How to Spot a Great Oriental Dance Choreographer

Oriental dance is becoming more popular every day, and it's wonderful that women are eager to learn how to move beautifully! However, as belly dancing gains traction, so-called "teachers" appear who want to teach a dance they barely understand themselves.

Before signing up for oriental dance classes, make sure your instructor has received proper training—ask about the dancers she has studied with privately, which competition programs she has participated in and what results she achieved, whose master classes she has attended, and so on.

Belly dancing, like any other genre, evolves every year. A good teacher constantly exchanges experience with colleagues and stays informed about major dance events and trends.

The technique of oriental dance is not as simple as it seems. However, there are certain basic movements that can break down even the most complex element. If you hear your teacher say, "Just move your hip like this, and then over there," she may not fully understand the structure of the movement herself.

Oriental dance has a beneficial effect on the body, but certain movements have contraindications. If your instructor lets you dance with spinal injuries, internal organ diseases, or insists that it's okay to attend classes during the first months of pregnancy (!!!), you should switch studios. A good teacher cares about your safety.