~What should I bring to circus or belly dance classes?
1. Open heart 2. Open mind 3. Water bottle!
~What should I wear to belly dance class?
Wear clothing that you might wear to a yoga class, like leggings and a jog bra or tank top. Melina likes to be able to see your knees, feet and body outline so she can help correct your posture and help you improve your technique in class. The studio has a basket of hip scarves for students to borrow during class time. We also loan out finger cymbals and veils if you don't have your own. Classes are conducted barefoot and street shoes are not allowed in the studio, but if you would prefer, you can wear ballet slippers or socks. No heeled dance shoes, please, they are not safe or conducive for the earthy and energetic Daughters of Rhea style of belly dance.
~What should I wear to circus class?
Ideally, wear form-fitting clothing that covers the backs of your knees and under your arm pits to minimize your discomfort while hanging upside down on a trapeze bar or sliding down the silks. For student safety and for the protection of our circus equipment: no jeans or clothing with zippers are allowed, and students should remove their jewelry. What works best: leotards with 3/4 sleeves, footless tights or tight-fitting leggings with shorts, unitards with 3/4 sleeves. Shorts with bare legs are not recommended since the back of your knees will rub on the bar, and loose clothing may get in the way of activities. If you have long hair, keep it tied back in a pony tail so it does not distract or get caught in apparatus. No gum, street shoes or food allowed in the studio.
~What are some of the studio rules?
Check your outside worries at the door come in ready for challenging fun! For maximum cleanliness of everyone’s circus arts and dance experience, no street shoes are allowed in the studio. Everyone enjoys our clean hardwood floors and acrobatic mats, so please remove your shoes prior to entering the studio! Please dispose of your chewing gum before class, and set your cell phones to vibrate to not disturb the classes while they are in session.
~Can I have my child’s birthday party at Moody Street Circus?
Yes! We host fun and instructive circus and belly dance birthday parties for kids aged 6 and up at Moody Street Circus. Birthday parties for up to 10 kids cost $350 and run for 2 hours, with the option of adding on circus entertainment such as an acrobatic hoop performer or a silks aerialist for an additional fee. We provide the beautiful space, balloons, tables, circus equipment and world-class instruction, you bring the cake and drinks for after the circus-ing is over. Waivers must be signed for each child participating in the birthday party. Email Melinda Pavlata to explore possible dates and times that might work for you, or call and leave a detailed message at 781 209 0950.
~I've never taken a belly dance class before. Will I feel lost if I show up to a beginner's class for the first time?
You will never feel lost in Melina’s belly dance classes for beginners! The classes are friendly, down-to-earth and inclusive. Belly Dance is a democratic dance, suitable for all bodies no matter what your age or size. In each and every class Melina breaks down the belly dance movements to their smallest component so that every student knows exactly what to do with their bodies. It takes a while for belly dance movements to get into your muscles, so be patient and don't rush your body! Melina teaches in a spiral method, always returning and reteaching fundamental movements to reinforce what you've already learned even as we add on new skills. She emphasizes how to stand and place your feet, how to hold your body, where to bear your weight, what to do with your arms and hands so that you can navigate this new dance form with relative ease. At the same time she also wants you to have fun and let loose with wild shimmies and fast hip work. So -- if you're new to belly dance -- show up anytime and have a blast in class.
