Mixed Level, Traditional Style: suitable for beginners
Mondays: 6:30 - 7:45 PM
@ Solvay near the fairgrounds (register for address and entrance directions) Bellydance can be a great way to practice becoming more comfortable with uncertainty. Sometimes that is the uncertainty of "what is this move called" that comes from moves having many different, or sometimes no name, depending on the region. It can also be in learning to trust your own reactions to the music as you learn to improvise. This is an important part of the cultural artistic values of the dance.
That said, it can be comforting to know what to expect in class! |
You can get more information in the Frequently Asked Questions covering the missed class policy, what to wear to class, and general bellydance info.
If you want to know what to expect in the class in more detail, read below! When you register, an email will be sent to you with a list of what to wear and bring to class, and a video walking you from the parking lot to the studio space. We keep the address under wraps from the general public for student safety and mental comfort. Each class* starts with the same body-connectivity warm up routine. This is followed by some drills for shimmies, increasing dexterity with the hips and torso, and movement review, based on time available. We cover approximately 2 new techniques each class in more detail, to build your movement vocabulary. The moves are broken down and the teacher provides feedback as we practice. The next portion of class is used to practice musicality and improvisation skills. These drills can range from an introduction to finger cymbals, to learning to recognize an instrument or rhythm, to taking turns drawing characters from a hat and dancing as that character. Every other class (ie, every 4 new moves) we put the techniques from earlier in the class into a practice combo. You can find examples of the practice combos in the video library. 3 classes per unit include a one song dance party instead of a practice combo. Classes follow this format for 8 of the 9 classes in each semester. The last class of each semester reviews the rhythms and instruments, plays some improvisation games, and includes a mini-choreography applying what we've learned to a real part of a bellydance performer's set. We end each class with the same stretching routine. Students are free to modify the stretches and other exercises to accommodate any injuries, hyper-mobility, or other concerns. *a few classes a year are taught by a substitute teacher, and may include a different format. |
