Thread: Teaching Bellydance for Fitness

Hi all! Just wondering if anyone here is teaching or has taught a belly dance for fitness class. I am seriously considering doing this next winter (am currently in the process of getting my ACE group fitness certification).

Just wondering what the challenges and rewards are. I'd be teaching at a health club, so I imagine there are going to be a lot of people coming in and out and that I won't be able to teach choreos or anything. Thoughts?

Oreet can be a great resource for you, check out her SharQui method, which is accredited by both AFAA and ACE.

SharQui The Bellydance Workout

There was another thread on here, too, that had some great info about bellydance fitness classes

Good luck in your certification!

Oh! Thanks so much for sharing this! I can't believe I haven't heard more about this!

Originally Posted by ejaghana

Oh! Thanks so much for sharing this! I can't believe I haven't heard more about this!

Hello there,

Feel free to contact me at oreet@sharqui.com with any questions!

Oreet

If you want to teach a belly dance fitness class, consider taking Oreet's SharQui Instructor Training. I found it was a wonderful experience! I decided to take the instructor training because I enjoyed the workout so much. Knowing the anatomy of the movement really has improved my technique. I was impressed that Ace and Afaa has certified SharQui. I am new to teaching and really wanted some guidance in how to go about teaching a dance fitness class. The best reason I can give you for taking SharQui is that Oreet gives you the tools to be able to teach belly dance fitness both safely and effectively. I believe that SharQui can really open the door for a fitness class participant to want to learn the art of belly dance. I also loved the fact that merely attending the class doesn't get you the certificate - it really means something because she tested us with both a written and practical exam. Oreet is really helpful and will answer any questions you might have. I have substituted as a belly dancer teacher during the past couple of years but found that fitness classes have a different skill set.

Oreet, where do you offer instructor training? Is there a schedule posted somewhere re locations, dates, times, fees, etc. for upcoming sessions? Thanks.


Khalida

P.S. Emailing you now. . . .

I teach a bellydance class for fitness and am not a Sharqui instructor, so let me tell you how I structure my class.

Basically, it is a faster paced dance class. There is not a lot of focus on technique, unless I need to prevent someone from hurting themselves.

My class goes as follows:

10 minutes - warm up including slow movements like snake arms, figure 8 hips, undulations and then stretching

20-25 minutes - isolation drills. One song for each: chest isolations, shoulder shimmies, hip and leg shimmies, hip drops. If we need extra cardio for the day I throw in some choo choo shimmies too - gym goers love those!

20-25 minutes - choreography. When i started my gym classes, I would teach only short little choreos (more like combinations) that I could teach completely in one class. That way, drops ins would always be on the same page as regulars. However, over the years (I've been at the same gym for 5 years), my regulars have become very "regular", so we are able to learn full choreos. The trick for this is to teach the choreo in small sections - that way, you teach a "section" in a class that every - newbies and regulars - can get. I will include it in a run through of the full choreo once or twice at the end of class, so the regulars know where it belongs, and the newbies aren't standing around waiting for too long.

5 minutes - cool down. Usually I improv to a slow song and have them follow but if it's a class with mostly regulars I will let them improv on their own. I have found that my gym students are much less shy about improv than my dance studio students, which is interesting!

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

I teach a bellydance class for fitness and am not a Sharqui instructor, so let me tell you how I structure my class.

Basically, it is a faster paced dance class. There is not a lot of focus on technique, unless I need to prevent someone from hurting themselves.

My class goes as follows:

10 minutes - warm up including slow movements like snake arms, figure 8 hips, undulations and then stretching

20-25 minutes - isolation drills. One song for each: chest isolations, shoulder shimmies, hip and leg shimmies, hip drops. If we need extra cardio for the day I throw in some choo choo shimmies too - gym goers love those!

20-25 minutes - choreography. When i started my gym classes, I would teach only short little choreos (more like combinations) that I could teach completely in one class. That way, drops ins would always be on the same page as regulars. However, over the years (I've been at the same gym for 5 years), my regulars have become very "regular", so we are able to learn full choreos. The trick for this is to teach the choreo in small sections - that way, you teach a "section" in a class that every - newbies and regulars - can get. I will include it in a run through of the full choreo once or twice at the end of class, so the regulars know where it belongs, and the newbies aren't standing around waiting for too long.

5 minutes - cool down. Usually I improv to a slow song and have them follow but if it's a class with mostly regulars I will let them improv on their own. I have found that my gym students are much less shy about improv than my dance studio students, which is interesting!

This sounds like lots of fun Daniela! And it's good to know that gym goers are interested in learning choreos as well. I figured they wouldn't really be into that.

I'm going to look into the SharQui method as well, although I'll have to wait a bit for that (no money!)

Please be careful about this effecting your own dance. I have a student who decided to stop taking classes from me and began to teach "bellyrobics" at a gym. Since this is all she is doing on a regular basis, her dancing has become very, well, exercise like.

Originally Posted by ejaghana

This sounds like lots of fun Daniela! And it's good to know that gym goers are interested in learning choreos as well. I figured they wouldn't really be into that.

I'm going to look into the SharQui method as well, although I'll have to wait a bit for that (no money!)

My gym class is in my student showcase every year, and they are the most dedicated and enthusiastic group I have!

BTW, when it comes to showtime, we sometimes have to schedule extra rehearsals (either before or after class) to practice the dance in its entirety. Sometimes it works out that only "regulars" come to class and we can just work on the choreo, but it never fails that the week before showtime I'll get a slew of first timers in my classes and I can't just ignore them - that's the only problem with a gym class. Sometimes you can't do what you wanted to do because new people drop in and you have to tailor the class to fit everyone.

Originally Posted by anala

Please be careful about this effecting your own dance. I have a student who decided to stop taking classes from me and began to teach "bellyrobics" at a gym. Since this is all she is doing on a regular basis, her dancing has become very, well, exercise like.

I think this could happen if you turn your class into a "zumba style" class - focus more on exercise than dance. But if you just keep it a regular class, only fast paced and not much breakdown for technique, your own dance should not be affected because you will be dancing the same way you always do!

I can imagine - about 10 years ago I taught my own "bellyrobics" classes for a while & quickly found myself bored to tears. It's a great idea, just not a steady dose of it. I think regular bellydancing practise is wonderful exercise just as it is. It always kept me in shape!

And while I'm recuperating from hip surgery & not allowed to dance for a while, I SEE the difference I'm gonna have my work cut out for me when I come back to dance!

Originally Posted by anala

Please be careful about this effecting your own dance. I have a student who decided to stop taking classes from me and began to teach "bellyrobics" at a gym. Since this is all she is doing on a regular basis, her dancing has become very, well, exercise like.

Originally Posted by anthea

And while I'm recuperating from hip surgery & not allowed to dance for a while, I SEE the difference I'm gonna have my work cut out for me when I come back to dance!

Ah, is that why the DVD is not out yet!

Hi,

I'm ACE certified and have also taught several fitness classes including an aerobic "Bellyrobics" and strength training "Bellydance Bootcamp" class.

I also teach regular technique classes for Beginners and Advanced Beginners.

Here are some things to consider that separate a fitness class from a technique class (at least, in my own experience):

- In a technique class, students are generally more interested in the significance of the movements and style you are teaching. They will enjoy and participate in discussions. This is less true for fitness classes where many participants don't care what they are dancing as long as they are burning calories.

- Fitness class participants are more likely to have experience in other types of aerobic fitness classes, so they can learn things more quickly when they are presented to them in a familiar format. You'll find in your certification study materials different ways to teach aerobics that are designed to keep people moving without having to stop and teach technique. For example, if you are layering a shoulder shimmy over a grape vine, you start with just the grape vine and then later add shoulders.

- Unless participants are required to register for a certain number of classes, you'll probably find that the students are mostly new each time you teach. This means that you can (and should) repeat material. I usually work out four to six unique classes (with their own choreography and different moves) and then cycle through them in the same order. This saves me the time of planning new classes all the time and gives students a chance to see new things and review material occasionally.

I enjoy teaching in each setting for different reasons, but it's really important to take into account who you are teaching, their background and experience, and why they are there. This makes the class more enjoyable for everyone.

I ended up making up a lot of movements that sort of synthesized regular aerobics exercises with belly dance. I'd be happy to share my curriculum with you if you message me.

Good luck.

What I don't understand is this:

Take 10 random people who sign up for beginning belly dance. On average, 2-3 of them are going to start out unable to do ANYTHING, can't lift the ribcage at all, not even 1mm (and require multiple corrections to keep from just hunching shoulders), can't slide hips, can't do a hip lift, can't stand without locking knees, etc.

These people are going to just flounder in a belly-robics type environment. They need a regular class with regular personalized attention.

I can't stand the thought of just dancing away to keep up the pace and letting a significant % of the class repeat wrong movements over and over an over until they are ingrained in muscle memory.

That's not the case with the SharQui method. Oreet trained us to explain the movements (verbally with concise queues, through demonstrating, and through brief corrections) throughout each class.

Originally Posted by ssipes

What I don't understand is this:

Take 10 random people who sign up for beginning belly dance. On average, 2-3 of them are going to start out unable to do ANYTHING, can't lift the ribcage at all, not even 1mm (and require multiple corrections to keep from just hunching shoulders), can't slide hips, can't do a hip lift, can't stand without locking knees, etc.

These people are going to just flounder in a belly-robics type environment. They need a regular class with regular personalized attention.

I can't stand the thought of just dancing away to keep up the pace and letting a significant % of the class repeat wrong movements over and over an over until they are ingrained in muscle memory.

Originally Posted by ssipes

What I don't understand is this:

Take 10 random people who sign up for beginning belly dance. On average, 2-3 of them are going to start out unable to do ANYTHING, can't lift the ribcage at all, not even 1mm (and require multiple corrections to keep from just hunching shoulders), can't slide hips, can't do a hip lift, can't stand without locking knees, etc.

These people are going to just flounder in a belly-robics type environment. They need a regular class with regular personalized attention.

I can't stand the thought of just dancing away to keep up the pace and letting a significant % of the class repeat wrong movements over and over an over until they are ingrained in muscle memory.

I don't agree with this. They might flounder for the first few classes, and if they never come back, well, then - yes, the floundered and didn't learn. But the key to a "belly-robics" class is repetition - in a "technique" class, that chest lift might take 30 minutes of explaining and demonstrating and making sure everybody has it. After the first class, most student will know exactly what they should be doing, and can probably execute a decent lift by their second or third class.

In a "bellyrobics" class - teaching a chest lift might take 5 minutes. You still explain the move, but you explain it WHILE the students are doing it, continuing to move, learning by trial and error. And then you move on to the next move - you don't wait around for everyone to get it. So, the student who can't do it the first class will pick up some insight and tips the first time she hears the explanation, pick up some more the second time she hears it, and the third, and probably by the fourth class has heard the explanation and tried it enough times that she can do it too.

So, "correct technique" might take a little longer to acquire, but you will still get it in a "bellyrobics" setting. As long as you have a teacher who incorporates it into her vocal cueing of the class. Which any good teacher should, regardless of how much the class goal is to sweat.

Originally Posted by kiyaana

That's not the case with the SharQui method. Oreet trained us to explain the movements (verbally with concise queues, through demonstrating, and through brief corrections) throughout each class.

This is how any good aerobics/fitness teacher should teach, not just SharQui method teachers.

Absolutely. Just noting my own experience since I don't know exactly what happens in other classes.

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

This is how any good aerobics/fitness teacher should teach, not just SharQui method teachers.

I think there is a certain amount of pressure from studios to go the bellydance fitness route to make it "accessible" to the general public and compete with the zumba world. I have struggled with finding a formula that works for me and have finally found a good solution that doesn't make me feel like I've compromised my teaching. I have some intermediate/advanced dancers that attend for technique cleaning and I have them "model" the movements while I do a lot of posture correcting, individual explanation, etc. This is the benefit of lots of repetition as someone mentioned. I also include a folkloric section in every class with Saidi or 9/8 because of the cardio benefits and it's how I can weave in bits of "real" dancing. This gets them curious about ME dance and, in many cases, they join other classes to learn more about it. It's been a wonderful kind of gateway class ;)

Oftentimes I bring bamboo sticks in place of canes (no twirling) and teach 16 to 34 count combinations to exciting authentic music and it feels great. It is also helpful to take one move and break it down to its most simple form (pelvic tuck using low abs) and then adding a layer of complexity (diamond shape with the pelvis), adding another layer of complexity for the more advanced dancers (smoothing out the corners for omis). So I will say, please stay here until you feel you've mastered this. Then go on to the next phase.

It may not be a style that works for everyone because sometimes people are doing three different movement phases at a time. I'm used to this from the open level Yoga classes where the teacher will come around and say "You're ready to try it this way." It sounds more chaotic than it is, lol.

I also took the SharQui training last month. I am a personal traininer, I have a bachelors degree in exercise science, and have dabbled in teaching classes. I have also been belly dancing for a year and a half.

The perspective from the fitness professional in me is that she puts a great ammount of emphasis on proper body alignment which is crucial for being safe and not injuring yourself. Also, she teaches alot of anatomy in her classes which is great for any dancer to know, and definitely a must for a fitness instructor.

The perspective from the dancer in me is that she goes over technique and form, constantly giving verbal cues and teachess you how to go around the room correcting students without disrupting the flow of the class, which is very important.

Oreets training workshop is great. It's about 18 hours where you go over technique, form, cuing, transitions, and anatomy. You get the materials ahead of time and definitely should study the manual, learn the anatomy, and practice the DVD she gives you (and also practice actually teaching the warm up yourself along with each movement).

The class is definitely a good workout, but it still focuses on proper technique and body alignment.

If you are going to take the workshop, you should try to take aerobics classes or at least learn the music. You have to be able to hear the downbeat and the 8 count in the music.

Oreet was a great instructor and teacher. She was willing to spend extra time with individuals after the workshop hours each day if the needed help with anything. She also called me a couple of times before the workshop to answer a couple questions I had asked her in an e-mail.

The great thing about the training is that you don't just go to a workshop for a couple hours and come out with a certificate. It takes studying and practicing before hand, 18 hours of workshop, and passing both a written exam along with a practical. For the practical you have to demonstrate proper technique of each dance movement, and also be able to cue the class for each movement and transition in a group fitness class format.

If you are interested in teaching a belly dance workout class, this is definitiely the way to go. I had background in both fitness and belly dance, and the workshop helped me so much. I am much more comfortable cuing a class, I have better timing with cuing transitions, I have a format to use that is tried and true, and I also have a certifications. Gyms definitely look for certifications, so if you have one they are more likely to hire you often along with paying you at a higher rate.

If anyone has any questions about my experience with the workshop feel free to e-mail me at kerrierou@gmail.com

I've actually found the opposite to be true at my gym - I get paid more than the "regular" aerobics teachers because I teach a "specialty". Even though I don't have any sort of certification at all. The ACE/AFAA certified instructors are easily replaceable, I guess, because they teach generic classes (spinning, kickboxing, urban rebouding, etc), and as such they get paid much less than me.

Not to discourage anyone from getting all the training they can and/or want - just saying that you can definitely be a successful "bellyfit" instructor at a gym without doing the SharQui training. Some gyms will NOT hire you wilthout ACE or AFAA (not mine, obviously) but most have probably never even heard of a SharQui certification!

Hi ejaghana,

It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer. ~Shanna LaFleur

Dance and physical fitness have always gone hand in hand. A joyful, energetic dancer is a true delight and wonder to behold. A part of this wonder is appreciation for the dancer’s athleticism and generosity of spirit. With the state of the economy and the reemergence of dance into pop culture, dance fitness classes are fast becoming an integral part of every fitness center’s schedule and bellydance is among the most requested of classes. Why wouldn’t it be? It is common knowledge that bellydance boosts confidence, and improves muscle tone and stamina. Yet, despite the undeniable and numerous health benefits of bellydance and the opportunity to earn a second income from your favorite pastime, some worry that placing focus on these health benefits somehow deprives the participant of a more spiritual or sensual experience; or that the fitness atmosphere stifles musicality and personality. I can only hope to shed more light on this topic from my own experiences. Perhaps by the end of this blog you will even agree that getting fitness certified is an excellent way to boost your income and become a better dancer and teacher.

Like many other bellydancers, I didn’t start in this genre but {Click here....}

Wow! I've been away from Bhuz for a while! Glad to see so many of your opinions on the subject! Thanks for all of your input!

I know this thread is a litle old, but I've been a professional Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor for ten years and teach a variety of formats, including cardio-belly (which is formatted totally differently from my regular belly). I teach my own format, and do instructor trainings through my company on occasion. There are so many great formatting tips in this thread - keep them moving, teach them basics with the energy up, string the basics together, be prepared for newbies every class. I put together about ten classes, then rotate them twice before dropping a few off and creating some new ones. I like to be organized! :)

For anyone working in a gym, there are some basic requirements. You need to take (at least) the one-day Primary Group Fitness Instructor Certfication through AFAA, an injury prevention and safety cert (AFAA offers these as well), and get your liability insurance in order (try Personal Trainer Insurance: Your One Stop Shop For All Your Insurance Needs). The gym might tell you not to bother with indepepndent insurance, but they are lying! You can and will be held liable for injury in your class (not that we would injury anybody, but we must protect ourselves). The ACE test is very, very difficult and expensive, and designed for professional personal trainers - a whole different ballgame than group. So if all you are doing is the bellydance, then go with AFAA - great company, great rep, reasonably priced. Good luck!

I'd love to do the SharQui course, are there any plans to do a distance learning version for us international dancers?

Just thought I'd chime in on this thread since I'm teaching a bellyrobics class at the moment. (I've also earned ACE certification, though I don't keep mine current so I guess I can't call myself certified any more?)

What I'm doing is teaching 5-6 movements per class, similar to what I would teach in the first week of a Level 1 class. The movements vary *slightly* each week. The format is significantly different from my regular class.

I start them out with stepping in place while going through arm positions. I'm talking them through the basic points of dance posture the whole time. Then I introduce the moves, drilling each one to a whole song, so 3-5 minutes. I usually choose a couple of stationary moves and a couple of traveling steps.

As we drill, I gradually increase heart rate by adding arm movements and keeping the arms higher. At the peak , we're holding our arms at or above shoulder level to keep us in the target heart rate zone.

Then I build a super-simple combo. 2X8 counts of one standing move. 2X8 counts of traveling forward. 2X8 counts of a different standing move. 2X8 counts traveling back. (or whatever... sometimes 3-step turns, etc). Arm changes help me cue the movement changes.

Sometimes, instead of a combo, we do a traveling move in a line and travel around the studio. I vary the tempo, the arms, etc. to keep it interesting. Or build speed until they start losing the pattern and then slow down and start building speed again.

Usually I also include a shimmy drill, with arm patterns to make it fun & more aerobic. Then we cool down.

Yes, I'm already bored with this and handing it off to a new teacher at my studio who has a Zumba certification. LOL

So far, more than half of my bellyrobics students have decided they want to join my regular class. It's been like a gateway drug for women who aren't confident enough to sign up for a regular dance class.

Originally Posted by firefly5

I'd love to do the SharQui course, are there any plans to do a distance learning version for us international dancers?

Hi Firefly5,

At the moment i do not have a distance learning version but I do travel regularly to certify. Feel free to email me at oreet@sharqui.com and we can talk more about it. Thanks for your interest!

Oreet

Originally Posted by Lauren_

"end of quote":
So far, more than half of my bellyrobics students have decided they want to join my regular class. It's been like a gateway drug for women who aren't confident enough to sign up for a regular dance class.

..l;,..l;,..l;, So true!

Originally Posted by Mychelledancer

For anyone working in a gym, there are some basic requirements. You need to take (at least) the one-day Primary Group Fitness Instructor Certfication through AFAA, an injury prevention and safety cert (AFAA offers these as well)

My gym only requires CPR training and an audition for dance teachers. They only require AFAA certification for the regular fitness class instructors. (Although I'm sure it's beneficial to have anyway.)