Terms and Conditions
By attending class it is assumed that you agree to these terms and conditions.
All classes must be paid for ahead of the start of class. No exceptions.
Las Positas College collects payments for their classes. You can pay on line, by post, over the phone or in person, but all payments must be received at least two hours before the start of the class. If you pay within 24 hours of the start of the class please email me directly with confirmation and bring your receipt to the first class (as Pleasanton city is not always able to do this) - that way I can add you to my class list.
The Livermore class is"Pay as you go", or pre-booked by the month. There will be a cash purse by the door as you enter the studio if you want to pay per lesson. You can also go to the store page of this web site and pay on-line for a block of lessons/ monthly class pass - there is a considerable saving for pre-booking, see below. Please pay before the start of the lesson. If you arrive late to the lesson please pay before joining in. I do not offer free classes or free taster sessions.
Monthly Class Passes are available for the Livermore class and can be purchased through this web site "store" page, and offer a discount on classes. Monthly passes must be purchased before you attend your first class of the month and can be used in a range of classes within that month. Class passes can not be transfered between different people, or different months, or different venues. Once purchased they can not be refunded. If you have an exceptional life event that means you can no longer attend the classes you have paid for, please contact Sara during the first week of the month. Beyond the first week of the month, class passes are no longer transferable under any circumstances.
The classes I teach are a form of Americanized belly dance.
I have studied many dance forms from a huge variety of countries and picked out the key moves I see reoccurring as my basic moves. Sometimes we focus on just one style (such as Saiidi from Egypt, or the folk dances of Turkey), while other times we blend styles for a more theatrical dance. My classes may or may not be like your previous experience of belly dance.
Please arrive in suitable clothing and be prepared to dance.
Suitable clothing is detailed in the FAQ. My insurers highlight the wearing of socks as a danger in dance classes and I must therefore ask that you either dance bare foot, or in soft soled shoes. If you hurt yourself because you slip on your socks, I will not take the blame. Dancers who chose to wear shoes must be wary of others dancing bare footed close to them and avoid injuring others. Please bring layers so you do not become too hot or cold during class.
Students must eat before attending class.
Please pack a light snack (fruit, energy bar), so that you don't feel weak or faint during the class. You are welcome to take a water break at any time.
No photos at any time.
You may not take photos or video during studio time (class time, preparation for class, packing up after class) without the permission of all those attending. You may not post any images or video on line without further permission from all those who attended the class. I can not provide information about who attended a class nor contact them for you. If you feel that a video of your dancing would help your learning, or you would like to video me we can arrange private lesson time to do that.
Your behavior is a reflection on my teaching.
Students are invited to attend events and enjoy outside performances. However it can damage my reputation if you behave in a way that may upset other dancers. Please do not take photos or video of dancers without their permission. Do not take photos or video in changing areas or of performers warming up or when "off duty". Locally it is normal to talk, shop and eat during some performances, but if you find yourself in the front couple of rows please don't. You can always move towards the back during a break. Please don't criticize or critique performers in a public setting - this would include, but is not limited to: the performance space; changing rooms; public areas at belly dance events; on line; group emails; class social events. Do not take illegal drugs while in a studio costume, studio t-shirt or while at an event where you may be associated with my studio. Smoking and drinking should be limited to a level that is socially acceptable at an event. Do not drink alcohol before class or a performance. Please feel free to check if I consider you "on or off duty" at any time during a belly dance event, show or performance.
Study widely.
I encourage wide study and you are welcome to take lessons with other teachers, to learn from videos, workshops and classes on line. If you are confused about a topic, or hear conflicting advice then feel free to email me for my thoughts or further discussion.
Commit to my teaching style.
In order to provide good teaching to all the student attending I may use exercises or teaching methods that do not suit your learning style. Sometimes this may seem like we are going over the work in too much detail, or repeating work we did last week. You may enjoy the drills more than the games or vice versa. I offer a huge variety of styles of learning to my students to help them understand the moves and topics and something that is not working for you may make more sense in a year or so. In the mean time I would like you to try everything I suggest.
If you have any questions about these terms and conditions please email me here :
All classes must be paid for ahead of the start of class. No exceptions.
Las Positas College collects payments for their classes. You can pay on line, by post, over the phone or in person, but all payments must be received at least two hours before the start of the class. If you pay within 24 hours of the start of the class please email me directly with confirmation and bring your receipt to the first class (as Pleasanton city is not always able to do this) - that way I can add you to my class list.
The Livermore class is"Pay as you go", or pre-booked by the month. There will be a cash purse by the door as you enter the studio if you want to pay per lesson. You can also go to the store page of this web site and pay on-line for a block of lessons/ monthly class pass - there is a considerable saving for pre-booking, see below. Please pay before the start of the lesson. If you arrive late to the lesson please pay before joining in. I do not offer free classes or free taster sessions.
Monthly Class Passes are available for the Livermore class and can be purchased through this web site "store" page, and offer a discount on classes. Monthly passes must be purchased before you attend your first class of the month and can be used in a range of classes within that month. Class passes can not be transfered between different people, or different months, or different venues. Once purchased they can not be refunded. If you have an exceptional life event that means you can no longer attend the classes you have paid for, please contact Sara during the first week of the month. Beyond the first week of the month, class passes are no longer transferable under any circumstances.
The classes I teach are a form of Americanized belly dance.
I have studied many dance forms from a huge variety of countries and picked out the key moves I see reoccurring as my basic moves. Sometimes we focus on just one style (such as Saiidi from Egypt, or the folk dances of Turkey), while other times we blend styles for a more theatrical dance. My classes may or may not be like your previous experience of belly dance.
Please arrive in suitable clothing and be prepared to dance.
Suitable clothing is detailed in the FAQ. My insurers highlight the wearing of socks as a danger in dance classes and I must therefore ask that you either dance bare foot, or in soft soled shoes. If you hurt yourself because you slip on your socks, I will not take the blame. Dancers who chose to wear shoes must be wary of others dancing bare footed close to them and avoid injuring others. Please bring layers so you do not become too hot or cold during class.
Students must eat before attending class.
Please pack a light snack (fruit, energy bar), so that you don't feel weak or faint during the class. You are welcome to take a water break at any time.
No photos at any time.
You may not take photos or video during studio time (class time, preparation for class, packing up after class) without the permission of all those attending. You may not post any images or video on line without further permission from all those who attended the class. I can not provide information about who attended a class nor contact them for you. If you feel that a video of your dancing would help your learning, or you would like to video me we can arrange private lesson time to do that.
Your behavior is a reflection on my teaching.
Students are invited to attend events and enjoy outside performances. However it can damage my reputation if you behave in a way that may upset other dancers. Please do not take photos or video of dancers without their permission. Do not take photos or video in changing areas or of performers warming up or when "off duty". Locally it is normal to talk, shop and eat during some performances, but if you find yourself in the front couple of rows please don't. You can always move towards the back during a break. Please don't criticize or critique performers in a public setting - this would include, but is not limited to: the performance space; changing rooms; public areas at belly dance events; on line; group emails; class social events. Do not take illegal drugs while in a studio costume, studio t-shirt or while at an event where you may be associated with my studio. Smoking and drinking should be limited to a level that is socially acceptable at an event. Do not drink alcohol before class or a performance. Please feel free to check if I consider you "on or off duty" at any time during a belly dance event, show or performance.
Study widely.
I encourage wide study and you are welcome to take lessons with other teachers, to learn from videos, workshops and classes on line. If you are confused about a topic, or hear conflicting advice then feel free to email me for my thoughts or further discussion.
Commit to my teaching style.
In order to provide good teaching to all the student attending I may use exercises or teaching methods that do not suit your learning style. Sometimes this may seem like we are going over the work in too much detail, or repeating work we did last week. You may enjoy the drills more than the games or vice versa. I offer a huge variety of styles of learning to my students to help them understand the moves and topics and something that is not working for you may make more sense in a year or so. In the mean time I would like you to try everything I suggest.
If you have any questions about these terms and conditions please email me here :
Terms and Conditions for Performers:
Thank you for agreeing to perform with me. Please take a moment to read through this list and contact me with any questions before our next performance:
While you are at an event you represent me and my dance school. Please keep this in mind:
While you are at an event you represent me and my dance school. Please keep this in mind:
- I will strive to provide you with your choreography, costume choice, music, venue, timings and the website for the event at least two weeks ahead of time. Please check your routes, book your own hotels (if needed) and find out about performers fees an obligations at this time. If you feel you lack the necessary information, you can remind me on our facebook group and I will get that info to you.
- Performers need to be confident in their choreography. Please attend lessons to learn the choreography. If you are struggling, you can book a private lesson, although we all learn better when surrounded by our troupe. Once I know who will be performing at each event I will "set" the choreography - that is tell you all where to stand, who is your partner, who gets which solo.... It is essential that you attend the session when we "set". If you know you will miss any of the lessons in the run up to a performance, please let me know and I can work around your attendance and postpone the "set" session.
- You are welcome to dance solo at these events, or dance with other troupes. However, I need to know so I can ask for additional changing time from event organizers. Please only commit to dance an achievable amount at each event, and consider the needs of your troupes before over committing. Last minute changes to the line up are very stressful !
- It is not the aim of this group to make any money. Indeed it will cost you money to buy kit, attend events and pay for classes and private lessons to learn the choreography. If we attend an event where the troupe are offered cash or tips, we split that money equally between all those attending. I may choose to split that money in the form of coffee or drinks on the day. Any tips you earn dancing solo are your own.
- We purchase a new costume every year or so and try to keep it within a budge of about $250. You must purchase the correct costume to perform at the event. For new dancers that may mean purchasing three or four.
- We have a set make up look which you can learn in a private lesson with me. I also expect dancers to look "put together" with painted nails, glamorous hair and long eyelashes.
- Troupe costumes can not be worn for solo performances. We try to have a stand out look each year and its important that we limit how often we are seen in costumes. Once a costume becomes "old", you can wear it for solos or classwear, but please try to change your look - mix and match, adjust the skirt, add a different color combo - and make it your own ! If you leave the area, you can wear any of your costumes for local hafla style shows.
- You are expected to bring everything you need to perform to each event: make up; costume; cover up; hair flower.... I will bring the music for troupe, although its always a good idea to pack your own copy. If you have spares of a costume, its nice to bring those for your troupemates.
- You call time is essential to my stress levels, and those of your troupe mates. If you are confused about your call time it is usually 60 to 90 minutes before our performance time. Some events run on "Cairo time" (in other words we could perform any time in a four hour window at the whim of the organizer), and for those there will be a call time of 2 hours before. If you can not be available for that extended period of time, please don't commit to the performance. I know this is a big commitment ! If you find yourself stuck in traffic, or otherwise delayed you MUST text or call me at or before call time. Once your call time has passed I will have to re-set "on the fly". Setting out choreography is hard at home with pen and paper, it is nearly impossible to do in the changing area. Please do not make me re-set ! Anyone who has not checked in at the set call time will be cut from the performance.
- Don’t get drunk, take drugs, pick up strangers or run around naked..... Keep it classy!
- You should carry personal public liability insurance when performing. You are not covered by my insurance.
- Do not bring swords or fire props to events where we are performing unless you are performing that prop with another teacher. If you travel or perform with a sword or fire prop, make sure your insurance company is aware. Do not warm up with a sword or fire prop, or model for photos while in our troupe costume or studio wear. You may not dance with these props as a soloist at an event I book. We will never perform with swords or fire as a troupe or soloists under my studio name.
- Please keep all comments about other performers positive. If you hate what they are doing, stay silent. This includes, but is not limited to: talking at venues, talking in restrooms, changing rooms, car travel with non troupe mates, on line forums, group text messages, our Facebook page.... If you would like to discuss a performance from a learning perspective, we can do that in troupe class time, (but not during other class times, ) or in a private lesson. Feel free to say positive things to other performers all the time and everywhere ! If you see something or someone you like, feel free to go full on fangirl/guy.
- If you feel there is a problem with an event we are attending, please speak to me privately - however, you should simply leave if you feel endangered. Once you have left and feel safe, please text me and the other members of the group to tell them where you are and suggest they too leave. Whenever we interact with the public there is always the chance of someone being sexist, racist, sizest, homophobic, ageist or bigoted. You should not have to interact with these people and I have a zero tolerance policy for that behavior from your troupe or classmates. As part of the persona of the belly dancer, or for your personal safety, you may feel you would prefer to pretend you did not hear or see an incident, or you may notice your troupe mates behave as if they missed the incident. I will support you if you wish to leave an area, or if you prefer to stay and pretend it didn't happen. Both can be good decisions.
- Be nice to everyone. Smile at the doorman, the traders, the helpers, the other dancers and at me. Don’t let stress stop you from being sunny and happy all day. If you are angry or upset during a performance day and you can't deal with it alone, please talk to me privately and away from the other performers.
- There are a FEW people in the area, who are generally considered to be unsafe by the belly dance community. I will do my best to keep you informed and keep you safe. I have to be mindful of the slander and libel laws, but please know your safety is my top concern. Take good care of your troupe - walk each other to your cars, interrupt conversations that look a little too intense, watch out for strangers taking inappropriate photos or video, dont give out your phone number or address. If you take other gigs, take someone with you, or make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to be home. I will happily be your bouncer and carry your bags if you get an exciting opportunity.
- You are welcome to use events we attend to look for belly dancing work. I would like to use these events to look for new students - and we can work together to these ends. Be aware that some events may be better suited to us as a troupe, and others may be better for solo dancers. If in doubt I will happily give you advice.
- Love and support your troupies and team. We all need help and support in different ways - especially on performance days. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each individual and do your best to help them enjoy the day.
- We have some great people coming to support us – give them a day to remember. For some people this may be their first interaction with belly dance. Share the love we all have with our dance form.
- Please don’t take pictures in the changing area if other people are around. People get really stressed about that. Ask before taking selfies with other dancers, especially those you dont know well. Restroom selfies should only be taken when you are 100% sure there is no one else in the restroom. Please dont take photos with children unless a parent or guardian asks you to.
- Please stay in costume after the performance and move to a quiet area for some photos. If you have someone who would like to take your photo (or a photo of our group), please ask them to take their photo at that time. Please check with the venue if they can take photos of us on the stage. If someone from your support team gets some great photos of us on stage, please ask them to share. I’m sure everyone would love to see.
- If travelling long distances, in bad weather or home to an empty house, please let the others know you arrived home safe, even if its past midnight. I know I am not your mother, but sometimes I worry....
- Did I say you have to have lots of FUN!!
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