Questions & Answers
Click on headings to open and close answers to questions.
Where is the studio located?
Downtown Greensboro, across from the Carolina Theater. The studio entrance is in 313 S Greene. Just follow the signs from there to get to the studio!
When is the studio open?
Doors open between 15 - 30 minutes before the first class starts and close 15 - 30 minutes after the last class ends. See the calendar for class start and stop times.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on the street, in several parking lots close by, and in the Greene St Parking Deck. Parking is free in lots and on the street after 6 and on the weekends. Parking after 5 in the Greene St Deck is also free, however you will need your ticket for free exit, so keep it handy!
What do I need to do on my first day?
All you need to do is come to the studio around 15 minutes before the first class you plan to take. You need to fill out our very short New Student form, sign in, and pay for the class. Easy-peasy!
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and credit card (NOT American Express).
What is the deal with the class passes?
There are 2 types of class passes, which can be purchased either online or at the studio:
Class pass: These are good for any class, any time. The studio keeps your card and punches it when you attend a class. Your card gets 1 hour punched for each class you attend. This card is the best value if you plan to attend at least 8 classes. These passes never expire.
Monthly pass: This pass is good for any & all classes during the month for which it is purchased. It can be purchased at any time. Your month starts on the day you purchase the pass. This card is the best value if you want to attend more than 8 classes a month.
Class pass: These are good for any class, any time. The studio keeps your card and punches it when you attend a class. Your card gets 1 hour punched for each class you attend. This card is the best value if you plan to attend at least 8 classes. These passes never expire.
Monthly pass: This pass is good for any & all classes during the month for which it is purchased. It can be purchased at any time. Your month starts on the day you purchase the pass. This card is the best value if you want to attend more than 8 classes a month.
Can I just come to a class or do I need to start on the first day of a series?
All beginner classes are designed for drop-ins, so just come on down when you are ready. Some intermediate classes and ATS® classes run in a series. These classes assume that a student will have a minimum experience level and will not break down beginner moves. Anyone is welcome to drop in if they feel they have the experience to do so. Please call or email the studio if you aren't sure and would like to get more information.
What should I wear?
Comfortable workout gear or loose - sweat pants or yoga pants, exercise tops
Do I need to bring anything special?
You can bring any accoutrements you wish for the class you are attending, such as a hip scarf for belly dance or a mat for yoga. We have loaner gear available at no additional charge, so you really do not need to bring anything.
Where can I buy dance gear?
You can find most things you might want or need in our vending area. If we do not have what you are looking for, we can direct you to where you can find it.
Will I be able to perform when I'm ready?
Absolutely! We will be looking for performance opportunities around town, plus we plan to have some student haflas (dance parties) which would be limited to students and their families only. We'll also have occasional open hafla's at the studio. It's a lot of fun to get dressed up and dance for yours and your audience's enjoyment! No one is required to perform, ever, however.
Does the Studio have student troupes?
We have formed 3 student troupes - Malaika, a cabaret troupe under the direction of Xavier and Ayala; Helix, an ATS® troupe under the direction of Azadi and Mimi; and Red Haute Mess, a Tribal Fusion troupe under the direction of Sarasvati and Heather. Speak to the troupe director(s) if you are interested in joining a student troupe.
Do I have the right body for bellydance?
Bellydance is for anyone and all body types are right for bellydance!
What are the benefits of bellydance?
Is bellydance the same as stripping?
Bellydance is not related in any way to stripping. Some strippers may use bellydance movements, but they are not performing bellydance!
How are bellydance styles different?
There are many styles of bellydance, so we will address only those taught here at Twisted Dance Studios or practiced by the teachers:
American Tribal Style® – Group (tribe) dance based on common format of moves and cues. The dance appears to be choreographed, but is actually improvised on the spot. There is a chemistry between the dancers that can be felt by the audience and the dancers. The dancing is grounded and earthy, with the dancer's center of gravity low in the pelvis and the posture high and proud. Costuming is earthy, utilizing bright colors, mirrors, and ethnic jewelry. Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance® devevloped ATS® in the 1980's. It has become globally popular since then and is the root of Tribal Fusion and the basis for Tribal Improv. Azadi and Mimi are ATS® student troupe directors at TDS. Azadi has passed Genereal Skills and has been certified to teach ATS®.
Tribal Fusion – There is no group aspect of tribal fusion. It is a melding of a variety of dance forms, one of which is tribal bellydance. It can also be called world fusion dance. Tribal fusion can include aspects of ballet, salsa, hip hop, flamenco, and even such forms as ballroom dance. Costuming is edgy and very eclectic. Rachel Brice and The Indigo, Moria Chappel, and Samantha Riggs are examples of Tribal Fusion dancers. All of the teachers at the studio are Tribal Fusion dancers and Torque is a Tribal Fusion troupe.
Cabaret or Oriental – Cabaret is what most people think of when they think “belly dance”. It is sparkly and flamboyant. It is based on the Egyptian style of dance, but in American has been modified to fit our culture. It is also referred to as Raqs Sharki (oriental dance). It is usually a solo improvisational dance. Some examples of cabaret dancers are Ansuya, Bozenka, and Aziza of Montreal. Karma, Mimi, Xavier, and Sarasvati are all trained in the Cabaret style.
Gothic Bellydance – This style usually consists of either tribal fusion or cabaret style belly dance, but blends in the gothic costuming and Goth music. There is more drama and theatrical expression than is usual in most bellydance styles. Sarasvati is a huge fan of gothic belly dance and leans that way a bit in her classes.
American Tribal Style® – Group (tribe) dance based on common format of moves and cues. The dance appears to be choreographed, but is actually improvised on the spot. There is a chemistry between the dancers that can be felt by the audience and the dancers. The dancing is grounded and earthy, with the dancer's center of gravity low in the pelvis and the posture high and proud. Costuming is earthy, utilizing bright colors, mirrors, and ethnic jewelry. Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance® devevloped ATS® in the 1980's. It has become globally popular since then and is the root of Tribal Fusion and the basis for Tribal Improv. Azadi and Mimi are ATS® student troupe directors at TDS. Azadi has passed Genereal Skills and has been certified to teach ATS®.
Tribal Fusion – There is no group aspect of tribal fusion. It is a melding of a variety of dance forms, one of which is tribal bellydance. It can also be called world fusion dance. Tribal fusion can include aspects of ballet, salsa, hip hop, flamenco, and even such forms as ballroom dance. Costuming is edgy and very eclectic. Rachel Brice and The Indigo, Moria Chappel, and Samantha Riggs are examples of Tribal Fusion dancers. All of the teachers at the studio are Tribal Fusion dancers and Torque is a Tribal Fusion troupe.
Cabaret or Oriental – Cabaret is what most people think of when they think “belly dance”. It is sparkly and flamboyant. It is based on the Egyptian style of dance, but in American has been modified to fit our culture. It is also referred to as Raqs Sharki (oriental dance). It is usually a solo improvisational dance. Some examples of cabaret dancers are Ansuya, Bozenka, and Aziza of Montreal. Karma, Mimi, Xavier, and Sarasvati are all trained in the Cabaret style.
Gothic Bellydance – This style usually consists of either tribal fusion or cabaret style belly dance, but blends in the gothic costuming and Goth music. There is more drama and theatrical expression than is usual in most bellydance styles. Sarasvati is a huge fan of gothic belly dance and leans that way a bit in her classes.
What is a hafla?
A hafla is a party or show where dancers perform for each other and sometimes for other audience members. It can be a very informal event at someone's house or studio, or a more formal show on a stage.
