1) We respect each woman’s uniqueness
No one is better than the other; every person is different. We all come from different walks of life, have different background, age, culture, religion, race, body shape, weight, etc. We might have similarities and affinities but each person is unique.

2) We believe that every woman can learn belly dance, if their uniqueness is respected
Because of our uniqueness, everyone has different learning curves. Due to our lives’ experiences, physical and personal factors, we all have different learning speeds which vary throughout our learning process.

3) We believe that the method of teaching used should be according to the student’s needs
Again, because everyone is unique, each person will learn better in different ways. During class you will find out that different approaches are used to explain the same move, until you get the right idea of what is being taught, so you can learn it in a proper way. Sometimes you will learn better by only observing a dance demonstration; sometimes a demonstration is not enough: you will need a well-structured, methodical and analytical approach where you are explained how, why, when and where things happen.

4) We believe that practice, commitment and dedication are paramount for learning
We currently live in a world of consumerism. Everything gets obsolete quickly and most things are disposable. You may see adverts saying “learn Italian in 30 days”, “lose 10 stones in a week”. The reality is: there is no such thing. You might learn Italian in 30 days but you will learn very basic word and expressions which are not enough to hold a conversation. You might lose 10 stones in a week but it will be in an unhealthy way which can even put your life at risk. And as I said before, people are unique and learn better in different ways and speeds.
So if you plan to take belly dance you should think about committing to it. Then, the degree of your dedication will depend on what you want to take from belly dance: leisure, fitness, performance, etc. However, no matter what your choice or purpose is, some level of commitment will be required. Belly dance is all about muscle control and, as any form of dance, it requires practice and repetition, until a connection is created between the brain and the muscles.

5) We believe in meritocracy
People are able to move up levels or join levels above beginners only if they have acquired and are able to demonstrate the skills required for moving to the next stage. Moving to the next level is something that you conquer with your own effort. That’s the only way forward. There is no favoritism, no nepotism, no special offers, no favour exchange. What you achieve in class is yours.

6) We believe that the environment where you learn is important
Hayaam is a very committed teacher as well as patient, dedicated and extremely passionate about belly dance and her students. Classes are held in a nurturing, motivating, encouraging, challenging environment, full of inspiration, energy and fun. The number of students in class are limited so that everyone has enough space to dance and learn comfortably. Also the position of the students in the studio is changed during the class so that each student has the opportunity to observe the same move from different points of view.

7) We believe that each student is unique and special
The teacher follows each student’s development. She aims to learn each student’s name as the 6 week course progresses and knows who they are.

We believe that feedback in class is a fundamental part of learning
In class feedback is given in a positive way so students can correct their posture and position and so they can take the best of the class and learn the movements properly.

Hayaam Belly Dance School – Mission Statement