(Please Read)
INTRODUCTORY: (8-10 weeks at a minimum and/or at Teacher's discretion.) This class is created for individuals who are coming to learn bellydance for the very first time. This structured and easy to follow class is perfect for students to get to know the basics of belly dance. Each week, a new movement is introduced and drilled, building on and incorporating elements from the prior weeks. Particular focus is given to developing correct posture alignment, flexibility, arm positions and paths, fundamental shimmies, basic hip accents, introductory undulations, easy to follow travelling steps and combinations. No dance experience necessary.
RAKS AL SIRRI (BEGINNERS): (6 months Beg. I and 6 months Beg. II, at a minimum and/or at Teacher's discretion.) Students will build on the foundation of movement acquired in Introductory Class, continue to master the basics, plus learn more sophisticated arm patterns, hip work, shimmies, gestures and undulations. Simple layering with shimmies and basic isolations are introduced at this level and will teach students how to create more interesting movement patterns.
Repetoire Goals: two routines every 6 months (four routines per year).
Requirements: Introductory Class. It is suggested that Beginners take advantage of studying with two different teachers (6 months each); graduating from Beg. I to Beg. II thereby adding four (4) dance routines to their repertoire.
RAKS AL HAWA (INTERMEDIATE): (1 year at a minimum and/or at Teacher's discretion.) For students who have mastered the fundamental dance movements, these classes will introduce more intricate upper and lower body isolatory movements, undulations, ribcage and hip circles and layering all with shimmies and travelling steps. Particular focus is now placed on quality execution and technique. Additional focus will be placed on developing dance technique and performance/presentation skills. Students will study rhythmic patterns and learn to associate appropriate movement patterns. Students will explore different styles of bellydance and learn to utilize props (zills, canes, veils) and apply appropriate musical choices.
Repertoire Goals: Two routines every 6 months (four routines per year).
Requirements: Completion of Introductory, Beg. I and Beg. II. It is suggested that Intermediate students graduate to Advanced upon completion of a minimum of one (1) year in Intermediates and thereby adding four (4) more dance routines to their repetoire.
RAKS AL NARI (ADVANCED): (on-going) These classes will help students develop muscle endurance and refine movement execution through extensive drilling of advanced undulations and layering techniques with and without props (zills, etc.) . Emphasis is also placed on more sophisticated travelling combinations and dance patterns to improve abilities to learn complex choreographies. Students will also acquire a greater knowledge and understanding of classic oriental rhythms, music, artists and composers. Emphasis will be placed on personal development, stagecraft, performance skills and improvisational skills.
Repertoire Goals: Two routines every 6 months (four routines per year).
Requirements: At least two years of continuous bellydance study, including completion of AALIM suggested curriculum outlined above.
URSARI NATZIA (Gypsy technique and routines): Advanced and Intermediate Cabaret levels will learn the kashlimar(9/8) rhythm along with the gypsy technique ranging from basic to advanced. Classes offer technique and routines from current repertoire. This is an intermediate level class, so students will have to have completed the beginners' levels. This class is suitable for those wishing to learn former Kumpania routines (Mystika and Rompi Rompi) as well as the basics and combinations used primarily in a kashlimar rhythm. Although a 25-yard skirt is not required for the class, all students will eventually have to get one.
Repertoire Goals: Two routines every 6 months (four routines per year).
Requirements: Completion of Introductory, Beg. I and Beg. II.
KUMPANIA (formerly Gypsy Stars): Advanced level dance class focusing on the Kumpania Gypsy style suitable for dancers on an advanced level or who have completed Kumpania Gypsy Technique and Routines class with two routines learned. The class will incorporate complicated choreography with a more acrobatic styling. The principal dance troupe of Kumpania.
Repertoire Goals: Two routines every 6 months (four routines per year).
Requirements: Completion of Introductory, Beg. I and Beg. II and Kumpania Gypsy Technique and Routines.
LOTUS AALIM TRIBAL (technique and routines): Advanced and Intermediate Cabaret levels will learn the Aalim tribal fusion style of bellydance along with the tribal technique ranging from basic to advanced. Classes offer technique and routines from current repertoire. This is an intermediate level class, so prospective students will have to have completed the beginners' levels. The class will focus heavily on technique of tribal style as well as former Aalim Tribal routines. This class is suitable for dancers new to the tribal fusion style and tribal dancers wishing to learn routines from the tribal fusion dance library.
Repertoire Goals: Two routines every 6 months (four routines per year).
Requirements: Completion of Introductory, Beg. I and Beg. II.
CALLA AALIM TRIBAL (formerly Tribal Stars): Advanced level dance class focusing on the Aalim tribal fusion style suitable for dancers on an advanced level or who have completed Lotus Aalim classes with two routines learned. The class will incorporate complicated choreography with a more acrobatic styling. Must be comfortable with floor work. The principal dance troupe of Aalim Tribal.
Repertoire Goals: Two routines every 6 months (four routines per year).
Requirements: Completion of Introductory, Beg. I and Beg. II and Lotus Aalim Tribal.
BELLYDANCE BOOTCAMP: A class that will focus on drills, drills, drills. The objective of this class is to increase strength and stamina, improve muscle control and develop muscle memory. We will also address staging issues such as travelling and spacing. And to mix it up a bit, we will use props from time to time. This class is geared towards the intermediate and advanced levels. There will be no choreography in this class. Prerequisite: Completion of a Beginner level class.
SPARKLES (Classes for girls age 5-11) Basic foundation level classes, age appropriate, Sparkles learn routine to perform at Showcases in Spring and Fall.
***** Specialty Classes require concurrent enrollment in a technique class*****
RAKASA!! (Arabic word for “Dancer”)
A performance should be more than steps and sequences, it should be artistic, innovative and technically pure. Performance Art is an acquired skill. “Rakasa” has been conceived to fill this void.
“Rakasa” breaks through the glass ceiling of “advanced” level study and will focus on soloist vs. group performance skills to amplify existing technical skills and create “artistry”.
To this end, the class will collaborate in conceptualizing, envisioning, developing and creating a personalized solo choreography; thereby acquiring, during this learning process, the necessary performance skills to add artistry to the dance, and earning the right to be called a “Rakasa”.
10 week sessions - followed by 6 week Adanced Choreography Class.
