Is Dance99 a dance studio?

Yes and no. Dance99 does not have its own studio, but Dance99 can be said to be a virtual belly dance school that aims to train new potential belly dancers and also is a dance troupe that goes out to perform on various corporate and personal events.

Where are Dance99 classes held?

Dance99 rents and accepts invitation from various dance and fitness studio to teach belly dance classes in Penang. Dance99 hopes to provide classes at various locations in Penang to reach out to students staying at different places. For up-to-date list of studios where Dance99 classes are held, please refer to the Studio Information at the links page.

What is belly dance?

The name Belly dance is derived from the French phrase "dance du ventre" or "dance of the stomach". Belly dancers embrace this as the term created by western tourist that was mesmerized by the hip and torso movements of the dance. Belly dance is also known as Raks Sharki in Arabic which means Oriental Dance. Some called it the Middle Eastern Dance. For a brief history of the dance, please refer to Brief History of Belly Dance.

What is the benefit of learning belly dance?

There are many benefits to learning belly dance. Some of the more important benefits are listed in the Benefits of Belly Dance.

What type of belly dance style do you teach?

We teach a combination of Egyptian style and American Cabaret as the base. However, we will introduce more styles in class when students reach the Advance level as new materials will be introduced from time to time.

How much do you charge for your classes?

Since Dance99 classes are held at various studios, the class rates may be different for different studio. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the studio on the rate that is incurred for the classes before you enroll for your classes. Please contact us, if you would like to know the rate for the different studios.

How much do you charge for private classes?

Our private class rates depend on the number of students per session and also the total hours (max 3 hours) per session requested. Since Dance99 does not have its own studio, charges given excludes the studio rentals. Please contact us for more details.

Can I ask for a refund if I couldn't make it to class?

Fees paid are not refundable, however, it's advisable to check with the respective studio on their refund policy during registration.

I couldn't wait for a new class, can I join an existing class?

Yes, you can, if you already have some basics in the dance. However, we would most likely to recommend you to take at least an hour private session with us before the class, as preparation. For a total beginner with no experience at all in the dance, the private session is a MUST! A special private session rate will be offered only if you have paid for at least 1 month of the class fee. Please contact us for more details.

Do I need to prepare anything before class and what should I wear for class?

No, you do not need to prepare anything for class. Just come wearing comfortable clothes, preferably slim pants and crop top, so that, your movements can be easily seen by the instructor that will ensure that you do the movements correctly and safely. It is also advisable to tie a scarf around the hips to accentuate the hip movements.

Can I record the choreography that has been taught in the class?

Yes, at the end of each choreography, you will be given a chance to record a video of the dance that has been learned for your references in the future. However, you are not allowed to share this video online or make copies without proper consent from Dance99. The purpose of the recording is for you to see how you dance, in hope that you will be able to correct mistakes and improve your dance accordingly. It should not be used for any other purposes.

Am I allowed to perform or teach the choreography learned in the classes?

Yes, you have paid to learn the dance, therefore, you are allowed to dance or perform the choreography and also teach the choreography in your own classes. However, we hope that you would give the proper credits to Dance99 as the creator and choreographer of the dance.

Do you have any other questions that are not answered?

If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please contact us. We would love to hear from you!