Testimonial of Be Amazing in the Moment
by Kathy Jennings, Michigan (USA)
Coaching by Heather Wayman, Director, Belly Dance Geek
with photos by: (1) Albert Harper (2) Mark Jennings
“This program led me to great strides in my improvisational skills.”
The biggest hurdle before joining the program was my husband, who objected to the cost.
It was an issue that was resolved when the time was right for me to take the course, where I would have the time to devote to it, so everything worked out for the best.
I had previously taken the Improvisational Safety Net course, so I knew it would cover some of the same material, but there would be a lot more depth, plus newer material that I did not know about.
“Private instruction in this course was tailored to my goals and current skill level.”
This was a one-on-one program, which I can compare to the private piano lessons and the private art lessons I have taken. I received daily feedback, unlike the piano lessons and art lessons,
which was only weekly feedback. The whole program was customized to my goals and current abilities as a dancer. Even the time and day of our weekly live coaching sessions was personalized.
“One of my biggest achievements was my confidence in my growth as a dancer.”
It was achieved by my coach pointing out my progress when my focus was only on the challenging parts. Also, my technique has improved, even though this was not a technique class, because
my coach helped me with that also. Most of all, I learned the many different ways to vary the same move and about song structure as it relates to belly dance.
The proof is in the pudding…in this case, it was the “before and after”
Proof of my progress was the “before” and “after” video of my improv performance to the same song. The “before” video was taken during the “Brain Freeze Breakthrough” session and the
“after” video was taken on the day of the last coaching call. I could see the difference, plus, while performing for the “after” video, I felt the difference. I was using my brain to help me decide
what to do. I knew what and why I was doing it.
Teaching methods…
One of the teaching methods that was a great help was the bookending the corrections between positive statements. It was a constant reminder that I was doing good in other areas, while I
was working on the newer stuff. Also, the daily feedback was important so I would not repeat the same errors in the following lessons. The live weekly coaching sessions were great also, to
keep me on track.
Support and encouragement
Heather was totally positive and supportive throughout the entire course, even though many times I was feeling down about my progress. It made all the difference in keeping me trudging
along, and wanting to throw in the towel. I most likely never would throw in the towel, but Heather’s positive attitude and encouragement helped to keep my attitude positive and gave me the
courage to get through the hardest stuff, because that is where the most learning took place.
How my dance has changed…
This course changed me by giving me a lot of confidence, knowing I can learn what I formerly would have considered too difficult, to “I can do this!”, I just have to go through it, do my best
and come out the other side with the knowledge I had been seeking. Also this course will help me to achieve my goal of not having to miss out on performance opportunities because I don’t
have a choreography planned out. This was such a perfectly planned out program, I cannot think of a single way it could have been taught better.
Who is the BAM course for?
This course is perfect for anyone who wants to bring their belly dance improvisation skills to a higher level, in the shortest time possible. It is for the serious dancer who is used to making practice a priority because this program cannot be set down and picked up again at a later time without losing some previous progress. The material has to be retained in order to build upon it in the assignments that follow. This course has been a wonderful growth experience for me as a belly dancer.
About BAM
Be Amazing in the Moment is a one-on-one improvisation coaching intensive. This 90-day program teaches the theory and practical tools needed to improvise with confidence. Designed to be the equivalent of a college course, students who take on this challenging curriculum will receive an in-depth, practical education in improv.
Conducted entirely online (email, web, and live Skype/Zoom video), it is open to students anywhere in the world. Admission to the program is by application only.