The Salimpour School switched to online classes long before Covid-19 started and the virtual experiences were the big trend they are now. We knew we needed to help people learn, grow and find belly dance, not make it difficult for them. We found that teaching online was the best option to make belly dance accessible and inclusive to everyone.
One of the main reasons Suhaila decided to start teaching online was because of time management. In the school, we have moms, students, jobholders, and people who were just dealing with life, but they wanted to take time out for belly dancing. By making online classes available, we gave people the opportunity to learn when it’s more convenient for them, making the school more accessible for people all over the world.
However, even when belly dance is always available to you through online classes, it can be a challenge to take time during your day to dedicate to practicing, or to yourself in general. If this is your situation, here are some tips to help you out:
Create a schedule
Although things don’t always go as planned, having a written schedule will help you stay organized and it will make it easier to take some time during the day to dance. This will also help you get prepared for your class in advance.
Only you know your routine and what works best for you, so find the time that fits your lifestyle and try to get some dancing during that time frame. Having a written schedule can also help you keep track of your progress and help you stay motivated!
Prepare your dance area
Having a designated space to practice will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Get a space (it doesn’t have to be big) just for you, free of obstacles and distractions, so you can put all of your attention into practicing and learning.
This will also help you save time. Having a designated space means you won’t have to move things around before starting your class, you’re always ready to dance!
It’s ok if you don’t finish an entire class
Maybe you only have time for a quick warm-up, or maybe you can only finish half of the class. That’s totally fine! Working with a busy schedule is a tough challenge and this is a process you should enjoy.
Consistency is the key, so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t complete the entire lesson today. As long as you keep practicing, you will see results!
Be flexible!
Maybe things don’t go as planned. Things happen and you don’t get as much time as you wanted or you don’t get to practice in the place you had prepared for your class. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Getting some dance in, even a small amount, will always make you feel better–even if it doesn’t happen in the way you intended it to.
At the Salimpour School we’re very proud of our community, which is always there to lend you a hand when you need it. If it’s difficult for you to find the time and energy right now, we’re here to support you and encourage you through your process.
Finding time to dance can be a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding!
