Belly dance (or “raqs sharqi” in Arabic) is an art form with ancient roots in Middle Eastern folk dance. Its complex movements can be fluid as a snake one moment and as percussive as a drum beat the next. Although it takes years to master belly dance, the process is a rewarding one. It engages our minds, grounds us, and heightens our senses and our awareness of how we move in space. It is also a low-impact exercise that nourishes and strengthens our joints and muscles (particularly our core muscles and shoulders). This course is tailored for students in the beginner levels, to gain a solid foundation for further study in raqs sharqi. You will learn proper posture, isolations such as snake arms, figure eight moves, hip circles, and of course, shimmies! Combinations and traveling moves will also be taught. This course requires pre-registration. No class October 13.

Learn to play the steel pans (“steel drums”) while having a lot of fun! No experience is necessary. We are seeking dedicated members who can regularly attend rehearsals. This course requires pre-registration.

This is a combined ages ensemble. Youth aged 12ish to 18 can join for free--email Julie@therhodycenter.org to request to join.

This ensemble is for students who have taken the steel drum ensemble at the Rhody Center for a while, and/or upon permission from the instructor. This course requires pre-registration.

This is a combined ages ensemble. Youth aged 12ish to 18 can join for free--email Julie@therhodycenter.org to request to join.

This informal “jam session” style of ensemble is for adult intermediate and advanced ukulele players. Members of this ensemble share with each other new tunes and techniques, and encourage each other to become comfortable with performance practices. Enrollment is open to adult students who have already taken Ukulele Ensemble for Beginners through level II, or upon passing an audition. Sign up for the whole session for $5 per week, or drop in for $8 (cash-exact change only for drop-ins). No class November 27.