Classes in London

Ginger Snap · 03-30-2008, 03:12 PM

Can anyone recommend me a class in London? I tried one last year, I won't mention any names, and after one class I just gave up (even though I'd paid £120 for the whole term). The teacher was terrible! I had only ever done two terms before (in a different city) , about 2 years earlier, but I can safely say that I was much better than the teacher of this new class, who seemed intent on just having people jiggle about and "get sexy" with no emphasis on control or posture or rhythm.

And the music she brought was Kasabian (British indie rock band, if you've not heard of them)!! I think it's possible to belly dance to anything once you're confident enough, but I really didn't think it was appropriate for a class, especially not a beginners one!

I'd love to get back into classes, or even one-off workshops every now and again. I live in North London...

Thank you! x

jenc · 03-30-2008, 03:55 PM

experience - never pay for whole term without getting trial lesson. also ask how long have you been dancing, who did you study with etc. generally, unless teacher has been dancing for over 5 years I would be doubtful.

Suheir · 03-30-2008, 04:32 PM

Hello, Ginger Snap! I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience, I suspect it's the same teacher whose classes someone I know walked out of and also lost her money. A case of flashy advertising and good, old fashioned bullsh*t over genuine experience and ability, I fear.

The only teacher I've been to in North London is Shafeek Ibrahim, an Egyptian who is a fantastic dancer and teacher.

"Based in London Shafeek teaches at The Place dance school in Euston. Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm studio 6. Classes are usually drop in classes, but also can be pre-booked"

Shafeek Dance

There's also Jo Wise, although I haven't been to one of her classes: http://www.jwaad.ndirect.co.uk/

Ginger Snap · 06-07-2008, 12:21 AM

Thanks for this advice people! Xx

03-30-2008, 03:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ginger Snap Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	Classes in London Can anyone recommend me a class in London? I tried one last year, I won't mention any names, and after one class I just gave up (even though I'd paid £120 for the whole term). The teacher was terrible! I had only ever done two terms before (in a different city) , about 2 years earlier, but I can safely say that I was much better than the teacher of this new class, who seemed intent on just having people jiggle about and "get sexy" with no emphasis on control or posture or rhythm. And the music she brought was Kasabian (British indie rock band, if you've not heard of them)!! I think it's possible to belly dance to anything once you're confident enough, but I really didn't think it was appropriate for a class, especially not a beginners one! I'd love to get back into classes, or even one-off workshops every now and again. I live in North London... Thank you! x

03-30-2008, 03:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
jenc V.I.P. Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Colchester UK Posts: 1,023	experience - never pay for whole term without getting trial lesson. also ask how long have you been dancing, who did you study with etc. generally, unless teacher has been dancing for over 5 years I would be doubtful.

03-30-2008, 04:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
Suheir V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Europe - London Posts: 1,227	Hello, Ginger Snap! I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience, I suspect it's the same teacher whose classes someone I know walked out of and also lost her money. A case of flashy advertising and good, old fashioned bullsh*t over genuine experience and ability, I fear. The only teacher I've been to in North London is Shafeek Ibrahim, an Egyptian who is a fantastic dancer and teacher. "Based in London Shafeek teaches at The Place dance school in Euston. Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm studio 6. Classes are usually drop in classes, but also can be pre-booked" Shafeek Dance There's also Jo Wise, although I haven't been to one of her classes: http://www.jwaad.ndirect.co.uk/

06-07-2008, 12:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ginger Snap Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks for this advice people! Xx