1.  I am curious about Bellydance classes, but I don't have any dance experience and/or I don't "look" like a bellydancer?  Can I still do it? Absolutely (and I can't stress that enough)!  First of all, women in the US may have a warped sense of what a bellydancer is supposed to look like.  In the Middle East, professional dancers are shapely and soft and they use the "padding" that is natural to women as part of their self-expression.  In short, bellydance is a WOMAN'S dance, and you are not expected to have the figure that you had when you were 12 in order to participate ;-). 2. What should I wear to Bellydance class?  Do I have to show my belly? Think of bellydance classes as low intensity aerobics classes.  Most people wear something athletic and comfortable, such as yoga pants and a sports top.  However, if you forget your work-out clothes, bellydance classes are usually low-intensity enough that you can participate in loose pants or a skirt.  Wearing a top that reveals one's mid-riff is entirely a matter of personal preference.  As students become more accepting of their bodies during class, and more interested in being able to dissect  and perfect the bellydance muscle isolations, they often become more comfortable in wearing cropped tops to class, but it is not necessary at all. 3. What about those jingly hipscarves?  Where can I buy my own? Participants in Sylvana's classes are fortunate in that she provides hip scarves for use in her beginning bellydance classes so that you do not have to buy one if you are "just checking out" bellydance.  However, she would be happy to point you towards several vendors, both local and on-line.  One good place to look would be the Raks Sharki Studio in Reynolda Village, with its large selection of hip scarves and costume pieces and the opportunity for you to "hear the jingle" before you buy.  Look for a "Links" page to appear on this website soon for information about on-line vending. 4. If I take you dance classes, will I ever have to perform in public?  Do I get to perform in public? Performing is another personal choice.  Dancers in classes at the Raks Sharki Studio are occasionally asked to perform at local festivals and events, and several times a year prepare to perform at events called "Hafla"s (arabic for "party").  Sylvana has hosted such events in the past and is very committed to finding performance venues for students who are interested in that kind of self-expression. The average student will have taken classes for 6 months to one year before they are ready to perform.   5. How do I sign up for classes? Sylvana is currently teaching at several locations throughout Winston-Salem, and the sign-up procedure may be slightly different for each location.  If you are interested in taking classes at the Raks Sharki Studio in Reynolda Village, filling out a registration form will guarantee you a spot in the class.  If you are interested in taking classes at the Central YMCA, KO Fitness, or another location, please fill out a registration form so that I will know of your interest, but to register for the class you will need to contact the facility itself to complete the official registration. 6. Do you offer gift certificates for wives / girlfriends / family members / co-workers? What a great idea!  Gift certificates are a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for friends and family alike, particularly for those who already have "everything".  There are several different gift packages to choose from for classes offered at the Raks Sharki Studio, so contact info@1001dance.com if you would like more information. 7.  I don't live in Winston-Salem.  Do you teach classes in Greensboro or High Point? Sylvana's only regular classes are in Winston-Salem because she already has relationships with local gyms and studios.   However, if you have a group of at least 10 interested students and can arrange and place to meet for the classes, she would be happy to travel to your location for a series of classes.  These classes are usually a lot of fun, since many of the participant kknow each other beforehand.  If this is not possible for you, she can also recommend good teachers in your particular area. 8. I have taken your classes and really enjoy your dancing!  Can I hire you to perform at my private event?? One of Sylvana's goals with her dancing is to expose as many people as possible to the infectious rhythms of Middle Eastern music and the liberating experience of tying on a hip scarf and letting one's body create some noise!  Sylvana is available to perform at a number of private events, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, housewarming events, end-of-year parties, holiday celebrations, commitment ceremonies, showers and anything else you can think of!  For birthday's and anniversaries she likes to get the guests of honor up for brief dance lesson (and photo opportunity), but is also available to perform at corporate functions in which a more reserved performance is appropriate. Please see the Performances section of this website for more information (Occasions and Occasions-FAQ).