Q: Where are classes?
A: In San Francisco they are located at the ODC Dance Commons and at La Solea Dance Cafe, in the East Bay they are at Spring/Fall Studio at the Sawtooth Building in Berkeley.

Q: How do I get to ODC or La Solea?
A: You can drive, but there is only street parking for both sites, so factor in some extra time to find parking. The nearest BART Station is 16th St Mission, but we recommend walking with a buddy.

Q: How do I get to the Spring/Fall Studio?
A: You can take the southbound 9 bus from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. It is also accessible via the 72/72M/72R routes. There is ample street parking and a a map can be found here. Enter through the 2547 door and walk down the wide hallway. Spring/Fall is to your left.

Q: When are Classes?
A: See our class page for an up-to-date list of class times.

Q: When should I arrive?
A: Five to ten minutes before the scheduled class time. Make sure you allot a realistic amount of time for travel, parking, signing in and getting changed.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: San Francisco classes are $12/class, with the Saturday Intermediate class/workshop offered at $15. ODC also offers a range of class cards at a discounted price. Ask at the counter if you think you'll attend frequently. Rose also offers a discounted class card for her Thursday La Solea class. Jill's East Bay classes are $15 to drop in, and she also offers a $52 class pass valid for 4 classes to be used in one calendar month.

Q: How long are classes?
A: All classes are an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and half.

Q: Are classes on a drop-in basis?
A: Yes, all of our classes are drop-in. We do not run sessions.

Q: What is a class like?
A: Classes begin with approximately 30 minutes of warm-up, conditioning exercises and stretches. The rest of class is divided between an appropriate combination of some of the following: explanation of moves, drilling across the floor, lead & follow practice, exercises in musicality, or building choreographies.

Q: Do I need bellydance experience?
A: No. Beginner classes are appropriate for the complete novice. These classes are geared towards those with little to no bellydance experience, however the class may feel overwhelmingly difficult to the new dancer. Bellydance demands tremendous muscle control, but it is something that can be learned. After the first five or so classes you will begin to understand the basics, if not in your body, at least in your head. Be patient with yourself and we will help you!

Intermediate classes are open to those with Bellydance experience and familiarity with Jill Parker’s beginner level classes. Advanced classes can be taken only with permission from the instructor.

Q: Do I need dance experience?
A: No. All moves are explained in an easy to understand way that doesn’t presume previous dance experience. You will also get a repertoire of conditioning exercises, and practice understanding music.

Q: What should I bring?
A: You should bring a water bottle (you will get a workout!).

Q: What should I wear?
A: Workout clothing — keep in mind that you will sweat. Also, it will be easier to see your stomach & hip technique in low-waisted pants and a tight or cropped top but the most important thing is to feel comfortable. For advanced classes, wear form-fitting pants to better evaluate your leg technique.

Q: Where can I get those cute Rosehips skirts and fashionable Ultra Gypsy tank tops?
A: You can custom-order Rosehips from Rose on Tribe.net at the Rosehips Tribe or purchase them at classes. The tank tops are available for only $16 at all Ultra Gypsy classes or events, or by e-mailing info@ultragypsy.com.

Q: Do you teach private classes?
A: Ultra Gypsy members are available for private instruction. Please contact us through info@ultragypsy.com with "Private instruction" in the subject line.