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: In Person or Virtual

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

All virtual classes will take place on Zoom platform, your instructor will provide you with the link to join. Please install zoom on your laptop/smart phone and make some test calls before classes begin so you are familiar with the platform.