SMBA Coaching Team

coaches-helenPrincipal and Head Coach: Helen

Take a look here at an interview with Helen …

 

 

 

 

 

Coach: Natasha

An interview with Natasha …

coaches-natashaWhat’s your dance background and training?

I come from a Persian background so I grew up hearing Middle Eastern music daily, although I took it for granted. I studied many musical instruments, including guitar, piano and violin; I knew I had a love and talent for music but wasn’t sure how to express it. It wasn’t until I was much older that I fully embraced my Persian side and started formally learning bellydance. Everything fell into place immediately and I have since trained in Egyptian and other bellydance styles at SMBA and the Drumzy School of Music and Dance.

Do you have a specialty?

Thanks to my heritage I have a special interest in Persian music and dance. I’m interested in Persian style dance in its own right as well as fusing it with other bellydance styles. I am also a keen tabla player and find this helps to understand the rhythms used in Middle Eastern music

How did you become a bellydance coach? Do you have qualifications?

I’ve completed the SMBA Bellydance Coaching Apprenticeship and I’m currently undergoing professional training on the Drumzy Advanced Dancers, Teachers, and Professionals Course. I hold a Professional Bellydance Teaching Diploma from the IDTA. I’ve taught bellydance since 2012 and my message to my students is: Don’t be shy! Feel brilliant about who you are, your body and your femininity, and remember whatever shape and size you are, you can bellydance!

What’s your inner bellydance animal?

What classes do you teach? Do you do private coaching?

I teach group classes at SMBA and I’m also an SMBA Private Coach. Here’s a bit more about it:

  • I teach hour-long Private Coaching sessions at £35 per hour with a 10% discount if you book more than one session at a time
  • Coaching takes place at my home in Egham
  • I’ll give you specific assignments and a roadmap to consolidate your learning and help you reach your goals quickly

If you’re ready to upgrade your dancing by taking Private Coaching sessions with me, please email mail@helenbellydance.com and we’ll take it from there.

Where can I find out more about you?

Take a peek at my website: natashabradleydance.com

Coach: Cherie 12109228_892496024163167_4962717140971723623_n

An interview with Cherie …

What’s your dance background and training?

I come from sunny from South Africa and as far back as I can remember I have always had a love and passion for music and dance, any excuse to go out dancing from dancing in the comfort of my own home to outdoor festivals in the South African sunshine.  I tried many styles of dancing in my school years such as ballet, modern dancing and African Beats but it was not until I moved to England in 2004 that I discovered the sensational  art of Bellydance. I fell love instantly and knew right then and there I had found my calling.

I’ve studied Oriental and Egyptian Music and Dance intensely over the past 9 years, attending many inspiring classes and workshops taught by various UK and International Top teachers. I’ve performed with The Ramzy dance Company for several years and toured with the troupe across Britain appearing both with the troupe and as a soloist. I have also performed with World musician Phil Thornton.

Do you have a specialty?

I’ve become well known as a teacher and performer of Egyptian style Belly dance with a unique style and ability to fuse and create exciting, fun, new choreographies.  Locally I’m known for my enthusiastic teaching style, accurate interpretation of music, funky choreographies and for bringing students from complete beginners to fully fledged performers in a matter of months.

How did you become a bellydance coach? Do you have qualifications?

I am one of the first Graduates from the Drumzy Advanced Dancers Course directed and run by the renowned Hossam and Serena Ramzy. I’ve attended teacher training coaches with Helen Santa Maria at SMBA and I also hold a Diploma in Belly Dancing Teacher with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA). I am also a qualified Zumba instructor.

What classes do you teach? Do you do private coaching?

I teach group classes at SMBA and I’m also an SMBA Private Coach. Here’s a bit more about it:

  • I teach hour-long Private Coaching sessions at £40 per hour with a 10% discount if you book more than one session at a time
  • Coaching takes place at my home near Henley-on-Thames
  • I’ll give you specific assignments and a roadmap to consolidate your learning and help you reach your goals quickly

If you’re ready to upgrade your dancing by taking Private Coaching sessions with me, please email mail@helenbellydance.com and we’ll take it from there.

Where can I find out more about you?

Take a peek at my website: www.cherie-dance.com