Belly Dance

Tribal Fusion Based Class

A series of basic belly dance movements such as stomach rolls, body waves, shimmies, hip ups and downs, snaky movements, floor and abdominal work will be taught at a medium pace with layered steps introduced. Fluid transitions between moves and working with partners and groups will also be practiced.

Tribal East (Air/Spring): This class is for novice dancers or dancers who are new to Tribal dance concepts. We will focus on isolating different muscle groups from a strong and balanced core, tribal dance concepts and group dynamics using the element of air and the beginning phase of Spring and the East direction. (Beginner)

Tribal South (Fire/Summer): For dancers who understand the Tribal fundamentals and have mastered the basic isolations. This class will build upon the concepts learned in previous classes and will focus on working in couples, formation changes and more complex combinations using the element of Fire, the Summer season and the South direction. (Intermediate)

Tribal West (Water/Autumn): This class will expand on how to dance more intuitively and to flow in and out of formations and connecting more deeply with the other dancers and the music using the element of water, the Autumn season and the knowledge of the West direction. You will learn how to intuit and dance to music you have never heard before, and how to interpret its changes of tempo and structure of movement, allowing the music to move you. (Advanced)

Tribal North (Earth/Winter): Here we will introduce performance elements and how to draw your audience into your intimate experience in that moment of your dance. This class series will focus on deeper levels of tribal dance using the stabilizing force of the earth. This class will also concentrate on layering isolation techniques by incorporating all of the elements, seasons and directions. How to "dance" the flute and the drum, how to dance liquid, fire and air simultaneously.

Sacred Hips (All Levels): Designed for women of all dance backgrounds and experience levels, this class will follow a fluid curriculum and adjust to your needs from week to week. Its focus is to help you soften (and accept!) your belly, explore your connection to the earth and your dancing sisters, and release your unique, sacred oomph! Exercises will range from basic isolations and intermediate combinations to the deeper, soul-healing magic of tribal "slow moves." (All Levels)

Middle Eastern/Oriental Based Class

Beginner
In this class you will learn the foundation steps of belly dance that are common throughout many styles of Middle Eastern and Oriental dance. Throughout the course you will learn the rhythmic and melodic movements of the pelvis and torso. Classes will focus on the basic movements of the hips and chest, including:

1. Conscious application and practice of geometrical shapes particular to this ancient art (circles, spirals, figure eights)
2. Pulsating rhythmic movements (locks)
3. Vibrating rhythmic movements (shimmy)

We will also learn two source movements; study basic dance positions and body posture; learn dance steps; practice how to descend to and rise from the floor; examine Arab Folklore as it relates to dance, including a brief look at origins and history of Dance Oriental; and dedicate a few minutes to guided improvisation, experiencing different dance moods and practicing stage presence. This class is appropriate for all ages. Wear something comfortable that you can move around in. Bring a scarf to tie around your hips if you like, to aid with body awareness. You will increase your strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity while inviting your inner dancer to come out and play!

Intermediate/Advanced
In these classes we will build on the foundation steps learned in the beginner course. There will be a focus on layering movements that gradually increase in difficulty in three different ways:

1. Moving two distant body parts simultaneously
2. Moving two adjacent body parts simultaneously
3. Moving the same part of the body in two different ways at the same time

We will also discover how changes in velocity impact the esthetics of dance motions; practice the various source movements (earth, water, air and fire); explore Oriental dance, various arm positioning and movements; and dedicate several minutes to guided improvisation, experiencing different dance moods and practicing stage presence. Wear comfortable dance attire, including a dance belt or skirt to aid with body awareness.