MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE:  Inspiring the divine feminine in everybody

BELLY DANCE (Raqs Sharqi)
Belly Dance (Raqs Sharqi) is a dynamic and diverse art form, incorporating a wide array of styles and movements from the folk, social and classical traditions of numerous Middle Eastern cultures.  Joy of Motion Dance Center’s diverse faculty gives student’s access to instructors with expertise and scholarship in numerous styles of Middle Eastern dance and cultures including Turkish, Lebanese, Egyptian, Persian, Central Asian, Tribal and Cabaret.  These nationally and internationally known instructors bring unique approaches that emphasize different facets of this art form, each faculty member employing teaching methods and movement techniques informed by years of studies in the Middle East and around the world.  Immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of raqs sharqi and other Middle Eastern dance forms with instructors who have performed and taught all over the globe!

Raqs Sharqi classes build on skills learned each week. Missed classes may be made up in other Belly Dance classes at the same level or below. Please note that class content will vary from teacher to teacher.  

BELLY DANCE WORKOUT
Prerequisite:  All levels welcome
Get the blood moving with an invigorating total body warm-up, including light toning exercises.  Easy movements, drawn from Middle Eastern Dance, will inspire (and work) your heart and body.  Variations will be shown to help accommodate your desired level of impact and cardiovascular challenge.  Finish with a cool-down and stretch to leave refreshed and glowing.  Your whole outlook will change when you shake, shimmy, and undulate.  

BOLLYWOOD WORKOUT 
If you love the glamour of old Bollywood movies or can't sit still when you hear a Bhangra beat, this class is for you. Warm ups and stretches to Bollywood hits of the past and present will add spice to your summer exercise program. Basic combinations and gestures will be woven into energetic group routines to favorite soundtracks. You will be ready for the dance floor with an arsenal of new moves for Bollywood grooves.

TRIBAL BELLY DANCE
Tribal Belly Dance is known for its precision, improvisation and innovative voice. Emphasizing the development of a strong overall Tribal dance discipline, the class will focus on various tribal styles and influences with a special emphasis on American Tribal Style (ATS) and its roots in flamenco technique--one of its main foundations.

Using aspects of the Suhaila Salimpour and Jamila Salimpour technique, the class will focus on core strength, isolations, musical interpretation, and improvisation. Alongside the breakdown and drilling of movements, we will create a comfortable and challenging space to move with intuition and expression. Special attention will be placed on each student's level and learning style. Students will also explore the historical context and development of Tribal Belly Dance through videos and handouts. Finger cymbals will be introduced.

For more what makes tribal style unique, visit http://www.tribalbellydance.org

MIDDLE EASTERN FOLKLORE
Go beyond Belly Dance and learn about some of the folkdance forms of the Middle East . This class will focus on a few of the distinct tribal and/or ethnic genres from North Africa and Asia Minor , allowing for stylistic immersion.  In addition to movement and technique, presentations on historical background, costuming and context will deepen cultural understanding. 

INNER GODDESS
Tired of wearing beige business suits? Longing to express your femininity in a safe, judgement-free environment? Experience a magical Monday night ritual of flowing movements, delicate gestures, and hip swinging fun. With gentle encouragement, students will explore dancing with colorful silk veils, swaying in serpentine fashion, and spinning like a dervish.(Yes, you can learn this!)  Celebrate your Inner Goddess and "dress up" for class if you like; long full skirts and hip scarves are recommended.

BELLY DANCE SPECIALTIES
These specialty classes focus on helping dancers of all levels become more relaxed, assured and EXPRESSIVE! Each week's exploration will be presented in the context of working with combinations as well as with improvised movement. The classes will be structured so that students are given challenges and feedback appropriate to their skill level, and so that we balance our striving for improved technique with the joys of letting go.

MIDDLE EASTERN FOLKLORE SAMPLER
Middle Eastern Folkloric Sampler is an introduction to the diverse dance traditions of the Middle East and Central Asia . Each class will focus on the culture and dance of a different region. All levels.  

PERSIAN DANCE
Experience one of the East's most enchanting dance forms! Persian dance emphasizes lyrical hand gestures, flirtatious facial expressions, playful shoulder isolations, subtle hip movements, and dazzling spins. While is shares some elements with Raqs Sharqi (belly dance), Persian dance has distinct historical, ethnic, and regional forms.

Students will learn the "Classical Persian Positions" developed by the instructor. In addition to classical elements, folkloric styles such as Bandari will be introduced. Contemporary Persian social dance movements will also be covered along with costuming and cultural context.

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MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE LEVELS OF INSTRUCTION

Students should expect to spend 2 to 3 sessions in a level and are required to study with different teachers during that time.  Progression to the next level is by instructor permission only.

Basics
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary
Learn basic technique including proper stance and posture, basic hip and upper body movement, arm positions and traveling patterns.

Beginning I
Prerequisite: Mastery of Basics content and permission of instructor
Expand on the basics and explore aspects of music. This level introduces a variety of body isolations and skills including hip and arm movements, shimmies and traveling steps.

Beginning II
Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning I content and permission of instructor
Focus on the next level of technique including hip and arm undulations, turns, shimmies and upper body isolations. There is an increased emphasis on music rhythms and structure. Specific choreography and/or improvisation for performance will be introduced.  Some classes will introduce the use of finger cymbals.

Low Intermediate
Prerequisite: Mastery of content from Beginning I & II and permission of instructor
Continue to develop technique with more advanced movements and combinations. Specific choreography and/or improvisation for performance will be taught.  Some classes will use finger cymbals and veil work may be introduced.

Intermediate
Prerequisite: Mastery of content from Low Intermediate and permission of instructor
Class strengthens skills learned at the Low Intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on additional finger cymbal use as well as turns, shimmies and spins. Specific choreography and/or improvisation for performance will be taught.

Intermediate/Advanced
Prerequisite: Mastery of content from all levels listed above and permission of instructor
Concentrate on more complex technique and combinations, including more advanced turns, shimmies, spins, veil work, finger cymbal use and drum solo components. This level emphasizes emotional expression, layering of skills and artistry. Specific choreography and/or improv for performance will be taught.  

DRESS
Students should wear form fitting exercise or dance apparel, or similar clothes that permit viewing of body movement. It is vital to wear some kind of hip scarf. Coined, not beaded, scarves are permitted provided decorations are securely sewn. Feet should be bare, or students may wear ballet/jazz shoes. 

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