A Note About Private Classes

One hour of private tuition is the equivalent of around four group classes because you progress much more quickly than when learning in a group.

And remember you don't have to do weekly private classes - they can be fortnightly or monthly. As long as you're diligent in practicing at home, private classes are definitely worth the time and money for quick and successful learning.

Private tuition is most suitable if:

• You're a motivated learner who will practice at home.
• You learn better with the teacher's undivided attention.
• You're a serious student who is already attending group classes but would like private tuition tailored to your needs in order to improve rapidly.
• (Specifically for dance:) You're a non-dancer who has an upcoming function where you must dance - having a few private classes beforehand will be just the trick to ensure you're dancing up a storm on the night!

FAQs: Bellydance

Why Bellydance?

Quite simply: because Bellydancing is the most fun way to get fit!

Bellydance is suitable for any age, shape and fitness level. Being low impact means it's great for toning and strengthening your whole body. Also, you'll find that Bellydancing is fun but challenging, and kind to the body while still giving you an awesome workout.

Remember:

How Will Bellydance Benefit Me?

Overall you’ll look and feel better, and the long-term benefit of that is an increase in self-esteem. But the best thing about Bellydance is that it’s 100% fun.

What Are The Bellydance Classes Like?

My Bellydance classes are fun and there is no pressure to compete with anyone else but yourself. I work you hard to help you increase your fitness, but you can reduce the intensity to suit you.

What Experience Do I Need To Do A Bellydance Class?

None. Just bring yourself and a smile!

What you’ll discover quickly is that Bellydance isn’t quite as easy as it looks. But there's no need to ’t worry if you don’t get it right immediately - like anything new it can be a little daunting at first, but with persistence you will most certainly learn and improve.

Stay with it and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see your dancing evolve. And most importantly, please don’t judge yourself during class - you’re there to have fun, not to be perfect.

What Can I Expect In A Bellydance Class?

It depends what level of class you're doing:

• Beginners learn basic technique, basic combinations, and basic choreographies.

• Beyond Beginners expand on what they've learnt in beginners class, doubling their Bellydance repertoire.

• At an Intermediate level, students start to use props (like veil, fan veils, Isis wings, stick, tambourine, zills).

• Advanced students learn about performing.

Should I Be Fashionably Late To Bellydance Class?

In one word: no. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it’s courteous to be on time - both to your teacher and your fellow students.

Secondly, being late means that you miss out on some or all of the warm up and that’s not a safe way to Bellydance. Preparing the body for dance is all-important to reduce the risk of injury, so do your best to be there for the start of every Bellydancing class.

What Should I Wear To A Bellydance Class?

NOTE: The preference for fitted clothes is for safety reasons, because it's easy for me to clearly see what you’re doing and fix incorrect technique. And for the feet, wearing some type of footwear means you can avoid getting dirty feet and it’s warmer for winter not to be barefoot.

Can I Still Do Bellydance If I'm Uncoordinated?

Nobody expects you to be coordinated as soon as you walk through the door, so don’t worry if you’ve got two left feet - with practice anyone can learn to Bellydance.

Your coordination will increase with persistence and patience. Just give yourself a chance, do your best, and you’ll improve as the weeks go by.

Can I Still Do Bellydance If I'm Overweight?

People of all shapes and sizes attend Bellydancing classes. 

Some are slim, others are curvy, some are tall, others are small. There are students who are chubby, slender, pear-shaped, ironingboard-shaped, full-figured, slight-figured, and everything in between.

So don’t be worried about looking a certain way to be able to come to Bellydance class - no one will judge you on your body shape. My classes are very friendly and you’ll be greeted with smiles from everyone no matter what you look like.

Can I Still Do Bellydancing If I’m A Late Starter?

It’s never too early or late to start Bellydancing and enjoying this beautiful dance. Come one, come all - it doesn't matter what age you are.

Can I Still Do Bellydance If I Have An Injury?

Sure you can. As long as your health professional gives you the go-ahead, you are most welcome to come to Bellydance class, injuries and all.

On the topic of safety, you - as the participant - are responsible for ensuring that you are physically and medically fit for the class, and during class you must at all times take care of your own personal safety, and that includes listening carefully to my instructions. Note also that Bellydance classes - like any physical pursuit - do involve some risk of personal injury, and while I take all reasonable care in the conduct of my classes, I can’t accept responsibility for injury caused during class.

Can I Still Do Bellydancing If I'm Pregnant?

If you were Bellydancing before you got pregnant and your doctor says you can continue your regular activities, then you should have no problem dancing all the way through your pregnancy. What you must do, however, is let me know that you are pregnant, as there are some moves that should be done gently if you have a bun in the oven.

On the other hand, if you haven’t Bellydanced before, it’s probably best to wait until after the baby comes to start. Even if you're active in other forms of exercise, starting something completely new is not advisable when you’re in a delicate state such as pregnancy. While it’s unlikely that anything bad will happen, it’s best not to take the risk.

What If I Hate Exercise? Should I Even Bother With Bellydance?

Bellydance classes tend to have a large population of exercise-hating individuals. Students find that they enjoy Bellydancing immensely because it doesn’t really feel like exercise because it's so much fun.

So, yes, do bother coming to Bellydance class if you hate exercise. You'll not only be in good company, but you'll no doubt find that you love Bellydancing despite the fact that it's exercise.

And Finally…

I hope to shimmy with you some time soon - see you in class!

FAQs: Yoga

Why Yoga?

Because the physical and mental benefits of Yoga are countless.

Yoga involves low-impact movements and postures which increase flexibility, and tone and strengthen your entire body. In my opinion, Yoga will benefit you more than any other physical pursuit - least of all for its physical payoffs which are plenty, but for its mental benefits.

Yoga Is:

• Great for toning the muscles and improving flexibility.
• A challenging workout where you're also encouraged to rest when you need to.
• Not just a physical workout, but includes meditation and relaxation techniques that will enhance your life and reduce your stress levels.

Regular Participation In Yoga Classes:

• Increases fitness.
• Strengthens your muscles.
• Reduces overall stress levels.
• Enhances your psychological well-being.

Remember:

How Will Yoga Benefit Me?

With dedicated practice of Yoga, you’ll not only feel better physically, but also mentally.

And that's because Yoga is not just a physical exercise - it supports your psychological health through meditation and relaxation. It’s the meditation and relaxation aspects of Yoga that help to ease stress, clear the mind, and develop a more positive and loving attitude to yourself and the world around you.

What Are Yoga Classes Like?

My Yoga classes are welcoming and pressure-free. There is no competition between participants, and you can reduce the intensity of the practice whenever you need to.

Like anything new, Yoga can be a little daunting at first, but with persistence you will learn - and the immense benefits of Yoga are worth pushing through the difficult first stages. In time you’ll be pleasantly rewarded seeing your body and mind improve.

What Experience Do I Need To Do A Yoga Class?

None at all.

But remember to give yourself a chance: don’t just try one class and decide you can’t do it - of course you can’t do it, you’ve only just started! Give it some time and give Yoga a good go.

What Can I Expect In A Yoga Class?

I try to use a variety of poses week by week so that students are constantly challenged. Although all classes aim to be challenging, the choice is yours as to how hard you feel you should work that day based on your needs at the time.

Should I Be Fashionably Late To Yoga Class?

No, absolutely not.

Being on time is a courtesy to your teacher and to your fellow students. Being late means that you miss out on some or all of the warm up. which is not a safe way to practice Yoga. Preparing the body is all-important to reduce the risk of injury in Yoga (or any type of physical activity), so be there for the start of class.

Do I Need Any Equipment To Participate In Yoga Classes?

You’ll definitely need to invest in a good quality Yoga mat.

What Should I Wear To A Yoga Class?

NOTE: The preference for fitted clothes is for safety reasons. I can clearly see what you’re doing and fix incorrect technique. You’ll also be able to move more easily wearing fitted clothes - baggy clothes an ride up and down and can get in the way of movement. And for the feet, being barefoot means you can take advantage of the stickiness of the mat to execute the Yoga poses well.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m Uncoordinated?

Yoga requires no coordination.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m Overweight?

People of all shapes and sizes can attend class, so there’s no need to worry about looking a certain way - my classes are very friendly and no one will judge you on your body shape.

You’ll see the difference in your body quite quickly by coming to class every week. Not only that, you’ll find that the positive mental attitude fostered through Yoga will mean you’re feeling better psychologically too.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m Not Fit?

You don’t need to start off being fit as you’ll attain fitness through regular practice of Yoga. In fact, if you come to class week after week, you’ll be hard-pressed to avoid getting fitter.

Yoga works all your muscles, plus it will help you make improvements to your mental health through the relaxation and meditation techniques that are practiced during class. Improving the health of your mind will unquestionably help improve the health of your body.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m A Late Starter?

It’s never too early or late to start practicing Yoga and enjoying the vast benefits a dedicated Yoga practice brings.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I Have An Injury?

You can still participate in a Yoga class if you're injured IF your health professional has given you the go-ahead to do so.

On the subject of safety, please note that Yoga classes - like any physical pursuit - do involve some risk of personal injury. While I take all reasonable care in the conduct of my classes, I can’t accept responsibility for injury caused during class. You, as the participant, are responsible for ensuring that you're physically and medically fit to safely practice Yoga, that you listen carefully to my instructions, and that you take care of your own personal safety during class.

Can I Still Practice Yoga If I’m Pregnant?

If you were practicing Yoga before you got pregnant and your doctor says you can continue your regular activities, then you should have no problem practicing gentle Yoga all the way through your pregnancy. A modification you must make, however, is to completely avoid backbends and twists.

On the other hand, if you haven’t practiced Yoga before, it’s probably best to wait until after the baby comes to start classes. Even if you are active in other forms of exercise, starting something completely new is not advisable when you’re in a delicate state such as pregnancy.

Yogic Mythbusting!

There are many myths and misconceptions about Yoga. One is that it’s just about stretching. Another is that you have to be flexible to attempt Yoga. And, last but not lease, that Yoga’s easy.

Let’s look at those misconceptions one by one to give you an idea of what not to expect in class (which will ultimately give you an idea about what you can expect in a Yoga class!).

Misconception 1: Yoga’s Just About Stretching

I should point out first that Yoga is about stretching - but, it’s not just about stretching. It’s about strength too.

Dedicated Yogis and Yoginis are extremely (and sometimes mind-bogglingly) strong. So if plain old stretching isn’t your thing, Yoga might be just what you’ve been looking for: because it combines stretching with strength work, making it infinitely more challenging and beneficial than a basic stretch class.

Misconception 2: You Have To Be Flexible To Attempt Yoga

You needn’t be flexible before starting Yoga in the same way that you don’t need to lose weight before joining a gym. It works the other way around! With dedicated weekly practice, Yoga will - without a doubt - make you more flexible.

Misconception 3: Yoga’s Easy

Let me assure you that Yoga is not easy. Don’t expect to just roll around on the floor, breathing through your navel, and meditating on your ovaries. No, my friend - there’s much work to be done in a Yoga class and you will find it a challenging and rejuvenating experience.

So What Is Yoga In That Case?

Put simply, Yoga is the ultimate workout of both body and mind.

And I say that not as a Yoga teacher, but as someone who’s a big fan of many areas of fitness. You’ll find me participating in a variety of physical pursuits: happily punching away in a boxing class, pitting muscle against metal in the gym, walking my dogs, riding my bike, et cetera. I love it all!

But as a teacher and participant of a variety of physical disciplines, Yoga has to take the cake as the workout of workouts because the added meditation and relaxation develops the most important ‘muscle’ in your body: your mind.

Time To Try Yoga!

You’ll find that Yoga will increase your strength, and stretch your muscles, but - best of all - it will also decrease your stress and ease your mind. Meet the Yoga challenge - your body and mind will love you for it.

And Finally…

I hope to meet you some time soon – see you on the mat!

FAQs: Pilates

Why Pilates?

The physical benefits of Pilates are incredible. Pilates involves low-impact exercises which will tone your body and strengthen your muscles. Pilates will enhance your abilities in other sports you do and in the daily activities of your life.

Pilates is:

• Awesome for toning and strength.
• A challenging workout, but you can work at your own pace.
• Ideal for when you’re rehabilitating from injury.
• Excellent in strengthening the all-important pelvic floor muscles.

• Strengthens every muscle you’ve got.
• Shapes your body.
• Will reduce or eliminate lower back pain.
• Will make your stomach flatter.

Remember:

• All shapes are welcome.
• All ages are welcome.
• All fitness levels are welcome.

How Will Pilates Benefit Me?

Firstly, Pilates can radically change your body shape, and your body-confidence will skyrocket as a result.

Secondly, the activities in your life - be they work or play - will be improved immeasurably by Pilates. Whether you’re an elite athlete, a homemaker with kids to chase after, a sedentary office worker, a labourer, or whatever, no matter what you do Pilates will help you do it better.

What Are Pilates Classes Like?

My classes are non-judgmental, beginner-friendly, with a non-competitive and welcoming atmosphere. You are invited and encouraged to rest or reduce the intensity of any exercise whenever you need to.

What Experience Do I Need To Do A Pilates Class?

None at all. Just come along and give it a go. But please, don’t just try one class and decide you can’t do it - of course you can’t do it, you’ve only just started! Persist with Pilates and you'll be greatly rewarded.

What Can I Expect In A Pilates Class?

If you’re looking for a soft, relaxed workout, then you’ll need to look elsewhere as I teach a dynamic, challenging class. Having said that, you're encouraged (no matter how experienced you are) to use common sense, listen to your body, and rest whenever you need to.

Should I Be Fashionably Late To A Pilates Class?

Two words of advice on this: don’t be.

It's courteous, both to your teacher and the other participants, to be on time. And being there for the entire duration of the class is the safest way to do Pilates, so be there for the start of class.

Do I Need Any Equipment To Participate In Pilates Class?

You’ll definitely need to invest in a Yoga mat. And I say a Yoga mat rather than a Pilates mat, because a Pilates mat tends to be too spongy for my liking. It will also mean that if you get into Yoga too, the mat can serve two purposes.

What Should I Wear To A Pilates Class?

• For the bottom half: NO to skirts, dresses, jeans, baggy pants. YES to dance pants, fitted track pants, leggings, shorts.
• For the top half: NO to anything big and baggy. YES to fitted t-shirts or singlets, tank tops, leotards.
• For the feet: NO to any type of shoe. YES to bare feet.

NOTE: The preference for fitted clothes is for safety reasons - I can clearly see what you’re doing and fix incorrect technique. You’ll also be able to move more easily - baggy clothes can ride up and down and can get in the way of movement. And for the feet, being barefoot means you can take advantage of the stickiness of the mat and perform the exercises to the best of your ability.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Uncoordinated?

Pilates requires very little co-ordination, so yes, being uncoordinated is not a problem.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Overweight?

People of all shapes and sizes can participate effectively in a Pilates class, so there’s no need to worry about looking a certain way. Not only that, my classes are extremely friendly and no one will judge you on your body shape.

Best of all, you’ll be seeing the difference in your body very, very quickly if you come to class regularly, so the feeling of self-consciousness will reduce as your body improves.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Not Fit?

Pilates doesn’t miss a muscle - and I’m not just talking major muscle groups here, I’m talking about all the other little ones in between the big ones too.

Through Pilates your whole body gets an overhaul. In fact, if you come to class week after week, it will be impossible to not to get fitter. In other words, you don’t need to be fit to start doing Pilates: you'll get fit (whether you like it or not!).

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m A Late Starter?

It’s never too early or late to start doing Pilates and enjoy the improvements it brings into your life.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I Have An Injury?

You can still participate in a Pilates class, as long as your health professional has given you the go-ahead.

While talking about safety and injury, it's important to note that Pilates classes - like any physical pursuit - can involve risk of personal injury and while I take all reasonable care in the conduct of my classes, I can’t accept responsibility for injury caused during classes. You, as the participant, are responsible for ensuring that you are physically and medically fit for the class, and that during the class you take care of your own personal safety.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Pregnant?

If you were doing Pilates before you got pregnant and your doctor says you can continue your regular activities, then you should have no problem doing Pilates all the way through your pregnancy (with the exception of exercises which involve lying on the tummy as your baby bump gets bigger). 

On the other hand, if you haven’t done Pilates before, it’s probably best to wait until after the baby comes to start classes. Even if you are active in other forms of exercise, starting something completely new is not advisable when you’re in a delicate state such as pregnancy.

And Finally…

I hope to meet you some time soon - see you on the mat!