FAQ

1. I am not flexible or coordinated. I have never done any yoga/dance/exercise before, can I do this?

Yes, you most definitely can. YogaBelly is  great for beginners- it is a wonderful way to get to know your body, and begin to develop coordination, balance, strength and flexibility no matter what your fitness history is.  Being a mixed-level class, I offer different variations of the same posture or movement so that no matter what level you are at, you can find a way that suits you. Remember, you are here to develop flexibility and coordination- starting out as a beginner, no one has an expectation of you to have it all figured out. Like anything else, it just takes practice, patience and a willingness to laugh at ourselves along the way! Usually after a couple of classes you start to see and feel the benefits- then you will wonder what you were all worried about before!

2. How is YogaBelly different than a typical yoga class or bellydance class? How exactly are these two things combined?

YogaBelly is unlike most yoga classes in that it is designed exclusively for women. There is an emphasis on moving with fluidity and sensuality, trusting our instincts, connecting with nature, focused attention on the pelvic floor, hips and abdominals, and the embodiment of Goddess archetypes. Yet the traditional integrity of yoga is still in place, as we explore and practice mudras (yogic hand positions), yogic breathing techniques, chakras, inhabiting our postures and movements with proper alignment and mindfulness, and most importantly, strive to create a harmony between mind, body, and spirit… union with the source of all life, which is the meaning of yoga.

YogaBelly is different from a typical bellydance class in that it offers a yogic introspectiveness,  and a spiritual dimension to the sensual, creative nature of bellydancing. It is not focused on seduction nor performance. We explore the pelvis, abdominal and chest movements’ instrinsic healing qualities to remove blockages and tension in these highly-charged emotional and sensual areas. A  meditative awareness infuses the feminine movements of bellydance, making it a self-exploration and healing process rather than an aesthetically driven, outward focus.

3. I am comfortable with the idea of yoga, but bellydance intimidates me. Why do I have to move my hips?

In our culture it is still quite ‘taboo’ to move our hips freely (for both men and women). This area of the body holds a huge amount of life force energy, emotions,  passion, creativity, pleasure and desire. Many of us did not grow up feeling comfortable dancing freely, especially with our hips or pelvis because of the sexual and creative energy held there. This is where a lot of our power is held, especially in women. Due to being is a fairly sexually repressed culture, there is a polarization between spirit and flesh, which has been the cause of so much abuse, torture and death, especially for women. This polarization does not serve our spiritual growth but inhibits it, because it does not integrate all of who we are.

We are complex beings with many levels of existence. Our emotions, desires and passions are important parts of who we are… they are the ‘juice’ that keeps our energy moving forward.  It brings us to new insights, revelations, lessons, accomplishments, healing, and liberation from fear and inhibition.  By moving our hips, (and abdominals and chest area), we free up the life energy that was blocked in those areas causing stagnantion and inhibition, and helps us to connect with life more authentically, joyfully and openly. Yes, it can be intimidating. But that is why it is so important to do. Our emotions are part of that life energy that needs to flow through us in order to be healthy. Many diseases form due to built up emotions over time that have not been processed or released. Movement facilitates that release and therefore brings healing on all levels! YogaBelly is a safe space to release some of these emotional tensions at your own pace, mindfully and there is no pressure to go anywhere you aren’t ready to.

4.     I am in my first trimester of pregnancy…what class can I do?

Every woman is different. In the first trimester your body is undergoing many changes, and it is not the best time to start something new. Nausea and exhaustion may interfere with your ability to practice a regular YogaBelly class.

If you are a regular practitioner of yoga and/or movement or dance and want to keep practicing  through the first trimester, you may want to try a Prenatal YogaBelly class, which can help you to slow down and begin to connect to your newly pregnant self.

Overall I recommend waiting until the 2^nd trimester for starting any new exercise, as your pregnancy will be more ‘settled’ and stable at that time, and you will have increased energy. Email me if you have any questions on this topic.

5. I missed a couple classes in the last 6 week series… can I use them after the 6 weeks are up?

Sorry, once the series has ended, you must purchase a new 6 weeks series. (or come on a single class basis).

6. Can I bring my preteen/teen daughter with me to a YogaBelly class?

You are  most welcome to bring your daughter to class. However remember this is a 90 minute long class  which includes about 15 minutes of meditation and relaxation in the beginning, so a fair amount of focus and self-discipline is required. In general, I would recommend a minimum age of 12. Girls who are menstruating are welcome to attend the Dark Moon Yoga class as well.