How to Start...

Maybe you're someone who has always wanted to try belly dancing.  Maybe you are someone who needs a fun and new way to exercise.  Maybe you are looking for a new hobby.  Maybe you want to make some new friends.  Hey, maybe you just want to shake your "groove thang."

All of these reasons (and more) are great reasons to start Belly Dancing!  When I first had an inkling that I wanted to start Belly dancing, I had NO clue how to go about finding a community.  The truth is, we are a niche community and you will probably only find us when you look for us: But we are here!!  Chances are there is a belly dancer in your community, or one nearby!  Here are some places to look for a teacher:

• Start Online:  www.bellydanceclasses.net has listings for instructors all over the world!  If there isn't a listing for your town, try one nearby.  
• Check with your local arts center.  Many dance teachers teach for other organizations like arts centers, gyms, dance co-ops and more.   
• Check with your local middle eastern themed restaurant.  Often times, these restaurants will host a belly dancer to entertain their guests (especially on the weekends!)  Call and find out when she will be performing next and make a date!  
• Call any random dancer in your state.  When I first started, no one was in my area, and Google wasn't a thing yet.  I found a dancer in Bloomington, who told me to call Evansville, who told me to call Indianapolis, who told me to call Lafayette...  Then the lady from Bloomington called me back and told me to check:
• the local health food store.  I know--random, right?  Well...some belly dancers are super healthy conscious and like to eat natural and whole foods!  I called my health food store, and after explaining my quest was surprised to hear "Why, yes!  A belly dancer does come in here all the time!"  They gave her my number and she called me less than a week later!  I was in classes within the year! (if you are a teacher, this may be an advertising opportunity you haven't though of yet!  Muncie's Health food store has a bulletin board for business cards... does yours?)
• If all else fails, check out some DVD's.  While I do think it is very important to your dance journey to have a teacher or mentor guiding you along (sometimes you just need someone in the same room telling you when you've done something right or wrong), that may not be possible if you live in an extremely remote area.  It's okay.  There are many DVD's and videos out there that belly dancers have made just for you!  Netflix has quite a few available, and you may look at your local library.  A DVD I would suggest for beginners: Dolphina Intro to belly dance.  DVD's can also be a great tool for advanced dancers.  Belly Dance Super Stars and World Dance New York have great DVD's with specific topics to help you be a better dancer!

There are probably tons more ways to look for belly dance teachers in your area!  If you are determined, go for it!  Cue the song: 
"Cliiiiimb every mountaaaaaiiin,
seeeearch high and low!
Follow every bywaaaay...
Tiilll Yoooou FIiiind Your DREEEEAMMMS!"

Basically, if this is something you really want to do--do it!  Look everywhere you can!  Uncover the mystery!  Find our little community, and we will welcome you with open arms!  Take that first step and go to that class!  It will change your life.