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