Karida's School of Orientale Dance
1432 Sangamon Ave, Springfield IL.
Frequently Asked Questions's
How long does the average class last each week?
The time spent in each class depends on a variety of factors: one is the size of the class,
another is the overall experience level of the students in each section. Smaller classes or classes
with more experienced students generally take less time since there are usually fewer questions and movement
issues to cover. Larger classes, or classes with more brand-new students will take longer. Class will
normally last at least one hour, but we allow up to an hour and fifteen minutes
so there is ample time to cover any areas that the students might need extra time to work on.
Once I finish a Level One class, do I then move up to Level Two?
Since there are hundreds of movements and movement combinations for a new student to learn,
there is far more material than can be covered in a single 8-week class. For this reason, we offer 5
different Level One choreographies, on a rotating basis thru the year, plus two "Intro" choreographies,
each choreography covering a different segment of the wide range of movements and combos. Also, there are several
basic movements that may take up to 4 semesters of Level One classes to fully understand and for your body to get a feel
for the best way to execute them correctly. Thus, Beginning students are encouraged to take as many Level One classes
as possible before moving to Level Two, since at Level Two we do not spend as much time explaining or breaking
down the individual movements. It is not unusual to spend a year of consecutive classes at Level One before moving to
Level Two.
How often do new classes start?
We have five 8-week "semesters" per year: new classes start in mid-January, late March, early June, mid-August, and
late October. If you miss the start of a semester, consider taking our 4-week "Intro" class, which starts a week or two
after the 8-week classes commence. Start dates are posted on our website at least a month in advance, so be sure to check
back regularly.
How much of a workout can I expect?
At Level One, our classes begin with an easy workout for the first few weeks - to get those not accustomed
to this type of exercise started off gently. Our warm-ups are relaxed and un-rushed, and the first few weeks of class
are spent on working various individual parts of the body to increase flexibility and begin teaching you to access your
core muscles. By the fourth week, most of our foundation movements have been introduced, so the pace begins to pick up.
Warm-ups become more intense and while not as high-impact as aerobics, we still get our heart-rates up during drills of
combinations, eventually progressing to repetitions of the choreography we are learning where both your body and your
brain will be fully involved. So, if you do not find the first few weeks challenging enough - stick around!
What ages can take these classes?
Middle-eastern dance is a dance that all ages can enjoy. No specific level of fitness or flexibilty is expected
of beginning students (however, if you have any doubts, be sure to consult your physician). The majority of our students
at this time are in their 30's , 40's, and 50's, however, we currently have everything from 14 up to 60+ attending classes
regularly. We do however ask that students not yet 18 have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian, and those younger
than 13 are asked to have a parent accompany them to class. (This is a terrific way for mothers and daughter to bond!)
What do I wear?
The one thing you will absolutely need to acquire from a bellydance vendor is a hip scarf or hip-wrap. If you are
committed to getting the most from your classes, this is an essential item, in that it helps emphasize the movements of the
hips so that both you and your instructor can tell when you are moving your hips correctly. You will be expected to have
a hip wrap by your third week at the latest. (For your convenience we stock these in our studio boutique.)
Beyond that,
we ask that all beginning students restrict themselves to stretchy exercise clothing that fits closely to the body to allow
the instructor to see your movements without interference from concealing fabric bulk. Any clothing marketed for aerobics
class is usually fine - just remember: the more the teacher can see, the more she can help you! (Bare bellies are NOT required.) We recommend leotards and leggings, sports bras, stretch shorts, tank top, etc. Students who have progressed to Level Two and above are encouraged to 'dress up' with harem pants and/or skirts as desired.
How many people are in a class?
Class enrollment varies widely depending on the time of day and the day of the week. Our minimum enrollment for an
8-week class is 3 students; our maximum for Level One is 16 students per class, for Level Two is 10 students per class.
If I am enrolled for a class, but my work schedule changes, can I switch to a different class?
Yes, definitely, if there is still space available in the class section that you wish to switch to,
you may do this once. We just ask that you notify us in advance so that your enrollment info can be moved to the new class.
If you must hold your registration over to a later semester, you may do so after payment of 'drop-in' fees for any classes
you have already attended for up to three weeks into a semester. (refunds or transfers to a later semester are not
possible after the third week of classes)
Can I make up missed classes on another night?
Yes, you may make up a missed class at another class time, if the class you will attend is covering the same material
as the one you will miss. Please check in advance tho - not all classes progress at exactly the same rate or cover the
same choreography, or space may be limited. If you need to do this more than twice, we ask that you switch your enrollment
to the new class section.
Will you "hold" a space for me until I can come in and pay you?
Since our class space is limited, we cannot 'hold' spaces. All class registrations are done "first-come, first-served" in
order that payment is received. Be sure to see our online payment option at classregistration.html.
How early can I register for a class?
As soon as our schedule for the next session is published we will begin accepting "in person" registrations for those classes. Our online payment page will be updated to the next session schedule once our current semester has been underway for 3 weeks.
What's the latest I can register for a class?
For new Level One students: thru the third week of the semester we will accept registrations as late as the first night you attend class, as long as space is still available in the class. Level Two or Level Three students may join a class at any time. (sorry, semester price will not be pro-rated for missed classes). Registration for any class will be closed when the class is full.
Can I bring a friend to class?
Friends and family members are welcome to drop-in on a class with you - however they must participate in the class
if they wish to be in the studio area. Likewise, visitors to town may also drop-in on classes for up to two consecutive weeks,at a cost of $12 per class. We have a break-room where we ask that non-participating visitors go to to pass the class time if they are not taking the class. If you know someone who is merely curious about our artform and wants to sit and watch you - we offer two school recitals per year, plus performances at various venues, where they may watch those who have consented to be watched dance.
Can I enroll my wife as a birthday or Christmas present?
Is this a present for her, or for you? (just kidding!) While we will eventually need her signature as participant
on our registration/waiver form, we do offer gift certificates. Pay the class fee in advance and we'll print up a nice
certificate you can put in her stocking. Then before class starts she should call us to let us know what class she wishes
to enroll in and we'll have the paperwork filled out and ready when she arrives on her first night.
My baby sitter cancelled - can I bring my child to class?
We ask that if at all possible you avoid bringing children into the studio if they are not coming to participate
in class. Our studio is small and has no amenities for child-care, plus our students need to be able
to give full attention to the teacher and vice-versa. Like other guests, if your child wishes to take the class, they
may be in the studio area after the drop-in fee is paid. Otherwise, if there is an emergency and you are stuck, we ask
that the child bring something with which to occupy themselves and remain in back room during class so as not to distract
the students or teacher.
What the heck is "Bollywood"?
The movie industry of Mumbai, India produces a huge number of films every year. A "must' for every Bollywood film is to include a variety of music and dance numbers, colorful production numbers rivalling those of the US movie-musical films of the 40's, 50's and 60's. For a lot more great info on what to expect, see: BollyWhat.com As to why you might need good knees, see this clip from "So You Think You Can Dance" on YouTube: play clip
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