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!

Full term classes are 14-16 weeks and teach the full Beginner I curriculum. Half-term classes are 7-8 weeks and teach half of the Beginner I curriculum (alternating each half of the Beginner I curriculum every semester). Two consecutive enrollments in a half term class is the equivalent of one full term Beginner I class. Mastery of the Beginner I curriculum is required for enrolling in Beginner II.

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

No dance experience necessary.

Beginner I / Beginner II Technique

Designed for students who would like a gradual transition to Beginner II Technique while continuing to refine their Beginner I movement vocabulary. This class reviews the Beginner I curriculum each week and introduces select new material from the Beginner II repertoire. Emphasis is on reinforcing proper alignment while mastering shimmies, isolations, accents, basic undulations, turns and introduces layering movements from both curricula. This level is also a good introduction to Sahara Dance Technique for students with previous belly dance experience.

Prerequisite: One session of Sahara Dance Beginner I Technique or other belly dance experience.

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: Zills (Finger Cymbals)

Learn introductory zill playing technique and basic rhythms, along with new 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 or permission of teacher.

Low Intermediate III: Veil

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 (china silk recommended; approximately 3 yards of chiffon, silk, or other soft, flowing, hemmed fabric).

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

Intermediate

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 Technique and Drills

Practice weekly conditioning for maintaining a full movement repertoire. Each class will focus on one movement from the Intermediate curriculum, in addition to rhythm-based drills for muscle memory development and musical training. Emphasis is on quality movement execution, alignment, stamina and whole-body awareness.

Intermediate Repertoire Technique Class

Students will build movement repertoire in preparation for performing complex ensemble choreographies. Learn to perform intricate floor patterns, arm paths and turns with confidence and strong alignment.

Prerequisites: mastery of Sahara Dance Low intermediate I, II and III (zills and veil) material and / or permission of instructor.

Spring Repertoire focus: Veil!
Take your veil skills to the next level by combining more complex veil sequences with Intermediate level technique and combinations. This class will also explore improvisational veil movements and ways to keep your veil work graceful, fluid, and a strong compliment to your belly dance movements.

Intermediate/Advanced

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.

Sahara Dance Samplers

Experience a variety of dance/teaching styles through the exploration of various topics. Each month will focus on a different component of belly dance, including: drum solos, pop music, fusion, and tribal inspired. These sampler classes are designed to help students piece movements together and feel the music within each dance.

Special attention will be given to musical understanding and discovering authentic, joyful expression while dancing. This class is ideal for those seeking a high energy, fun workout and a complement to Sahara Dance technique classes.

Summer 2009 Schedule
Low Intermediate / Intermediate is on Sundays from 10:45 - 11:45 am

Please note: Beginner I / Beginner II on Sundays from 9:30-10:30 am will follow the Beginner I / Beginner II technique curriculum and will not be topic specific.

Arab Folkloric Dances

Join Elysa in an exploration of the delightful folkoric dances of Egypt, Lebanon, the Gulf, and North Africa. Gain a deeper appreciation of oriental dance by sampling the music and dance traditions that have inspired and continue to inspire modern belly dance, including Saiidi, Nubian, Khaleegy, Dhabke, Bamboutaya and Hagallah.
Prerequisite:
For Techique and Combinations class on Thursdays - completion of Beginner II Technique.
For Performance class on Tuesdays: Familiarity with zills and concurrent enrollment in a Low Intermediate or Intermediate technique class.