I really don't feel good about my body, and I'm not ready to join until I feel more comfortable dancing in front of other people.

I know this isn't really a question, but it's probably the single biggest barrier for people joining, and it's is exactly the point of the program. Belly dance is practiced in my culture as a way to connect with your body, no matter how it feels. This program is an invitation to show up with all of it — your insecurities, your discomfort, your pain, every part of your body — and heal in community.

I have an injury and I don't know if I can do all of the fancy stuff. Can I still join?  

Absolutely! Belly dance played a major role in my recovery from past injuries, chronic pain, and child birth. I survived a shooting when I was 21 years old, and belly dance helped me get back on my feet again. I use accommodations for myself whenever I'm in pain, and I make sure to provide accommodations for participants with injuries, disabilities, chronic pain, or illness. I always encourage participants to share any concerns with me so I can support them. And it's important to go at whatever pace works best for your individual body. During this 6-week program, I'll share ways that you can address that pain while you dance, so you can reconnect with your body and feel more like yourself again.

*Please note: I am not a doctor or a physical therapist, so please make sure to check in with a specialist before you decide to join if you have concerns beyond minor aches and pains.

Do I need any special attire or equipment?

Nope! All you need is a bottle of water to stay hydrated and a yoga mat for comfort if you want. You'll want to make sure you can connect to Zoom in a quiet, comfortable space. For some, that may be your living room, and for others, that may be a small corner of your bedroom. There are no judgments about finding a place that works for you!

But what do I wear?

Everyone imagines that you have to have your stomach showing, and that you have to wear some fancy outfit to belly dance. I usually just wear traditional loose-fitting dresses or yoga pants and a tank top, and I encourage all participants to wear whatever feels comfortable on your body! I love using a hip scarf to help with isolation, but you don't need it in order to participate.

I've never danced before and I have no rhythm. Will I be able to keep up?  

My belly dance workshops are about discovering and enhancing your natural rhythm, flow, and sensuality. In any given class there are a range of levels, from beginners who are just learning to move their hips, to advanced dancers who have been doing it their whole lives. I differentiate my lessons to meet you where you are and encourage you to stretch your comfort zone — no matter how advanced you may be — so you can become a more bold, confident, and empowered version of yourself!

I'm pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Can I still participate?

Absolutely! Belly dance helped me heal physically and emotionally after six pregnancies, including three miscarriages. It's used in different parts of the world to assist with birth and recovery, and it's a powerful way to reconnect with your changing body. Because each participant is encouraged to go at their own pace, you'll discover movements and practices that feel good to you. That being said, it's important to prioritize guidance and recommendations from your obstetrician.

So it's just 6 weeks and then it's over? What if I'm looking for lasting change?

The most unique and valuable part of this program is the community. You'll be making deep connections with other women, partnering and supporting each other throughout the program, and celebrating all of your wins together. The kind of friendships we create in these spaces don't just fall off once the program is over. I encourage participants to stay connected through our group communications and as individuals. The goal of this program is to help you build healthy habits that are easy to implement during and outside of the program.

I'd rather just take a regular weekly belly dance class. Do you offer anything like that?  

I've taught weekly classes in the past, but they tend to feel more surface-level. It doesn't give us an opportunity to build on each lesson and create the kind of safe, tight-knit environment that longer workshops and community-oriented programs provide. The way I teach belly dance, I like to go deep and hone our movements over time.

That being said, you'll receive the recordings for each of the classes, so you can revisit them whenever you want a refresh!

I can't make it to this program, will you be hosting another one soon?  

I've been hosting 6-Week Programs every 6 months in person, but I've only hosted the online one once a year. I am planning to offer a pre-recorded program at some point in 2023, which is another option. That won't have any of the interaction and community that this one offers, though. If there's a way to rearrange your schedule to participate, I'd love to have you. Otherwise, feel free to follow me on Instagram and TikTok @nurjahanboulden to get updates on future programs and workshops. You can also donate any amount using the buttons below to help provide a Tempo Scholarship to another woman, making this program accessible to everyone. Even if you can't join this time, you can still support and uplift other women with your contribution.

Belly dance is a powerful practice that should be accessible to everyone. Click here to access the Tempo Scholarship application form.

I'd love to join, but I don't have money to spend on something like this! Do you teach any free classes or programs?

I do have older mini-lessons on my YouTube page, so feel free to subscribe here! It's not the same as dancing in community and getting that direct support — and you won't get the kind of accountability that we all need. It can be so hard to justify investing time and money on yourself sometimes. I completely understand! I have to remind myself regularly that my emotional and physical health are worth it. I've found that when you take the step to invest in yourself, you're so much more likely to show up and get the most out of it. If there's something inside you that's calling you to sign up, come join us! Your life and well-being truly are worth it. And if you really don't have the financial means to participate, you can apply for a Tempo Scholarship here. My goal is to make this program available to anyone who's willing to invest in themselves, no matter your financial situation.