Latin-Belly Fusion!

Expand your dance repertoire with Latin-belly fusion! In the first hour, learn fun dance combinations that fuse salsa, bachata, and other Latin styles with the ancient art of raqs sharqi. Then, in the second hour, put it all together in an exciting new 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!).

‘Old Skool’ Bellygroove Choreography

It’s no secret … Elysa is stuck in the 80s, sometimes in the 70s, and sometimes … even in the 60s. Take a trip down memory lane and spend a few hours grooving to Elysa’s favorite old skool. We’ll put it all together in a choreography that will be sure to entertain! All levels are welcome.

Introduction to Raqs Al Assaya (Cane Dance)

Experience the playful spirit of folkloric dance while learning assaya combinations and handling techniques. In Raqs Al Assaya, a cheerful dance from the Sa’id (Upper Egypt), the dancer twirls a cane in playful imitation of the men’s regional martial art. Raqs Al Assaya may be presented as folkloric dance, or adapted for cabaret-style Oriental dance. Students need to bring canes for class. All levels are welcome; however, some previous belly dance experience is recommended.

Layering

Layered movements add intricacy and depth to your dance. Learn techniques and combinations to effortlessly combine two or more belly dance movements. All levels are welcome. Class is structured to be accessible to beginning dancers, offering modifications to challenge intermediate students.

Improvisation

Experiment with tips and tools for improvising to Arab music. Learn musical understanding, phrasing, and techniques for overcoming improvisational stage-fright. Participants will develop greater skill and comfort in spontaneously creating pieces on the spot and in the moment. All levels are welcome; however, some previous belly dance experience is recommended.

Industrial Strength African Fusion

This high energy and cardiovascular class is heavily influenced by West African dance, but incorporates dynamic movements from other styles such as Bhangra, hip hop, modern, and belly dance. Break down seemingly difficult dance moves into smaller, easily deciphered steps, and drill them. This class will also examine ways to improve endurance by boosting physical and mental energy. Be prepared to jump, stomp, stretch, pulse, shake, throw, kick, bend, toss, have fun, and to be worked from head to toe! All levels are welcome; however, some previous belly dance or African dance experience is recommended.

Introduction to Zills

Learn introductory finger cymbal technique, patterns and movement combinations. Highly recommended to prepare students for the Low Intermediate II Sahara Dance technique class, this workshop is a great way to begin developing technical proficiency with finger cymbals. No previous finger cymbal experience necessary. Students should bring their own finger cymbals (Saroyan recommended). Prerequisite: Completion of Sahara Dance Beginner II technique or some previous belly dance experience.

Zills Bootcamp

Description forthcoming.

Introduction to Veil

Learn introductory veil dancing technique, including placement, turns and wafting. Drawing from modern Egyptian style entrances, dance traveling combinations and practice entrance moves. Learn to recognize Middle Eastern rhythms common to entrances. A brief overview of the history of veil dance will also be discussed.

Veils will be available for purchase in class or students may provide their own (approximately 3 yards of chiffon, silk, or other soft, flowing, hemmed fabric).

Introduction to Belly Dance

Discover the timeless beauty and joy of this organic dance. Students will learn basic technique including lifted stance and posture, shimmies, isolations, undulations and traveling steps. Class will include a brief introduction to the history, context and philosophy of belly dance. Come celebrate femininity through an ancient, life-embracing art!

No prior experience necessary.

Beginner I Brush-Up!

A condensed overview of the movement vocabulary taught in Sahara Dance Beginner I course. Designed as a refresher for students who have taken Sahara Dance Beginner I technique class, this class also introduces Sahara Dance style technique to prospective students who have studied with other teachers. More advanced students are welcome to join the class as well, to revisit and sharpen their skills in foundation movements.

Prerequisite: Some previous study in Belly Dance

Low Intermediate Brush-Up!

A condensed overview of the movement vocabulary taught in Sahara Dance Low Intermediate courses. This workshop is a continuation of the “Beginner I Brush-Up” and “Beginner II Brush-Up” courses taught in the morning - students are encouraged to enroll for all three hours.

Designed as a refresher for students who have taken Sahara Dance Low Intermediate technique class, this class also introduces Sahara Dance style technique to prospective students who have completed 6 months to 1 year of study with other teachers. More advanced students are welcome to join the class as well, to revisit and sharpen their skills in foundation movements.

Prerequisite: 6-12 months study in Belly Dance

Beginner II Brush-Up!

A condensed overview of the movement vocabulary taught in Sahara Dance Beginner II course. This workshop is a continuation of the “Beginner I Brush-Up” taught in the previous hour - students are encouraged to enroll in both courses.

Designed as a refresher for students who have taken Sahara Dance Beginner II technique class, this class also introduces Sahara Dance style technique to prospective students who have completed 3 - 6 months of study with other teachers. More advanced students are welcome to join the class as well, to revisit and sharpen their skills in foundation movements.

Prerequisite: 3-6 months study in Belly Dance

Low Intermediate Brush-Up!

A condensed overview of the movement vocabulary taught in Sahara Dance Low Intermediate courses. This workshop is a continuation of the “Beginner I Brush-Up” and “Beginner II Brush-Up” courses taught in the morning - students are encouraged to enroll for all three hours.

Designed as a refresher for students who have taken Sahara Dance Low Intermediate technique class, this class also introduces Sahara Dance style technique to prospective students who have completed 6 months to 1 year of study with other teachers. More advanced students are welcome to join the class as well, to revisit and sharpen their skills in foundation movements.

Prerequisite: 6-12 months study in Belly Dance

Intermediate Brush-Up!

A condensed overview of the movement vocabulary taught in Sahara Dance Intermediate courses.

Designed as a refresher for students who have taken Sahara Dance Intermediate technique class, this class also introduces Sahara Dance style technique to prospective students who have completed 1 year of study with other teachers. More advanced students are welcome to join the class as well, to revisit and sharpen their skills in foundation movements.

Prerequisite: One year of study in Belly Dance

Belly Dance Yoga Retreat with Rachel Brice

4th Annual Belly Dance Yoga Retreat with Rachel Brice
August 23 - 30, 2009
Pura Vida, Costa Rica

Put the world on pause to immerse yourself in an intensive yoga and dance practice. Enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica, while studying with one of the leading artists in tribal belly dance. The weeklong intensive will include 20 hours of dance instruction with Rachel Brice, delicious and wholesome food, beautiful accommodations and a serene tropical setting for reflection & rejuvenation.

A typical day would include:

8:00 am	Breakfast
10:00 am	Yoga stretch, dance preparation
11:00 am	Conditioning drills
12:00 pm	Lunch
2:00 pm	Dance technique/special topic
4:00 pm	Open Lab
6:30 pm	Dinner

This retreat is suitable for all levels, with individual attention to challenge advanced dancers. A basic foundation in belly dance and/or yoga is required.

*** Now open for registration! ***