What You Need for Class
When you come to dance class, be sure to bring:
Clothing you can move in
Don’t wear anything tight or restrictive (like jeans) or baggy (like oversized tee shirts or loose sweat pants). In order to correct you, I need to be able to see the lines of your body and the placement of your feet and knees.
Most people wear workout clothes: yoga pants, fitted tee shirts, tank tops, etc. You’re welcome to wear a choli (crop top), but bare midriffs are optional.
Here’s a good example:
Dance Shoes or Clean Bare Feet
You can take class barefoot, or you can wear dance shoes. Ballet slippers, half-soles, modern dance shoes, ghillies, or hermes sandals are fine.
Please do not wear anything with a heel, or wear street shoes (sneakers, etc.) in the studio.
Water
The studio does not have a water fountain. The studio owner often provides a jug of water and cups, but they may not be available every week. Be sure to bring some water to drink, or a cup that you can refill at the sink.
Something to Tie Around Your Hips
(Optional, but highly recommended)
I highly recommend bringing a coin hip scarf or fringed shawl to tie around your hips. (You can see a few styles in the photo above.) It will help you feel the movements, but more importantly, it will help me see your hips more clearly so I can correct you better.
I’ll have some coin scarves available for sale in class for $15, but feel free to shop elsewhere. Thrift shops and the accessories section of clothing stores often have fringed scarves that work really well. If you know how to sew, you can also make your own fringed scarf out of a triangular shawl and chainette fringe.
A Notebook and Pencil
(optional, but recommended)
So you can take notes about what we learned, homework, etc. You can take notes on the back of an envelope if you forget, but I recommend keeping a dedicated dance journal. It makes review easier, and also keeps a record of your progress.
Level 2 Students Will Also Need:
Finger Cymbals
Level 2 students will learn how to play finger cymbals (“zils”). You will need to buy them by the first week of the session, so we can fit them before we start playing in week 2. I will have some to sell in class.
You’re welcome to shop elsewhere, but it’s important that you buy high-quality zils that are sized and weighted for students, and have two slots for the elastic (not one hole). Some appropriate models include: Saroyan Nefertiti, Saroyan Small Grecian, Saroyan Contemporary in Light Gauge, or Turquoise Size A.
DO NOT BUY CHEAP ZILS – you can’t learn to play properly on cymbals that don’t have a good sound.
A Silk Veil
In the fall 2011 semester, we will be covering veilwork. You will need a three yard rectangular silk veil with no trim. I will have undyed white veils for sale in class. You can use them as they are, or dye them if you prefer a colored or patterned veil.
You’re welcome to shop on your own, but be sure to follow the guidelines above. Do not buy a polyester chiffon veil, a semi-circular veil, or a veil with trim on the edges. These can be very nice, but require different technique. Contact me if you’re not sure what to buy.
