How to Start a Belly Dancing Studio ~ Be a Belly Dancer



Career eGuides Marketing eReports

Virtual Face-to-Face

Belly Dancing Studio Owner

Breaking Into and Succeeding as a Belly Dancing Studio Owner
Becoming a Professional Belly Dancer
Starting a Belly Dancing Studio

Desert nights. Women dancing barefoot on Persian rugs. Tambourines. Layered veils. These are some of the images that may come to mind when you think of belly dancing. But how much of it is true?

There are so many fears, misconceptions and generalizations about belly dance that the true beauty of the art form is often veiled. It’s important to take off these veils one by one to arrive at the true nature of the dance.

Belly dancing, also referred to as Middle Eastern Dance or Oriental Dance, is first and foremost a traditional folk dance. It encompasses numerous dance styles from various regions across the globe. Some of these dances, such as the whirling of the dervishes, the Moroccan Guedra and the Zar, found in Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and Tunisia, are deep religious expressions.

Dance is an artistic expression of fundamental human experiences. Belly dance, though, is not necessarily affiliated with any one religious practice. However, the spirit of the dance has profoundly impacted many women while other dancers see it more as an artistic workout.

As with most art forms, the spirituality is where you find it. If you are not comfortable with the spiritual side of the dance, there is no need to focus on them. However, if you are open to experiencing the ways that belly dance can affect your self-awareness, self-esteem and self-control, and the many ways that it teaches you invaluable life lessons, it will not disappoint you.

If you are going to become a belly dancer, there is something you should have clear right from the very beginning. Belly dancing is not about stripping, seducing or tantalizing. It is a traditional art form that has been performed for centuries by men, women and children in the East, including Lebanon, North Africa, Turkey, the Arabian Gulf and Egypt as well as in Greece and even in India. While it may be sensuous, it is not lascivious.

Belly dancing, or Oriental dance, has many origins and is present in many traditions. It is called by many different names and performed by many different people. It is impossible to easily explain its roots or pinpoint the exact moment in history when people began using the movements characteristic of belly dancing.

Many scholars believe that Oriental dance was originally done by women for women. During the rise of Islam, homes were divided into sections separating the women from the men. During festivals, weddings and other special occasions, women celebrated together. They often did this by dancing for one another what we now refer to in the West as belly dancing.

Many scholars have researched the use of Oriental dance as a means of preparing women for birth. Many traditional midwives were very well aware of the numerous benefits dancing has for pregnant, birthing and postpartum women. Girls were taught belly dancing moves from a young age to help them improve their muscle control and to better manage the pain of childbirth.

In the 50s, belly dancing was a hit in nightclubs and in Hollywood. We owe its sequined bra image to this period. For a long time, belly dancing was equated with adult entertainment. Over the years, however, dancers have been able to successfully correct this misconception, at least the majority of the time.

Belly dancing today is becoming increasingly popular for women of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds. It is used in the West as a way for women to exercise their bodies while also growing in self-confidence, control and ability. It has become an artistic expression of the feminine. It has given women everywhere a sacred place to bond, grow and learn as a group and as individuals.

It is still an essential part of Turkish weddings, circumcision ceremonies and other festivities. In many Eastern countries, it continues to be a valid form of artistic entertainment. Cairo holds several well known Oriental dance festivals every year that attract dancers from around the globe.

That being said, belly dancing is in a constant state of evolution. There are new styles emerging all the time. From Egyptian to American Tribal Style to even gothic belly dance, what part will you play in the belly dance continuum?

Now, how much can you earn as a belly dance studio owner?

Depending on the types of classes held, you can expect to earn anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 per month. If you sell costumes, DVDs, CDs, and other accessories, you can expect to earn even more.

In this eGuide, you will find information on:

Understanding what this business truly entails
Where to purchase costumes and accessories
History and cultural significances of belly dancing
Basic techniques of belly dancing
Teaching techniques
How to start your own studio with confidence

In a nutshell, if you have the drive to succeed, feel good with your body, and good with people, you're very likely to succeed in this business.

About the Authors

Jennie S. Bev is THE fashion, image and fun careers expert, whose reputation has been acknowledged by prestigious media internationally. She has been profiled and mentioned in Entrepreneur, Teen People, Canadian Business, Home Business, Dong (France), San Francisco Chronicle, The Independent, Daily Southtown, The Arizona Republic, Chic (UK/Asia), Fit (Asia), Femina (Asia) and Dewi (Asia).

Editor-in-Chief Jennie S. Bev was named 2003 EPPIE Award finalist in Non-Fiction How To category for excellence in electronic publishing. She has published over 40 books and 900 articles in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Southeast Asia. She is also a college professor based in San Francisco Bay Area.

Co-author Kristina Morris-Heredia‘s academic background is in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. However, she has found her career as a freelance writer and translator. She has conducted ethnographic research on a Gypsy community in southern Mexico, has written numerous articles, eBooks, and web content and has written for the likes of Mothering Magazine and Woman’s Health Network.

She goes back and forth between the United States and Mexico but currently lives in Xalapa, Veracruz with her husband and her two kids.

This 87-page instantly downloadable StyleCareer.com eGuide Breaking Into and Succeeding in Belly Dancing Business brings you valuable insider tips, advice and suggestions not available elsewhere to help you embark on this highly lucrative career path.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Myths, the Realities, and the Basics
Does belly dancing have any religious or spiritual connotations?
I have no professional dance experience. Can I start a belly dance studio where students come to learn?
I don’t have a flat stomach or a slightly round one as other belly dancers have. Can I still become one?
I am a shy person, can I belly dance and eventually open a studio?
I like belly dancing but am afraid that it is too sexual, too erotic and too sensual. Is this true?
I have never owned my own business and don’t know what is required to open a studio. Can you help?
I love children. Can I teach belly dancing to kids?

Belly Dancing in a Nutshell
History
Belly Dancing by Any Other Name
Middle Eastern Dance
Egyptian Raks Al-Sharqi
Danse du Ventre
Oriental Dance
Belly Dance
Modern Egyptian Dance
Turkish Style Belly Dance
American Tribal Style
Persian
The Many Benefits of Belly Dancing
Who Can Belly Dance?

Belly Dancing Basics and Skills
A Few Basic Moves
Warm Up
Posture
Belly/Torso Movements
Belly Rolls
Body Waves and Undulations
Exercise #1
Exercise #2
Rib Cage Circles
Horizontal Rib Cage Circle
Vertical Rib Cage Circle 1
Vertical Rib Cage Circle 2
Hip Movements
Hip Circles
Large Hip Circles
Small Hip Circles
Inner Hip Circle
Outer Hip Circle
Walking Hip Circle
Hip Bumps
Hip Lift
The Shimmy
Arm and Shoulder Movements
Shoulder Roll
Snake Arms
Shoulder Shimmy
Turns and Walks
Step/Point
Triple Step
Turns
Veilwork
Beginning Veil Posture
Moving With the Veil
Cool Down

What Top Belly Dancing Courses Offer Their Students
Culture and History
A Variety of Teaching Techniques
Improvisation
A Chance to Shine

How to Become a Belly Dance Instructor
You’ve Got to Know the Basics...
Teacher Certification
Continue to Grow
Safety First
Do You Have What it Takes?

Costuming

Starting a Belly Dance Studio
Eaning Potentials
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
Scenario 4
Scenario 5
Preparations to Start the Business
Floor Space
Mirrors
Parking
Spacing
Utilities
Equipment
Preparing to Teach
Legalities
Your Best Resource
A Business License
Fees
Zoning
Insurance
Marketing
Creating Marketing Material
Distribution
Promotions
Dance Dropouts
Special Events
Creating a Theme: How to Make Your Studio Stand Out
Selling Costumes to Students: A Wholesale List
Costumes
Music
Creating Training Materials

Being Successful
Success Traits in Running Your Studio
Carve a Niche
Stand Out
First Impressions
Never Stop Learning
Make a Roadmap
Room to Move
Payment
Recitals

Caveats and Keeping Updated
Working With Beginning Students
Working With Experienced Students
Observers
The Down Side to Going Pro
Trade or Professional Associations to Join
Festivals to Attend

Success Profiles

This eGuide literally saves you hundreds of dollars spent on professional workshops and training and hundreds of hours of research. It will help you break into the career of your dream faster without having to repeat the same mistakes that most newcomers do.

You can have this exclusive eGuide right away by instant download for only $77.95, which you will earn many times over with your first paid job. This special low discount price is reserved for today, Thursday, 11-Mar-2010 06:27:46 PST only. (Regular price: $87.95)

Breaking Into and Succeeding
in Belly Dancing Studio Business
83 Pages
Regular Price: $87.95
Sale Price: $77.95

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If you pay by eCheck via PayPal, it will take 3-4 days for it to be cleared by the bank. You will be sent the automatically-generated download link upon clearing of your eCheck.

The fastest way to enjoy your eGuide is by paying with credit card (the download link will be sent to you immediately without any delay).

Ordering from us is completely safe and secure as we have partnered with two of the most trusted names in providing utmost security to the e-commerce industry: PayPal and E-Junkie.

Within minutes of the approved payment, you will receive an e-mail containing the link where you can download your order.

*Please note that when you place an order on our website, your download link is sent to the email address that PayPal has for you on file.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Satisfaction Guaranteed: You've got nothing to lose.
You have 10 days to review your eGuide. If you're not satisfied for any reason, contact us via this form for full credit that can be applied against future purchases. Due to the nature of digital info products, we cannot provide any refund.

Read your new eGuide with