Class Descriptions

General, specific offerings may vary

Basics of Belly Dance: A 6-8 class survey of belly dance. Students learn several basics moves and see how movement and music work together in a short combination. Why not see if the shimmy fits? Highly recommended if you have no previous dance experience!

Level 1a: (pre-req: 6-8 weeks of belly dance experience, other dance (ballet, jazz, modern, etc) experience or consent of instructor) Our first structured, technique based class. Builds on the ideas of the movements introduced in the Basics of Belly Dance class. Additional warm-ups and stretching are added to help with muscle control and tone. A basic introduction to Arabic rhythms, including saidi and baladi, is provided.

Level 1b: (pre-req: Level 1a, or consent of instructor) Builds on techniques and skills learned in level 1a. Students will start to develop short combos that fit movement with music. Knowledge of Middle Eastern rhythms and music continues.

Level 2a: (pre-req: Level 1b, or consent of instructor) For students with 1+ years of experience in Middle Eastern dance. Your knowledge of movements, rhythm and music will continue to build. Longer combinations and short choreographies are added. Class includes zills (finger cymbals) and veil technique.

Level 2b: (pre-req: Level 2a, or consent of instructor) For students who have completed 2a or by consent of instructor. Zills and veil required for class. Students will add full choreographies in addition to an increased knowledge of movements and rhythms.

Level 3: (By consent of instructor only) Zills and veils required. This advanced level class will push you in developing your movement comfort, zill proficiency and your ability to learn choreographies.

Level 4: (By consent of instructor only) Focuses on performance of Middle Eastern dance.

Hip-Hop Fusion: (Suggested Basics of Bellydance or Level 1a) Not a beginner class! Email Arielle for more info.