Introduction to Belly Dance Movements (Pre-Fundamentals)
taught by Lisha & Mae
Pre-Registration based class...First timer? This is the class for you! This primer class is where you begin to help you better in understanding the movements that create the base of belly dance technique through isolations and muscular training. This class focuses on the movement break downs so that you begin with the correct way to 'do' any of the common moves, such as circles, undulations, drops & shimmy! Adds up to a great workout however the goal of the class is proper technique & learning the verbiage. See Class Attire here -- sorry, but no long skirts, as the instructor needs to see your knees & lower back position. Drop-ins are allowed only during the Buffet week - as a new student to this art form we do ask you to take this class about 8 weeks before starting any of our other "green star" beginner belly dance classes, such as The Fundamentals of Belly Dance, Tribal Fusion Basics or Tribal 'ITS' Fundamentals. No prior dance experience is expected or necessary for this class at all, which is offered Mondays at 7:15pm, Wednesdays at 6pm & Saturdays at 9:30am.

Belly Dance-The Fundamentals
taught by Sonya & Lisha
Pre-Registration based class...After 8-9 weeks in the INTRO class, The Fundamentals class expands to teach you a wider vocabulary of basic belly dance "Orientale" movements (such as hip figure-eights, snake arms & body undulations) as well as traveling steps & turns common to the Egyptian-style "classic" cabaret dance. Here you learn where in the music these steps are best used, why we do it & where in the world they come from. All offerings of this class work on basic technique with full break-downs & step-combinations that can improve your posture, flexibility, balance, grace and muscle isolation & control. Each week we put these new moves into combos & string them together in a dance routine, so you can finish an 8-week "dedicated" session with a full choreographed dance & a strong sense of body awareness.
This class is ideal in your 1st year of learning, however you can stay in this level class until all the fundamental movements are comfortable to you. You will always come away with something new from week-to-week, session-to-session, year-to-year. See Class Attire here -- Sorry, but no long skirts, as Lisha & Sonya need to see your knees & lower back position, and you'll be bending over for stretching. Drop-ins are encouraged only during a Buffet week. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however you must complete 1 sessions worth of INTRO to Belly Dance class first (see above). All 3 weekly offerings of the 'Fundamentals' class contain the same choreography/routine each session, therefore interchangeable from week-to-week. Offered this Summer Tuesdays at 8:30pm, Wednesdays at 7:15pm, & Saturdays at 10:45am.

Tribal Fusion Bellydance Basics
taught by Mae
Drop-in or Pre-Register...This class is an introduction to the Tribal Fusion style of Bellydance in which Mae will explore many basic Bellydance movements with other ethnic influences as well including Flamenco, American B-girls, and a few Middle Eastern folkloric dances, to name a few. Concentrating on posture, this class will break down key movements and drill them with repetition into your muscle memory. The instructor will also explore individual stretches and core strengthening exercises that you can take home and practice to sharpen your technique. Working with combinations learned in class, you will come to identify the relationship these movements have to the music, any music and ignite your ability to one day perhaps create your own dances. Students wear comfortable/stretchy clothing (no long skirts please) & have bare feet, socks or soft dance slippers. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however you must complete INTRO to Belly Dance first. Class size is limited to 12, minimum of 3; Offered every Tuesday at 7:15pm.

Tribal Bellydance - ITS Fundamentals
taught by Jessy
Drop-in or Pre-Register...This American-born fusion references many world dances including Flamenco, Indian Katak, North African Ghawazee, folkloric Mid-Eastern and our beloved Bellydance, which gives it a unique look & feel. Class consists of warming up, learning a few moves and their cues & combos then "jamming" together with group improv is where we're at in this class! Especially for those who want to expand on the basic moves they know & add them to the structure of synchronized group improvisational "Tribal-style" Bellydance (ITS). Class will encompass both a slow and fast vocabulary of moves while emphasizing strong technique and the particular flavor that makes Tribal ITS different. Open to all levels! Students wear comfortable/stretchy clothing (no long skirts please) & have bare feet, socks or soft dance slippers. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however you must complete INTRO to Belly Dance first. Class size is limited to 12, minimum of 3; Offered every Thursday at 6pm.

Fusion of Bhangra & Bollywood
taught by Shruti
Pre-Registration based class...This fusion class combines the high-energy folk dance of Bhangra and the exhilaration of Bollywood (Hindi film) moves. This class will focus on learning the basics of Bhangra (such as shoulder pumps, hops, and foot placement) with the free-spirited moves of Bollywood (hip movements, hand poses, and much more). You will be able to combine both dance styles to any fast-paced, up-beat Bhangra and Bollywood song. No experience required – just be ready to have fun and try out different moves! This class runs for the May & July Buffet sessions as well as the 8 week 'Summer 1' & ‘Summer 2’ Dedicated sessions, for which you may pre-register 8 weeks to secure your spot ($96) in class. Possible Performance Opportunity! Students wear comfortable/stretchy clothing (no long skirts please) & have bare feet, socks or soft dance slippers. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class, limited to 12 students, minimum of 3; Offered every Thursday at 7:15pm.

Shimmy Fit - Belly Dance DRILLS
taught by Sonya
Drop-in or Pre-Register...Shimmy Fit-Drills is a Fitness-focused class that is more than a hip shimmy clinic & you'll find no boring 'sit-ups' in here! Building Core Strength is our goal with warm-ups & exercises focused firmly on your abdominal muscles but also benefiting inner thighs, lower back, balance & yes, even digestion. But before that more than 15 types of shimmy introduced each session in this movement class (including belly flutters!) working 1-on-1 with shimmy technique for skill, then up the tempo to build proper speed before maintaining the speed for increased stamina. Once stamina is achieved we'll work layering the shimmy & even traveling with it. This class focuses on proper form/technique & will include a brief warm-up through open dance and delicious cool down stretching; Great for newer students in addition to the serious dancer who just wants to keep their shape - everyone wants to improve their shimmies! Also included will be combos & articulation exercises for powerful pops & locks! We recommend you bring a yoga mat or small hand towel. Drop-ins always encouraged on a space available basis - literally start anytime & always come away with something new! Can Pre-Register 4 or 8 weeks of a Dedicated session or drop-in anytime; offered every Thursday at 8:30pm.

Beginning Finger Cymbals for Belly Dance
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Introduction to Belly Dancing with Finger Cymbal Accompaniment - This class mission is to learn the basics of playing finger cymbals (also called zill in Turkey, or segat in Egypt) for a strong foundation in learning the lead hand theory, playing half speed while belly dancing. Class format includes warm ups while playing your cymbals, also learning simple footwork combos & different ring types, even adding arm movements as the patterns become more familiar, culminating in a whole routine to perform! Great place to start if you're not confident in your finger cymbal playing! A mastery of basic belly dance moves is helpful & having your finger cymbals with you is a requirement. Minimum of 5 students need to pre-register for the Dedicated session by the 1st class, (max of 12) offered every Thursday at 7:15pm.

Moving Up; Inter. Belly Dance Choreography
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Open to students very comfortable with all the basic belly dance movements (typically after 8-12 months of The Fundamentals), this choreography class is geared for those long-time beginners who feel they learn more through choreography and routine. Take Yourself to the NEXT LEVEL! The dances learned in this weekly class can be auditioned for & performed in upcoming Arabesque Showcases & "In-House Halfa's" if desired available. Wear comfortable/stretchy clothing (no skirts please) & bare feet, socks or soft dance slippers. While everyone is unique, we highly suggest you complete a minimum of 2 full dedicated sessions of "The Fundamentals of Belly Dance" before moving up to this class, which is offered during the Buffet week (as a drop-in) as well as during the 8 weeks of Dedicated session, of which please pre-register 8 weeks to secure your spot & ensure the class runs ($96) minimum of 5, maximum of 16. Feel free to seek your instructor's advice before beginning this class. Offered every Wednesday at 7:15pm.

Belly Dance - Technique Drills!
taught by Mae, Lisha & Sonya
Drop-in or Pre-Register...Technique, Technique, Technique - a challenge to the early intermediate dancer skill set, building a larger dance vocabulary & refining the way the movements look on your body! Warm-up encourages increased balance followed by free dancing at a heart-pumping rate, incorporating all of the Fundamental moves & their variations, increasing your overall dance stamina. Combinations will be taught with an emphasis on building strong dance technique foundation, shimmies are taken in travel, arms are utilized & sweat is welcome. Cool-down works softer movements, changing the atmosphere from frenzy to fluid, learning to "take it down a notch" while returning your heart rate to normal & finishing with floor stretches for increased flexibility with cool down. No choreography here, just wonderful combos and transitional moves that help you learn to build dance phrases of your own, move up a level in ability, or perhaps to make up a missed class. Drop-ins always encouraged on a space available basis - literally start anytime & always come away with something new. Great for all styles of modern belly dance. Ask your instructor if you are ready to move up to this class or Drop-in to give it a try during a Buffet session! Offered this Summer on Mondays at 6pm.

Goth / Rock Tribal Fusion Bellydance
taught by Mae
Drop-in or Pre-Register...This is a Tribal Fusion class that will build upon your basic belly dance knowledge, both cabaret and tribal to creatively express this vocabulary through eccentric rock and gothic influenced music. Concentrating on posture, we will explore arm movement, shimmies, undulations, locks and other Orientale dance techniques. A focus on expression, composure, and all around "bad girl attitude" will be incorporated into slow movements, appearing to be "swimming through honey". But we will not leave out the lightning fast sudden pop-n-lock movements that will make your heart quicken! You will even learn a repertoire of spooky/bad girl combinations, break-downs of level changes, and fundamentals of eye contact, stage presence and posturing. Mae will also incorporate stretches and core strengthening drills that you can take home and practice. This will be a high intensity intermediate class (or very experienced beginner), complete with a warm up and cool down. Performance opportunities may be possible with her student troupe Black Silk Road. Seek this instructress's advice before beginning this class, or try it out during the Buffet session. Class size limited to 12, minimum 3; Offered every Tuesday at 8:30pm.

Fast Track Tribal - ITS
taught by Eliza
Drop-in or Pre-Register...This class is designed for the intermediate bellydance student with good knowledge of the basic bellydance vocabulary. “Fast Track” is an Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) class, a classic style of tribal bellydance that relies on cues and communication between dancers, which came about on the west coast in America in the 1960's. Learn moves and combinations unique to "ITS" bellydance weekly that will broaden and enhance your existing repertoire of moves. Emphasis is on dance technique as well as group improvisation skills that will make any performance more dynamic and exciting for all involved. Students who enjoy interaction with others in a fast paced environment will particularly enjoy this class. Seek Eliza's advice before beginning this class, or try it out during a Buffet session. Offered every Monday at 7:15pm.

Belly Dance - Layers & Traveling
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...For the dancer who is very comfortable with ALL the Fundamental movements & all their myriad of variations, we offer a more advanced view of combinations with the moves you already know, new moves you've never seen before, as well as transitions from one move to the next, a "volume knob" approach to speed & expectations of layering movements simultaneously while traveling with them. Longer, more difficult step combinations stretch the mind & muscle memory and a few improvisational dance techniques appear, while the content of a full "Dedicated" session includes a challenging choreography with a new focus week-to-week on different dance skills, occasional prop use & special "tips & tricks" you wish you knew! Choreography's learned in this class do have the opportunity to be auditioned for & performed, either locally or nationally at dance productions as Sonya's award-winning student dance troupe, Ro-He. A mastery of basic and intermediate belly dance moves is expected in this fast-paced class for rather experienced students. Being comfortable in the intermediate/purple star classes is expected to keep up in this level. New students accepted only throughout the Buffet session, or in the 1st week of the Dedicated session. Minimum of 5, if interested in this class please see Sonya for audition info/approval. Offered on Tuesdays at 7:15pm & Wednesdays at 6pm.

Belly Dance - Technique BOOT CAMP - returns January
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...This exploration of skill, speed, & stamina is heavy on the technique! Perfect for drilling technique, this particular class will focus on sharp articulation, walking shimmies, pops/locks and drills to make you sweat sequins! The choreographic content of this class is intended to be spread over 2 Dedicated sessions and the combo-heavy routine eventually learned in this class does have the optional opportunity to be performed* locally and nationally at dance productions as part of Sonya's award-winning student dance troupe, Ro-He. Also great for home practice!
A mastery of all basic belly dance moves & being very comfortable in the intermediate level (purple star) is expected in this fast paced-high energy class for experienced belly dance students. New students to this level (silver star) accepted only through audition during the buffet week.

Advanced Tribal - ITS
taught by Eliza
Pre-Registration based class...This performance-based class seeks to refine and expand on the Improvisation Tribal Style (ITS) vocabulary and combinations learned in the intermediate level "Fast Track Tribal" class. Heavy emphasis will be placed on dance technique, poise, fluidity, body awareness, posture, musical phrasing, grace and strength on both an individual and group level. Students will also have the opportunity to explore specialty areas where they may naturally excel such as floor work, sword and veil. Ultimately, this class grooms students for performance through self study, instructor feedback & group performances with Belly Ring... Due to the group nature of this class, students must commit to attendance on a regular basis. Offered every Monday at 6:15pm.
Class Pre-Requisites: Students must complete a minimum of one session of the intermediate level "Fast Track Tribal" with Eliza & audition with her for entry into this Advanced Tribal class; as well as backing Advanced class with Fast Track Tribal each week - ask Eliza for more details. Minimum of 5 pre-registered to run this class.

Semi-Pro Advanced Soloist "Rakasa" Training
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Learning choreography is not enough if you take your dancing seriously. For the high-level student with serious intentions we offer a focused class on developing you as a knowledgeable soloist and expert of your field, Arabian Dance Arts. Over several sessions we'll explore the stylistic influences of many Mid-East folkloric dances as well as to our popular cabaret-style of Orientale, get to see & know the names of the famous dancers, scores and composers of the "Golden Era" of belly dance & Arabic word recognition, all while studying our own aspects of facial comportment, stage presence, body awareness, musicality, and methods of self-assessment designed to foster some teaching skills (as well as performance skills) of your own. You will create a solo dance through week-to-week "homework" & mentor/peer evaluations, which when completed will foster both your choreographic and improvisational skills, helping your dance excel to new heights, & enable you greater performance opportunities.
Class limit of 10 per session (minimum of 5), students will be lead through the basics of warming up & cool down stretching (for yourself & others), strengthening & anatomy/muscle knowledge, building combinations that serve a purpose & how to recognize & identify 8 of the most usual Arabic drum rhythms (always come prepared with your finger cymbals/zillar/segat & a veil). Emphasizing professionalism, history & dance community standards, this mentor ship with Sonya could complete each session with a performance opportunity & each year with a certificate.
This class runs during the Dedicated sessions only each year and is not a drop-in class; Pre-Payment for the full session is expected by the 1st day of class each session & class is closed after that. Weekly attendance is expected.
Class Pre-Requisites: Must have been through a minimum 6 months of Layers & Traveling (int./advanced choreography class) & remain a Layers & Traveling OR Boot Camp student during Semi-Pro; must have taken minimally 1 session of finger cymbals with Sonya & have a desire for a mastery of the basic belly dance movements & their variations, and come prepared each week ON TIME with homework completed.

Note - Building a good music library is key to understanding & becoming familiar with Mid-Eastern and Arabic music structure, instrumentation & rhythm recognition. For these classes you will need to acquire or buy the CD that will be focused on musically for that sessions lesson plan. You should have this by the 1st day of the class.