Thread: Looking for TX instructor-found 3-any input?

Hey Ya'll!

I am really new and since I have discovered this forum this week I just want to say every one has been super kind..

I am based in San Antonio and am looking for an instructor..I have 3 so far and just wanted to ask if anyone had any info or recommendations..
I'm really looking for some guidance from your experiences if you've had any with the ones I listed.. I didnt realize what a big step selecting an instructor would be...

I know that I like classical American, and Egyptian...sooo with that being said...I found:


Karen Barbee-www.karavanproductions.com

Samara --www.samara-bellydancer.com

Little Egypt --- San Antonio Dance Umbrella's Home Page

I will work on my profile this weekend...dont want ya'll to think I am some faceless person trying to take info and give nothing back...I surely do believe I am here to stay!

L'Tanya

Itanya,
I am from Dallas Ft Worth so I am not familiar with many dancers in San Antonio other than the ones you specified.
However, I would suggest calling these instructors, talking with them on how they teach, what their style is etc. You can gain a lot with the rapport you have on the phone. The next step would be to attend a couple of classes. Most instructors will let you attend a trial class for free.
I would also go to a few of each instructors class recitals or other performances.
I think those things will really give you a feel for where you want to be!
xoxo,
-NJ

I met Little Egypt here in LA a few months back and she was very sweet, but I saw Karen Barbee and her troupe perform in Florida and she was friggin awesome! I'd love to chance to study with her.

I really like Karen Barbee. I don't know the other two.

Thank you so much!

mmouse-You make so much sense..common sense questions to ask..The Dallas area has soooo many teachers, studios....I was drooling....Thanks girl!

Nasila and Sandra - Mrs Barbee's name came up a couple of times..I like her credintials and she's been teaching qite a while..

oh my goodness, and there are so many videos out there! I had my credit card in my hand about to spend a good $200 on videos...(I'm serious) So i went to Shiras site for some review...then I read somewhere a poster her said she rented from blockbuster...soooo I have 3 coming from netflixs on tommorrow...Hope I dont learn wrong...

Itanya, I recommend sticking with your instructor (instead of dvds) to learn at this stage, so you don't practise wrong, or practise another style that confuses you when you're in class. Performance videos are good to watch tho so you can learn about different styles & eras -

Originally Posted by anthea

Itanya, I recommend sticking with your instructor (instead of dvds) to learn at this stage, so you don't practise wrong, or practise another style that confuses you when you're in class. Performance videos are good to watch tho so you can learn about different styles & eras -

Thank you Anthea, and that makes a lot of sense..I only ordered the dvd's from the twins..but yeah I could learn wrong..and would have to re learn all over again...time down the drain...thank you!..

Originally Posted by ltanya

Hey Ya'll!

I am really new and since I have discovered this forum this week I just want to say every one has been super kind..

I am based in San Antonio and am looking for an instructor..I have 3 so far and just wanted to ask if anyone had any info or recommendations..
I'm really looking for some guidance from your experiences if you've had any with the ones I listed.. I didnt realize what a big step selecting an instructor would be...

Hi L'Tanya,

Picking an instructor is a big step...but it isn't that big a deal when you're just starting. Just pick someone and get started! And there's no point choosing the "best" instructor if her classes are too inconvenient for you to get to, or too expensive for you to afford. Practicality comes first.

The important part comes when you're in class. Do her explanations/demonstrations make sense? Are you picking up at least 30%/50% of the skills over several class meetings? Do you feel sore after class (OK), or do you hurt in your joints or spine during or after class (not OK)? Are you enjoying yourself most of the time?

Some of my dance friends LOVE taking from teachers that I HATE taking from (or vice versa). So if you don't like the teacher after several class meetings, or if you like her, but don't like her class, just take what you've learned and switch to another teacher.

Originally Posted by da Sage

Hi L'Tanya,

Picking an instructor is a big step...but it isn't that big a deal when you're just starting. Just pick someone and get started! And there's no point choosing the "best" instructor if her classes are too inconvenient for you to get to, or too expensive for you to afford. Practicality comes first.

The important part comes when you're in class. Do her explanations/demonstrations make sense? Are you picking up at least 30%/50% of the skills over several class meetings? Do you feel sore after class (OK), or do you hurt in your joints or spine during or after class (not OK)? Are you enjoying yourself most of the time?

Some of my dance friends LOVE taking from teachers that I HATE taking from (or vice versa). So if you don't like the teacher after several class meetings, or if you like her, but don't like her class, just take what you've learned and switch to another teacher.

Thank You! Straight forward common sense advise..funny you mention being sore...I watched shimmy last night and for the first time went straight through the segment...dang my knee is aching....

Love Karen Barbee!! Think she is awesome! If I lived in TX, I would definately study with her!!