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Frequently asked questions
The two classes/courses are designed to complement each other, giving you a well-rounded understanding of belly dance foundations and performance.The Belly Dance Technique class and course focus on understanding and refining individual movements through breakdowns, drills and short combinations.The Belly Dance Choreography class and course brings those movements together into a routine, developing your transitions, musicality and expression, with the option to participate in our end-of-term showcase when you join the choreography course.Both teach foundations and welcome complete beginners. The difference is how we practise: technique gives you more time to explore individual skills, while choreography builds them into a dance.
Absolutely. Both our belly dance technique and beginner choreography classes welcome complete beginners. Movements are broken down into manageable steps, with guidance to help you understand how to create them. You don’t need to arrive with coordination or confidence, those are skills we develop through practice.
Our teaching combines Egyptian Oriental and fusion belly dance. We explore posture, isolations, shimmies, undulations, arm movements, rhythms and musicality, alongside opportunities to develop your own expression.
You’ll explore posture and alignment, hip and chest isolations, undulations, shimmies, arms, coordination, layering, rhythms and musicality. Through drills and short combinations, you’ll practise how movements work individually and how to connect them with greater control.
You’ll learn a routine step by step, practising technique within the choreography. We develop transitions, timing, musical interpretation, expression and stage presence, helping you bring the movements to life. The end-of-term showcase is completely optional and no previous experience is needed! We welcome any woman who wants to learn.
They’re designed to complement each other. Taking both gives you dedicated time to refine your foundations and apply them within a routine. You can also attend either independently, depending on your interests and availability.You can view the courses hereYou can view the drop-in classes here
Yes. Returning dancers can revisit foundations, refine details and explore additional layers and variations. Nat offers individual feedback and adjusts the challenge to your experience, so you can keep developing alongside beginners. Also, each term we will be visiting a new style so your repertoire will significantly expand.
Nat, our instructor and founder, will check in with students individually, offering corrections and explanations. Beginners concentrate on foundational movements, while more experienced dancers receive additional layers and variations. You’re encouraged to build understanding before adding complexity and take breaks when needed.
Each one-hour session includes a warm-up, a recap of previous learning, new technique, focused drills, a short combination and a cool-down. We revisit skills regularly, giving you time to practise before building on them.
You’ll work towards greater body awareness, coordination, movement control and musical understanding through regular practice. Each term introduces a different focus alongside foundational work. In the final class, we bring the term’s learning together in a combination practised in class.
Our belly dance classes are taught by BAW Dance founder Nat, also known on stage as Fyra Velvette. She has five years of teaching experience, a ballet background and belly dance training since 2020.Her qualifications include Level 2 Group Exercise Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, Beginner Belly Dance Level 1 CPD and Intermediate Belly Dance Level 2 CPD.
Technique classes take place at BGM Studios, 73 St John St, London EC1M 4NJ, in Farringdon.Choreography classes take place at Islington Studios, Floor 3, Unit 3.4, 161 Marlborough Road, London N19 4NF.Always check the address on your chosen booking page and confirmation.
For Belly Dance Technique, they are two ways to book the same weekly session. A drop-in gives you flexibility to book individual classes. A course provides regular practice across a set number of weeks, helping you build on previous learning.
Yes! New BAW students can book an eligible first class for £14. Select the First Class Offer when booking.If you decide to join the eligible course afterwards, we’ll deduct your first-class payment from the course price so you won’t pay twice for that session. Contact us for the code and applicable terms.
Yes! You can join through our flexible memberships: Standard Bundle or Gold Bundle. Message us before booking so we can discuss the remaining sessions and arrange a suitable option.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in and bring water. Bare feet, socks or soft dance shoes are suitable for belly dance. A hip scarf is optional, you don’t need a costume to get started. We usually bring in some hip scarves for you in the class, but if you want to get your own you can find our suggestions at our shop.We also recommend you buy in advance some soft dance shoes like ballet slippers which you can also find at our shop.
No! You don’t need to arrive with a particular fitness or flexibility level. Start with movements suited to your current ability and build gradually. Let your instructor know about any injuries, access needs or concerns before class so you can discuss suitable adaptations.
Performing is completely optional and is only available to those on the Belly Dance Choreography Course. The Belly Dance Technique course does not include a showcase. The choreography course offers an optional end-of-term showcase, so you can learn the routine for your own enjoyment or choose to take it with the group onto the stage!
Students who join our classes / courses relevant WhatsApp group can access supporting practice videos shared for many sessions. The group also connects you with our supportive women’s community.Those on the Choreography courses also get a free month of our Learning Space video gallery roughly a month before the end of the course, so they can practice the choreography for the upcoming show at home!
Standard drop-ins are £18, with a £14 first-class offer for new BAW students. Courses and membership bundles are also available. Check the relevant booking page for current course prices, dates and plan details.
Course payments can be split through Clearpay, Klarna or PayPal, subject to the provider’s eligibility and terms. Available options are shown at checkout.
Start with technique if you’d like more time to understand individual movements. Choose choreography if you enjoy learning a routine and exploring performance. Combine both for complementary practice, or message us and we’ll help you find your starting point. 💜
Depending on which membership or pricing plan you buy there are different refunds and rescheduling policies. Make sure you check at checkout before you buy - you will be asked to read the policies relating to your pricing plan. Please email us directly to discuss if you have questions at info@bawdance.com
Absolutely! BAW Dance is a respectful, inclusive space for women, LGBTQIA+ women, and non-binary people. Come as you are, and dance in a space built for confidence, expression, and community!
Sometimes classes and events may be filmed or photographed for community and promotional content. Please let us know privately if you do not wish to appear.
During class we always ask before we film and are mindful of those around us.
Not at all. Most classes are beginner friendly unless stated otherwise.
We don’t run from one permanent studio, so BAW Dance classes and courses take place across carefully selected venues in London. Check the relevant booking page for the exact address before you travel!
Wear something comfortable to move in. Specific recommendations, such as heels, kneepads or skirts, will be shared where needed.
If you’re running late, you may still be able to join within the first 10–15 minutes. After that, entry may be restricted so you don’t miss the warm-up. If you can’t make it, let us know at least 24 hours before class. Missed classes are non-refundable after that, and we’ll do our best to offer a catch-up class where available.
Some classes are suitable for 16–18-year-olds when they attend with a woman or non-binary parent or guardian. Contact us first, and we’ll help you pick the safest, most comfortable class for their age and experience.
You can if you’re a full-time student or receiving Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, where that option is listed. Check the class or membership page, then pick the price that fits you best!
Yes. We offer limited Community Scholarship spaces for those facing financial, personal or social barriers to accessing dance and wellbeing spaces.
Email info@bawdance.com with 2–3 short sentences about how joining BAW Dance would support you and which class you’re interested in. Keep an eye on our Memberships page for the next application window, and apply before the deadline!
Join the waitlist! If a spot opens up or we add another date, you’ll be first to know. Sign up and stay ready for the next chance to dance!
Yes! Some classes are online, and others are in-person in London. Check the booking page for each class or course, then choose the format that works best for you.
You can pay by card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay where it’s available. Choose the option that suits you best, then book your spot!
Expect a warm welcome, a proper dance warm-up, technique and choreography, then a chance to practise and enjoy the movement. Classes are upbeat, supportive and beginner-friendly unless stated otherwise. Come in, tune in, and let yourself dance!
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