Ghawazee, Folkloric, Baladi, Vintage & Fusion Bellydance Classes in Canberra.

Our most frequently asked question is

"How do you say 'Ghawazee' and what does it mean?"

The word ghawazee (singular, Ghaziya) means "invaders" and the Anglicised pronounciation is gah-WA-zee. It's also spelled 'gawazi' and 'ghawazi'.

The ghawazee have alternately been referred to as a class of people, a group of families and a tribe. Originally migrants to Egypt, the ghawazee were banished from Cairo in 1834, and most moved south to the Said region in Upper Egypt. They were well known for their dancing and music and provided entertainment for community events and celebrations in the towns where they lived.

Body Image & Gender | Enrolment | Classes | Performing | Party & Community Workshops

BODY IMAGE & GENDER FAQs

DO I HAVE TO SHOW MY BELLY?

You don't ever have to show your belly in bellydance, but sometimes (depending on the style you are performing) you will have to cover it.

 

BUT, I'M TOO FAT/ SKINNY/ OLD/ YOUNG/ STRESSED OUT/ UNCOORDINATED/ TALL/ SHORT SIGHTED/ ETC TO BELLYDANCE!

Short answer? You're not. 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 to 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, perserverence and practice, you'll be amazed by what you can achieve - and have a lot of fun in the process!

 

ARE TRANS-WOMEN WELCOME IN YOUR CLASS?

Of course. All women and girls are welcome to join our classes and participate in all of our events and activities. We also happily welcome people who identify as non-binary or gender-diverse. Ghawazee Moon Bellydance is an LGBTIQAPK+ 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.

 

CAN MEN BELLYDANCE?

Absolutely. There are some amazing male bellydancers out there! We do teach both men's and women's styling and styles. If you're keen to learn to bellydance, we are keen to teach you. Whilst our school is very women-centred, men who wish to join us in sharing this dance are very welcome.

ENROLMENT FAQs

HOW DO I ENROL?

Find the classes page. The term dates, timetable, and registration options (via the website, or using PayPal) are all there. All you have to do is select your class. If you'd like some advice or more information, call/text us or send us an email - we're happy to help.

 

I'VE DONE SOME BELLYDANCING BEFORE, AND I'M NOT SURE WHICH LEVEL OF CLASS I SHOULD ENROL IN?

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 enrol online 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 in the first week.

 

CAN I DO A TRIAL CLASS?

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 $20 for 1 hour classes, or $15 for 20-30min (kids/littlies) class. This cost is deducted from your term fees should you decide to continue with the class. You will need to call/text or email us to book your trial.

 

CAN I JOIN PART-WAY THROUGH THE TERM?

You are welcome to join part-way through the term, and your fees would be adjusted to reflect that. 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. Private lessons 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.

 

WHAT IF I'M GOING TO MISS A HEAP OF CLASSES?

Ghawazee Moon Bellydance classes run alongside the school term, with 9 weeks in each term. If work or travel will mean that you will miss classes, you may be better off purchasing a 10-Class Pass ($190) or doing drop-in classes ($20 class) during that term. In the case of a missed class due to illness or your best friend's birthday party, you are welcome to do a make-up class at a different class at the same or lower level within the term of the missed class.

CLASSES FAQs

WHAT DO I BRING TO CLASS?

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 stud student use during class time, but you will eventually need your own set.)

Intermediate Students should also have:

A veil

A full circle practice skirt

Advanced Students should also have:

Headphones (for solo choreography work)

A copy of your music (for solo choreography work)

Notes/Choreo Count for group choreography.

 

WHAT DO I WEAR TO CLASS?

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

DO I HAVE TO PERFORM?

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

 

WHEN CAN I PERFORM?

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.

 

WHERE DO I GET COSTUMES?

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 Goulburn and Sydney who sell bellydance costumes, props and related items. The school has a small collection of hip scarves and zills/segat available for students to purchase. We also have a large costume & prop collection that is available for students to hire. The hire fee is generally around $5/performance to help with the costs of making, replacement and maintainance.

GROUP LESSONS & PARTY WORKSHOPS

DO YOU DO CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS PARTIES AND HEN'S NIGHTS?

Yes we do! We even bring along the dress ups! You can check out our 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.

We teach bellydance classes and workshops so you can feel great about yourself and become part of an encouraging and supportive community. We can help you celebrate your beautiful, creative and expressive self through the joy of bellydance.

 

Gungahlin Community Centre, 47 Earnest Cavanaugh St, Gungahlin

'Nellie Hall', Chinner Crescent, Melba
'Ellycienne' Home Studio, Macgregor

 

Phone: 0403020796