ShimmyUSA (BellyDanceGR)
Dance Studio in Grand Rapids , MI
Grand Rapids , MI , 49506
ShimmyUSA (BellyDanceGR)
Blackport Building, 959 Lake Drive SE. STE 200 Share on:
Skill Level: All
Commitment Level: Basic (less than 1 hour/week practice/class prep time needed)
Instruction time: 1 hour a week
Skills Developed: Muscle Memory, Stamina, Technique, Connecting with Music (Emotions), Artistry (Develop personal style), Musicality (Train your ear), Flexibility, Strength Conditioning
Studio Type: Virtual – Direct from Egypt
Let’s shimmy off that Covid complacency and get moving together. In each class we will focus on healthy posture, alignment and breathing, while drilling isolations and short combinations for strength, stamina, and flexibility.
The goal is to regain a sense of ourselves, awareness of our bodies, and reconnect with our dance community. As a team we improve our Technique, Emotions, Artistry, and Musicality – while we WORK! We will take a basic movement and continue to layer, as we recognize the sounds and structure of Arabic music. Transitions and responding to the musical changes included. Drill baby drill!!
The music will be stripped down rhythms to make the connection from our ears to our bodies, or Arabic pop, just for the fun of it. Requests for favorite songs are encouraged, and links to songs will be shared before and/or after class.
You are encouraged to accept and give feedback, from your instructors and peers.
Note: For this virtual class, and RakStar Combos, cameras must be turned on. I will be giving you my full energy and attention and expect the same in return. No class recording will be provided. It takes over 5 hours to upload a 30-minute recording on my connection, so its simply not an option, plus, I want to see your faces!
You’ll even learn about the different styles of BellyDance (yes, there’s more than one) and the music that accompanies the movements. This will help you know which style(s) of Raqs Sharqi (BellyDance) you are most interested in to learn more about on your journey through the Near East.
EDUCATION NOTE: Beginner: Defined as a dancer who is within 0-2 years of studying Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance). This dancer is immersing herself in the rich, intricate world of Oriental dance by learning fundamental movements while being introduced to posture, layering, hand/arm technique, shimmies and eventually traveling. She is collecting basic level accessories like hip scarves, practice pants, skirts, etc. and familiarizing herself with Arab music. She is receiving guided instruction with corrections and modifications. Our Sessions are not designed to be graduated immediately upon completion, as this is a rich and beautiful art form with many nuances and subtleties. Best prepare yourself to relax and let go of all preconceptions.
Location: Ambrosia
Theater
959 Lake DR SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49506
Blackport Building, 2nd floor, STE 200
(616) 635-9242
Tuition Options:
$120 for 8-week session
$99 Monthly Unlimited
You’ll even learn about the different styles of BellyDance (yes, there’s more than one) and the music that accompanies the movements. This will help you know which style(s) of Raqs Sharqi (BellyDance) you are most interested in to learn more about on your journey through the Near East.
EDUCATION NOTE: Beginner: Defined as a dancer who is within 0-2 years of studying Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance). This dancer is immersing herself in the rich, intricate world of Oriental dance by learning fundamental movements while being introduced to posture, layering, hand/arm technique, shimmies and eventually traveling. She is collecting basic level accessories like hip scarves, practice pants, skirts, etc. and familiarizing herself with Arab music. She is receiving guided instruction with corrections and modifications. Our Sessions are not designed to be graduated immediately upon completion, as this is a rich and beautiful art form with many nuances and subtleties. Best prepare yourself to relax and let go of all preconceptions.
Tuition Options:
$120 for 8-week session
$99 Monthly Unlimited
This choreography is best suited for beginner & intermediate students.
*Class will be taught at Eastown Studio inside of Ambrosia Theater
Learn an Oriental Choreography. This choreography is best suited for beginner & intermediate students.
*Class will be taught on a Zoom platform
Skill Level: All
Commitment Level: Basic (less than 1 hour/week practice/class prep time needed)
Instruction time: 2 hours a week
Skills Developed: Movement Vocabulary, Connecting with Music (Emotions), Listening, Physical Technique, Cultural and Historical Awareness, Confidence, Improvisational Skills
Studio Type: Virtual – Direct from Egypt
In each class you learn three (3) combinations to add to your movement vocabulary. After drilling the combinations to commit to muscle memory, the combinations are then danced inside three different musical styles:
A basic rhythm or
A “tarab” (emotional) song or
A song “Every BellyDancer Should Know” (songs of historical significance) or
A pop song
When fitting with the music, we will explore the various styles of BellyDance, focusing on Folkloric, Raks Sharki, Beledi and Shaabi
The goal is to modify the speed, intensity, feeling, etc. of the combination, to match the energy and emotion of the music -- drilling the concept that the “movement is only a vessel for the emotion.”**
The music (or links to the music) will be provided prior to class time. You are expected to be familiar with the music prior to starting class. Link to written handout of the combos learned will be available following class. Handout will include English translation of one song lyrics.
Class structure
Combination 1: learn and drill - 10 minutes (includes warm up)
Dance with songs 1, 2 and 3 = 25 minutes
Combination 2 learn and drill - 10 minutes
Dance with songs 1, 2 and 3 = 25 minutes
Combination 3: learn and drill - 10 minutes
Dance with songs 1, 2 and 3 = 25 minutes
Dance all the combinations within 2 songs = 10 minutes (includes cool down)
You are encouraged to accept and give feedback, from your instructors and peers.
Note: This is exercise in muscle memory, so practice your best technique. Variations and layering for the combinations will be given, making it suitable for all levels. This is your gateway to mastering improvisation.
**Learned from Alia Thabit