Tina-Louise School of

Egyptian Belly Dance

All genuine email enquiries are responded to within 48 hours. If you do not get a reply please assume your email was not received. Please try again or telephone.

SCROLL DOWN FOR FULL LIST OF BEGINNERS COURSES

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Established by Tina-Louise in 2001, the school currently runs 11 weekly classes, and has well over 200 female students meeting at five venues across Buckinghamshire, UK. Students vary in age from infants to senior citizens, and they come in all shapes and sizes. People attend for a variety of reasons, whatever their reasons for joining everyone is coached to a high standard and encouraged to progress at their own pace and achieve their best.

Classes are run as termly courses. Beginners may not attend on a drop in basis as the courses are very carefully structured, so you must be prepared to commit to a course and try to attend all the classes. As classes operate at several venues you may catch up missed classes at another venue when unavoidably absent from your regular class, free of charge. You may also enrol for as many classes a week as you wish.

Students start with an Absolute Beginners/Newcomers course, then advance through the levels, repeating courses as necessary. Progressors/Improvers classes are ongoing throughout the year at the same venues. Every class is instructed by Tina-Louise and thus the standard of teaching is consistent across all classes. The school has 4 terms a year, and often continues to run through school holidays.

Classes have a friendly, supportive and non-competitive learning environment and are a great way to meet new people and make friends. The classes are a popular 'Mum & Daughter' activity and those who wish to attend while pregnant or to help with health problems and injuries are welcome.

The school has a troupe, 'The Bellyrinas^™' who perform at many events throughout the year. There are frequent extra curricular activities such as workshops, trips and parties that all students may participate in.

BELLY DANCE STYLE

Tina-Louise teaches mainly Egyptian style Belly Dance, although other influences and styles are incorporated from time to time, particularly in the more advanced classes. Hawaiian Hula classes are added to the timetable periodically for advanced students.

HOW TO JOIN

Please note: places must be booked in advance

All newcomers to the school are required to attend an 'Absolute Beginners & Newcomers' course. These take place throughout the year but enrolment times vary according to venue. Forthcoming courses are listed below.

The first class of any Newcomers Course acts as an introductory 'trial class' and will help you decide whether you wish to commit to the whole course. If you have not pre-paid, the rest of the course is then paid for in full if you decide to continue. If you have pre-paid but do not wish to continue, there is a money back guarantee for the remainder of the course.

Once a course has commenced, latecomers may only join, space permitting, by taking private lessons in order to catch up with the rest of the class.

Please note those with previous experience are also required to take the Newcomers course. This is because there are many different styles of Belly Dance and teaching methods used, so the Newcomers Course will familiarize you with Tina-Louise's style, and at the same time allow her to assess your experience and areas for development. It's also an excellent way to polish core technique and iron out any bad habits which may have formed.

BOOKING YOUR PLACE

If there is a course listed below that you wish to take, please call or email as soon as possible to get full course details. The full details include maps for all venues, and are sent by post. Once received you may then pre-book your place at your chosen course. There are lists for all courses and as the start date draws nearer they are frequently fully booked with a waiting list in operation - so do not delay!!

Booking: To book your place you will need to pay for the whole course in advance. This is NOT refundable or transferable if you cancel less than 14 days before the start of term, or if you fail to attend, but you do get a free class, and a guaranteed place. Full details of how to pay are provided in the information posted to you.

Money Back Guarantee: You have the option of a refund on remaining classes if you attend the first class and then decide it's not for you within 48 hours.

Last Minute Reservation: In the final 7 days before a course commences, subject to availability, you may be able to reserve a place for the first 'Trial' class at £6. However this does not guarantee a permanent place on the course as those who pre-pay get priority. Any permanent places that become available are offered according to your position on the list.

WAITING LIST PROCEDURE

If a course you wish to join is listed below as full with a waiting list, you should still contact for full details in order to add yourself to the list. Extra people are allowed to attend a trial class, but permanent spaces are only offered according to your position on the list, if and when they become available.

COURSE FEES JANUARY - JULY 2010

(Subject to change at any time)

REGULAR STUDENTS: £6 per hour.

CONCESSIONS: £5 per hour under 16's & over 65's only. Proof of age required.

Children under 8 may attend free of charge, but must be accompanied by a PARTICIPATING adult over 18.

All fees are payable as a termly block.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS & NEWCOMERS COURSES 2010 Subject to change at any time. Please contact for full venue addresses. This information was last updated on 1st March 2010
COURSES COMMENCING FEB(4 WEEKS)2010 LAST PLACES AVAILABLE NOW!!!
CHESHAM SUNDAYS 1.00-3.00PM	INTENSIVE COURSE - 3 WEEKS REMAINING Underway, places available.
TASTER LESSON FOR BEGINNERS HOSTED BY THE WYCOMBE SWAN THEATRE & TINA-LOUISE, WITH CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION   AT THE WYCOMBE SWAN THEATRE, OAK ROOM FRIDAY 12TH MARCH 2010 FROM 7.15PM   TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM SWAN HOSPITALITY TEAM: 01494 552885
COURSES COMMENCING APRIL 2010 BOOKING LIST OPEN NOW!
MARLOW MONDAYS 8.30-9.30PM	COMMENCING MON 19TH APRIL 10 WEEK COURSE
BEACONSFIELD THURSDAYS 8.30-9.30PM	COMMENCING THUR 22ND APRIL 10 WEEK COURSE
HAZLEMERE SUNDAYS 6.30-7.30PM	COMMENCING SUN 25TH APRIL 10 WEEK COURSE

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO BELLY DANCE

Belly Dance comes under the collective heading of Middle Eastern Dance, which describes a variety of dances descended from the Middle East and found mainly throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean, but also around the globe. Born in the ancient Harems, and among travelling Gypsies and Desert Tribes, performed by women, usually for women, as a form of exercise, education, communication, spiritual worship, and entertainment, at it's core is a physical celebration of the female, and an expression of her powerful role in humanity; fertility, birth, and of course sexuality. It has been passed from generation to generation, teaching girls about womanhood, and preparing women's bodies for pregnancy and childbirth, the earliest form of antenatal class! Belly Dance, like most art forms, has a range of diverse styles and worldwide influences. Each style has it's own characteristics depending on it's geographical and historical origin.

BELLY DANCE BENEFITS

Egyptian Belly Dancing is a wonderful exercise suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes, and is becoming increasingly popular around the world as an alternative way to keep fit. The movements are gentle and non to low impact, and therefore very unlikely to cause discomfort or injury. It is often recommended by health practitioners as an aid to recovery from injury, and to help back problems, arthritis and other medical conditions. The dance is also beneficial during and post pregnancy. Belly dancing helps to relieve physical and mental tension, aids digestion, tones the entire body, improves stamina, posture and body shape, keeps you supple as you grow older, and is a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself and your emotions. Many women find learning this sensuous, feminine dance an extremely liberating experience.