What happens during a Balliamo Belly Dance class?

During weekly classes, you will learn how to dance individual belly dance moves  (this is often referred to as ‘technique’). Your teacher will help each student to master each move, giving extra support where necessary.

You will also learn Balliamo Belly Dance choreographed dances that will allow you to join up the individual moves into a smooth dance. By learning choreographed dances, you will be able to enjoy dancing with other women in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The dances will also allow for extra practice of the technique in a fun way.

As you progress with your dance skills you will be given opportunities to “freestyle” during the class. This means that those who want to, can begin to develop their improvisation skills and find their own style.  Balliamo teachers also offer a more structured approach to improvisation for those who are not yet ready to “take the plunge” and dance off on their own!

What makes Balliamo classes special?

Balliamo classes have been developed with three main goals in mind. Whilst learning to belly dance, women should be given the opportunity to:

• Increase their fitness
• Enjoy dancing together
• Get to know each other and make new friendships.

All of these aims conspire to raise the confidence and self esteem of the women who attend classes. Balliamo was developed specifically to help women to feel great about themselves. Many women attending classes have founds that their new found confidence crosses over into their everyday lives! See the “comments” section for more information about how some Balliamo students feel about their dancing.

Commonly asked questions about classes

What do I wear?
There is no need to show your tummy (unless you want to!)
You should wear what you feel comfortable in. You will usually be dancing barefoot and should be able to move freely in what you are wearing. It helps if you wear clothes which are clingy round the middle or can bring along some material to tie around your hips. This will help both you and your teacher to be able to see what your hips are doing!  (Students who have been attending classes for a while, usually find their clothes become more sparkly as the weeks go on!)

How much do classes cost?
Classes cost £3.95 per one hour lesson, payable in half term blocks (around six or seven weeks) with a trial lesson first to see if you enjoy it. When you join, you pay only for the remaining weeks in the block.  Missed classes cannot be refunded, but some teachers teach several classes where you can make up any missed time.

Is there an age limit?
At the time of writing, the youngest Balliamo student is 13 and the oldest is 80! Please contact individual teachers for advice about younger students.

Do I have to be very fit?
Balliamo Belly Dance Classes welcome ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes. They are also suitable for all levels of fitness.  If you have any specific concerns about medical conditions, check with your GP and teacher before beginning lessons.