Introduction to Belly Dance Movements - 101
taught by Sonya & Jonsey & Lisha
Pre-Registration based class...First time in belly dance? Then this is the class for you! This primer class is where you start; helping you better in understand the movements that create the base of all styles of belly dance - technique through isolations and muscular training. This class focuses on break down of basic belly dance steps so that you begin with the correct way to 'do' any of the common movements. Adds up to a great no-impact workout however the goal of the class is learning the verbiage, proper posture & being introduced to the different facets of Mid-East Dance.
Drop-ins are encouraged only during a Buffet week - as a new student to this art form we do recommend you to take this class 1 full session before starting any of our other beginner belly dance classes, denoted with a blue star. See Class Attire here - sorry, but no long skirts, as the instructor needs to see your knees & lower back position. No prior dance experience is expected or necessary for this class at all, which is offered 3x a week Mondays at 7:15pm, Wednesdays at 6pm & Saturdays at 9:30am.

Sit & Zill (Finger Cymbals & Arabic Rhythms 101) returns Jan 2012
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Introduction to Playing Finger Cymbals & Arabic Rhythms - This class has a mission to teach 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 (then full), class begins warming up hands, wrists & forearms before learning the rhythms & embellishing them using different ring types, even adding arm movements as the patterns become more familiar. Open to all ages, both sexes & any level of dancer; this is a pre-requisite class for Belly Dance with Finger Cymbals. Minimum of 3 students need to pre-register for the Dedicated session by the first class, after which drop-ins may be accepted. Returns Jan - Mondays at 6pm.

Costume Club; Design/Creation (ALL LEVELS WELCOME!)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Like Fashion? Good Pre-planning of your dance wardrobe is key for maximum versatility, fit-&-flatter, and longevity, stretching your costume dollar. Knowing some key elements of design you can emphasize your assets while minimizing your figure flaws - for belly dance & beyond, every day of your life, every time you dress. Learn the time-line of popular style from the 40's, 60's, 80's & now. Do you know what "season" you are? That's your best color palette - get the consultation & see for yourself! Week 1 we will choose a simple sewing project from a few options, discussing different fabric qualities, trim choices, etc. and complete it together throughout the session. Then, the last week we'll do a hands-on demo of performance make-up, then hit a local Hookah Bar! Class can be taken repeatedly for new fun every time. Very little sewing skills required & no actual dancing; minimum 3 students. Not offered during Buffet week, but you can come in for questions. Offered Winter 2012 Every Saturday at 1:15pm.

Shimmy Fitness - Belly Dance (ALL LEVELS WELCOME!)
taught by Sonya
Drop-in or Pre-Register...Shimmy Fit 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 dance 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 is introduced each session (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 may even work on layering the shimmy & even traveling with it. This class focuses on proper form/technique & will include a brief warm-up through open dance & delicious cool down stretching; Great for newer students in addition to the serious dancer who just wants to sharpen their skills or keep their shape! This class is also available as the perfect make-up class for pre-paid lessons missed within the same session. We recommend you bring a yoga mat or small hand towel for the end of class. Drop-ins always encouraged on a space available basis - literally start anytime & always come away with something new! No prior dance experience is required, Offered EVERY Thursday at 8:30pm

Fundamentals of Belly Dance (102)
taught by Sonya & Lisha & Jonsey
Pre-Registration based class...After the minimum session of INTRO class, this "102" Fundamentals class expands to teach you a wider vocabulary of basic belly dance traditional Orientale movements, traveling steps & turns common to the "classic" Egyptian-style of Mid East dance & most importantly how to connect them. Here you learn where in the music these steps are best used, why we do it & where in the world it comes from. We work on clean technique with full break-downs & step-combos that can improve your posture, flexibility, balance & grace through muscle isolation and overall control. Each week we put these new moves into a dance routine, finishing your "Dedicated" session with a full choreography & a strong sense of body awareness.
This class is ideal in your first 8-12 months of learning, however you should stay in this level until all the fundamental moves are comfortable to you. You will always come away with something new from week-to-week, session-to-session, even year-to-year. See Class Attire here -- Sorry, but no long skirts, as Lisha, Sonya & Jonsey need to evaluate your knee & lower back position. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however please complete 1 full session of INTRO to Belly Dance class first (see above). All 3 weekly offerings of the 'Fundamentals' class contain the same choreographic routine, therefore interchangeable from week-to-week. Offered 2012 Mondays at 8:30pm, Wednesdays at 7:15pm, & Saturdays at 10:45am.

ITS "Improv Tribal Style" Bellydance (102)
taught by Christine
Pre-Registration based class...This basic building block class teaches you the fundamentals of specifically improvised tribal style (ITS) bellydance, as performed by popular Chicago-area troupes BellyRing and Jezebelly. ITS Bellydance is an American-born dance form that incorporates the use of non-verbal communication or “cues” in a group format to create a unique dance in the moment. ITS incorporates many aspects of Bellydance with movements from throughout the gypsy diaspora & inspired by world dances from the Middle East, North Africa, Spain & India. This class will focus on learning the basic movements, technique, combinations & cues for both slow-and-fast ITS vocabularies. Regular attendance is strongly encouraged, as material will build from week to week. Performance opportunities will occasionally be available as well. See Class Attire -- Sorry, but no long skirts, as Christine needs to view knees/lower back position. Drop-ins are encouraged only during a Buffet week. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however if you've never taken any belly dance you should complete 1 full session of INTRO to Belly Dance first (see above). Offered Wednesdays at 8:30pm.

Tribal Fusion Bellydance Basics (102)
taught by Mae
Pre-Registration based class...This class is an introduction to the Tribal Fusion style of Bellydance unique to our instructress Mae, who will explore many basic Bellydance movements with other ethnic influences as well, including Flamenco, Turkish, American B-girls, & some folkloric Middle Eastern dances. Concentrating on posture, this class will break down key movements & drill them with repetition into your muscle memory. Mae also explores individual stretches & core strengthening exercises that you can take home & practice to sharpen your technique. Working with combinations learned in class, you will come to identify the relationship these movements have to the music, & ignite your creative passion to one day perhaps create your own dances. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however please complete 1 full session of INTRO to Belly Dance class first (see above). Offered Mondays at 8:30pm.

Zill Skills - Belly Dance with Finger Cymbals (103)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Belly Dancing with Finger Cymbal Accompaniment - This class starts to work the basics of playing your finger cymbals (aka zill or segat) in the lead hand theory, while belly dancing. Class includes a warm up, technique & combos while playing your cymbals, simple footwork combos & different ring types, which can culminate into a whole basic routine! Great class to take if you're not confident in your layering the dance while playing your instrument... mastery of the basic moves is helpful. Drop-ins are encouraged during a Buffet week or speak with Sonya. Pre-Requisites for this class are completion of 1 full session of both INTRO to Belly Dance class & Fundamentals and we also recommend the Sit & Zill/Intro to Finger Cymbals class as a rhythm primer as well (see descriptions above); Offered on Thursdays at 6pm.

PROPS & Technique (103)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Great to pair with Fundamentals or Moving Up! All that effortless prop work you've been amazed by can be broken down & mastered in this class for the "experienced" beginner or intermediate dancer & above. Class begins with warm-up, technique & instruction on arm positions & pathways, then add some turns, along with tips & tricks to enhance the overall look and feeling of the prop as a dance partner! Fluidity of movement will increase all while you get a great back, chest & arm workout, closing with cool down stretching. In January bring any of your favorite veils, a minimum of 3 yards in length, maximum 45" wide, as we will discuss some pros & cons of the different fabrics, sizes/shapes, edges & weights. A Silk Veil is preferred for some moves.
Winter is VEIL... Future topics can include Sword, Shamedan, Fans, Candles, Cane, Tray, Isis Wings, Jug, Double Veil, Parasol, Poi-to-Voi (Veil Poi), Fan-Veils & more!
Please wear typical workout attire (NOT velvet, as it can static cling 'stick' to the veil, & preferably NOT long sleeves NOR a high ponytail or bun) & a NON-coined hip scarf (coin edges can snag the veil) if you'd even like to wear one at all. Drop-ins are encouraged only during a Buffet week - which is Veil. No prior experience with Props is necessary for this class however you must complete 1 full session of INTRO to Belly Dance class and at least 1 or 2 sessions of The Fundamentals as well first (see above). Minimum of 5 in the Winter Dedicated - Offered Every Tuesday at 8:30pm.

Moving Up; Belly Dance Choreography (202)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Open to students who've mastered the basic belly dance movements introduced in the blue star classes (typically after 8-12 months of The Fundamentals, comfortable with ALL the basic moves), this choreography class is geared for those long-time beginners who feel they learn more through choreography, drills & routine. Every move you know has 100 variations, add-ons and layers... want to learn them? 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. While everyone is unique, Pre-Requisites for this class are completion of the movement repertoire from the Fundamentals class & comfort in the speed of Technique DRILLS and we highly recommend learning some Veil in the PROPS & Technique class for a session as well. Feel free to seek your instructor's advice before beginning this class, or drop-in to "audition" this class during the Buffet week. Offered Wednesdays at 7:15pm & Saturdays at 12 noon.

Tribal Fusion Bellydance 2 (202)
taught by Mae
Pre-Registration based class...This class continues in Mae's Tribal Fusion style of Bellydancing in which she will introduce even more challenging Bellydance movements influenced also by other ethnic/folkloric dances. Concentrating on posture, class will continue to break down & drill key movements while exploring individual stretches & core strengthening exercises to increase your dance stamina. Also learning her signature choreographies, performance opportunities are occasionally available with her student troupe Down Hips Down. We recommend completing INTRO to Belly Dance and Tribal Fusion Basics before moving up to this class, Offered Tuesdays at 7:15pm.

Tribal Fusion Choreography (203)
taught by Eliza
Pre-Registration based class...Open to intermediate students very comfortable with all the basic bellydance movements and some of their variations, this tribal fusion class features a choreography using a variety of tribal slow & fast moves. Eliza will begin with exercises that develop the strength & flexibility needed to execute flawless technique, followed by drills to help perfect both the oooey-goooey slow tribal movements & fast and furious shimmy combinations in the choreography. Finally, you'll put it all together in fabulous piece that can be performed as troupe "SpellBound" in an upcoming Arabesque Showcase if desired/available. Please pre-register the session to secure your spot in this class & ensure the class runs, minimum of 5, maximum of 12. Please seek Eliza's advice before beginning this class. Offered Tuesdays at 6pm.

"Big Girl" Zill Skills 2 (203)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Belly Dancing with full-speed Finger Cymbal Accompaniment - This class mission is to practice, drill & "jam" together while playing our finger cymbals/zillar/segat at FULL SPEED. Class format includes warm-ups while playing, then learning simple footwork & marrying them to cymbal patterns common to some popular Arabic rhythms, we can then putt them together to practice our most versatile combos & different ring types, definitely adding arm movements as the patterns become more familiar. We then finish the class with combining the movements & patterns of the day to a song, giving you lots to practice over the week, not often requiring the memorization of a single choreography. A mastery of basic belly dance moves is needed & having your finger cymbals with you is a requirement. Of course, Performance Opportunities for this class with troupe Killer Zillar! Minimum of 5 students need to pre-register for the dedicated session by the 1st day of class (max of 16); offered Winter Wednesdays at 6pm.

Belly Dance - Layers & Traveling (303)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...For the dancer who is strong in ALL the Fundamental movements & 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, as Sonya's award-winning student dance troupe, Ro-He. A mastery of 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 in Buffet week, or on the 1st week of the Dedicated session. Minimum of 5, if interested in this class please see Sonya for audition information and approval. Offered Tuesdays at 7:15pm.

Goth / Rock Tribal Fusion Bellydance (301)
taught by Mae
Pre-Registration based class...This is a Tribal Fusion class gone goth-rock! Building upon your basic belly dance knowledge (both cabaret & tribal) to creatively express this vocabulary through eccentric rock & gothic influenced music. Concentrating on posture & expression, we will explore arm movement, shimmies, undulations, locks & other Orientale dance techniques. A focus on composure & an all around "bad girl attitude" will be incorporated into slow movements, that appear 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 encompass a repertoire of spooky/bad girl combinations, level changes, eye contact & stage presence. Mae will also incorporate stretches/core strengthening drills that you can take home & practice. This will be a high intensity intermediate PLUS class, complete with a warm up & cool down. Performance opportunities may be possible with her macabre student troupe Black Silk Road. Seek this instructor's advice before beginning this class, or try it out during the Buffet session. Offered Tuesdays at 8:30pm.

Advanced Tribal - ITS (401)
taught by Eliza
Pre-Registration based class...This 90 minute performance-based class seeks to refine and expand on the Improvisation Tribal Style (ITS) vocabulary and combinations once learned in intermediate level "Fast Track Tribal" class. Heavy emphasis is 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, 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 Mondays at 6:45-8:15pm.
Class Pre-Requisites:
Seek Advice from Eliza before showing up for this class. Minimum of 5 pre-registered by first class ($144) to run.