some weight, lost my flexibility, etc. Will I be able to do it?
The beautiful thing about belly dance is that anyone can do it, regardless of any body issues,
injuries, illnesses, overweight, underweight, etc.! You do not need to have the "perfect dancer's
body". The movements are natural to a female form, and we're not going to push you beyond your
physical limits. It may not be easy at first, and what you do may not look exactly like me or anyone
else, but you can do this and it will get easier!
Will I need to learn a choreography?
Neither of the styles of belly dance that I teach require or promote learning a choreography and I
will not generally teach one as part of a workshop unless it's specifically advertised as such. While I
love choreography and recognize there are some great things it can accomplish, I want to teach
you to dance without one so you can dance wherever you go, to any music that is playing.
However, all of the techniques that I teach could be used in a choreography if that's what you're
comfortable with, and I am happy to help individuals or groups create one!
I'm pregnant. Can I still belly dance?
Yes, belly dance is a great exercise for pregnancy! You'll strengthen all of the muscles you'll need
to support your growing baby, labor, and delivery. You MUST consult with your doctor first however
to ensure that there are no complications which would suggest avoiding physical activity. Also be
sure to let me know before we get started that you're expecting.
Are men allowed?
Please note I do not allow significant others or other males to observe a workshop. The safety and
comfort of my students is absolutely my first priority. If a man shows serious interest in learning belly
dance, I may allow him to attend after much discussion and an in-person meeting to prove sincerity.
I welcome and encourage male dancers!
How is a workshop different from a class?
In a workshop, we have a very limited time together. I want to give you as much information as
possible to enable you to practice after you leave. So a workshop will be a little faster-paced and
more intense. However I'm always happy to stay a few minutes after a workshop to explain
something, or ask me about booking a private lesson if you really liked what we learned!
Do you have another question about belly dance that you don't see answered here?
Please call me or email me! I'd love to hear from you and I may just give you a reward for helping
me improve my site :) Click here for contact information.
| Kristi Krueger kristi@kristikrueger.com (920) 946-5994 Belly dance (aka Middle Eastern dance) instructor / teacher and performer in the Sheboygan, WI and surrounding areas Home I About Kristi I Classes & Workshops I Book a Performance I Events I Student Resources I FAQ I Gallery I Troupe I Merchandise/Apparel I Contact Kristi Design and all contents of this website ©2011 Kristi Krueger. All Rights Reserved. Images and content of this site cannot be reproduced or copied without permission.II |