Bellydance Classes in Amherst and Easthampton
Classes
Sahina teaches bellydance classes at Studio 116 at 460 West St. in Amherst and The Blue Guitar Studio at 186C Northampton St. in Easthampton Massachusetts. Bellydance classes are fun and rewarding allowing you gain a new skill set, get in shape, develop an appreciation of Middle Eastern dance music and culture, and meet new friends! Bellydance classes are open to students of all ages, genders, and body types.
Spring 2012 Classes Level 2, Mondays 5:15-6:15 pm in Easthampton Level 1, Mondays 7:15-8:30 pm in Amherst Level 1, Tuesdays 7-8:15 pm in Amherst Level 2 & 3, Wednesdays 7-8:15 pm in Amherst Click here to register for bellydance classes. |  Photo by addam@addamidiom.com. |
Private Lessons
Private and semi-private lessons are available for students who wish to have a more focused learning experience. This can be a great way to get extra help with in-class material, work with solo projects and performance skills, or fine tune your dance technique. The cost is $55 per hour which includes studio rental. Please call or email to schedule a private lesson.
Workshops
Sahina is available to teach workshops on a variety of topics. Please visit the workshops page for further information. FAQ What should I wear to class? Wear comfortable workout attire or bellydance practice wear such as cholis, hipscarves, and coin belts. Sports bras and leggings are also appropriate. Please do not wear skirts to class, a bellydance class is just like any other dance or workout class and Sahina needs to be able to see your legs to ensure that your body is in proper alignment. Dancing barefoot is the norm, but you are welcome to wear comfortable dance shoes such as ballet slippers or hermes sandals. I missed the first class of the session, is it too late to join? No, you can still join after the class session has started. I will pro-rate the class fee so that you do not pay for classes that were held before you joined. If you have missed several classes you may want to consider doing a private lesson to learn the material you missed, but this is optional. | 
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Can I try a class before signing up for the session?
Yes, you are welcome to drop in to a class any time for $15 per class. This lets you try it out before committing to the full session. If you love it and decide you want to take the rest the $15 drop in fee will be applied toward your registration tuition.
I have previously taken bellydance classes at another dance studio, what level should I start at?
The best way to find out what level you should start at is do drop in for a class so Sahina can assess your dance experience. In general if you have taken classes continuously for less then a year you should drop into level 1 for an assessment and if you have taken classes continuously for more then a year you should drop into level 2 for an assessment.
Yes, you are welcome to drop in to a class any time for $15 per class. This lets you try it out before committing to the full session. If you love it and decide you want to take the rest the $15 drop in fee will be applied toward your registration tuition.
I have previously taken bellydance classes at another dance studio, what level should I start at?
The best way to find out what level you should start at is do drop in for a class so Sahina can assess your dance experience. In general if you have taken classes continuously for less then a year you should drop into level 1 for an assessment and if you have taken classes continuously for more then a year you should drop into level 2 for an assessment.
Are students provided with performance opportunities? Students are given the option to participate in student showcases twice a year. These showcases are Dancing into the Dark hosted by Chaya, Jericha and Sahina and the Gathering Sands hosted by Sanaa Amel of LifeDance Productions. This allows them to have a safe place to perform for their family and friends so they may share what they have been working on in class. | 
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What are the differences between the class levels?
Level 1 is designed to introduce new students to the movements, music, and props used in bellydance. Topics rotate and include movement vocabulary, veil work, and zills. Level 1 is great for people who are looking to get started bellydancing, get in shape, and have fun!
Level 2 is a multi-session curriculum of rotating topics that allows students who have mastered the basics begin to learn more complex movements, start to be able to identify Middle Eastern rhythms and musical structure, and dance with veils, zills, and canes.
Prerequisites- Completion of Level 1 or prior consent of instructor. Level 2 classes can be taken concurrently with Level 1 after an initial session of Level 1 is completed.
Level 3 is for continuing students to start developing a deeper understanding of the dance as they begin to work on musicality, dance composition, improvisation, and advanced props.
Prerequisites- Completion of Levels 1 & 2 or prior consent of instructor.
Level 4 consists entirely of special topics courses and is only offered on occasion. Examples of subjects include set structure, magency, taqasim, baladi, and floorwork.
How long should I stay in each level before moving up?
Many students take a class several times before mastering the material. The goal is not to advance through the levels as fast as possible but to enjoy the dance. Since each level is taught as a rotating series of topics students take many different sessions at the same level before repeating any material or advancing to the next level. In general expect to spend several months to a year in level 1, 2-3 years in level 2, 2-3 years in level 3, and several years in level 4.
Level 1 is designed to introduce new students to the movements, music, and props used in bellydance. Topics rotate and include movement vocabulary, veil work, and zills. Level 1 is great for people who are looking to get started bellydancing, get in shape, and have fun!
Level 2 is a multi-session curriculum of rotating topics that allows students who have mastered the basics begin to learn more complex movements, start to be able to identify Middle Eastern rhythms and musical structure, and dance with veils, zills, and canes.
Prerequisites- Completion of Level 1 or prior consent of instructor. Level 2 classes can be taken concurrently with Level 1 after an initial session of Level 1 is completed.
Level 3 is for continuing students to start developing a deeper understanding of the dance as they begin to work on musicality, dance composition, improvisation, and advanced props.
Prerequisites- Completion of Levels 1 & 2 or prior consent of instructor.
Level 4 consists entirely of special topics courses and is only offered on occasion. Examples of subjects include set structure, magency, taqasim, baladi, and floorwork.
How long should I stay in each level before moving up?
Many students take a class several times before mastering the material. The goal is not to advance through the levels as fast as possible but to enjoy the dance. Since each level is taught as a rotating series of topics students take many different sessions at the same level before repeating any material or advancing to the next level. In general expect to spend several months to a year in level 1, 2-3 years in level 2, 2-3 years in level 3, and several years in level 4.
