DATE &

TIME

Fundamentals of Belly Dance Part One:

Smooth Shapes

and Steps

Sunday,

May 11th

1:30 - 3:30

This workshop will offer an introduction to the basic elements of all belly dance. In it you will explore your body's potential for flexibility and muscle control and learn to execute isolated movements with fluidity.  You will then use those isolations to create the most common shapes used in belly dance.  Simple footwork patterns will also be taught.  This class is great for the absolute beginner, for the continuing level 1 student, or for anyone who wants to get back down to drilling the basics.

Prerequisite:

No experience necessary

Instructor: Christina

Tuition: $35

Registration Deadline:

Thursday, May 8th

May

16 - 18

Ohio

Island of Isis

Weekend Retreat

Spanish-Tribal Fusion Choreography

Sunday,

June 1st

1:30 - 4:30

By popular demand, Christina will be teaching the choreography she created for Laura at last year's Shimmyfest Hafla.  This lively and passionate Spanish-Tribal fusion choreography combines the best of both worlds with the fire and poise of Flamenco and the intricate isolation movement so popular in today's Tribal Fusion dancing.  This piece has drama to spare with its dynamic skirt work, floor patterns, and level changes.  Please bring a circle skirt and kneepads for the floorwork section. Turkish drops will NOT be taught!

Prerequisite:

Level 2 and up

Instructor: Christina

Tuition: $50

Registration Deadline:

Thursday, May 29th

Tuesday,

June 10th

7 - 9

Traditional Dance from the hot desert areas of the Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, offer a unique style. Very different from classical oriental dance, Khaleegi dance focuses on footwork, upper body movement and the use of a thobe (a long, flowing, heavily embroidered dress). The music is based on a version of the Ayub rhythm, in which simplicity allows the dancer to be more feminine while interacting with her audience in a soft, sweet manner. Choreography will be taught in this workshop. It is helpful if you bring a thobe or loose skirt. Wear your hair down. No hip scarf is necessary.

Prerequisite:

Level 2 and up

Instructor: Jasmin

Tuition: $35

Registration Deadline:

Saturday, June 7

June

24th - 30th

Click for more detail!

Jasmin Jahal

School of Dance

Fundamentals of Belly Dance Part Two:

Sharp Accents

and Shimmies

Sunday,

July 20th

1:30 - 3:30

Part two of the Fundamentals workshops will review all of the isolations learned in part one, but take a different twist on them.  This time we will focus on pairing quick muscle contractions with the isolations to create sharp, strong accent movements with plenty of "oomph!"  We will also cover common shimmies and how to execute them properly.  This class is great for the absolute beginner, for the continuing level 1 student, or for anyone who wants to get back down to drilling the basics.  No experience necessary (not even Fundamentals, Part One).

Prerequisite:

No experience necessary

Instructor: Christina

Tuition: $35

Registration Deadline:

Thursday, July 17

“Mightier Than

the Sword”

Sword Basics Workshop

Sunday,

August 10th

1:30 - 3:30

Just as with veils, sticks, and cymbals, the sword is an item best employed as a dance partner rather than a prop.  The dancer must indeed be "mightier than the sword" in order to make it look like more than just a neat trick.  Learn how to do so much more with it than balancing it on your head!  The sword can be a powerful tool in your dancing, framing your movement, creating drama, and showcasing balance and isolation control.  We will begin with the very basics, such as how to hold and present the sword and work our way up to frames, spins, balances, and floorwork.  A few short combinations will be taught as well.  This workshop is great for both Oriental and Tribal dancers who want to add sword to their repertoire or for someone with sword experience to work on and add to their skills.  Please bring your own sword and a pair of kneepads for floorwork. 

Prerequisite:

Level 2 and up

Instructor: Christina

Tuition: $35

Registration Deadline:

Thursday, August 7