My best friend is an amazing dancer. The thing is at 5'10 she ways 335lbs and her weight has really affected her confidence, she never comes out with us anymore she just hides at home all the time. When she hits the dance floor she blows everyone away..she is soo talented. She told me she really wants to start taking professional dance classes not only to impove her talent but to lose weight. I told her it was a wonderful idea but she feels she's too fat to do this. Please..any opinions will help. Will a Profesional dance class accept her as she is?
2007-07-12 13:27:38 · 11 answers · asked by TheDeeds 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Dancing
Perhaps your friend might want to look into Middle Eastern belly dance. You do NOT have to be a "Barbie" to do belly dance. In fact, I know many belly dancers who are quite full-figured. The dance is about so much more than just being "cute". Not all costumes are the cabaret style where your belly isn't covered. Many Middle Eastern dance instructors that I know of will do private lessons for those who are more comfortable without other students in class.
You can check some pics on my angelfire page.
http://www.angelfire.com/music5/jnaii/
http://www.angelfire.com/music5/jnaii/2002_12_07_Pics/20021207_Candle01fr.html
To find instructors you might want to check with a gym or recreation center in your area. Sometimes they have dance classes.
You can look on Shira's website.
http://www.shira.net/
Middle Eastern Dance website
http://www.middleeasterndance.net/
Both of these sites have lots of great info about belly dance.
You can e-mail or call some of the dance instructors to find out more about their background, their style of instruction, what they expect from students, and fees they charge for classes. If you don't find a teacher listed for your area, you might want to contact one from the websites and find out if they may know of an instructor who may live closer to you.
Good luck!!
2007-07-12 14:27:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think if you are able to carry your weight well and balance yourself than your weight is insignificant. I don't weight a lot and I'm a horrible dancer with 2 left feet! A dance class does not accept her it wouldn't be professional and not have enough confidence to take on this supposed challenge. As a suggestion, I think she should try swing. It's such a work out. If she's worried about being lifted, this won't be the best. She could try interpretive dance.
2007-07-12 14:24:51 · answer #2 · answered by hahahehe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well alot of professional schools have auditions to get into class. ive only heard of a select few not accepting someone based on appearance, but those schools arent even worth going to. they're stuffy extremely classical ballet schools that lack diversity, which isnt good because a dance should be very diverse and versatile. she should learn the basics and start exercising on her own before and during the time that she takes dance class. she should also know that dance training takes alot of discipline and hard work and that just because you can dance on a dance floor doesnt necessarily mean you'll do well in classes. dance training requires you to do things that your body doesnt naturally do, but its a great work out and she will more than likely enjoy. so dont be discouraged!! : )
2007-07-13 06:00:48 · answer #3 · answered by BeautifulBallerina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a number of good friends who are big girls and awesome dancers -- far better than I am and I'm thin! She should go out and do what makes her feel good, and she is right -- dancing is a great exercise and a great way to lose weight. Classes will take her because she has as valid desire as anyone to improve her dance skills. Tell to go for it and to enjoy her body now and as it will be after all that dancing!
2007-07-12 14:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by conductorbrat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a big girl myself I would tell her to go for it. Anything that makes you feel good and confident is definately worth pursuing. Losing weight is an added plus but the focus should be on fun. I would call around local dance teachers and see what they offer. Some may offer beginner classes or private sessions. Get a group of you and your friends together to join her. Make sure you tell her to never let being fat stop her from living life to the fullest!
2007-07-12 13:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by Robin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask some instructors for her. You can get a sense of whether or not they will be respectful to her, and some might just flat out say no if they have issues with weight. Then, when you have a list of people who might take her, approach our friend and tell her you think they would be interested in working with her.
Belly dancing is a gorgeous art, and I have a friend who is at least as big as yours who does it. Maybe your friend would like it too?
2007-07-13 02:04:39 · answer #6 · answered by Coach ~Jen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should accept her because wouldn't it be discrimination if they don't? But maybe she can go to a weight lose program first and then lose some weight before she goes to professional dancing. It will help boost her confidence and ultimately improve her dancing.
2007-07-12 13:30:37 · answer #7 · answered by AnswerGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she can't get accepted, she could take aerobics classes or non-professional dance classes until she takes off enough weight to get in. Keep encouraging her to follow her dream and keep trying to get her to come out with you.
2007-07-12 13:33:25 · answer #8 · answered by me_myself_&_eye 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!!!! I have a heavyweight talented dancer friend at my studio!! It matters about talent.
2007-07-12 13:42:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea as far as solution goes, but the best of luck to her and her talent.
2007-07-12 13:31:25 · answer #10 · answered by ツSpeckles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋