Belly Dance 101: How to Make the Most Out of Your Dance Classes
Part 3: How to Maximize Your Dance Classes & Practice
4 minute read
We are on Part 3 of our series and it’s time to learn how to maximize what you’ve learned in class!
Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to revitalize your steps, belly dancing is an exciting adventure of self-expression, fitness, and personal growth! If you’re taking group classes, private lessons, or a combination of both, I have seven sturdy tips to help you get the best results and make the most out of every class.
1. Set Your Goals and Intentions
This first step is definitely worth thinking or journaling about! Even if for just 5 minutes. It helps you get into your personalized head-space and heart-space.
Imagine you are about to step into the studio. You’re dressed for class, hip scarf tied, dance bag and water bottle in hand, and you take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve through belly dance.
Are you looking to improve your fitness goals?
Do you want to feel more confident and connected to your body?
Are you aiming to perform, or simply enjoy the process of performing?
These are just a few ideas that you can ask yourself. But go wild! There’s no right or wrong answer.
By identifying your goals, you’ll approach each class with clarity and purpose. I suggest you spark up a conversation with your teacher as well because they may have some great insight for you that you might have not thought of before.
2. Create a Practice Routine
Progress doesn’t stop when class ends! Set aside time to practice at home and reinforce what you’ve learned. But wait! Let’s not think about it as a chore. Let’s set the tone that a dance routine is very personalized and you have permission to change it anytime! Try new things!
Find spaces where you can set your mood and move freely and comfortably.
Use mirrors to check your form, or record yourself to track progress.
Practice consistently, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. A playlist to get you grooving is what I recommend when you start to feel like it’s a chore. Music are sound waves and energetic frequencies that, though you cannot see, your body hears and feels right away. Pressing play is like turning on your car before you start driving.
Building a routine helps you retain skills, develop muscle memory, and stay motivated.
3. Engage with Your Teacher and Classmates
Forming relationships in group classes can make the experience even more enjoyable and keep you coming back. Everyone is different in how they connect with others and some of us are more shy or more bold, and that’s absolutely ok! Don’t feel rushed to make new friends.
With your teacher, if you have doubts, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification during, before or after class. Your teacher is there to guide and support you.
Tip: In group classes, connecting with your classmates can be a valuable experience. Encourage each other, share tips, and celebrate milestones together.
4. Embrace the Challenges
This is a hard one, but extremely rewarding! Learning any new skill comes with its challenges and belly dance is no different. Every stumble is an opportunity to grow - and you deserve to bloom!
Be patient and nurturing with yourself—progress takes time!
Celebrate small victories, like nailing a shimmy or learning a new move. Share it with a friend! Teach it to them, or send them a video of your progress.
View mistakes as stepping stones to success, because that means you’re focused on your goals. Yes!
Approach challenges with curiosity, not frustration, and you’ll see improvement faster than you think, because curiosity means that you have an open heart and open mind.
Bonus Tip: Do some self-talking. Have pep-talks with yourself and repeat what really matters to you. Return to step 1, your goals and intentions!
5. Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Belly dance is more than just movement—it’s a rich cultural art form. Deepening your understanding of its history and traditions will enhance your connection to the dance.
Listen to Middle Eastern, North African, and Turkish music outside of class. Learn about the history of the music, how it developed, and who were and are the famous singers and songwriters of the time.
Learn about the origins and meanings behind the movements.
Explore the costumes and props used in performances.
Travel, if you can! Physically being surrounded by the culture and the roots is absolutely invaluable. If you cannot travel, find cultural or belly dance events near you. It could be a local festival or historic site that hosts these events.
This cultural immersion adds depth to your practice and a sense of reverence for the art form.
Big tip! Be an observer, be curious and open-minded. Not everything is how it looks on the surface.
6. Take Care of Your Body
Your body is your instrument, so treat it kindly. In a world that constantly bombards us with the “self care” and “self love” movements and verbage, the base of this message is valuable. It’s only when you or someone close to you gets hurt, that you might start to truly take care of yourself - but don’t wait! Start now!
Warm up before class - do active stretches and bring lots of circulation to your body before training. Cool down afterward, give yourself a relaxing stretch to prevent injury.
Stay hydrated and nourish yourself with wholesome foods.
Rest when you need to! Especially after intense practice sessions. Be kind to yourself.
When you care for your body, you’ll feel stronger, more flexible, and ready to dance with confidence.
7. Stay Open and Have Fun!
Open-heart, open-mind. Belly dance is a journey, not a destination, cliche, but true! Stay open to learning, experimenting, and enjoying the process.
Try new props or techniques when you feel ready.
Join workshops or events to expand your skills.
Dance for yourself, not for perfection—it’s about joy, expression, and connection.
I hope you found these tips and series helpful!
With love, I wish you a beautiful and abundant belly dance journey!
About the author
Alexandra is a passionate belly dance artist dedicated to empowering women through movement, community, and self-expression. With nearly 20 years of experience in teaching and performing belly dance, she combines her expertise with her visual arts and art history degree with a deep commitment to wellness and personal growth. She is the co-director of Belly Dance Stories, a multi-media platform that focuses on highlighting the voices of the every-day woman through storytelling and dance.
You can also follow her on Instagram at @alexandramolina.arts and @mindfulbellydance, and subscribe to her YouTube channel, Alexandra Molina Arts, for additional content and updates.