Bellydance by Anthea (aka Kawakib, Atesh)

www.kawakib.com

Other local bellydance teachers

Adara Janaani: AdaraJanaani@cox.net - Fredericksburg
Iesha: ZebaDancer@wmconnect.com - Orange

Contact Anthea if you'd like to be listed

Sometimes my students ask about...

What about studying with other teachers?

What about performing with other groups?

Here's a question (via email) from a student of mine:

"Anthea, my friend's sister started taking class about 4 months after I started and she has been doing solos from early on. Do a lot of teachers do that? Every time I talk to my friend all she says is 'my sister is making money dancing now and is doing all these solos and blah, blah, blah!!' It seems kinda weird...."

My response to her:

Dear student,
Who knows - teachers are all different.

Thank you for bringing this up! I want to take this opportunity to say that I totally support finding the teacher who is right for you.

"First-teacher loyalty" can make people unsure about whether they should switch or stick it out, but don't worry about it! I will always be here (inshallah) for those who really want to take class with me.

If you want to look around and try a different teacher, please do! I won't be offended. I would much rather have you get what you need with someone else than to stay with me and be unhappy thinking about what you may be missing.

I drove over an hour to get to my teacher - I took private lessons 2 or 3 times a month so it was worth the drive. Don't just go to a teacher because she's convenient - go get what you need wherever it is.

If you do decide to go to other classes, be confident that I'll support your decision and give you my blessings, and you'll be welcome back too! No worries, be happy.

____________________________________

The only concerns I have for students who study with other teachers at the same time they are studying with me are

1. that they have enough time to practise and master my class material, especially in the upper level classes; and
2. they can handle what may be two different movement techniques (mine and the other teacher's) without getting confused in class.

   Currently--even in our local area--there are many bellydance teachers, and many more opportunities to perform than there used to be.

   Students who show an interest in performing are often recruited into other performing groups or troupes, and end up with a heavier schedule than they anticipated. And sometimes, even though they haven't received formal training, they decide to become professional performers.

   I caution my students to consider the out-of-class realities of expanding their dance commitments before joining an outside troupe or performance group.

- How much time do you have to devote to dance?
- Can you handle twice as much practise?
- You may also need to purchase--or make--more costuming.
- And you'll probably have to juggle more rehearsals for different groups or shows.

   For this reason I require my student performers (Prism) to sign a Performer's Agreement that allows a minimum of 2 weeks "free time" before and after being in a show.

Go to Performer's Agreement.

My favorite quote from Ozel Turkbas: "Not everyone in the world has to be your fan..."
And they won't be! Just do what you believe is right.

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