Belly Dance Combinations

Experience the joy and beauty of this ancient art while getting a workout. Learn combinations of shimmies, accents and undulations set to contemporary and classical Middle Eastern music. This class is designed to help students piece movements together and feel the music within each dance.

Special attention will be given to mastering graceful transitions 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.

Students will have the opportunity to perform a class combination at the Sahara Dance Salon and hafla on July 12 at Pasha lounge.

Beginner I Technique

Students will learn new movements each class, building coordination, grace, strength, and flexibility. Come discover the joy of this organic dance form and celebrate movement through an ancient, life-embracing art! Learn and practice basic technique including proper stance and posture, arm carriage and patterns, fundamental shimmies, isolations, introductory undulations and traveling steps. Choreography will be taught to incorporate new movements.

No prior experience necessary.

Beginner I / 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; zills available for purchase at studio (requires fitting / sewing).

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. Class size is limited to 12 students. 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.

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.

Spring 2008 Teaching Schedule

Intermediate II: Zills

Take your zills to the next level by combining more complex rhythms and striking techniques with Intermediate level technique and combinations. This class will also explore improvisational zill techniques and ways to keep your finger cymbals musical, interesting, and exciting for the audience.

Prerequisites: Completion of Low Intermediate Technique and Low Intermediate II Technique (Zills).

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.

Spring, 2008 Schedule

Summer, 2008 Schedule

Sahara Dance Samplers Low Intermediate / Intermediate Combinations

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. Low Intermediate / Intermediate students will have the opportunity to perform a class combination at the Sahara Dance Salon / Hafla on July 12 at Pasha lounge.

Prerequisites: Completion of one semester Low Intermediate I Technique; concurrent enrollment in Low Intermediate I Technique or above recommended.