Woops. I meant GAINESVILLE, not Gainsville. Sorry :)

i was born and raised in Gainesville!
live in Orlando now

hope your student does well and doesn't party too much....i went to UF back when it was THE party college (dating myself...i graduated UF in '82).

Hi there!
I am a grad student at UF and started with the free belly dance class offered by the Department of Recreational Sports: www.recsports.ufl.edu/groupfitness.aspx

The instructor, Jillian, is good at breaking down each move and usually tosses in a little choreography at the end of the class. She is also a student of Rona Bennett (Nicoma) at Hip Moves: www.nicomadance.com/default.htm

I have also been taking classes with Rona and LOVE it there! She's also great at breaking down the moves and knows how to make the class worthwhile and challenging for each student, even if some are a little farther along in their dancing than others. She has a great beginning techniques class that includes ab work at the end for an added fitness bonus! I'm transitioning into the intermediate/advanced class at the moment as well. Every time I walk into the studio I can count on it being a fun time and I always learn something new.

My first instructor in Gainesville was Najmah, and she taught at UF for a while, but I think she's teaching primarily in Jacksonville now. But keep an eye out for a workshop from her, she's a great dancer and teacher! www.najmah.biz/

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

And don't forget to check the Belly Dance Florida web site, www.beledy.net/florida

- Sherezzah