Studying folkloric and traditional dance is important for belly dancers as it not only enriches our dance repertoire but also fosters a deep understanding of and appreciation for cultural roots and the authentic origins of our art form.

Delving into traditional styles will help you develop your technique, as many classical movements and stylizations form the foundation of contemporary belly dance

Building a strong understanding of folkloric styles and history is highly recommended for any student aiming to achieve higher levels of technical proficiency.

Read on for classes and performance opportunities available at Sahara Dance this spring to study the traditional and folkloric styles!

Technique classes

Folkloric technique with Leilah Moon

Time: Mondays, 7:15pm

Take a tour of the Middle East and North Africa through dance! This class will include fun combinations from a variety of folk dance forms from all across the Arab world, including Nubian, Simsimiyya, Muwashahat, Hagallah, and Fallahi. We will spend a few weeks getting acquainted with the rhythms, social and performance context, and unique flavor of each folkloric style—no previous folkloric experience is required.

Level: Appropriate for low intermediate and up. Previous completion of Beginner II Technique classes (or equivalent) is required. 

Register today

Muwashahat Rhythms and Reda Technique with Jennifer

Time: Wednesdays, 6:15pm

An Egyptian pioneer of dance theater and co-founder of the Reda Troupe, Mahmoud Reda, and his principal dancers created a genre of dance that embraced many styles throughout the region. 

As a soloist, choreographer, and director of hundreds of productions from the Golden Era of Belly Dance and Egyptian Cinema, Mahmoud Reda is universally acclaimed for his dance style and appeal. His technique and choreographies have had tremendous artistic, social, and cultural impact on Egypt, and his work has inspired and shaped the art form of belly dance as we know it today!

This series will focus on technique clarity and quality of movement and how it relates to rhythm and expression of emotion in dance. Each class will include strengthening, conditioning, and alignment drills, as well as combinations and exercises to allow for dancer development. The series will specifically draw upon Reda technique and Muwashahat rhythms and combinations in addition to foundational intermediate/advanced techniques and practice.

Whether this is your first time learning Reda combinations and Muwashahat rhythms or you’re refreshing your muscle memory – you’ll surely enjoy this session!

Level: Appropriate for intermediate/advanced level students; low intermediate/intermediate level students who want to be challenged are welcome as well.

Register today

Performance classes

Folkloric performance (Raqqesat Arabi) with Leilah Moon – Saidi

Time: Mondays, 8:15pm

Saidi dance, originating from Upper Egypt, is known for its lively and energetic style, characterized by powerful footwork and the use of a cane or stick called an “assaya.” Students will explore the fundamental techniques and gestures that define Saidi dance, including bold hip movements, graceful spins, and Tahtib martial arts-inspired arm patterns, as well as tips and tricks for dancing with a cane.

Master the unique rhythms and musicality that accompany this dance form and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and traditions of Egypt.

Costumes: The teacher will set costuming parameters in consultation with founding Raqqesat Arabi members. Consideration will be given to select costumes that will work for future performances by Raqqesat Arabi.

Level: Low intermediate to intermediate

Register today

Baladi performance with Florencia

Time: Wednesdays, 7:15pm

Baladi is a traditional style of Egyptian belly dance characterized by its earthy, improvisational nature and close connection to the cultural and social contexts of the community.

In this performance class, you will learn the specific movements that characterize this dance style and explore the emotional expression that is important for Baladi, while learning a 3-4 minute choreography that will be performed on April 27 at the Under the Desert Moon Show.

Costumes: Costuming will be the red and gold galabeya (dress as shown in the photo above) and the hip scarf Sahara Dance performers wore for the World Culture Festival performance. The costumes will be available for purchase for those who don’t have them.

Level: Low intermediate to intermediate dancers

Register today.

1. 1. Building Core Strength. At the heart of belly dance lies the core, the epicenter of control and stability. Conditioning exercises targeting the core muscles (abdominals, obliques, and lower back) not only enhance balance and posture but also enable dancers to execute those sinuous movements with precision and grace. A strong core allows the belly dancer to maintain control over her body, resulting in more fluid and captivating performances.
   2. Injury Prevention. Belly dance is an intricate dance form that involves intricate hip movements, shimmies, and isolations. The repetitive nature of these movements can put strain on the body if not properly conditioned. By incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises, dancers can reduce the risk of injuries, such as strains, sprains, and overuse injuries, ensuring they can dance for years to come.
   3. Enhancing Flexibility. Flexibility is a fundamental aspect of belly dance, as it enables dancers to achieve those beautiful arcs, stretches, and undulations that make the dance so captivating. By engaging in regular stretching routines, belly dancers can increase their flexibility, allowing for a wider range of movements and artistic expression.
   4. Endurance and Stamina.  Belly dance performances often require dancers to sustain movements over extended periods. Conditioning not only improves overall endurance but also ensures that dancers can maintain their energy throughout a performance, creating an engaging and memorable experience for the audience.
   5. Controlled Isolations.  The hallmark of a skilled belly dancer lies in their ability to execute isolated movements with precision. These isolations demand focused muscle control, which can be honed through targeted conditioning. As dancers build strength and control, they can achieve the subtle and mesmerizing movements that distinguish belly dance from other dance forms.
   6. Posture and Alignment. Correct posture and alignment are critical in belly dance, as they allow the dancer to move with fluidity while minimizing the risk of strain on the spine and joints. Conditioning exercises that focus on back and shoulder strength promote better posture, ensuring a graceful and confident presence on stage.
   7. Emotional Expression. Belly dance is not just about mastering movements; it’s about storytelling through dance and conveying emotions to the audience. Conditioning provides dancers with the physical strength and endurance needed to focus on their emotional expression, connecting with the music and their audience on a deeper level.

Excited to add conditioning to your belly dance practice? Check out these conditioning classes on our Fall schedule:

• • Floorwork & Conditioning, Mondays with Leilah Moon – In many ways a lost art, floorwork is a key part of the classic belly dance routine. It displays the dancer’s skill and strength like no other portion of the dance. We will spend the first half of class conditioning the body to build core strength and flexibility, then drill combinations in the second half to fluidly integrate floor movements into our dance. [Low Intermediate and above – REGISTER]
  • Belly Dance Cardio, Tuesdays with Leilah Moon – Up and at ‘em! Get your blood moving and heart rate up with drills, conditioning exercises, and easy-to-follow choreographies in a dance cardio format similar to Zumba. We’ll draw upon movement inspiration from Egyptian and Lebanese belly dance, and various folkloric dances. Let’s sweat, shimmy, and have fun! No belly dance experience required, just your playful spirit! [ALL LEVELS – REGISTER]
  • Strengthen, Stretch & Flow, Saturdays with Rachel Kay Brookmire – Enjoy complete mind-body rejuvenation through dance! We’ll start a comprehensive dance workout with a full warm up designed to align and strengthen the body for health and longevity. Then, practice balance and strengthening drills, conditioning exercises, and easy-to-follow choreographies. [ALL LEVELS – REGISTER]

As with any art form, mastering belly dance requires dedication, practice, and conditioning. From building core strength to enhancing flexibility and endurance, conditioning plays a vital role in nurturing the physical attributes that make belly dance so enchanting. By maintaining a strong and healthy body, dancers can continue to delight audiences and express their creativity for years to come. So, embrace the power of conditioning, and let your belly dance journey be a harmonious fusion of strength, beauty, and self-expression. Happy dancing!

See details and register here

New in Belly Dance Technique classes:

• Chiaki’s teaching a new Advanced Technique class on Saturday mornings
• Rachel is back teaching Advanced Technique class on Tuesday evenings
• Florencia is teaching a Low Intermediate Props Technique class focusing on cane/assaya on Monday evenings
• Beginner II is back on Thursday evenings with Gretchen
• New Beginner I class with Nicolette on Wednesday evenings
• New Samba class with Sonia on Wednesday evenings
• Omoladun’s online only Intermediate Technique class will focus on props brush up (especially veil) this semester!

New in Performance classes:

• Florencia is bringing back the Raqqesat Tahia student company, which focuses on props – all students at the low intermediate / intermediate level should make sure they have sufficient prop training before moving on to intermediate and above student companies, and this is a great way to practice the prop skills learned in technique classes!
• Rachel will direct our famed advanced company Raqs Caravan East for the Winter Caravan show
• Florencia’s directing a new Shaabi Performance class on Monday evenings
• Our Lebanese Style performance group, Raqqesat Beirut, will be doing double veil, directed by Alma!

New category of classes: Conditioning!

Conditioning is extremely important to help build the strength and stamina required to make all our belly dance moves seem so effortless.  Add one or more of these classes to your dance practice!

• Belly Dance Cardio
• Floorwork & Conditioning
• Strengthen, Stretch & Flow

Don’t forget to take advantage of Early Bird prices – check out the full schedule and register today!  

Rachel: “What’s your favorite thing about teaching this workshop and what’s one tidbit dancers will learn at the workshop?”

Leilah: “Strength and conditioning has been a huge focus for me in particular the last few years. Regularly training and cross-training the muscles we use for dance is the only way to grow. If you want to control your turns, have sustainable, even shimmies, or dance combos in a way that looks “effortless”, there’s no secret tip or cheat code… just hard work!“

Register for the Belly Dance Bootcamp Workshop with Leilah Moon on February 4th

Belly dancer bootcamp is perfect for the dancer who wants to focus on fine-tuning and refining movement key to the improvement and advancement of their technique level.  Conditioning exercises to build strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance as well as drilling shimmies, turns, and traveling steps are an essential part of a belly dancer’s training. This intensive 90-minute class to help dancers stretch and challenge core muscle groups used to increase the mind/body connection in dance.  Bootcamp is best suited for Low Int/Intermediate level dancers, though all levels are welcome and modifications will be given. Let’s work it out, dance, and have fun!  Please bring a hand-towel, water bottle, and notebook for any inspirations or a-ha! moments you may want to write down!

Leilah Moon directs the Raqqesat Kitty and Raqqesat Arabe Performance Companies, and teaches Belly Dance Cardio, Folkloric Technique, and Intermediate on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Sign Up for the workshop with Leilah Moon!