TAKE NOTE
  The complex subject of Dance Notation is not usually covered in bellydance classes, so if you haven't studied any formal dance notation systems you'll need to make up your own. That's what I did, and I'll share my shortcuts with you in this issue.

  You say that you get 'Handouts' in class or at workshops, so why take notes? 

  Besides learning actual body movements, if you listen in class you may hear about concepts and ideas that explain why things are done the way they are; notes on costuming; or even cultural and historical information. In addition, the mental process of converting your body movements into visual, written notes gives you a more complete learning experience, just like alphabet blocks can help children learn to read. The seeds of knowledge falling from your teacher's lips will take root better if you convert them into written form, plus you'll certainly need a method of notation when you're composing at home. So it is helpful to take learn how to take dance notes. 

  The Glossary below is from my Dance Combinations page, and I'll include some graphic symbols I use as well.

GLOSSARY of ABBREVIATIONS
B=Back 
ct(s).=Count(s) 
CCW=CounterClockWise 
CW=ClockWise 
D=Down
F=Forward or Front 
fl=Flat foot
I=In
L=Left 
LOD=Line of Dance 
o=Ball of the foot 
o/h=OverHead 
O=Out
(p)=Pause 
P=palm(s)
pl=PLace 
R=Right  
rep.=Repeat
S=Step 
t=Touch (not a 'weighted' step)
tog.=together 
u=Up
X=Cross
__x=times (how many: 3x means 'repeat 3 times')

Here's a few examples of simple steps & combinations notated with this quick method:

 1) RS, L hip ^ ; LS, R ^ ; RS, L ^ .

 2) fl-o-o-o ; rep. 2x total in-pl.

 3) RLR S-tog-S; rep. 4x total in CW LOD (alternate starting foot).

Can you read them? How about these arm notes:

 4) Arms out sides, PD.

 5) L U, R D, PI.

 6) P tog. o/h.
 
SYMBOLS
  These graphic symbols save time when notating by hand, but if you type your notes later you may have to spell out "pivot" "lift" "drop" and "shimmy" (as seen in "Illustration A' below from left to right) as there's nothing similar on the keyboard, except for the caret (^) used in Example 1 above.

  (l-r: pivot; lift; drop; shimmy)
 Illustration A

MOVING IN TIME
  Remember to relate your descriptions to the time frame they cover. For instance, the movement  notation below covers an 8-count segment (which could be 2 beledi rhythms; 1 masmoudi; 1 chiftitelli; or 4 ayub, etc.). It's quite important to note the timing of your steps so if you don't understand what that is, ask someone who does; and sign up for some rhythm, drumming, or finger cymbal classes. 

8 cts: RS, L hip ^ ; LS, R ^ (cts. 1-4); RS, L^ 3x <pivoting> CW to face B (cts. 5-8).

YOUR TURN... 
  Try it yourself! Translating your movements into script will help you understand the dance in new and different ways, and a little focused attention now will pay off big later as you see your dance skills grow.