How fit are you?

**lizaj** · 11-15-2008, 12:48 PM

Actually I'm not interested in your heart rate but I wonder how many teachers have seen a real slip towards the "I wanna use bellydance to get fit" and away from the "fun way to kick off the cares of the day".
Yes I know we have the "reclaiming the dance along with goddesses" .
And yes "I wanna dance for my sultan" is still there morphed into "I'm a a naughty and very sexy little liberated gal"
I found the last intake all came in jazz pants and trackies and despite being told that they could add a bit of fun glitter, it hasn't gone any further than a hip scarf.
me I don't mind..I can see what their feet and legs are doing. But I really don't mid people having fun honest I don't!

**Shanazel** · 11-15-2008, 06:09 PM

I've always had at least a couple of students in each class who say they took the class because they heard it was a great workout. Sometimes they stay because they fall in love with the dance, sometimes they go on to to the next "great workout" sensation, be it sitting on giant rubber balls or using steps. I don't think the latter group is anymore numerous now than it ever has been, at least in my patch of prairie grass.

**Aniseteph** · 11-15-2008, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by lizaj

I found the last intake all came in jazz pants and trackies and despite being told that they could add a bit of fun glitter, it hasn't gone any further than a hip scarf.

When I started going to classes it was weeks before we even got brave enough to tie something round our hips.

British reserve and herd mentality I suppose.

**Mosaic** · 11-16-2008, 10:56 AM

me I'm not fit, just love to dance! Mind you I am probably am more fit than I was before starting to dance, but it wasn't really my main aim, I wanted an outlet, and i sure found it! So I have no idea what my heart rate or anything else when it comes to the fitness world.

Even if I knew and there was a need to improve my fitness, i wouldn't... I HATE anything to do with gyms and sport!
~Mosaic

**Jane** · 11-16-2008, 07:19 PM

Two of my classes I teach at a gym, but I teach it as a dance class. They come for the fitness and end up staying for the art. "Bellyrobics" would bore me to tears.

I'm pretty fit, but not as fit as I used to be. It's an unfair comparison; twenty years ago I was 17 and in the military working out 3 hrs a day 5-7 days a week on average.

Now I'm 135 lbs instead of my ideal 115 at 5'3". It's all between the belly button and the knees. I can hike mountains and dance for hours straight- I'm doing okay.

**Kashmir** · 11-16-2008, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by lizaj

Actually I'm not interested in your heart rate but I wonder how many teachers have seen a real slip towards the "I wanna use bellydance to get fit" and away from the "fun way to kick off the cares of the day".
<snip>
I found the last intake all came in jazz pants and trackies and despite being told that they could add a bit of fun glitter, it hasn't gone any further than a hip scarf. me I don't mind..I can see what their feet and legs are doing. But I really don't mid people having fun honest I don't!

Actually I encourage my students to have fun as dancers - as such no need to dress up - just use that body. Jazz pants and trackies are standard wear! People still have fun - honest.

**Shanazel** · 11-17-2008, 03:29 AM

What are trackies?

I thought of this thread yesterday when someone approached me to find out if I taught "the true energy of belly dance." Turns out she wanted a belly dance class that concentrates on meditation and expanding conciousness. I told her I was not the teacher for her and sent her on to my friend who teaches meditation as well as belly dance, though I'm not sure she does both in the same class.

People come to dance classes for a lot of reasons.

**lizaj** · 11-17-2008, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Shanazel

What are trackies?

I thought of this thread yesterday when someone approached me to find out if I taught "the true energy of belly dance." Turns out she wanted a belly dance class that concentrates on meditation and expanding conciousness. I told her I was not the teacher for her and sent her on to my friend who teaches meditation as well as belly dance, though I'm not sure she does both in the same class.

People come to dance classes for a lot of reasons.

Scouse for tracksuit bottoms! Sorry forgot to translate.

yes I know we have diff. motives. It's just I notice the majority are saying different things.