Before we begin

This workshop is broken down into four lectures:

  • Introduction
  • The Formula
  • The Lesson Plans
  • Conclusion

In this introduction I will try to explain more about the workshop, how to use it, what it means to be a teacher and how to make adaptations.

The formula is where you will find out all the information about how I structure my lessons. I will break down each time slot and explain what content I suggest you should use. This lecture will be essential if you are looking to create your own lesson plans, but is also important to understanding the plans if you intend to use them "as is".

The lesson plans is the lecture with all the content you will need to teach 52 classes. I have broken the weeks down into 10 week semesters or terms and put short notes in each section so you can see at a glance the content for each class. At the end of that lecture I have included a PDF with each lesson plan expanded and more details about the content. I have set up the PDF so that each lesson plan fits on a single page of paper, and has enough space for your own notes and music plan.

Finally we get to the conclusion, which contains my thanks and a place for your questions, thoughts and feedback.

Please remember that lesson plans written by someone else, can only give you ideas on what to teach and how to structure your lesson. HOW to teach, is a whole different ball game and one that I wrote about in great detail in my book “Teaching Belly Dance”. Many of the ideas and concepts that I will use in this workshop are explained in more detail in that book, and I strongly suggest you read it before completing this course.

It is also really helpful to observe other teachers in a class room setting. Many teachers will let you observe, and teaching is a skill you can learn about outside the belly dance world. Help out at your local school, sit and watch your child’s Judo class, or arrive early at the studio and watch the Zumba class before yours. Talk to teachers of all subjects about how they plan their lessons. Pick up books on lesson plans at second hand stores in any subject and think about how you would teach that lesson. You don’t have to be an expert in French to understand how preparation, planning and adaptability would help you to teach children how to ask for an ice cream in French. Lesson planning and presentation is a skill many people outside the belly dance world have perfected – learn from them!

Finally, your belly dance teaching experience will be greatly improved by having a trusted mentor during your first few years. Many experienced teachers will offer mentoring. Talk to the senior dancers in your area, your dance style or teachers that you admire. The Belly Dance Business Academy has lots of wonderful teachers, many of whom will answer your questions in person, on line or through the coaching circle. Never be afraid to ask for help – we have all done it.

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