BellyTricks Bellydance
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About
Why BellyDance? Bellydance is an umbrella term for many Middle Eastern dance styles that include beautifully fluid undulations and clever isolations that look good on any body shape. It can be good for toning the arms and the waistline but its also great fun! It celebrates the feminine form and can promote good posture, confidence, flexibility and it's also a good way to socialise. This ancient art form can become addictive and there are many events in the area which are great for both the beginner and the improver.
What should I wear? Anything comfortable that allows ease of movement such as jogging bottoms and a t shirt. I can provide you with a hip scarf to borrow but it might be worth bringing something to tie around your hips in case there is a high demand for these. We dance with bare feet but if you would prefer to wear something on your feet I would suggest ballet shoes or some other soft shoe. Bring some water too.
Why learn with BellyTricks? BellyTricks classes are very welcoming and friendly to newcomers and there is no pressure to perform if you don't feel comfortable. Baring your belly is not compulsory and men are also very welcome to join us.
FCBD® Monthly Intensives Beginner and Improver- Selected Sundays 2pm to 5pm Woking Dance Studios Mayford Centre Mayford Green Woking Surrey GU22 0PP
Improvers/ Intermediate - Mondays 7.30pm FCBD® Level 2 and up - Mondays 8.30pm Brookwood Memorial Hall Adj to 150 Connaught Road Brookwood Woking GU24 0AL
Experience
Melissa has experienced many dance styles since she started taking dance classes in 2003. She has covered everything from ballet to pole dancing but she found a real passion for bellydance which has never left her. Originally having studied under Lyn Embling and Sara Shrapnell, she now attends workshops with teachers from all over the world. She has obtained knowledge in many different props and styles and enjoys teaching all levels, from beginners to advanced. Melissa loves all styles of Middle Eastern dance but she is particularly fond of Egyptian Dance and Fusion.
In 2010 she started training in the FatChanceBellyDance® group improvisation format with her first teacher Lisa and has since attended many FCBD® workshops, became a founding member of new troupe called Nirzari and began teaching FCBD® . It is something that Melissa is very passionate about and enjoys spreading the word about this beautiful and unique dance style.
Her love of teaching dance and her interest in fitness led her to becoming a qualified fitness instructor in 2011, a qualified aqua instructor in 2012 and a qualified assessor in 2015.
In 2011, Melissa became a qualified Just Jhoom! Bollywood dance instructor and has studied Odissi, one of the eight Classical Indian dances, in the Kelucharan Mohapatra Gharana with Kala The Arts.
She performs solo, was a member of Mersin, a professional belly dance troupe, with Sara Shrapnell for four years and she has also performed with the Just Jhoom! Dance Group.
In 2017 Melissa began studying Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Chinese Lion Dance with SiFu Matt Williams (LearnKungFu, Lion Dance UK and YinYangClinic) and Wado Ryu Karate with Kimesanchin in 2019 to broaden her knowledge of body mechanics.
Melissa has appeared on both UK and US television screens, has experience of providing entertainment at restaurants, weddings, parties and has also given lectures and demonstrations at Womens' Institute meetings and care homes.
Melissa is available to teach workshops and provide private tuition. Please get in contact for details.
Qualifications
Testimonials
"I've been dancing with Melissa since 2003 as a fellow student. Her knowledge, technical skills and her choreography left us in awe. When our previous teacher decided to retire, Melissa was the obvious, unanimous choice to take on the challenge as our new teacher! We became 'BellyTricks' and with Melissa's knowledge of different dance styles, enthusiasm, encouragement and above all, FUN attitude, she has helped build confidence in us all which has led to BellyTricks performing at numerous shows. If you want to learn to belly dance , have fun and get fitter, you'll find it all in one of Melissa's classes! Enjoy!"
Kim S
I am taking lessons with Melissa, both belly dancing and tribal. Melissa is a really good teacher, she guides you all the way without ever making you feel bad about yourself if you do anything wrong, she does great choreographies and her lessons are a joy to attend. I can't recommend her enough as a teacher or as a performer in her tribal group, Nirzari."
Isabelle H
Fees
contact for details
Media
Age Groups
Young adults 18 - 25
Adults 25 - 55
Seniors 55+
Contact Types
In person
Audiences
Group sessions
Availability
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | |||||||
| After 17:00 |