Registration & Preparation

Feb 2022 - classes are currently on hiatus. We will update on our FB page and this website when we return!
Registration Fees:
Drop-ins - $15
Six Week Sessions - $70​ (only ~$12/class!)

Students gain access to the Deep Roots Live! private Facebook group  to gather with fellow students, chat about classes, and get feedback and ask questions outside of class.

Current Schedule
Level 1 - Thursdays 7pm PST
Level 2 - Thursdays 8pm PST IS ON HIATUS

Work Trade, Scholarship, and Financial Aid available.
At Deep Roots Dance we strongly believe money should never be a barrier to dance, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us to discuss how we can help connect you with opportunities in dance and community.

If you'd like to support our ability to make programming accessible to people enduring financial difficulty during this time, donations are gratefully accepted via Venmo @StudioDeepRoots or Paypal friends and family at paypal.me/DeepRootsDance

Register For Livestream Classes

Feb 2022 - classes are currently on hiatus. We will update on our FB page and this website when we return!

Preparing For Your Online Class

  • Students will need to download the free Zoom app and be logged in under the name they registered under in order to have access to the classes.
  • Wear clothes you can move in which don't obscure your form too much--a fitted shirt or tank top, leggings or yoga pants, and a hip scarf are ideal.
  • If you wish to receive feedback from the instructor, try to set up your phone, laptop, or tablet camera facing you in a well-lit room against a neutral backdrop.
  • Students will be admitted to the Zoom classroom with their video on but sound muted.
  • Students are invited to unmute themselves when wanting to ask a question or when the instructor asks for feedback or commentary, but please re-mute yourself afterward, to avoid excessive intrusive noise when the instructor is teaching.
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FAQ

What will class be like, exactly?
​If this is your first bellydance class, or even your first dance class, then we extend an extra warm welcome to you! It takes a bit of courage to try something new, and we will do our best to show you a good time.

Level 1 classes will begin with a gentle warm-up, to get our blood pumping and muscles limber and prepared for dancing. Then we will learn one slow move and one fast move each week, breaking them down, and answering any questions you may have. Then we finish by working on these skills in a short drill we call "flow" where we just dance without any talking.

Do I have to bare my belly to participate?
Not at all! A fitted top is at least recommended, for your instructor to be able to see your posture and form. And while a bare belly is not required, keep in mind that in bellydance class, it is entirely appropriate and in context. Read “All about baring your belly (or not)” in the extended FAQ below for more info about baring your belly in class, and belly-covering options for class.

What level should I take?
Ultimately, it is up to you which level of livestreaming class you wish to take--this is YOUR time. But at Deep Roots Dance, we feel it's our mission to help every dancer feel confident and successful in their dance. That means working at a level that is suited to your strengths, and pushing your edge just enough to challenge yourself, without being frustrating or harmful. So here is our guidelines:

If you have never taken bellydance classes before, definitely start with Level 1 - Foundations. It will get you started with some of the fundamental skills of bellydance, developing the strength, flexibility, and confidence you're looking for! You'll learn the vocabulary and format we build on in future levels, giving you a strong foundation to grow from.

If you have taken bellydance in any style before, it is important you be familiar with our Level 1 terminology and technique before taking Level 2 classes, as we will be building upon it without any breakdown or explanation. We recommend you take a minimum of one six-week session of Level 1 classes before joining our Level 2.  After this, many students take Level 1 and Level 2 concurrently for a time for conditioning, and to solidify the foundation vocabulary as they build their Level 2 skillset.

If you are already experienced in AST/FCBD style bellydance (a year or more), then you will likely be prepared to take Level 2 at this time. Many experienced dancers elect to take Level 1 and 2 simultaneously, for conditioning and foundations refinement as they develop their more advanced skills. We think of Level 1 as our bellydancer version of a ballet dancer's barre class. Basic Egyptians and taqsims are simply our versions of tendus and plies!

Where can I purchase finger cymbals? What kind should I get?
Students will need to purchase quality student finger cymbals (also called zills). We highly recommend Saroyan Mastercrafts, which you can purchase easily online on Amazon: Afghanis or The Grecian are the preferred styles.

If you do choose to go with another brand of finger cymbals, make sure you purchase as good a quality as you can afford. Like any instrument, the more cheaply produced instruments are more difficult to play, the sound will not be pleasing to you, and you won’t want to practice! So be wary of very cheap price points. Most important, make sure your chosen style has two slots for the elastic, and can accommodate 1/4″ elastic. Finger cymbals with two wide slots and good quality elastic will stay on your fingers better, which helps you play more confidently.

My video is slow/stutters/etc, or my audio crackles/skips/etc.  What can I do?

We are all at the mercy of the internet when it comes to streaming classes. Here are some things our members have reported as working:
  • Reboot your router or wifi access point.
  • ​Reboot your computer/laptop/etc.
  • Move closer to your wifi access point.
  • If you're on your phone, make sure wifi is enabled and you have a good signal.
  • Check to make sure you aren't connected to a nearby Bluetooth device you didn't mean to be, or switch to a new device or headset if the one you are on seems to be malfunctioning.

Disclaimer: Streaming quality, video and sound quality will vary based on the internet access and technology used by each individual student. Connection quality may vary by day, time of day, your home connection, and other factors that are unfortunately outside of our control. We have taken great pains to produce the best quality content and technological standards within the studio environment, but cannot make any guarantees regarding internet speeds, bandwidth, or issues with video or sound lag and quality outside of our studio environment. If you experience persistent issues with sound or lag, please consult your internet provider.
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Deep Roots Dance &
Studio Deep Roots
​Seattle, WA
info@deeprootsdance.com