Where I Teach

I teach Bellydance at Brighton-le-Sands RSL (351 Bay St, nearest cross street is Grand Parade) on Saturdays at 10.30am. No booking required, just show up. It's $15 and everyone is welcome.

My 'home gym' for Yoga and Pilates is Rockdale Fitness First: www.fitnessfirst.com.au/clubs/timetable/index_html?club_id=52.

Fees To Hire Me

Types Of Classes I Can Teach

I teach classes at gyms, private classes at my home, and group workshops for events such as: corporate gatherings (eg. for team-building workshops), hen's parties (just for fun), wedding rehearsals (to teach the members of the wedding party how to dance in preparation for the big day!).

I teach a flowing style of Yoga and dynamic Pilates. As far as dance goes, my specialty is Bellydance, which I can teach to a performance level. But I can also teach up to a 'beyond beginner' level in the following: Greek dance, classical Indian, Bollywood, Southern African, and Latin (Salsa, Merenque).

Fees For Weekly Group Classes

Weekly classes (at a gym or workplace, for example) start from $60/hour Monday to Saturday and $70/class on a Sunday.

Fees For One-Off Group Workshop

Maximum participants for a group class is 30, at a venue of your choice. The cost is between $200 and $300 for an hour, depending on: day of the week, night or day, and travel time. NOTE: Cancellation fee (ie. if I turn up and class is cancelled) is half of the agreed price.

Fees For Private Classes

For one on one classes in my home: It's $50/hour for 1 to 2 people. I'd say that one hour of private tuition is the equivalent of around four group classes - you get my full attention and therefore progress much more quickly than in group classes.

And remember you don't have to do weekly private classes - they can be fortnightly, monthly or even bi-monthly - as long as you're diligent in practising at home, the private classes will definitely be worth your time and money.

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?

Because it’s the most fun way to get fit! Bellydance is suitable for any age, shape and fitness level, and being low impact is great for toning and strengthening your whole body. You'll find it's fun but challenging, and kind to the body while still giving you a 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. Bellydance will make you realise that your body is beautiful no matter what shape or size you are, but the best thing about it is that it’s 100% fun.

What Are The Bellydance Classes Like?

My 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 don’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 learn.

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, but at the moment I'm only offering the one technique class to the public which is suitable for:

• Beginners with no experience at all.

• Beyond Beginners who want to polish their technique.

• Intermediate level students who want to practice zills. (Note: bringing zills is not necessary as you'll play 'air zills' so as not to disturb the rest of the class!)

• Advanced students who are aspiring teachers and want to get tips on breaking down and teaching Bellydance techniques.

Should I Be Fashionably Late To Bellydance Class?

Two words: don’t be. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it’s nice to be on time out of courtesy to the 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 dance. Preparing the body is all-important to reduce the risk of injury, so please do your best to be there for the start of every class.

What Should I Wear To A Bellydance Class?

NOTE: The preference for fitted clothes is for safety reasons: I can 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 dance. 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 class - 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 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 Bellydance If I Have An Injury?

Sure you can still do Bellydancing! As long as your health professional gives you the go-ahead, you are most welcome to come to class.

On the topic of safety, it’s important to comply with any requests I make as your teacher. Dance 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 during the class you must at all times take care of your own personal safety, including listening carefully to instructions.

Can I Still Do Bellydance 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. It’s unlikely that anything bad will happen, but it’s best not to take the risk.

What If I Hate Exercise?

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

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! It 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, but you are encouraged to rest when you need to.
• Not just a physical workout, but includes meditation and relaxation techniques that will enhance your life.

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. Yoga is not just a physical exercise - it supports your psychological health through meditation and relaxation and it’s these 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 The 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.

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. In my classes you’ll experience a combination of poses at different degrees of difficulty. 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?

Please don't be! Being on time is a courtesy to the teacher and 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, so please do your best to 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 – 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 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. Best of all, you’ll see the difference in your body quite quickly by coming to class every week, and not only that, you’ll find that the positive mental attitude fostered by 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 practising Yoga and enjoying the vast benefits dedicated 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, it’s important to comply with any requests I make as your teacher. Yoga 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 during the class you must at all times take care of your own personal safety, including listening carefully to instructions.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m Pregnant?

If you were practising Yoga before you got pregnant and your doctor says you can continue your regular activities, then you should have no problem practising Yoga 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 avoided or modified.

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 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 are extremely (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 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’s the other way around!

With dedicated weekly practice, Yoga will, without doubt, help you become more flexible. Increasing your flexibility might not be your biggest goal in fitness, but being more flexible will help you to achieve your ultimate goal. Why? Because your muscles will love you for stretching them out, and work so much better for you when you exercise.

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 experience.

So What Is Yoga In That Case?

That’s a fair enough question. Put simply, to me Yoga is in many ways the ultimate workout.

And I say this not just as a Yoga teacher. This is the opinion of someone who’s a big fan of pretty much all 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 various disciplines, for me Yoga has to take the cake as the workout of workouts because the added meditation develops the most important ‘muscle’ in your body: your mind.

Time To Try Yoga!

As you can see, there are many reasons to try Yoga. You’ll find it will increase your strength, and stretch your muscles, but best of all, it will 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! It involves low-impact exercises which will tone your body and strengthen your muscles immensely. In my opinion, Pilates is one of the most beneficial of all the physical pursuits you can participate in, either on its own or to enhance your abilities in the other sports and activities you do.

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?

Pilates can radically change your body shape, and your body-confidence will skyrocket as a result. 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 the exercise whenever you need to. Pilates will improve your body, but can be extremely challenging at first - give yourself time to develop strength.

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 and you'll be 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 commonsense, 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. Please do your best to 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 (rather than a Pilates mat which tends to be spongier – and this will 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 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 and perform the exercises to the best of your ability.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Uncoordinated?

Pilates requires very little to no co-ordination.

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 – 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 quickly if you come to class regularly, so the feeling of self-consciousness will reduce.

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 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 start off being fit: you'll get fit.

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 comply with any requests I make as your teacher. 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 during the class you must at all times take care of your own personal safety, including listening carefully to instructions.

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. What you must do, however, is let me know that you're pregnant, as there are some moves that should be avoided or modified.

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!