Help Us Name the New Studios!

February 05, 2010

Things are moving right along, and we will soon be moving classes into the new studio! But first, we need your help.

There are two dance spaces in the new studio, and we need names for each space. “Studio A” and “Studio B” are too boring. “Big Studio” and “Little Studio” are too unimaginative. “This One” and “That One” are too confusing.

Please help!

Post your studio name ideas to the comments section. We’ll choose our favorites, and then take a poll to let you decide!

Posted by Sahara Dance at 03:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Interview with Julie

February 04, 2010

Name: Julie

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Raqs Sahara apprentice and Raqs Caravan East member

Childhood ambition: I wanted to be a marine biologist. I was always so attracted by marine animals and traveling the world.

First job: About my first job…ummm nothing special. It was about my career, software design and development.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? All kinds of stuff, Putumayo, electronic, belly dance fusion and traditional music, lounge, new age, Mexican. I love diverse world music.

Indulgence: Trying new things and experiences, the more exotic the better; also chocolates, dancing, traveling, massages, aromatherapy, a meal on a nice restaurant with a good cup of wine, playing videogames with friends, unusual food, nature and landscapes.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? Having fun with all my friends on and off the stage. I love when the public have those little reactions that you don’t expect.

Current inspirations: As a dancer… Every person, music, style inspires me in different ways, especially my friends. I love to create new colorful flowy energy.

As a woman… I am very inspired by Rachel Kay Brookmire and the Sahara Dance community for always gracefully creating that magic to fullfill everyone’s wishes.

What is your dance background? Latin, ballroom dance and Mexican folklore

How did you get interested in belly dance? I got very curious about my Lebanese roots and I always loved dancing, so I started classes in Mexico to learn arabic folklore. I didn’t regret it :)

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love the fact that we are a community of women sharing one same passion and having lot of fun together.

Posted by Sahara Dance at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Saturday Workshop: Afro-Belly Workout! with Na'la

February 03, 2010

February is “American Heart Month” - Join Na’la for some heart-healthy cardio fun this month! We’re excited to offer this new Afro-Belly Workout! workshop:

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! On top of this, it also helps train and condition your body for any other type of dance or activity by increasing your endurance, muscle efficiency, and stamina. Research also shows that other 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!

This two-hour workshop will be a crash course in Afro-fusion, perfect for beginners and a great review and drill class for students already familiar with Afro-fusion movements. We will incorporate movements and steps found in West African dance, belly dance, Bhangra, hip hop and more, and link them together into a smooth aerobic workout. Stretching, yoga postures and other conditioning methods will help build core strength and keep the muscles happy and counterbalanced. Come prepared to sweat and have fun!

All levels are welcome.

Date: Saturday, February 6
Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher: Na’la
Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door

Posted by Sahara Dance at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Saturday Workshop: Fundamentals of Turns

January 28, 2010

Spend an afternoon whirling around the dance floor. Colleen will offer tips for dazzling (instead of dizzying) turns and twirls!

Fundamentals of Turns

Glide into another level of dance fluidity with the evolution of turns in your belly dance. Learn the basics of spotting, centering, rotating, spinning, and traveling while turning. Incorporate the principals of static & dynamic balance, center of gravity, angular momentum, rotational axis, torque and inertia. Workshop is recommended for Low Intermediate students or above.

Date: Saturday, January 30
Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher: Colleen
Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door

Posted by Sahara Dance at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)