Dance and Art News

Due to the size of my studio, I am limiting the attendance to 10 people for each workshop.  These workshops are a great opportunity to learn some unique information about our dances for a terrific price and lots of individual attention. Immerse yourself in the richness and vastness of these dance forms and gain a better understanding of what we generally call BELLY DANCE.

You can register for all 6 workshops or check your options below.  I do request that you inform me of which ones you are attending, and if something happens at the last minute to prevent your attendance, please, let me know as your spot on the floor is being reserved.  Just not showing up may deny someone else a chance to participate.  Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE, but transferable.

These workshops (2 hrs each) are for students of all levels who are seriously interested in the different styles and roots of dances.  Thus, the nickname: Serious Dance Student Series

1)Saudi, Saiidi -  Two different regions,  rhythms, dance attire, steps.  In fact two completely different  dances.  Because of the similarity of the names I hear dancers and audiences confuse the two.  We will spend 1 hr devoted to each dance style and learning combinations for both.  Bring 2 veils and a couple of safety pins for the Saudi dance.

2) Three faces of Baladi:  Westernized Rhythm, as a  Dance Style:  Playful and Bouncy or Expressive Progression (slow to fast).  We will clarify these three variations of Baladi to clarify the possibilities.

3) Avoiding Prop and Gesture Gaffes:  Skirt in dancing (flirt, but don’t insult),  floorwork that looks hard but is easy on the body.  Also, we will learn moves that will keep you elegant and “ladylike” even on the floor.  Turkish Rom vs. Turkish Orientale ( what goes with what)

4) Something old, Something New:  Egyptian Combinations in the Golden Era style and Modern

5) Percussion:  Zils,  Tambourines,  Kasiklar (Turkish Spoons).
Rhythms explored:  Masmoudi,  Ayub, Maksum, Beledi, Saidi, Malfuf, Karsilama
(If there are enough participants willing to pay an extra $10 in advance we will have a live drummer in class to enhance our rhythm understanding)

6)  Balancing Props made easy,  (simple tricks),  Ethnic vs. theatrical props to add interest to the dance.  Faux fire for a fiery performance will be included by using glowing and battery operated props.