FAQ

About Classes:

I see you have drop-in and pre-registered classes on the schedule... Why can't I drop in to any beginner level classes?

I love my students to have freedom and be able to drop-in on most classes, but I think beginner level really needs a commitment of 6-weeks to try to wrap your head around the new (and sometimes awkward at the start) movements of bellydance.  It's also very difficult to teach a beginner class of people who have been coming for a while and know a lot of movements along with students who are brand new and know nothing yet!  With the 6-week session everyone starts at the same time so we can move more efficiently through the basic moves of bellydance together!

What if I miss a class in a pre-registered session?

You can make up the missed class by taking a drop-in class like bellydance boot camp or one of my fitness or Latin classes.  No credits or refunds are given.

Why aren't credits or refunds given on pre-registered courses?

The whole point of a pre-registered course is so we know how many students will be in the class to keep the class the right size which means we may have turned away people if it was full.

Why don't you offer a free trial class?

We don't offer a free trial beginner class because bellydance is harder than most people think it's going to be (we're not just shaking our hips - there's a lot of subtleties and you learn to use muscles you've never used before!)  Often after the first class students feel like it's too hard and they want to give up (don't worry, this feeling passes the more you come to class and practise

I've taken bellydance somewhere else, how do I know what level I am with your studio?

If you were a beginner elsewhere, sign up for a beginner course with Mayada to get acquainted with this particular style.  If you are a more advanced dancer, you can try a drop-in class and from there I can let you know what level would be best for you.  Another way to assess what level is prime for you is to take a private class before starting group classes with Mayada.

What should I wear to class?

Wear whatever you feel comfortable moving around in.  Usually exercise/yoga wear is good. You do not have to bare your belly (most students don't), but you can if you want to.  The class is done barefoot.  We have jingly hip scarves at the studio that you can use for the class, or you can bring your own!

What are privates all about?

Private classes are terrific if you want to excellerate your learning, if group classes don't fit into your schedule, or if you have a specific goal in mind that you want to work on. You can book private classes with Mayada to work on anything you want... choreography (either Mayada's choreography, your own choreography, or Mayada's specialty - co-choreographing together), stage presence, folklore, technique, or working on your own personalized bellydance training plan.

Is there an expiry date on classcards?

Nope... Use them anytime!

How do I register for classes?

If you want to take a pre-registered course, you can either mail your payment to M. Hesham, 390 Queen"s Quay West, Toronto, ON, M6V 3A6, or pay online through paypal (click here).  If you want to come to a drop-in class, just drop-in - no need to register!

Are there any performance opportunities with your studio?

Yes!  We have two student showcases each year (usually around the end of November/start of December and June) where all classes perform choreographies in a theatre setting for friends, families, and other students.  We also have various smaller shows (pro-show, rak 'n' roll, etc.) at the studio throughout the year that often welcome all levels of dancers. We have a few various levels of troupes run out of the studio including Banat El Sharq (Egyptian Folkloric amateur troupe) and Mayada's Bellydance (cabaret bellydance professional troupe) which you can audition for if interested.  During the summer Mayada usually asks her more advanced students to perform class choreographies at various festivals throughout the city too.  On the flip side, if you don't feel you want to perform, there's never any pressure to - many students come just for exercise and fun!

How long will it take me to learn how to bellydance?

The answer to this will be different for each student.  It depends on many factors including your natural ability, past dance experience, how often you take class, and how often you practise on your own.  It took me almost a year to feel kind of comfortable with the bellydance movements, while I see some students who look great after a few classes! Some people are natural bellydancers, and some people (most) need to really work hard at these new movements for them to feel natural.

Why doesn't my shimmy walk look like yours, Mayada?

I get asked this all the time.  Often a student in one of my beginner classes will get frustrated with a step and say "but it doesn't look the same as it looks on you"...  Well, I certainly hope after one or two classes you don't look like your instructor in anything (or else where's your inspiration?  I've been bellydancing for over 15 years now,  but I started out looking awkward too... I remember verticle drops and shimmy walk seeming absolutely impossible to me at the start!  Practise really does make perfect!

About Shows:

What can I expect from your bellydance shows?

We offer all sorts of shows ranging in size (from soloist to big group), style (cabaret or folklore), length (4 minutes to 45 minutes).  The most popular choices usually include an exotic veilwork entrance piece, a dance that will amaze and delight your guests including upbeat music and isolations, undulations, shimmies, and accents, a drum solo, and audience participation (if desired).

What type of events would a bellydance show be recommended?

A bellydance show is great for so many events including birthday parties, engagement parties, weddings, corporate events, and club nights! 

What do dancers need at the venue?

Our dancers need a private room to change in (not a public washroom as we need a place to leave all our stuff and who wants to spoil the surprise of bellydancers by having people see them in the washroom before the show?), water for before and after the show, a professional sound system that plays CDs for the show, and a clear area in the room to dance in.

Can I see your dancers perform before booking?

Check our upcoming events section to see if we're dancing at any public events before your date.  Or e-mail Mayada for more info on this.