Short answer?
You're not.

Long answer?
Bellydance looks different on different people, and that's one of the things that makes it such a great dance form. There is no "correct" body shape for bellydance. In fact, through bellydance, you'll come to look at your "flaws" in a very different way, and learn to appreciate what makes you uniquely you.

You're never too old to learn something new, and never too young to start. Bellydance is a low-impact, high energy dance form making it accessible to people of all ages. You don't have to be "the best dancer ever" to enjoy dancing, nor for people to enjoy watching you perform. Everyone is capable of being the best dancing version of themselves. With a little patience, perseverance and practice, you'll be amazed by what you can achieve - and have a lot of fun in the process!

Of course. All women are welcome to join our classes and participate in all of our events and activities. In fact, any body who wants to dance is welcome - men, women, children, people who identify as non-binary or gender-diverse. Ghawazee Moon Bellydance is an LGBTIQA+ friendly school. If you want to learn to bellydance, then we want to teach you.

If you have any concerns or specific needs, please do send us an email or give us a call/text so we can talk about it and make sure we do everything we can to ensure a comfortable and supportive learning environment for you.

Absolutely, and men continue to be welcome in our classes. We teach both men's and women's styling and styles, and male-identifying people can learn both. If you're keen to learn to bellydance, we are keen to teach you. Whilst our school is very women-centred, men and boys who are comfortable in those spaces and wish to join us in sharing this dance, are more than welcome. If you're not sure about group classes yet, you can always start with private lessons.

Short answer, yes they can, and no, it's not.

From our own students, we have seen nothing but positive outcomes for young people who learn to bellydance. Our focus is on what our bodies can do, not on what they look like in comparison to other people. Young dancers gain confidence, make connections with other young people, and are encouraged to work with a growth mindset.

Our kids classes make space for personal expression as we learn to appreciate and celebrate our own, and others, artistry and abilities. We work both individually and in small groups to develop musicality, gross and fine motor skills, cultural knowledge, and an environment that is welcoming to all.

Classes are a space for dancers to learn and make mistakes - an essential part of the learning process - with other dancers who are also learning and making mistakes at the same time. Whilst your child knows you, and probably feels comfortable making mistakes around you, other students in the class don't know you, and your presence may make them feel very uncomfortable.

If your child feels nervous, and has indicated that they need you in the room (or sometimes dancing with them) that is ok for the first couple of weeks. Once they have settled in, then you can sit with other parents in the waiting area to not be a distraction to your child or others.

If your child has special needs, and you are their carer, then we can make special allowances around your child's individual circumstances. Please make sure you contact us first so we know the best way to help your child enjoy their journey in dance.

Classes are a great way to make friends and become part of a community that welcomes everyone.

During this very impressionable age, being part of a bellydance community can counteract the potentially damaging messages from the media and advertising around young people's bodies and their place in society. Our young dancers are encouraged to take up space, love the body they're in and appreciate all the amazing things they can do.

Dancers are welcome to join adult classes once they are 16, but can choose to stay in our Teens classes until their late teens/early 20s if they feel more comfortable in this class.

Joining an adults class in the late teens can help students with their transition to adulthood. Adult dancers will welcome and encourage them. Ensure that they feel like they have a place in the world of adults, and can make interactions with adults in the workplace and the world a little less intimidating. Being surrounded by dancers of a range of ages and body-types can help to establish an appreciation and acceptane of differences within themselves and society as a whole.

Our youngest dancers begin their journey with folkloric dances of the middle-east. These costumes generally consist of long skirts, long pants, covered bellies, and generally covered arms. Our youth classes expand their repertoire into Oriental and Fusion styles. The costumes for those styles will generally have long skirts or pants, generally sleeves, and belly covers. You can have a look at our Showcase Archives to see costumes previously used.

Some costumes will have an option to not cover the belly. The decision to cover or not cover on the stage is at the discretion of a parent until the child is 16. Though most parents are happy for their child to choose for themselves, the school will support the decision of the parent if there is a conflict. The only exception is if the parent would like their child show their belly (or any other part of their body, eg: arms, legs), and the child would prefer to cover.

We do not require any student to show any part of their body they do not feel comfortable showing. We will happily make changes and adaptations to costumes to ensure that each dancer feels their best, and most comfortable, on stage.

While choreographies learned in class are for performance at our Annual Showcase, and other events, performing is always optional. There is no pressure to get on stage. Students can participate fully in classes whether they choose to perform or not.

Head to the Classes page to find which classes are available along with their levels and some information about what we will be doing this term. From there you'll need to send an email or - if you are a continuing student - you can register via our TeamApp. Check the Calendar for term dates if you're not sure where we are in the term. If you'd like some advice or more information, call/text us or send us an email - we're happy to help.

We recommend people who aren't sure come along to two classes in their first week, and decide at the end of the classes which one will suit you better. You will need to organise this by giving us a call on 0403020796 or sending us an email. You will need to register in one of the classes to be enrolled for the term - it doesn't matter which one. There is no extra charge for the second class to check levels in week one.

Yes. However, we don't encourage trial classes for beginners, as it does take at least half a term to begin to feel comfortable in bellydance posture and movement, and we'd hate for you to give up before you've given yourself a chance to learn! If you're really not sure, you can take a trial class in week 1 or 2 (if there is space in the class) at $25/class. This cost is deducted from your term fees should you decide to continue for the rest of the term. We recommend you call/text or email us to book your trial, and to make sure there is space. Full term paying students receive priority for enrolment.

No. Classes are for participation, not observation. All students are in the process of learning which involves stepping outside of comfort zones and making mistakes. They need to do this in a safe and supportive environment. Having someone they don’t know observing them, rather than participating alongside them, will hinder their progress. We don’t want you feeling judged while trying new things, and we know you wouldn’t want that for anyone else.

You can sometimes join part-way through the term, but only if there is space in the class, and if the teacher feels the class is at a stage where it is possible for a new dancer to catch up. You are cautioned - particularly in classes that have been learning a choreography - that you may feel 'behind', so it's important to be patient with yourself while you catch up. Private lessons are available during the week or on weekends by appointment and can help you catch up with the rest of the class. If the class is focussed on technique (most beginner classes) then it is much easier to step in part way through. Students enrolling from week 3 onward are entitled to a pro-rata discount.

For Beginners, your dance bag should include:

• Bottle of Water

• Scarf that ties around your hips

• A Pen/Pencil

• Notebook/Folder to keep and write notes

• A couple of hair ties (if you have long hair)

• Finger Cymbals (We do have a small number for student use during class time, but you will eventually need your own set.)

Intermediate - Advanced Students should also have:

• A veil

• A full circle practice skirt

• Any props being used in class (if you have your own)

It's good to wear layers you can remove as you warm up and replace before you leave the dance space. This is important year-round. You'll need:

• Hair tied, pinned or pulled back away from your face

• A fitted top (We have school tops available in the shop)

• Scarf that ties around your hips (doesn't have to be fancy!)

• dance (yoga) pants (or leggings)

• dance slippers (optional)

• Do not wear jeans or short skirts

Performance is always optional. If performance is not your thing, there are lots of other ways to be involved - helping with makeup, helping backstage, decorating spaces, front of house assistance, etc.

We have an annual showcase each year that all students are welcome to perform or participate in. Most beginners will be able to perform at least one dance at our annual showcase at the end of 6-12 months of classes.

We also regularly perform at Floriade and the Multicultural Festival, as well as other smaller community events. As these performances generally have a limited performance time allocated, we cannot always offer these opportunities to all students. As students, you are not expected to be "perfect", but if you do opt in to a performance, you are expected to practice, turn up for any rehearsals, arrive on time, have all required costuming, be well-presented, and stay to the end. 

For working at a high intermediate / advanced level are welcome to apply to our performance troupe Banat Amar. 

The breakdown of costs for participation is as follows:

Term Fees. Standard Term Fees for however many classes you take. Dress rehearsals and private check-in sessions in Term 3 are covered in your regular Term 3 fees. There are no additional costs for Showcase rehearsals.

Costumes & Props. You can hire costumes & props from the school. This runs at a maximum of $20/dance, or $60 max for all showcase costuming. Most classes will perform two dances at the Showcase. There may be items which cannot be hired (eg: coverd bras and body stockings) which you will need to make (with assistance) or buy yourself. Beginners are encouraged to hire a costume for their first show, and then begin building a costume set over time.

Tickets. Performers do not need to purchase a ticket. Ticket costs are kept low to ensure accessibility for family and friends. Performers can purchase tickets for their guests early at a reduced cost, before they go on sale to the general public. The costs of running the showcase is primarily recovered through ticket sales, so please invite your family & friends!

Photos & Videos. These are available exclusively for performers as a record of their dance education. Photo sets per dance is $10, with a maximum cost of $30 for 3 or more dances. The cost of a digital download of the show is $10 (single download). These charges help cover the costs of processing, editing, and digital hosting for access.

We make a lot of our costumes, and have crafternoons through the year to help students who are new to making. You can buy basic costuming (such as circle skirts) online, and there are retail shops in Sydney who sell bellydance costumes, props and related items.

The school has a large costume & prop collection that is available for students to hire. The hire fee is generally between $5 and $20 per set per event to help with the costs of making, replacement and maintainance.

Yes we do! We even bring along the dress ups!
You can check out Bellydance in a Box Mobile Bellydance Workshops for details.

We have different bellydance style and costume colour themes available for Party Workshops (Hen's Nights, Baby Blessings, Birthday Parties), and we can tailor a custom workshop to fit your needs. Party workshop prices start at $15 per person. Take a look at our workshop options and add some sparkle to your next event.

We have options for one-off workshops and ongoing classes for school & community groups. Bellydance is great for men and women, boys & girls, young, old and everywhere in between. Prices start at $6/pp and are negotiable depending on the needs of your group. These workshops and classes are ideally personalised to suit your needs. So do contact us to talk about what you're looking for. Send us an email, or give us a call on 0403020796.