Come start this spring off on the right foot!! Sundays, March 3, 10 & 17 12:15-2:15 pm
This fun 3 Week Workshop Series is taught by Jawaahir Dance Company members—offering a variety of topics and a range of levels!! $10 per 2 hour workshop. Pay at the door!
Workshop topics and descriptions:
Sunday, March 3: Back to Basics with Louise/Intro Finger Cymbals & Rhythms with Renee
Back to Basics with Louise:
Back to Basics are the foundation in any dance form. Ballet dancers have regular barre routines. We need them too! Starting with some stretches, some balancing, some toning, and a review of good posture, then we will start our isolations from top to toe. There will be easy movements across the floor without and then with our isolations building into our dance. And then we finish with a flourish of colorful veils.
Intro to Finger Cymbals and Arabic Rhythms with Renee:
First, we will learn foundational finger cymbal patterns and, gradually, learn how to dance while playing them! Then we will move on to listening to a few common Arab rhythms popular in Egyptian dance music, learning how to identify these rhythms and, of course, practicing dance steps to each of the rhythms. This workshop is geared toward dancers who are new to finger cymbals and Arab rhythm identification. Bring finger cymbals if you have them – extra finger cymbals will be available.
Sunday, March 10: Ballet for Bellydancers with Tanya/Fabulous Floorwork with Erin
Ballet for Bellydancers with Tanya:
Have you been curious about the benefits of ballet, but find a full-on ballet class intimidating? In this short ballet for bellydancers class we will work on a few ballet basics that will help us in our bellydance. We’ll focus on strengthening and lengthening our muscles through an abbreviated barre work, then explore some footwork, turns, balances, and graceful arm pathways, looking at how these techniques can benefit us as bellydancers. The intention of this class is to add some items to your dance toolbox that will strengthen your foundation no matter your dance style! All levels welcome, however beginners might find it a bit challenging.
Fabulous Floorwork with Erin:
Learn to create drama and mystery in your piece with fabulous floorwork. An exciting way to display strength and skill. Erin will teach dancers how to create smooth transitions to get up and down from the floor, floorwork combos, and shape making movements. Suitable for beginner and intermediate level. Please bering knee pads/thick sweatpants to protect your knees and socks/dance shoes to protect the tops of your feet.
Sunday, March 17: Golden Era Style & Combos with Laila/Beledi Style & Combos with Megan
Golden Era Belly Dance Class with Laila:
A dance style that dominated Egyptian movies during the Golden Era (1930’s-1960’s). This vintage style is full of expression and elegance. In this class we will work on arms patterns, technique, travel steps and a vibrant combo inspired by the iconic dancer and actress Naima Akef.
Beledi Styling and Combos with Megan C.:
Covering topics of beledi style and meaning in Egyptian music and dance culture. Explore beledi progression musical format through improvisation, and beledi styling in movement combos and music. All levels welcome; best suited for intermediate and up.