Sahara Dance classes will be held on Sunday, July 5, as scheduled.

Have a happy and safe weekend, everyone.

Watch out, Shakira! Sahara Dance is offering our own Latin-Belly Dance fusion style. Combining salsa, bachata and other Latin dance styles with the ancient art of raqs sharq, Melissa will teach the basics of each style and how to fit them together into an exciting and versatile choreography.

All levels are welcome. Choreography is structured to be accessible to beginner students, offering modifications to challenge advanced dancers. Please wear socks or non-marking dance shoes (no heels!).

Latin-Belly Fusion!
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher: Melissa
Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door

This workshop is also a great peek at the upcoming fall Salsa-Belly Fusion Performance class.

Read what past workshop participants have to say:

• Class was nice and refreshing on how to mix different cultures and movements while it looks graceful
• [Melissa] covered many (all) Latin dances mixed with belly and would isolate moves for us when needed. Good intuition!
• Thanks Melissa - great class. Great teacher!
• Lots of fun - learned a lot
• Good basics, fun choreography.
• It was so much fun that it felt almost spontaneous… very natural movements.
• Fun, good pace, good for me as a beginner.
• The class was entertaining and simultaneously allowed for the students to grasp a knowledge of the different Latin styles.
• It was an awesome class!

Name: Lisa W

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student

Childhood ambition: Initially, I wanted to be a secretary, like my mom. She made me change my mind to a lawyer. I’m neither.. :-).

First job: A Fonz at the DC National Zoo.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? R and B, Jazz, World, and Electronic.

Indulgence: Whenever I have the opportunity, I like to lay on the beach, eat good food, and gamble at casinos.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? My first performance with Raqs Caravan West.

Current inspirations: My Sahara Dance instructors. I want to share the joy of belly dance with others, as they do with me.

What is your dance background? I don’t have any dance background.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I paid a belly dancer to perform at a birthday gathering for my boyfriend at a sports bar. We had so much fun that I decided to try it. He still has her anklet on his rear view mirror.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love all the new experiences and relationships I continue to enjoy in the Sahara Dance community.

It’s going to be a warm weekend in DC… so why not throw on your grass skirt* and head over to Sahara Dance for a rock-a-hula luau!

Hula-Belly Fusion!

The basic art of hula combined with foundational belly dance movements. The workshop will concentrate on fundamental hula and Tahitian movement, posture and stylization. Share in the aloha spirit by sampling the music and dance traditions, and learning a short choreography. All levels are welcome.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009
Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher: Laura
Location: Sahara Dance Central
Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door
*Grass skirt optional

Read what past workshop participants have said about the Hula-Belly Fusion workshop:

Instructor great! Variety of difficulty - basic to advanced, could pick your level!

High energy, good workout!

Instructor is very patient teaching new material and accommodating to all dance experience levels.

Everything I could ask for — combines moves that can be easy or challenging.

Laura was a fantastic teacher; she packed a lot of moves into 2 hours!

The music! The mix! The AWESOME!

Name: Candra

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Studio Assistant, Raqs Caravan East Company Member, Student, and Adoring Fan

Childhood ambition: To be on Sesame Street - more specifically to be in those one-on-one segments with Kermit or Cookie Monster.

First job: My first gig that earned me a few dollars was making gourmet cakes for a neighbor. My first big-girl jobs were working in the visitor center at the Surratt House in Suitland, MD, and working at my university library.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? at this very moment?….an episode of The Flintstones
in general: belly dancing music; hits from the 70s, 80 and early 90s; podcasts on traveling, knitting and cooking; and for those moments when I need to get some frustration out…Eminem.

Indulgence: Umm,…sleep. Does that count? Others: “window shopping” online for shoes, books, quality food, cupcakes, 400+ count sheets, being turned loose on iTunes, mango juice and lately, leopard print.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? My favorite moments are when I am dancing in a group and you can FEEL the connection between the dancers and the music —when we are “on.” It is an internal feeling that is hard to explain. To me it is a little like becoming the notes of the music, a sort of out-of body moment where you are a part of something bigger than yourself.

Current inspirations: The faculty of Sahara Dance because they are such amazing women, I want to be like them when I grow up! The staff of Sahara Dance because they are the mystery behind the magic, I am constantly in awe! My fellow students who make time to love themselves through dance. and of course, the notable Rachel Brice, Sadie, Bozenka, Sonia and Michelle Joyce.

What is your dance background? I have experience in ballroom dancing (both American and International styles) where my favorite dances were tango, waltz, and foxtrot.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I think it was transference from my mom. Anytime there was a belly dancer on TV my mom would bring her to my attention and even if the dancer was “background” to the plot she was our focus as we imitated her. I remember spending time with my mom trying to learn how to flip coins on my stomach. It was just for fun then, but I think it planted the seeds for me to pursue this wonderful art form. The first class I took was taught by a woman who mesmerized me with a flutter of her hand. I wanted that power and ability. I took a few recreational classes but always felt like I needed more structure. Then, lo and behold, my sister brought me Sahara Dance’s class schedule one fall evening and the rest is dancing history :)

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? The people! Sahara Dance is a fantastic blend of high belly dancing standards, infectious fun and encouraging people. The feeling of camaraderie and sisterhood is invaluable and a large part of what brings me back semester after semester. These are my sisters in dance.

Name: Claudia

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

Childhood ambition: I remember I wanted to be an artist! I was drawing all the time. Then, when I was a teenager I wanted to be a dancer..of course!, but I never had a chance to take lessons. I just kept dancing on my own or with friends any chance I got. I was really inspired by movies like Flashdance…very 80’s

First job: Doing a marketing promotion for Pepsi called “The Pepsi Challenge.” It was a taste test. People had to choose between Pepsi or Coca-Cola. It was really fun! But it only lasted a few months.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Usually belly dance music. Hossam Ramzy, Om Kalsoum. I’ve been listening to Warda a lot lately. She’s such a lovely singer! I’m more into classical Egyptian music.

When I’m not listening to belly dance music, which is rarely, I listen to anything like salsa, pop, rock. It depends on what I feel like :)

Indulgence: Chocolate and more chocolate!! I love to get together with my friends and just talk for hours. Shopping for shoes or earrings. I can never have too many!

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? It’s hard to think of only one. I have so many! One that comes to mind would be my first solo at Casablanca. It was not my first solo ever, but it felt really special. It was my first solo here in the US and my family and friends were there to celebrate with me. I just felt great with my new costume, dancing to one of my favorite songs.

Current inspirations: Classical Egyptian dancers like Tahia Carioca, Souhair Zaki and Fifi Abdo. I wish I could dance like that!!

My husband, my kids..always!!

What is your dance background? My only dance background is belly dance!! It’s been almost 10 years since I started.

How did you get interested in belly dance? Actually, my sister had a friend that was a belly dance instructor. One day I came to visit and she was teaching my little niece and her friends (7 year olds). I just thought it was the most beautiful dance I’d ever seen. The music, the movements, everything was captivating, so magical and feminine. I started taking lesson with her, I think two days after that. I just loved it! And I still love it. There’s always something new to discover.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I have learned so much! And I’m still learning. When I moved here almost 5 years ago I was hoping to find a place to continue growing as a dancer and I really found much more! It’s a great community and I’ve made great friends. That’s the most valuable to me.

The storm that was predicted for Saturday night never materialized, but it was still raining men… We didn’t realize that the Capital Pride parade was the same night as the hafla, but plenty of determined belly dancers braved the metro delays and scarce parking to attend.

I hope everyone had a great time. We’ll post photos soon!

Name: Sarah B

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student, Dancer, Member of Raqs Caravan Folklore, Studio Assistant

Childhood ambition: To be honest my very first childhood ambition was to be a Navy Fighter Pilot. More specifically a Blue Angle. So I guess I always wanted to be a performer of some kind :). But after going to a pilot training camp in Texas I concluded the military and pressure chambers were not my thing. So I then decided that I should become an actress, and an environmental advocate. All still seem to involve me in the spotlight for some reason or another. So I guess I have always been comfortable with being on stage, it sort of feels like home to me.

First job: Cinnabon at 16… I loved Cinnabon cinnamon rolls and I was so excited to work there! And it did take me longer than the average Joe to get sick of them. I still find myself lusting after them from time to time. I have found that the best solution is to just purchase the cinnamon they use and make other less bad for you baked goods with it. Cinnabon uses other ingredients besides cinnamon that you don’t want in your body…. Trust me…

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Well, I was just gifted my first iPod this year. I am not very good at using it, and I keep killing those little ear buds, because they are inevitably dragging on the ground as I walk around town. But it’s a pink Nano with a quote from Rumi on the back. “We rarely hear the inner song but we’re all dancing to it.” So hopefully as I get better at using my iPod, I will start dancing to my own inner song.

Currently on my favorites play list, are Lenka, Emilie Simon, Niyaz, Beats Antique, Venus Hum, Frou Frou and Delirium.

Indulgence: My indulgences are primarily coffee, skipping morning runs, sleeping in on a work day, watermelon margaritas, and chocolate pudding. Oh and Rowdy the Dog.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? My favorite belly dance experience has been learning a new form of artistic expression alongside my best friend Veronica.

Current inspirations: Currently I am most inspired by the band Niyaz and their lead Singer Azam Ali. They are a very innovative group that incorporates traditional Middle Eastern folk music and Sufi mysticism and blends it with trance electronica. But perhaps my favorite song is “The Shadow of Life” were Azam does not actually sing lyrics, but she sings nonsense words using her voice more as a instrumental element to the song, a very translatable concept to the instrumental quality of belly dance.

Also, my dog Rowdy. He runs and plays with so much joy that I would like to be able to emulate in my dance. He is also very cute and makes me very happy.

What is your dance background? I, like most girls, danced as a kid, but I only danced for about 7 years. I, of course, started by taking ballet. I even begun studying and even completed a few levels of certification in Cecchetti. But like fighter pilot school, it became clear that ballet and point shoes were not my thing. So I tried jazz and that was ok but my first dance love was tap and then modern. When I got to high school, I focused on drama club and the high school theatre productions. After my break from dance during high school, I started to casually flirt with dance again between studying and partying in college. I took a few modern classes here and there to complement my BFA in acting, but I really wasn’t very serious about it. It wasn’t till I graduated college that I started taking belly dance with Rachel Kay Brookmire that dance became the central focus of my creative outlet. Now I have been studying with Rachel, Chiaki, Ami, Colleen, and primarily Elysa at Sahara dance for the past 3 ½ years and I am 100% addicted.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I had just graduated college and started my first real job in a real office. I started looking for a way to get some exercise, and was thinking of going back to taking modern or tap classes again when my mom made what she thought to be a joke: she was like, “Oh, Sarah, you should study belly dance!” And to her initial dismay, I took her seriously and with a quick call to my best friend Veronica, we contacted Rachel about the possibility of taking one of her classes! So, the rest is history … and my mom has now learned to love and respect belly dance as the beautiful art form it is.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? There is so much to love about Sahara dance! But it’s mostly the warm accepting community. I am so grateful for having the chance to meet and dance with so many wonderful girls studying with Sahara dance. But I would say this community is so accepting because it is led by the brilliant, beautiful and accessible faculty. Even though I am always in awe of their beautiful dance ability, the faculty always tries their best to talk to us students as equals and that makes a great environment to grow and learn.

The summer hafla is this weekend!

A hafla is a Middle Eastern dance party, and a Sahara Dance hafla is a belly dance party! We rent out Pasha Lounge, hire DJ Gianma to keep the hip-shaking beats going all night (well, until 10:00 pm), and we shimmy with our friends and classmates.

There will be short, informal class performances, as well as plenty of open dancing. Also, we will be debuting the “Under a Desert Moon” 7 DVD!

So, grab your hip scarf and a friend, and head on over to Pasha on Saturday night for drinks, dancing and DVD party. We’ll see you there!

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Pasha Lounge
2147 P Street, NW, Washington, DC
Near Dupont Metro

Cost: $10 (No charge if you are performing with your class.)
* Tickets are available at the door. *

Fun and energizing, this total-body workout includes heart-pumping belly dance movements set to fast-paced music. It isn’t just a cardio workout, though. Isolations and floor-work also provide toning. The workshop will end with a deep stretching and cool down portion.

All levels are welcome.

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Teacher: Laura
Location: Sahara Dance Central

Cost: $35 in advance / $45 at door

We are adding three new Beginner I Technique (Half term, 7-week) classes to the summer schedule!

These classes are the perfect continuation for students currently enrolled in Introduction to Belly Dance (8-week), or for students new to belly dance.

Beginner I Belly Dance Technique
(Half term, 7-weeks - $115)
July 5 – August 22, 2009

• Sunday, 6:15-7:15 pm (begins July 5)
Sahara Dance Central (Tenleytown)

• Mondays, 8:15–9:15 pm (begins July 6)
Sahara Dance Dupont Circle (DCJCC)

• Saturdays, 12:00–1:00 pm (begins July 11)
Sahara Dance Central (Tenleytown)

Register online!

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. Click here for placement recommendations.

We hope you can join us in the studio this summer!