What to Look for in an Oriental (AKA: "Belly") Dance Instructor

​What to Look for in an Oriental Dance Instructor (in no particular order):
 

• Experience in teaching some form of dance or exercise.  Dance Degrees, Fitness Certifications, and Intensive Oriental Dance Training would fall in this category.
• The teacher follows a standard dance class structure featuring Warmup, Technique, and Cool Down.  (May have other parts, but look for at least these 3.)
• The teacher pays attention to the students and corrects them when necessary.
• The teacher communicates well using visual demonstration, verbal analogies, and hands-on corrections of students.  The teacher cares about transmitting the information and making sure the students understand what is being communicated.
• The teacher listens and watches well and offers feedback and correction in a sensitive and positive fashion.
• The teacher provides an Oasis for the student.  All cares of the day are left at the front door as the teacher provides the best learning experience vibe possible.  The teacher cares about her/his students and may chat briefly, but then dives into class.  (Beware the teacher who chats on and on in class about her/his personal life.)  The teacher provides a safe and fun environment for all students.
• The teacher is able to break down steps and concepts effectively and safely.
• The teacher is able to modify movement or add progressions to movement for each individual student as necessary, always providing options for all levels which may be represented in class.
• If possible in your area, the teacher will provide performance opportunities for those willing and interested to get their feet wet or for their continuing education/advancement.
• The teacher shares information about what is happening in your local dance community, and will refer students to other teachers if applicable.  A good teacher will encourage study with as many different teachers as possible.
• The teacher will invest in continuing education for herself/himself through class attendance, workshops, lectures, etc.
• The teacher is prepared for class.  (I know it sounds simple and obvious, but you’d be surprised…)
• The teacher is able to creatively adapt on the spot if necessary.  (For example, music system dies, or student has issue/injury requiring modification.)

 
These are some basic things I look for when searching for an Oriental Dance Instructor (and strive to be myself as a teacher).  Of course, you will naturally be drawn to some more than others, as you realize some styles of teaching and dancing just “fit” better than others.  This is normal.  As a teacher, I strive to “teach the class I’d like to take.”