Beginner Tabla (Drum) Class

Learn the basics for playing the doumbek (including striking technique, timing, hand placement and how to hold the drum) as needed through informal Q&A and guidance. Individual feedback and corrections will be given to each student.

Developing Choreography

Learn the essentials for developing a solo or small group choreography to Middle Eastern music or music created for belly dance. Explore song selection, musical interpretation, transitions, diagramming music and other keys to creating a dance that dynamically reflects and highlights the music. This intensive class will include homework, videotaped reviews and group feedback to guide each participant’s choreographic process through revision to completion.

Participants will perform their pieces in the Sahara Dance Salon at Casablanca in Alexandria, VA. Date TBD.

Offered during summer semester.

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

Drumming: Sahara Tabla Advanced

Director, Brad Sidwell

Sahara Tabla, a performance company for drummers, plays percussion accompanying Raqs Caravan West, our student tribal dance company. Join the jam session to hone your percussion skills and/or develop performance skills. Members of Sahara Tabla are required to rehearse at select tribal performance dance classes and Raqs Caravan West company classes (dates to be set at first class).

Habibis: Egyptian Dance for Kids!

Belly dance is a great way to exercise, meet new friends and celebrate all the beautiful sizes, shapes and ages that our bodies come in. Sahara Dance is now making this art form accessible for kids!

A class designed for fun and exercise, the Habibis class will teach some beginner belly dance movements with emphasis on the folkloric dances of Egypt. Each class will cover a warm up, technique and combinations. A short choreography will also be taught over the 7- to 8-week period.

Open to ages 6-12.

Pilates and Core Workout for Belly Dancers

Taught by a nationally certified Pilates mat instructor, this class is suitable for all levels of dancers who wish to improve their dance technique through Pilates.

The core muscles (abdominals and pelvic floor muscles) are instrumental to many belly dance movements. Stronger core muscles result in improved balance, better posture, fluid undulations, and controlled turns and spins. Pilates improves total body alignment allowing for greater range of motion and lengthened and strengthened muscles for improved isolations. The strengthening and stretching effect of Pilates is a great complement to the flexibility and spinal mobility used in belly dance.

Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Stretch & Release

Take a soothing break mid-day and come join a peaceful stretch time at Sahara Dance. In this class you will let go of the day and reconnect with your breath, wake the body by doing a series of relaxed stretches, and realign your body and energy for fluid and open movement in all areas of life. Practice yoga-based stretches to reduce tension and increase flexibility in the hips, shoulders, neck, spinal column, legs and chest. We will finish each class with a brief guided relaxation period. Peaceful body, peaceful mind; continue your day relaxed and refreshed!

World Dance Workout!

Cardiovascular exercise is an important part of having a healthy YOU. Compare how you feel after a long stressful day at work with the way you feel after a great workout; your blood is pumping, oxygen is flowing, you feel satisfied, energized, and ready to take on the world! Come train and condition your body for any other type of dance or activity by increasing your endurance, muscle efficiency, and stamina. Benefits of cardio exercise include weight loss, improved sleep, increased bone density, reduced stress, and stronger heart and lungs. Our beautiful bodies are made to move!

Bhangra is an Indian folk dance all about celebration and joy, and this will be the theme for this fun and energizing class. Sample music and dance styles from West Africa, Spain, Thailand and more! Designed to keep you moving continuously throughout the class, this aerobic-style hour starts with an injury-preventative warm-up and full body isolations for toning. High-energy cardio combinations that mix belly dance movements with dance styles around the world make for a fun and fast-paced workout. Cool down with a stretching and balance section.

This class is fun, casual, and informal. Feel free to sing along and bring a water bottle. Some prior dance experience, vocabulary or knowledge is helpful, though not required. Come prepared to sweat and have fun!