Hi ladies~
I have been belly dancing for quite a while, and have been performing for years, and even teaching my own classes the last couple of years.
If you have any questions, or anything like that-feel free to ask.
My only concern is going to a place where they teach stripper-cize/pole dancing and belly dancing in the same place. Most belly dancers won't have anything to do with anything resembling exotic (stripping) dance. The reason why, is because of the bad sterotypes that some people associate with it...thinking that belly dancers are strippers, when they are trained dancers, just like a ballerina or tap dancer would be. Belly dancing is family friendly, and is sensual, but not meant to be "sexual".
If you want to search out a local instructor, I recommend going to Shira.net and looking in the instructor directory. There might be someone in your area...and if there is not, contact the instructor nearest to you-and they might know someone who is close, but not in the directory.
As far as dvds...there are many, and some are "fluffy" as in, not meant to really teach you...but meant to sell dvds with good marketing. Some are good, and geared towards beginners, and others are meant for professionals who already have much knowledge and skill. If there are particular things you want to learn, or style, etc. let me know, and it will help me with recommendations.