Beginner I Technique

This course is designed for students new to belly dance or seeking a belly dance refresher. No dance experience necessary.

Students will learn basic belly dance technique, including posture, shimmies, isolations, undulations and traveling steps. Class will include a brief introduction to the history, context, and philosophy of belly dance, as well as a brief introduction to Middle Eastern music. Choreography will be taught to incorporate new movements. Come celebrate femininity through an ancient, life-embracing art!

Two separate and distinct Beginner I Technique classes will be offered each semester. Beginner I Technique - Zeina is offered in the first half of each semester; Beginner I Technique- Aziza is offered in the second half of each semester. Each course will be 7- to 8-weeks, and together provide a complete introduction to belly dance.

We recommend that students take two full semesters of Beginner I (i.e., two sessions of Zeina and two sessions of Aziza) before moving on, and recommend taking different teachers for each class to gain full advantage of the different teaching styles.

Mastery of the Beginner I curriculum required for enrollment in Beginner II.

No dance experience necessary.

Beginner II Technique

Expand your movement base to include foundational undulations and accents, turns and layering. Begin exploring Middle Eastern music rhythms and structure. Choreography and improvisational exercises will be taught.

Prerequisite: Mastery of content from Sahara Dance Beginner I Technique or permission of teacher.

Low Intermediate I Technique

Learn to travel with isolations and layering. Dance more complex combinations and floor patterns.

Prerequisite: Mastery of content from Sahara Dance Beginner II Technique or permission of teacher.

Low Intermediate II Technique: Introduction to Zills (Finger Cymbals)

Learn introductory zill playing technique and basic rhythms, along with a review of Low Intermediate (and below) movement vocabulary. Drill movements with zills and learn combinations to dance and play with ease. No previous zill experience required.

Prerequisite: Mastery of content from Sahara Dance Low Intermediate I Technique (at least 2 semesters; 3 - 4 semesters recommended), or permission of teacher.

Low Intermediate III Technique: Veil

Drawing from modern Egyptian style entrances, dance traveling combinations and practice entrance moves. Learn introductory veil dancing technique and movement repertoire, including placement, turns and wafting. Veils will be available for purchase in class or students may provide their own (professional silk veils recommended; approximately 3 yards of chiffon, silk, or other soft, flowing, hemmed fabric may work).

Prerequisite: Mastery of content from Sahara Dance Low Intermediate I Technique (at least 2 semesters; 3 - 4 semesters recommended), or permission of teacher.

Intermediate Technique

Refine and master technique through advanced combinations and learning more intricate movement vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on spins, entrance steps, speed and layering.

Prerequisite: Mastery of content from Sahara Dance Low Intermediate I Technique or permission of teacher.

Intermediate / Advanced Technique

Concentrate on components for raqs sharqi performance sets, including more advanced turns, entrance veil work, cane, taqsim and drum solos. Emphasis is on emotional expression, improvisation and musical interpretation.

Prerequisite: Mastery of Sahara Dance Low Intermediate I, II and III (zills and veil) and Intermediate material and / or permission of instructor.

Intermediate / Advanced Tribal Technique

Concentrate on components for tribal fusion performance sets, including more advanced group improvisation, unified presentation, and fluid transitions. Emphasis is on group camaraderie, improvisation and experimentation.

Prerequisite: Mastery of Sahara Dance Low Intermediate I, II and III (zills and veil) and Intermediate material and / or permission of instructor.