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Scroll down for a list of classes our teachers hope to offer in the future
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If you want more information on what you will learn in each level of classes, and what you should know/be able to do before enrolling, check out "About the Levels"
TBD
Cicero Rec Desk
Group Improvisation, Fusion Bellydance
With Liz
Learn the basics of Group Improvisational Belly Dance! In this class we’ll learn foundational dance movements inspired by the folkloric dances of the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. Then, we’ll use those movements to dance together in a follow-the-leader improvisational style (no choreographies to memorize!). Beginner-friendly, all levels welcome!
$Fee and other details pending. Check in the spring
Just like learning vocabulary for a new language, this level breaks down movement to build safe technique that will keep you dancing into (or out of) old age. We also get you started on developing your sense of rhythm, building confidence for improvisation, and some of the teachers even gently introduce the iconic finger cymbals!
L1
This schedule will resume in 2022. See above for 2021 classes!
Musicality, Rhythm, and Veil
With Lisa
Level two classes review and fine tune the movement vocabulary from level one. We build on them by teaching you to recognize the cues in the music so that you can develop your own style and express your own feeling, or just cut loose and enjoy without needing to think about what comes next. Although choreographies are used as teaching tools, and to provide the option of performing together at semi-annual student recitals, Lisa gives you all the tools you need to never be dependent on her, or anyone else, to feed you choreographies.
10 week sessions alternate between introducing content and applying it to a recital ready choreography. Topics include:
Jan-Feb: Rhythms and Combos April-June: vDrum Solo Choreography
June-Aug: Instruments and Musicality Sept to Dec: Veil and Entrance Choreo
Once you have some vocabulary under your hip-scarf, it's time to learn to say something with it! Oryantale dance is the music made visible, these classes practice and refine what you've learned so far, while building your recognition of rhythms, song structure, and instruments, along with your confidence and staging skills.
L2
Start TBD
Nour al Amar Troupe Rehearsals
With Lisa
Intended for future Tuesdays. The first 1/2 hour is spent on rehearsing student troupe numbers, the second half of class is on general performance skills and feedback for things upper level students are working on, which all students can learn from.
You can also find troupe rehearsal information on this page. Please note each teacher's individual policy on troupe participation.
ML
Start TBD
Must Know Music Maps Mondays
With Lisa
This class is entirely web based, and designed to help students practice music mapping, as well as to encourage familiarity with famous songs often found in bellydance shows. We map a staple version of one song per week, then compare that map to different versions. This will prepare you to dance to live music and anticipate how different bands can change a songs arrangement or mood, and provides a great way to practice variations in your dancing. Students have the option of working with a map, and sharing a dance to the previous week's song at the beginning of class for feedback.
In this level, we let what you have learned so far sink into your body, while practicing old skills in new ways. Students get introduced to a variety of props, as well as ways to style bellydance for different music and settings. Just like our other classes, some classes focus on improvisation, and some build towards applying the skills in a choreography.
L3
Start TBD
Props and Music Genres
With Lisa
These level 3 classes are offered as special series, with topics including : Tarab and oryantal, tray, sword, and floorwork, beledi and awalim style, double veil, fan veil, and wings.
The goal of level 3 is to develop your technique, confidence, and musicality, while learning new skills that will come in handy in level 4, and give you even more context for your dancing!
In this level, we let what you have learned so far sink into your body, while practicing old skills in new ways. Students get introduced to a variety of props, as well as ways to style bellydance for different music and settings. Just like our other classes, some classes focus on improvisation, and some build towards applying the skills in a choreography.
L3
Start TBD
Performance Skills
With Lisa
Level 4 focuses on learning to perform the different parts of a professional set. If there are not enough students to run, these topics can be the subject of private lessons and coaching.
Entrances, Vintage American and Egyptian approaches
Am Cab veil and audience interaction
Floorwork and Folklore in a bellydance show's context
Dum Solos and Finales
This level does not provide choreographies, however students have the option of preparing choreography or improvisation for feedback. Improvisation is encouraged for those who think they might want to gig, since performance conditions are generally unpredictable. Due to fewer students with an interest in becoming professional performers, these lessons are available as private and semi-private lessons. Contact Lisa to arrange the start of a course.
Students in these advanced class have been doing MENAHT dances for at least 4 years. They are either 7+year students interested in becoming professional performers, or are 4+year students who are curious about stage craft and the art of creating a show. We work on the different parts of an oryantale dance set, skills for working with your audience, projecting and protecting your energy, and more!
L4
Start TBD
Vintage Vibes Veil Choreography
With Lisa
A choreography to Feirouz's Ya Mayla. Not only will students learn a choreography, with the option to perform in the outdoor summer student recital (assuming covid variants don't become a problem), but we'll also cover the nuts and bolts of creating a choreography, and how to adjust a basic outline to different group sizes and stage types.
POSSIBLY meeting outside this spring!
Once you have some vocabulary under your hip-scarf, it's time to learn to say something with it! Oryantale dance is the music made visible, these classes practice and refine what you've learned so far, while building your recognition of rhythms, song structure, and instruments, along with your confidence and staging skills.