Course levels
Which level to choose?1. BELLY DANCING IS MULTIPLE DANCES
The word belly dance is actually slang for oriental dance which includes several styles. Oriental dance is an incredibly broad dance form with many basic steps, performance, cultural dances and tools. Oriental dance is considered the world’s oldest dance and includes dances and performance in many Middle Eastern countries.
2. LEVEL 1 MUST BE REPEATED
Every movement, style and tool should be trained from scratch. This is taught at “level 1”. Even if you have taken a belly dance course where you learned the movement “camel”, it does not mean that you do not need to continue practicing the movement. In conclusion – all dancers should dance at “level 1” several times. Practise makes perfect!
3. DARE TO TEST A CHALLENGE
You are welcome to dance at all levels regardless of previous dance experience. You may want a challenge or feel that the theme of a higher level course would suit you. The content of the course is clearly specified in the course description. If you feel you have ended up at the wrong level, you can always change course.
Which level to choose?
Dance moves
Belly dancing has an incredible number of basic steps. Therefore, it is impossible to learn all of them correctly in 10, 20 or 30 lessons. In addition, teachers and dance schools define the levels differently. So if you danced one level at a dance school, it is very possible another dance school sees it as another level. Teachers also use different techniques, so if you change teachers, keep that in mind. Further down this page you will find exact information describing all levels so you can find the right dance course!
WHAT IS LEVEL 1?
GROUNDS
If you have previously taken a course at “level 1”, you can learn a number of basic movements. This may be movements such as snakearms, hip-drops, camels, Egyptian modern shimmy and horizontal eights. But by the end of the course, you have not practiced; hip-kick, arm positions, reverse camel, vertical eights, pelvic-moves, basic egyptian and heel shimmy.
If you want to learn a new dance style like saidi. Or a new tool such as the veil, these basics must also be trained from scratch. Therefore, courses of “level 1” must be taken several times.
Level description
Your dance background
Read the titles of the boxes below. Choose the box where the title best describes your dance skills and read how our course levels are recommended to you.
COURSES 0-2 YEARS
BEGINNER
DANCED AT HOME
BEGINNER +
COURSES 2-4 YEARS
EASY CONTINUATION
COURSES 5-10 YEARS
CONTINUATION
COURSES 10+ YEARS
ADVANCED SEMI PRO
TEACHERS & PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONAL
0-4 SEMESTERS
BEGINNER
If you have never danced belly dancing before or only a few semesters then you are a beginner. On our belly dance courses there are 3 different levels.
LEVEL 1: In these courses, we go through all the movements thoroughly. You who have never danced belly dance should start with this level. You who have danced 2-3 semesters are also recommended this level. Here you build up a base of different movements. Level 1 courses have different content and you can choose the course you think sounds the most fun.
LEVEL 2: The dancer should have knowledge of the basic steps of belly dancing. Therefore, level 2 is not recommended for those who have not danced before. If you have danced for more than one semester, level 2 may suit you. Read about the course content.
LEVEL 3: Level 3 is not recommended if you have never done belly dancing. If you have taken a few courses and learn quickly, a level 3 course may suit you. We often dance on tiptoe and at a high pace. Everyone is welcome to dance at this level but note that we do not go back and explain the basics. Read the course description to see if it suits you
ONLY DANCED AT HOME
BEGINNER +
If you have never taken a belly dance course but danced belly dancing at home, at parties or online, you are a beginner+. The advantage is that you certainly have more feel for the movements and the music. Here’s how our course levels suit you.
LEVEL 1: If you have danced outside of courses, you lack a review of the right technique. Here you will learn all the movements thoroughly. What you already know will get better and you will learn more movements. Read the course descriptions and choose the one you like.
LEVEL 2: Here we put on layers on basic steps. The dancer should have knowledge of the basic steps of belly dancing. It’s hard to know exactly what you’re capable of before. The level may suit you. Read the course content. You can always switch to a course.
LEVEL 3: If you have done a lot of belly dancing and learn quickly, a level 3 course may suit you. We often dance on tiptoe and at a high pace. Everyone is welcome to dance at this level but note that we do not explain the basics. Read the course description. You can always switch to another level.
COURSES 2-4 YEARS
EASY CONTINUATION
Having “danced belly dancing for 2-4 years” means that you have attended several semester courses and workshops that correspond to 2-4 years of courses. It can be spread out over several years or consecutively. With this knowledge, you are easily a continuer.
LEVEL 1: Since belly dancing has an incredible number of basic steps, styles, and variations, you should still take level 1 belly dance classes. The foundation of your dance shows itself in all your continued technique and should always be improved.
LEVEL 2: This level is a great fit for you. Here we layer on basic steps and begin to immerse ourselves in different styles. We also dance belly dance with tools (courses with equipment are also available at level 1 but not with belly dance movements).
LEVEL 3: Here we dance belly dancing at a high tempo, the technique is higher and we often dance on tiptoe. Several courses also include music analysis and style orientation. You’ll also get more feedback. A level 3 belly dancing course may suit you. Read the course description. You can always switch to another level.
COURSES 5-10 YEARS
CONTINUATION
You have danced on semester courses and workshops that correspond to 5-10 years of courses spread over several years or consecutively. You have probably visited international festivals where you have taken lessons from foreign teachers. You have probably performed on several haflas and maybe competed.
LEVEL 1: Sharpen your basics. Selina complements Egyptian grounds with Turkish and Lebanese execution. New for most dancers.
LEVEL 2: Immerse yourself in styles and gear you already use and build on with new ones. Selina teaches internationally, mainly in improvisation. Many dancers are inexperienced in improvisation so take the opportunity to develop in this. With movements and music, you get background and contemporary execution.
LEVEL 3: This level suits you who want to develop. High teaching tempo, technique drilling, double tempo movements, music analysis and style orientation. Take the opportunity to dance in high heels and learn floorwork.
COURSES MORE 10 YEARS
ADVANCED SEMI PRO
You have danced in what corresponds to at least 10 years of courses. You’ve visited festivals and taken lessons from famous dancers. Your goal may be to teach, perform professionally (work as a belly dancer) or compete.
LEVEL 1: Useful rehearsal under creative arrangements. Teaching described by teachers as “think outside the box”.
LEVEL 2: Different styles and utensils. Level 2 gives you the foundation for you who want to perform. Her insight into today’s dance development is invaluable information. For competitive dancers and future performers, this is a good foundation.
LEVEL 3: Drilling, music analysis, improvisation and style orientation.
DIPLOMA EDUCATION
For Selina’s “diploma performer education” or “diploma teacher education” the courses are compulsory. They are integrated into private lessons and assignments. For students visiting Sweden, private lessons are added in addition to the regular one. They replace missed lessons. The theory can be given online.
TEACHERS & PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONAL
You have a solid dance education and work as a teacher or professional belly dancer. The goal is to develop your skills and work opportunities on more levels locally and/or internationally.
LEVELS
You can participate in all our courses regardless of level, provided that you have the required prior knowledge.
DIPLOMA EDUCATION
For the diploma program “Professional oriental dancer” some courses are compulsory. They are integrated into private lessons and assignments. Which courses and the number of courses you participate or observe is determined depending on your goals and desired focus. They are used as a basis for the various stages of the education. For students visiting Sweden, private lessons will be added to replace any missed lessons. The theory can be given online.
Time to book a course
Found your level?
Choosing a belly dance course that matches your dance level is an important factor for you to get the most out of your dance course.
So before choosing a belly dance course, make sure you understand what each level entails and read the course description carefully. Once you have found your level, you can book your belly dance course.
INFORMATION FOR YOUR
BELLY DANCE COURSE
Extra information and about the levels and useful information for belly dance courses.
WHAT IS BELLY DANCING WITH UTENSILS?
Belly dancing with tools is an exciting and challenging form of oriental dance. By using different gear such as veils, canes and wings, you can take your dance to a new level. Keep in mind that you as a student need to bring your own dance equipment to the course. This is stated in the course description. Do not assume that there will be dance equipment such as veils, wings and canes to lend. We may sell these tools on site. You can also look in the dance shop here on the website. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO THE COURSE?
Taking a belly dancing course is an exciting and challenging experience that gives you the opportunity to learn a traditional oriental dance style. When attending your first course, it is important that you dress appropriately in order to move freely and feel comfortable. Usually, it is recommended that you wear comfortable workout clothes, such as stretchy leggings, soft top and be barefoot. Since belly dancing often involves movements with the hips, we like to emphasize this by tying a shawl around them. You can buy a hip shawl here on the website or on site.
CAN I CHANGE COURSE?
Taking a belly dancing course is a fantastic way to learn this traditional oriental dance style. However, sometimes you may find that the course is either too easy or too difficult for you. Don’t worry! There is the option to change course if you feel that you are not getting the most out of your current course.
If you feel that the course is too easy for you and that you need a bigger challenge, you might consider switching to a more advanced level. By challenging yourself, you can improve your technical skill and take your dance to a higher level. But be careful not to skip too many levels at once, as you risk ending up in on a course that is too difficult and thus missing out on important basic training.
However, if you feel that the course is too difficult, you may want to consider switching to a lower level course. Taking a step back can help you build your confidence and strengthen your technical foundation to take on more challenging levels later.
Remember that it is important to find a course that suits your level and needs to get the most out of your dance experience. Don’t hesitate to speak to your dance teacher if you feel a course isn’t right for you, so you can find one that fits.
HOW DO I CANCEL A DANCE CLASS?
If you have signed up for a belly dance course online, rules on the right of withdrawal apply. This means that you can cancel your report within 14 days after we have confirmed your report. To exercise the right of withdrawal, you can send an email to yalla@selinasevil.se.
If you cancel the course no later than one week before the course starts, you will be charged an administration fee of SEK 250. However, if you cancel your registration less than a week before the course starts, you will be charged half the course fee.
It is important to note that once the course has started, you have agreed to waive your right of withdrawal. If you cancel the belly dance course once it has started, you are obliged to pay the full course fee. So it is important to carefully consider your decision and follow the rules to avoid additional costs and misunderstandings.
CAN I WATCH & TRY LESSON?
Do you want to try belly dancing and see if it’s something for you? Now is your chance to take a free belly dancing lesson with us! During the lesson, you will learn the basics of belly dancing from an experienced instructor and discover the unique and captivating style that belly dancing can offer. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or already have dance experience, everyone is welcome to attend an optional dance lesson completely free of charge.
Book your free belly dancing lesson. We look forward to dancing with you!
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to dance belly dance
1. Increases your flexibility
Belly dance contains many movements that stretch and strengthen your muscles. This helps to improve your flexibility and your posture.
2. Improves your balance
Belly dance is a dance style that trains your entire body. The dance strengthens the muscles of the legs and torso. Which gives you better balance.
3. Reduces your stress
Dancing is an effective method of reducing stress. Stress levels are lowered by increasing the production body’s “happiness hormone” – endorphins.