Beginner I / II Performance Class

Designed for students who’ve completed Sahara Dance Beginner I technique and wish learn an ensemble dance for stage performance. Master a choreography that draws upon the Sahara Dance Beginner I curriculum and begins introducing elements from the Beginner II movement repetoire.

Prerequisite Sahara Dance Beginner I Technique or permission of instructor / concurrent enrollment in either Beginner I / Beginner II Technique or Beginner II Technique required.

Raquettes Beledi

Raquettes Beledi is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to performing vintage “beledi-style” belly dance and regional Arab folkloric dances.

Raquettes Beledi explores the incarnations of Arab folk dance, including Reda-style Egyptian dances for stage, regional folk dances of the Arab world and traditional forms of Egyptian “beledi” dance, often characterized by an earthy sensuality with a proud, playful air.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Intermediate Technique (or equivalent) class or above; and
2) Ability to perform with zills (finger cymbals); and
3) Permission of Company director (Rachel Kay Brookmire and Jennifer), or your current Sahara Dance teacher.

Raquettes Naima

Raquettes Naima is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to mastering the Intermediate curriculum for stage performance.

Naima Akef, considered by many the greatest Egyptian dancer of the Golden Era, was renown for her impressive technique, versatility, and stage savvy.

Raquettes Naima members practice the stylistic nuances for performing Egyptian dance with a broader movement repertoire and dynamic expression.

Special focus is placed on polished and confident movement execution, intricate layering, personal expression and mastery of complex choreographies.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Intermediate Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Intermediate Technique or Intermediate / Advanced Technique class or above; and
3) Permission of Company director (Chiaki) or your current Sahara Dance teacher.

Raquettes Repertoire

Raquettes Repertoire (formerly known as Intermediate Repertoire) is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to mastering props at the intermediate level and learning classic pieces from the Raqs Caravan East repertoire.

Raquettes Repertoire members further develop personal expression, refined stylization and leadership within the studio.

Special focus is placed on building well-rounded company performers and strong representatives of the art form. Varied prop work rotates each semester within Intermediate-level choreographies.

Prop work includes an emphasis on intermediate zills, veil and assaya (cane or stick), as well as the possible introduction of fan veils, Isis wings and balancing props.

Raquettes Repertoire members learn two choreographies a semester. The company often joins Raqs Caravan in performances outside the studio as part of the Sahara Dance Community Outreach Program.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Intermediate Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Ability to perform with zills (finger cymbals) and veil; and
3) Simultaneous enrollment in Sahara Dance Intermediate Repertoire Technique class; and
4) Permission of director (Colleen)

Raquettes Tahia

Raquettes Tahia is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to introducing performance props for belly dance stage pieces.

Inspired by the beloved belly dancer, Tahia Karioka, Raquettes Tahia members explore the enchanting world of belly dance performance props, including earthy beledis with zills (finger cymbals), elegant entrances with veil, captivating taqsims with balancing props, and saucy Sa’idi with assayas (cane or stick).

Special focus is placed on comfort and ease performing with props as a natural extension of each dancer’s repertoire.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Low Intermediate II Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Low Intermediate III or Intermediate Technique class or above; and
3) Permission of Company director (Leila) or your current Sahara Dance teacher.

Raquettes Tribal

Raquettes Tribal is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to learning the fundamentals of Sahara tribal-style belly dance, characterized by rhythm-based combinations, structured improvisation, and folkloric fusions.

Tribal dancers share basic movement vocabulary, standard dance formations, and improvisational cues to create spontaneous performance pieces as a tribe. Tribal dance often fosters friendships as a strong sense of community evolves from improvising as a group.

Specific attention is given to learning Raqs Caravan West movement vocabulary for group improvisation and practicing leading, following, and transitional cues.

Raquettes Tribal encompasses a diverse repertoire of music and dance stylizations, including sword, zills (finger cymbals), floorwork, candle, Nubian fusion, and skirt dancing.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Low Intermediate II Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Low Intermediate II, III or Intermediate Technique class or above; and
3) Permission of Company director (Ami) or your current Sahara Dance teacher.

Raquettes Samia

Raquettes Samia is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to enhancing belly dance skills for stage and mastering the Low Intermediate curriculum.

Honoring Samia Gamal (“Egypt’s national dancer”), Raquettes Samia highlights expressive styling, and is home for students seeking to further develop as belly dance performers.

Special focus is placed on polished and confident movement execution, stage presence, traveling steps, and layering.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Low Intermediate I Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Low Intermediate Technique class or above

Raquettes ShimmyPop

Raquettes ShimmyPop is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to learning the fundamentals of urban fusion belly dance for stage. Specific attention is given to merging traditional belly dance technique with modern urban and retro funk styles (popping and locking).

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Low Intermediate I Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in Sahara Dance Urban Fusion Technique class; and
3) Permission of director (Ebony)

Raquettes Badia

Raquettes Badia is a Sahara Dance student company dedicated to learning the fundamentals of belly dance for stage and mastering the Beginner II curriculum.

Raquettes Badia is named after Badia Masabni, the godmother of modern belly dance, and is the foundational company for students seeking to develop as belly dance performers.

Special focus is placed on projection, upper body carriage, movement extension, formations, and company camaraderie.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Beginner II Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Beginner II Technique or Low Intermediate I Technique class or above

Bollywood-Belly Dance Fusion (BII+)

What happens when you pair foundational belly dance moves with a dynamic and energetic Bollywood storyline?

You’ll discover a contagious energy, expressive beauty, and unparalleled passion and spirit that will brighten the stage!

Bollywood is the informal name given to the popular Mumbai-based Hindi language film industry in India. The name is a conflation of Bombay (the former name of Mumbai), and Hollywood, the center of the United States film industry.

Bollywood Belly Dance Fusion Performance class is an introductory Bollywood performance class combined with foundational belly dance movements. Designed for those who have little or no Bollywood dance background, class will concentrate on the fundamentals of Bollywood movement, posture and stylization.

Share in the spirit by sampling the music and dance traditions that have inspired Laura.

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Beginner II Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Beginner II Technique class or above, or Bollywood Belly Dance Workout class

Raqs Sahara Company Class

An advanced company class for members of Raqs Sahara professional ensemble.

FAQ

Q: How do Raquettes Companies differ from performance classes?
A: Performance classes are offered for one semester only. Companies are dedicated troupes with an ongoing focus, artistic direction, and regular performance opportunities. As company members, students will benefit from:

• the continuity of guidance and feedback from a company director
• the ongoing camaraderie of company classmates
• regular rehearsals led by company manager
• the ability to reuse company costumes (or components) for several seasons
• the opportunity to learn (and reuse) a shared repertoire with fellow company members
• consistent, high-quality theater performance opportunities
• intimate, informal performance opportunities at Sahara Dance Salons
• in-class video reviews of company performances
• clarity of progression and support for achieving dance goals

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Q. How do Raqs Caravan companies differ from Raquettes companies?
A: Raqs Caravan company members are the Intermediate / Advanced dancers within the studio and have an expansive repertoire, including props. As such, Raqs Caravan companies (East, West, Folklore, and soon Urban(!)) are the featured companies of the Sahara Dance Community Outreach Program. Members of these companies are leaders within the Sahara Dance community and are our belly dance ambassadors outside the studio.

These companies develop an extensive repertoire of two to three choreographies each semester, with weekly weekend rehearsals. Company members are also featured soloists at the “Raqs Caravan Showcase” and throughout the year at Sahara Dance Salons. Membership for Raqs Caravan companies is by invitation from company directors. Students are often selected from within Raquettes Repertoire, Raquettes Naima, Raquettes Tribal, and Raquettes Beledi companies.

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Q: Which company should I join?
A: In order to build a strong foundation, we suggest asking your teacher for placement recommendations and following the prerequisites for each company. Performing at a level that is below your current technique level will help you to build a strong dance foundation. Sometimes students are excited to jump into the most challenging company, however it is often better to master movements within your range before moving on.

Remember: dancing not a destination, but a process to be enjoyed. Stylistic differences in companies will vary greatly based on company directors, particularly at the LI level and above. You may choose to dance in several companies simultaneously or at each level with several teachers. We recommend spending time performing in different upper level companies, to round out your dance influences and benefit from direction of multiple choreographers.

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Q: Can I sign up for a Raquettes company at my level, or do I need to ask permission first?
A: If you have completed the prerequisites you can sign up for Raquettes Badia and/or Raquettes Samia. If you would like to join Raquettes Tahia, Raquettes Naima and/or Raquettes Beledi you need the permission of your current teacher or the company director. If you would like to join Raquettes Repertoire and/or Raquettes ShimmyPop you need the permission of the company director.

We recommend asking your teacher for placement recommendations and performing at a level that may be below your current technique abilities (as this will help you build the strongest dance foundation).

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Q: When I join a company, do I have to commit to the company for more than one semester?
A: No. While you will benefit by working at length within one company and with one teacher, you may join for just a semester (year long commitments are not required). Because each company’s themes take time to be fully developed and absorbed, our intention is for students to perform within a company for several semesters. You can also join, or return to, a company for review. Students currently enrolled in a company will be given priority for available spaces each semester.

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Q: Do I have to progress from one company to another in a certain order?
A: Not necessarily. As long as you have fulfilled the company prerequisites and have permission of the director, you may progress at your own pace, and in your preferred track. In fact, we recommended that students at the LI level and above consider all companies equally and select the company (and theme) that is most appealing. Spending time brushing up on props, technique, or expressiveness in a level below yours will improve your dancing.

Sometimes it’s helpful to take a step back in order to move forward… learning a dance isn’t necessarily a linear process and insights can emerge from a meandering path. It is most important to choose the path that is best for you, at this time, in consultation with your teacher.

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Q: Can I be a member of multiple performance companies?
A: Yes, as long as you are able to meet the class commitments for each company. While there is a great benefit to working at length with one teacher, we also recommend working with other teachers and stylization as much as possible. Exposure to and experience with different styles will help you develop your own individual dance persona. The more performance practice, the better!

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Q: What is the time weekly time commitment for participating in a company?
A: We anticipate that each company will have an optional one-hour rehearsal in addition to the two hours for technique and company classes. Companies may choose to rehearse more than one hour a week. Regular rehearsal attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory.

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Q: Will Raquettes companies of the same name (e.g., Raquettes Badia (Downtown), Raquettes Badia (Central), and Raquettes Badia (Virginia)) learn the same choreographies?
A: No. Each company of the same name is working within the same level. The choreographies and themes will be unique and based on the visions of the company directors, in consultation with company members, and Rachel.

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Q: What are the company costumes?
A: They haven’t been selected yet. The company costumes will be set at the beginning of the semester, in consultation with company members.

As founding members of the new companies, your input will help set the base costume for your company! Simple and inexpensive updates (such as changing a hip scarf) may be considered at the start of each semester. When selecting costume options, we will consider company member preferences, cost, versatility for company repertoire, flattering fit, stunning stage look, variety with other companies, and functionality. Additional costumes may be added as necessary, in consultation with existing company members.

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Q: If I don’t want to perform now, may I join a company in the future?
A: Yes, as space is available. You may join a company whenever you choose, as long as you meet the prerequisites and have the permission of the company director. Beginning in the summer 2010 semester permission of the director will be required for all companies.

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Q: Will companies continue to meet at the same time slot and location each semester? Will the company director stay the same?
A: We intend to keep companies in the same slots where they are currently set, however this is subject to studio availability, teacher availability and enrollment. We hope to add additional companies over time ;).

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Q: How will we receive feedback and evaluations from company directors?
A: Ask questions! All Sahara Dance teachers and company directors are happy to help you achieve your dance goals. Each student will have her own goals or reasons for joining a company. Some may simply want to show up and dance their hearts out each week, with no particular objectives in mind. Others may have set goals related to props, technique, expression, or musicality. Company directors will help tailor the dance company experience to best meet members’ individual and collective goals.

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Q: I took Beginner I Technique twice and my teacher said I can go on to Beginner II Technique. Since this is my first time in Beginner II, may I sign up for Raquettes Badia?
A: Raquettes Badia is for students who have completed Beginner II Technique at least once. New students at the Beginner II level should join a Beginner I / Beginner II performance class.

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Q: Do I need to take Low Intermediate II and Low Intermediate III before taking Intermediate Technique class?
A: No. You can take an Intermediate Technique class once you have mastered the Low Intermediate movement vocabulary. However, participation in Raquettes Tahia, Raquettes Beledi, or Raquettes Repertoire, Low Intermediate II & III are required (in addition to permission of company directors or recommendation of your current teacher).

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Q: Do I need to take Low Intermediate II and Low Intermediate III before joining Raquettes Naima?
A: No. As long as you have completed Intermediate Technique and have the permission of the company director or the recommendation of your teacher, you may join Raquettes Naima.