Contact Melanie at 574-533-0222
or melanie@melanieinmotion.com

Things to Know

I am excited that you are interested in learning the art and joy of this beautiful dance form! I am sure that you will find learning a little about the diversity of this part of our world interesting, and the wonderful music, rhythms, and movements exhilarating and fun. Please feel free to call me with any questions that you may have about classes or anything else on your mind.
This is the place for odds and ends that you need to know, such as class attire, etc., plus various events or workshops that are open to the public and that our troupe or I may be performing in...

Attire – wear comfortable, breathable attire such as yoga or dance pants, tank top, sports bra...NO baggy attire!!! The torso must be seen and if you are in the Intro class a skirt is not necessary. If you choose to get one, I recommend as full of a circle skirt as you can find (or make)

Hips! – everyone loves the bling-bling of coin belts and they certainly help you to get in touch with and accent the movements involved. I will have several available from Dahlal International, straight from Egypt and Turkey. They range in price from $25 – $45 (and up, though I don’t order those!) and are quite fun and lovely. They are not mandatory, but I would recommend that you seriously consider purchasing one.

Shoes – again, optional. If you are wanting shoes, I recommend going to Discount Dance as they are exceptionally fast w/good prices. Follow the recommendations for sizing on each brand. Most ballet slippers are worn at least 1-2 sizes down from your street shoe – they WILL stretch and mold to your feet as you sweat in them. I recommend a flesh-toned ballet slipper or “Grecian” (flexible shoe that has a 1/2“ heel). If your shoes are not snug you cannot articulate the foot properly.

Music – Many students are always asking about the best music to purchase out there. I always offer an optional compilation CD of much of the music (+ extras!) that we use in class. This helps jog your memory, aids in practice at home, and is just fun to listen to. I will have a sign up sheet in class and $ will need to be collected ahead before any cds are burnt.

For Class – please be sure to bring a water bottle! Also, a courtesy request: this is a rental agreement, so we must begin and end on time – please arrive early for enough time (approx. 10 min. ahead of starting time) to use the restroom, get shoes or belt on, etc. Please, arrive dressed in your dance attire! There is no changing room.

You are always more than welcome to bring a friend or relative to sit in and watch a class. Please just let me know via e-mail. Please, no children that would require supervision. If you bring a friend along that would actually like to participate, the cost is $10.

A few final things to consider...dance is a joy, but also a discipline and takes time, devotion, practice, and patience!! Regular attendance is expected and sporadic attendance will only lead to frustration and falling behind. I strive to keep continuity going in each session. So, push past those times where you don’t “feel” like it...If you’re stressed out, what better way to de–stress? And, lastly, you’ve invested in this! Squeeze all the good out of the experience that you can and you will feel all the better for it! Come with an attitude of openness and the goal to just ENJOY!