Springs Oasis Belly Dance with Zafia
Colorado Springs, CO

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Class Descriptions ~ Summer 2007
 

Bring a water bottle and hip scarf. Wear comfortable pants or a skirt and a form-fitting shirt, midriff, or tank top. Some sort of hip scarf or belt makes it easier to see and articulate hip movements (and is much more fun!). See the links page for dangerous shopping opportunities.

MODERN EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE:

Beginning Belly Dance 

This class provides an introduction to, and practice of, basic movement vocabulary of Egyptian style belly dance (Raqs Sharqi) along with a brief overview of the cultural and historical roots of this wonderful dance form. Classes incorporate fast and slow movements, with each class introducing a new move or two and reviewing movements learned previously. Students also learn combinations of moves to put them together. Each class includes warm-up and stretches, movement demonstration, explanation, and practice of individual moves and combinations. Students can start any time during a session.

Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance ~ Cane Routine  

The Cane Dance, or Raks al Assaya, is a traditional Egyptian women's dance. Barb will teach the "Zeina" cane routine choreographed by Morocco, one of the world's leading scholars and practitioners of traditional Egyptian dance. This dance is a shimmy workout and will be fast paced.  Each class includes: warm-up and stretches,  practice of movement combinations and choreography practice.  Students will have an opportunity to perform at a friendly local belly dance Student Night and hafla (dance party).  You will need to purchase a dance cane, but it's OK if you don't have it for the first few classes. I will provide some vendor suggestions in class (and we may try for a group discount together). 

Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance ~ Sword Routine

Sword dancing in belly dance was inspired by Orientalist paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries and has become an established part of the belly dance repertoire. This class builds on movements learned in the beginning and intermediate classes and will teach a complete sword choreography, focusing on balanced isolations with some floor work (knee pads are your friend). Practice will include refinement of moves and transitions, dancing to different rhythmic and melodic aspects of the music, as well as posture and dance conditioning.  Each class includes: warm-up and stretches,  practice of movement combinations and choreography practice. Students will have an opportunity to perform at a friendly local belly dance Student Night and hafla (dance party).  Students will need to purchase a belly dance sword designed for balancing. Suggestions for different styles of swords and vendors will be provided in class.

AMERICAN TRIBAL STYLE BELLY DANCE: 

Tribal 1 ~ ATS Movement Vocabulary 

Learn and practice the basic movement vocabulary and technique of American Tribal Style belly dance, including fast and slow moves, and cues. Learn to recognize cues given by the lead dancer for improvisational performance. Learn and practice playing finger cymbals (zills or sagat) while dancing. Previous belly dance experience required.

Tribal  2 ~ ATS Formations and Transitons

Learn more complex movement vocabulary, more cues and transitions, and use them in improvisational lead and follow exercises. Zills (finger cymbals) are played throughout.  

Tribal  3 ~ Improvisational Performance

Practice leading and following in improvisational performances using various formations and transitions. Experiment with new movement vocabulary, rehearse for performances. Zills (finger cymbals) are played throughout.