Class Information

CLASSES:
EVERY WEDNESDAY

6:30 - 7:30 PM

$7.00 ADULTS $5.00 CHILD

OAKLAND TERRACE
COMMUNITY CENTER

1900 W 11th Street

Panama City, FL

32405

Belly Dance is a wonderful way to enhance confidence and grace while exercising. Unlike many other forms of physical activity, belly dance is enjoyable, social and appropriate for ALL ages.

Dancing with a veil is just one on the many things you can learn.

Classes at Panama City Belly Dance are informal and fun. Classes are designed with the beginning dancer in mind! You can join at any time and the basics are covered at each class!

You can see a class schedule here.

Would you like to take your belly dancing a step further? You can! Performance opportunities are available throughout the year with our student troupe, The Lotus Petals. We perform the choreographies learned in class at family friendly settings locally and out of county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I wear?

You can wear comfortable exercise style clothing. Yoga pants, exercise shorts or even peasant skirts are all acceptable. Dressing up a little bit for class can make the exercise and work more fun, feel free to do so! No special footwear is needed. Many ladies dance barefoot, others will wear non-slip dance slippers.

What do I need to bring?

Hip (coin) scarves are always available for students to use. Any props that will be used in class, such as veils or zills will be available to borrow as well. Please keep in mind that supplies may be limited. If you continue classes, you may want to look into owning your own coin scarf, veil and zills.

What age is appropriate for class?

We encourage women of all ages to participate. Not only are classes suitable for most ages, but the exercise itself is low impact and easy on the knees. Safety of the spine, back and neck is very important.

Children may attend class as well. A guardian or caregiver must be present at all times. While children of all ages are welcomed, children aged 6 and up may follow along the best.

Do I need experience to join class?

Absolutely not! Our classes are geared towards the basics. While many opportunities exist within Panama City Belly Dance for dancers with more experience, we are focused on giving the beginner dancer a place to explore their interest in belly dance! Instruction is given in a relaxed and informal style.

When can I start?

You can join us at any time! Choreographies are generally taught in four week increments, however the moves are broken down at the beginning of each class. If you arrive on the third or fourth week of a dance, you can rest assured that you will soon get to start a new dance from the beginning!

What will I do in class?

Warm-up, dance posture, basic moves, choreographies, and learn to use props. Please check with us about special guest instructors.

Isn’t belly dancing related to exotic dancing?

Unfortunately many people have a misconception about the art of Middle Eastern dance. Belly dance is not a form of strip tease or exotic dance. All styles of belly dance that are presented by Panama City Belly Dance are family friendly and entirely appropriate for all ages. To learn more about the history of belly dance and its introduction into the United States please visit http://www.shira.net for interesting articles on this topic.

Where do I purchase supplies or gear from?

Please visit our links page to find a list of some of our favorite venders!

CLASSES: EVERY WEDNESDAY 6:30 - 7:30 PM $7.00 ADULTS $5.00 CHILD OAKLAND TERRACE COMMUNITY CENTER 1900 W 11th Street Panama City, FL 32405	Belly Dance is a wonderful way to enhance confidence and grace while exercising. Unlike many other forms of physical activity, belly dance is enjoyable, social and appropriate for ALL ages.
	Dancing with a veil is just one on the many things you can learn. Classes at Panama City Belly Dance are informal and fun. Classes are designed with the beginning dancer in mind! You can join at any time and the basics are covered at each class! You can see a class schedule here.
	Would you like to take your belly dancing a step further? You can! Performance opportunities are available throughout the year with our student troupe, The Lotus Petals. We perform the choreographies learned in class at family friendly settings locally and out of county.
	Frequently Asked Questions What do I wear? You can wear comfortable exercise style clothing. Yoga pants, exercise shorts or even peasant skirts are all acceptable. Dressing up a little bit for class can make the exercise and work more fun, feel free to do so! No special footwear is needed. Many ladies dance barefoot, others will wear non-slip dance slippers. What do I need to bring? Hip (coin) scarves are always available for students to use. Any props that will be used in class, such as veils or zills will be available to borrow as well. Please keep in mind that supplies may be limited. If you continue classes, you may want to look into owning your own coin scarf, veil and zills. What age is appropriate for class? We encourage women of all ages to participate. Not only are classes suitable for most ages, but the exercise itself is low impact and easy on the knees. Safety of the spine, back and neck is very important. Children may attend class as well. A guardian or caregiver must be present at all times. While children of all ages are welcomed, children aged 6 and up may follow along the best. Do I need experience to join class? Absolutely not! Our classes are geared towards the basics. While many opportunities exist within Panama City Belly Dance for dancers with more experience, we are focused on giving the beginner dancer a place to explore their interest in belly dance! Instruction is given in a relaxed and informal style. When can I start? You can join us at any time! Choreographies are generally taught in four week increments, however the moves are broken down at the beginning of each class. If you arrive on the third or fourth week of a dance, you can rest assured that you will soon get to start a new dance from the beginning! What will I do in class? Warm-up, dance posture, basic moves, choreographies, and learn to use props. Please check with us about special guest instructors. Isn’t belly dancing related to exotic dancing? Unfortunately many people have a misconception about the art of Middle Eastern dance. Belly dance is not a form of strip tease or exotic dance. All styles of belly dance that are presented by Panama City Belly Dance are family friendly and entirely appropriate for all ages. To learn more about the history of belly dance and its introduction into the United States please visit http://www.shira.net for interesting articles on this topic. Where do I purchase supplies or gear from? Please visit our links page to find a list of some of our favorite venders!