Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a certain age to do belly dancing?
No. The beauty of belly dancing is that it is available to women of all ages. At Cinnamon Twist we encourage women to enjoy the benefits of belly dancing regardless of age, size, or cultural background. We cater to all ages!
What do I wear to class?
Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in such as leggings, yoga pants or stretchy track pants. Wear any kind of top you like – bare bellies are totally optional! For your hips, bring a scarf – or a beaded/coined hip belt if you have one. Footwear: bare feet, socks, or Jazz shoes. Note: street shoes are strictly not permitted on the studio floor.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online here! Alternatively, call Virginia on (02) 4226 1861 to arrange enrolment over the phone or email us.
Do I have to show my belly?
That is entirely up to you! You can wear whatever you like to belly dancing classes, although a form fitting top is best so that your instructor can check your technique. Bare bellies are totally optional!
What about body shape, will I fit in? Do I need to have a big/little belly?
Bellies – just like people – come in all shapes and sizes. There is no ideal body type for belly dancing – come exactly as you are!
Is belly dancing good exercise? Will it help me lose weight?
All Cinnamon Twist classes use movements that will increase your heart rate and strengthen your muscles and therefore help you burn calories. So yes, belly dancing is definitely good exercise. However, the main focus of our classes is on the dance itself, on improving technique, and learning about the traditions of these dances. The fitness gained from belly dancing is just an added bonus! If you want a really great work-out why not try our Zumba classes!
I’m very unco-ordinated, will I be able to do belly dancing?
Belly dancing is a very grounded dance form. Most often it requires us to have our feet planted firmly on the ground – especially at beginner level. For many people this groundedness feels very natural and with practice, anyone can master the basics.
Are your classes for women-only?
All Cinnamon Twist dance classes for adults are strictly women-only classes. Furthermore, all our teaching staff are female. Our Muslim students are assured privacy in our studio for the duration of the class. If you wear a headscarf please let your teacher know and a sign will be placed on the door for your added reassurance. Please note: Arabic Drumming is a mixed class. We also welcome boys in our Genies Kids and Mummy & Me classes.
Do you have EFTPOS facilities?
We accept online payments via PayPal, Direct Deposit (bank to bank transfer), cash, cheque or money order. We don't however, have EFTPOS and credit card facilities inside the studio. Payment for classes should either be arranged well before the start of term or come to class prepared to pay with cash or cheque. To avoid disappointment please arrange your payment method before attending class; students will not be allowed to participate in classes until fees are paid.
Can I perform? Do I have to perform?
Cinnamon Twist holds regular events throughout the year and we are also involved in many community events where performance opportunities are available to interested students. If on the other hand performance is not for you there is no pressure to do so.
Where can I buy a jingly belly dance belt?
While there is certainly no obligation to have anything special to wear to classes, many of us are irresistibly drawn to the colourful and noisy belly dance coin belts worn for the dance. If you would like to purchase a belly dance belt we have jingly coin belts and other dance wear items for sale online or in the studio.
No. The beauty of belly dancing is that it is available to women of all ages. At Cinnamon Twist we encourage women to enjoy the benefits of belly dancing regardless of age, size, or cultural background. We cater to all ages!
What do I wear to class?
Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in such as leggings, yoga pants or stretchy track pants. Wear any kind of top you like – bare bellies are totally optional! For your hips, bring a scarf – or a beaded/coined hip belt if you have one. Footwear: bare feet, socks, or Jazz shoes. Note: street shoes are strictly not permitted on the studio floor.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online here! Alternatively, call Virginia on (02) 4226 1861 to arrange enrolment over the phone or email us.
Do I have to show my belly?
That is entirely up to you! You can wear whatever you like to belly dancing classes, although a form fitting top is best so that your instructor can check your technique. Bare bellies are totally optional!
What about body shape, will I fit in? Do I need to have a big/little belly?
Bellies – just like people – come in all shapes and sizes. There is no ideal body type for belly dancing – come exactly as you are!
Is belly dancing good exercise? Will it help me lose weight?
All Cinnamon Twist classes use movements that will increase your heart rate and strengthen your muscles and therefore help you burn calories. So yes, belly dancing is definitely good exercise. However, the main focus of our classes is on the dance itself, on improving technique, and learning about the traditions of these dances. The fitness gained from belly dancing is just an added bonus! If you want a really great work-out why not try our Zumba classes!
I’m very unco-ordinated, will I be able to do belly dancing?
Belly dancing is a very grounded dance form. Most often it requires us to have our feet planted firmly on the ground – especially at beginner level. For many people this groundedness feels very natural and with practice, anyone can master the basics.
Are your classes for women-only?
All Cinnamon Twist dance classes for adults are strictly women-only classes. Furthermore, all our teaching staff are female. Our Muslim students are assured privacy in our studio for the duration of the class. If you wear a headscarf please let your teacher know and a sign will be placed on the door for your added reassurance. Please note: Arabic Drumming is a mixed class. We also welcome boys in our Genies Kids and Mummy & Me classes.
Do you have EFTPOS facilities?
We accept online payments via PayPal, Direct Deposit (bank to bank transfer), cash, cheque or money order. We don't however, have EFTPOS and credit card facilities inside the studio. Payment for classes should either be arranged well before the start of term or come to class prepared to pay with cash or cheque. To avoid disappointment please arrange your payment method before attending class; students will not be allowed to participate in classes until fees are paid.
Can I perform? Do I have to perform?
Cinnamon Twist holds regular events throughout the year and we are also involved in many community events where performance opportunities are available to interested students. If on the other hand performance is not for you there is no pressure to do so.
Where can I buy a jingly belly dance belt?
While there is certainly no obligation to have anything special to wear to classes, many of us are irresistibly drawn to the colourful and noisy belly dance coin belts worn for the dance. If you would like to purchase a belly dance belt we have jingly coin belts and other dance wear items for sale online or in the studio.
