Thread: Suggestions for continuing eduacation after teacher moves away?

Hi everyone,

My teacher will be moving in a few months, and in my immediate area, there are no other instructors for Egyptian-style dance. I do have a great tribal teacher, but I want to continue learning classical Egyptian as well. I can't afford to study with the "big names" in nearby cities on a consistent basis (though I plan to attend their classes and workshops whenever possible), so I'm looking for suggestions on how to improve my skills, stay motivated, etc.

I am thinking about starting a "club" with my fellow classmates so we could maybe push each other to practise, carpool to workshops, exchange DVDs, etc. I'm not sure whether that's a good idea or not since we're all near-novices with myself and two others having over one year of instruction, and the rest having less.

I would greatly appreciate your input!

You need to come down here more often! We can spend whole weekends doing bellydance with me and Ama! ;)

Otherwise, I suggest a lot of DVDs and network a lot with people on bhuz who can give you advice on how to get the most out of practice sessions that you design.

the group-study thing sounds good but you'll have to be extremely careful about things like body alignment and etc!! That sort of stuff you can only get from a teacher - maybe your tribal teacher can help you with some alignment and technique, while DVDs can help with the actual moves?

This article on my web site might help: Learning To Belly Dance: If No Local Teacher, Or Wanting More Knowledge

Thanks ladies! :)

Shira, your website is never-ending! I love it!

Tanith--I really do need to come down there more often. I love seeing you and Ama, and dancing with you is the best! ;) Maybe I can drop by more often once I'm through this semester of doom is over, hehe!

That is why I hesitate on the club thing--it would not be worth it if we were communicating bad habits.

Have a lovely weekend!

Although it might be ballsy, you could ask the big names nearby if they offer semi-privates or would be willing to do trade (like you design their site and maintain it). If you could find some people to do the semi-privates with you, they'd be cheaper and hopefully work well with your schedule.

You might want to ask if your tribal teacher only knows tribal. Some people may prefer teaching one over the other, but she may be willing to teach classical Egyptian. My tribal fusion teacher can teach Turkish, but that isn't her style.

For sure! Would love to see you! ;)

I'm going to spending after-Xmas and New Year's with the bf and his family (!!!) up in Idaho, but after the first of the year I should be back home! ;)

Originally Posted by indigostars

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You might want to ask if your tribal teacher only knows tribal. Some people may prefer teaching one over the other, but she may be willing to teach classical Egyptian. My tribal fusion teacher can teach Turkish, but that isn't her style.

I never thought of that! Brilliant Idea! I would love to approach the dancers in nearby cities for private lessons too, but I'm probably way too shy to try it. But, maybe I will try it after I take my MCAT--perhaps a little reward for pushing through that. Thanks for the ideas!

Tanith--we'll plan something for after the 1st then! Take care luv!