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Class Descriptions

Beginning Belly Dance I

Find body parts you didn't know you had, and learn to move them in ways you didn't think possible ... amaze and astound your friends with the magic of belly dance! This class will have you going in circles, from your shoulders to your chest to your hips. Slenderize while you mesmerize!

Level: Beginner
What to bring: Just you!

Vintage Oriental Choreogrpahy

Nicknamed "Bobby's Cha-Cha", this is a vintage oriental choreography by the late, great Ibrahim (Bobby) Farrah. The dance, from the early 1980's, features classic combinations and techniques from this master of oriental dance choreography.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Just you!

Saidi Cane Dance

A fun, flirtatious celebration of the music and dance of the Saidi region of Egypt, combining movements inspired by movements from the men's stick dance, the ghawazee dancers of Luxor, and traditional cane combinations. Twirl, spin, balance, and smile your way to fun!

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Cane

Saidi Shawl Dance

This charming and flirtatious shawl dance to El Ataba Khadra (The Green Village Square) was choreographed by Cassandra (MN) in the style of the fellahin (village) women of the Saidi region of Egypt. This is a lovely and unusual addition to your Saidi-style dance repertoire.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Shawl or veil

Beginning Belly Dance I

Find body parts you didn't know you had, and learn to move them in ways you didn't think possible ... amaze and astound your friends with the magic of belly dance! This class will have you going in circles, from your shoulders to your chest to your hips. Slenderize while you mesmerize!

Level: Beginner
What to bring: Just you!

Nubian Folk Dance (Men's)

A men's Nubian dance choreographed by the great Mahmoud Reda of Cairo, to the song El Walad Da. Nicknamed the "makes me crazy" dance, the young man is singing about the girl who is driving him crazy.

Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Just you!

Persian Flirtation Dance

Get in touch with your playful side! Learn how to enchant your audience, Persian-style. This charming flirtation dance, choreographed by Mohammed Khordadian of Los Angeles, is characterized by graceful wrist rotations and hand placement, intricate footwork, and captivating poses. Learn the art of finishing your movements with those infinitesimal pauses that capture and hold the interest of the audience.

Persian dance technique will improve your arm placement, posture, body alignment, and balance, adding nuance and clarity to your dance.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Just you!

Introduction To Tunisian Dance

Long before Chubby Checker introduced his version of the twist to America, the women of Tunisia were twisting, Tunisian-style. Traditional Tunisian dance is characterized by forward and backward twists of the hips, emphasized by the simple tassel belt and the "apron" on the back of the melia (a wrapped tunic of striped fabric).

Class will introduce basic twisting and traveling steps, with a short drill choreography suitable for water jug or scarf dancing. Costuming will also be demonstrated. If time permits, suggestions for incorporating Tunisian movements into your oriental performances will be covered. Footwear that will protect the balls of your feet is recommended.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Footwear and a tassel belt are recommended

Beginning Belly Dance I

Find body parts you didn't know you had, and learn to move them in ways you didn't think possible ... amaze and astound your friends with the magic of belly dance! This class will have you going in circles, from your shoulders to your chest to your hips. Slenderize while you mesmerize!

Level: Beginner
What to bring: Just you!

Persian Make-Up Dance

While the cat's away, the mice will play! A charming story dance, of a young girl playing the eternal game of dress-up while raiding her mother's make-up and jewelry box. Choreographed by Mohammed Khordadian.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Just you!

How to Be A ZILlionaire!

Unlock the magic of the dancer with bells on her fingers! (You can also have rings on your toes, if you wish.) It may be a little like patting your head, rubbing your stomach, and chewing gum, but you can learn to dance and play a musical instrument at the same time. Remember, zils (finger cymbals) are your friend!

Levels: All levels except complete beginner
What to bring: Pre-adjusted finger cymbals. A selection of finger cymbals are available for purchase at the studio for $15. Adjust your cymbals to fit firmly on the thumb and middle finger of each hand.

Ibrahim Farrah's "Twang"

A charming and challenging choreography by the late, great Ibrahim Farrah, featuring a short beledi segment, a cane segment, and a zil (finger cymbal) segment.

Level: Advanced
What to bring: Cane and finger cymbals (cymbals are available for purchase at the studio)

Beginning Belly Dance II

This class continues to celebrate the power and beauty of the feminine spirit through this uniquely female dance form. Slide, sway, sparkle, and shimmy your way through the fall/winter doldrums, and tone up and tune up for the holidays!

Level: Beginner and Level 2
What to bring: Finger cymbals (available for purchase at class)

Afro-Brazilian Samba

Loosen up and live a little! If you're looking for a lot of fun in a small amount of time, then this lively and joyous blend of african and brazilian dance moves is sure to please. This a party dance, so come and celebrate summer with us!

Level: All levels and genders!
What to bring: A full skirt will enhance the fun.

Introduction to the Veil

Add a fourth dimension to your dance by partnering with a veil. Incorporating a veil is an extension of your dance expression, from ethereal and enchanting to mysterious and alluring. Learn to treat your veil as a partner, not a prop, and together you and your veil will breathe new emotion into your performance, and add depth to your movements.

Level: Levels 2, 3, & 4
What to bring: A 3-4 yard silk or chiffon rectangular veil without trims or beading.

Ghawazee Dance

The nawar are an Egyptian branch of the Romany tribe. The men are poets, singers, and musicians, and the women are singers and dancers known as the ghawazee (or ghaziyeh). The ghawazee are known for their earthy, energetic hip movements, playful demeanor, and expertise with finger cymbals. They call themselves “invaders of the heart”.

Class covers the technique, styling, costuming, and music of the famous Benat Maazin dancers of Luxor, Egypt.

Level: Levels 2, 3, & 4
What to bring: Zils (finger cymbals)

Electric Beledi Part I

Continue to build your foundation dance technique with this modern interpretation of the classic Egyptian beledi rhythm. This is fusion choreography blending traditional belly dance technique with strong isolations typical of urban tribal styling.

Level: Intermediate
What to bring: Just you!

Electric Beledi Part II

A continuation of a modern interpretation of the classic Egyptian beledi rhythm.

Level: Intermediate
What to bring: Just you!

Tunisian Tune-Up: Do The Twist!

A review of Tunisian dance technique (also suitable for intermediate to advanced middle eastern dancers who have no experience with Tunisian folk dance). Tunisian folk dance is a unique style of North African dance that employs a variety of hip twisting movements.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Just you!

Fellaha

A fast-paced dance adapted from a choreography by the late Ibrahim Farrah, fusing bedouin and fellahin (village) folk movements with the more sophisticated movements of the traditional cabaret style, and a littel Zar thrown in for grins and giggles. This class could give Zumba a run for its money!

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
What to bring: Just you!

Introduction to Belly Dance

Have you always wondered what belly dance is all about? This class will answer your question. In addition to learning some belly dance basics, you will view DVDs of the different styles of belly dance, including classic cabaret-style belly dance (Egyptian and Turkish), American Tribal Style, Urban Tribal style, and Gothic style. Find out what you've been missing!

Level: Beginner
What to bring: Just you!

Belly Dance Basics: Shimmies & More

Twist and shout! Shake it up, down, and all around as you learn the powerful, percussive hip, shoulder, and chest movements that give belly dance its pop and sizzle! Discover the joy of motion as you drop, twist, and shimmy from your head to your toes.

Level: Beginner/Level 1/Level 2
What to bring: Just you!

Beledi Choreography

Pair classic belly dance movements with a signature rhythm of middle eastern dance, the beledi. This choreography introduces basic movements in the relaxed, earthy, Egyptian style of belly dance.

Levels: Beginner
What to bring: n/a

Mexican Baroque Fusion

There's no telling where this dance will go, between Mexican baroque Christmas music, Romany skirt work, belly dance, zumba, and samba ... the sky's the limit!

Levels: Level II and up
What to bring: Full skirt & Finger cymbals

Flexibility & Fitness for Belly Dance

Having a little trouble maintaining your shimmy? Are your arms collapsing on you while you play your zils? Not enough core strength for floor work? Come and find out Chelydra's favorite exercises for strengthening your dance.

Level: All Levels
What to bring: Yoga mat optional

Contemporary Beledi Choreography

Classic belly dance movements are paired with a signature rhythm of middle eastern dance, the beledi. Add this to a contemporary musical mix for a whimsical interpretation of this classic, relaxed, and earthy style of belly dance.

Levels: Level II and up
What to bring: Just you!

Oriental Beledi with Zils (Part II)

A continuation of a quirky beledi choreography using unusual combinations from Suhaila Salimpour, Karen Barbee, Beata Zadou, and Horacio Cifuentes. After learning the individual combinations, zils will be added. This session covers the second half of the choreography.

Level: Levels 3 & 4
What to bring: Zils

Shake It Up!

Develop your own bionic booty! Learn to twist, shimmy, and sizzle like they do on Dancing with the Stars. Get a little exercise and put an extra dose of fun into your summer.

Level: All Levels
What to bring: Just you!

Fan Fusion

Inject drama, flair, and variety into your oriental dance by adding a fan. This class fuses Spanish styling with a little good old southern belle flirtation.

Level: Intermediate & Advanced
What to bring: A sturdy fabric fan is recommended (silk flutter fans are not recommended)

A good term to use when searching for fans online is "pericon fan".

Folkloric Cocktail

Belly dancing evolved from middle eastern folk dancing. Take a trip back to the roots of belly dance, learning combinations from Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, and Turkey that can be modified to add a unique flavor to your cabaret-style performances.

Level: Intermediate & Advanced
What to bring: Just you!

Skirt Stuff

You already know how to use your veil as a partner in your dance - now learn to partner with your skirt! Class will provide tips and techniques from the sassy to the spectacular to embellish your performance with your most neglected dance accessory –your skirt!

Level: All Levels
What to bring: Full skirt

Belly Dance Basics: Circles, Sways & Undulations

Learn the basic belly dance movements that have mesmerized audiences for generations – stretch, strengthen, and tone as you slide, circle, ripple, and sway your way to a more graceful and elegant you!

Level: Beginner/Level 1/Level 2
What to bring: Just you!

Turkish Karsilama

An upbeat and lively dance in the Turkish style, performed to the classic karsilama rhythm.

Level: Levels 3 & 4
What to bring: Finger cymbals & full skirt

Oriental Choreography Part I (Veil)

An elegant, feminine, and powerful choreography in the style of the late Ibrahim Farrah. Savor the complex rhythms, varied moods, and melodic interplay of classical and lushly orchestrated Egyptian music.

Level: Levels 3 & 4
What to bring: 3-4 yard veil

Oriental Choreography Part II (Cane)

A continuation of the choreography from the previous session, altering the flavor of the dance from a sultry veil to a playful cane.

Level: Levels 3 & 4
What to bring: Cane

Oriental Dance - Ibrahim Farrah style - Part 1

An elegant, feminine, and powerful choreography in the style of the late Ibrahim Farrah. Savor the complex rhythms, varied moods, and melodic interplay of classical and lushly orchestrated Egyptian music.

Level: Levels 3 & 4
What to bring: 3-4 yard veil

Oriental Dance - Ibrahim Farrah style - Part 2

A continuation of the choreography from fall session 1.

Level: Levels 3 & 4
What to bring: 3-4 yard veil

Persian Folk Dance - Bandari

Celebrate life! Celebrate dance! This lively and energetic folk dance is from the area surrounding the port city of Bandar-e-Abbas, on the Persian Gulf. This dance is fun for all ages, genders, and skill levels.

Level: Levels 2, 3, & 4
What to bring: Just you!

Afro-Brazilian Samba

Loosen up and live a little! If you're looking for a lot of fun in a small amount of time, then this lively and joyous blend of african and brazilian dance moves is sure to please. This a party dance, so come and celebrate summer with us!

Level: All levels and genders!
What to bring: A full skirt will enhance the fun.

Mahmoud Reda Technique

Classic combinations and techniques in the "Reda Style". Mahmoud Reda is the founder of the world-famous Reda Troupe of Cairo, and is an Egyptian legend. His classical Egyptian style is fluid, elegant, and timeless, using uniquely recognizable arm placements and floor patterns. This class will also introduce the use of finger cymbals (starting in mid-session).

If you want to learn Egyptian dance, you need to learn the Reda style.

Level: Levels 1, 2, & 3
What to bring: Just you! (Finger cymbals are available for purchase at class.)

Mahmoud Reda Style Dance Part III

A continuation of a 2007 Reda choreography to the song Gana'l Hawa.

Level: Levels 2 & 3
What to bring: Just you!

Sophisticated Arms

Add an extra level of sophistication to your dance with elegant arm movements and complementary arm and hand placement. Consider your arms as the "sign language" of middle eastern dance - an integral part of your musical expression and interpretation. From flirtatious to dramatic to subtle, your arms and hands communicate your inner soul.

Level: Levels 2, 3, & 4
What to bring: Just you!

Circular Veil

Learn techniques for “the other veil” used in belly dance, the cape-like circular veil. This spectacular, non-traditional veil lends itself to faster, more dramatic music than the rectangular veil. Amaze and astound your friends with your prowess, especially with the "rings of Saturn" waist circle and the ever-popular barrel turn!

Levels: Intermediate & Advanced
What to bring: ¾ Circular veil. Half-circle veils may be used, but the effect will not be as spectacular.

Saudi Arabian Women's Dance

Rarely seen in public performance, the dance of the women of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States is designed to emphasize the fabric and embroidery of the Thobe Nashal (a loose overdress with embellished center panel) and also the women's hair and heavy gold jewelry. The upbeat music in combination with a relaxed and playful attitude blend into a colorful and happy social dance. This dance is also known as Khaleegy dance.

Levels: All levels except complete beginner
What to bring: Saudi Thobe Nashal, or an old single bed sheet you are willing to cut up for a "practice thobe".

Combinations with Character

Be a chameleon! Learn how to stretch your movement repertoire by taking simple combinations and changing their character to fit the mood of the music – slinky, saucy, sultry, or sharp. It's not about how many movements you know - it's how many ways you can do the same movements with a different flavor.

Levels: Intermediate & Advanced
What to bring: n/a

Popular Oriental á la Newport News

Popular Oriental á la Newport News, a choreography by the late, great, master teacher Ibrahim “Bobby” Farrah, is a saucy, down-to-earth dance first premiered in Newport News, VA, and featuring oriental combinations with a classic “Bobby” flair. Bring finger cymbals.

Level: Intermediate and Advanced
What to bring: Finger cymbals!

Drum Solo 3

This class presents a “not quite” shimmyless signature choreography by Chelydra, featuring ideas and alternatives to the traditional pops, locks, and shimmies for distinctive and innovative approaches to the drum solo.

Level: Intermediate and Advanced
What to bring: Just you!


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