Expert: Gia al Qamar - 11/14/2009

Question
I really, really want to learn to belly dance. I am 16, and me and my mom are interested in taking a class together for fun, but i would like to get serious with it, if i can do it. I can already move my hips quite fluently for never doing it before, but i'd like to learn it for real. I've been restestly looking around on google, directories, everywhere for an instructor near me and i understand that your studio is in Wayne, New Jersey. I am also in New Jersey, but unfortunately you're way too far for me ): i'm in the atlantic city area in a town called Linwood and my moms not willing to go out of probably 30 mins away (sigh) but, anyway, do you know of any classes that are based a little close to me? Or if not, could you give me some pointers on how to start at home? and is 16 too old to start and be good?

Answer
Marhaba! Hello Marcella!
First, let me say that 16 is NOT too old to start to learn Middle Eastern (Belly) dance!  In the Middle East, young girls are dance from the time that they are old enough to walk...but there is a saying in our dance that one has 'nothing to dance about' until she is over the age of 30!!!  So learning now will give you the roots that you will need to express this dance fully in your maturity!
Your mother will love taking classes too and it is a WONDERFUL thing to share with someone you love!
You are VERY right that you need a teacher...learning via DVD or videos is not the way to assure that you're doing the movements correctly and safely!
I am happy to recommend a dear friend Zarouhi, who teaches in your area! She is a classically trained teacher and a wonderful dancer.  She can be reached at
z@creativeartistsproductions.com and please do tell her that Gia recommended that you get in touch!
Good luck and I hope to meet you one day soon!
Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com