Class Description
BodyWorks By Chandani
Middle Eastern Belly Dance
2250 Red Tide Rd
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
(757) 313-8000
Sisters of Chandani 2005 at the East Coast Belly Dance Competition
The Middle East is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Today we can witness and share in these civilizations through Middle Eastern Belly Dance. Belly Dance has been done for thousands of years as part of cultural traditions, fun and exercise. BodyWorks By Chandani teaches this ancient dance on various levels to women of all ages.
Women of all shapes and sizes enjoy the courses offered through BodyWorks By Chandani. Each course is designed for dancers of all levels, including those who have no dance experience. Every level teaches specific controlled movements that are used in Middle Eastern Dancing. The first 2 levels of dancing at BodyWorks By Chandani include a choreographed dance routine to show students how to link individual movements together. In later levels students learn ways of creating their own dances. In addition participants learn history and traditions of belly dance from dancing outside after your chores, to American Cabaret for entertainment.
In keeping with traditions, dance moves and music are based in Middle Eastern origin, such as Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, yet have an American feeling.
One of
the goals of the class is to allow students to take time out of their busy
schedules and concentrate on themselves. When students walk through the
dance studio door they are encouraged to leave the world behind and focus on
themselves.
COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Warm Up Stretches
II. Specific Controlled
Movements that are broken down
III. Practice the Choreographed
Dance
IV. Cool Down Stretches
Level Description
Beginner
1: Group Circle Dance using basic moves
Various movements
include but are not limited to:
|
Basic Arabic Step Touch |
Rib Slides |
Beginner 2: Group Veil Dance
Various movements
include but are not limited to:
|
Traveling with Hip Drops |
Lebanese Arm Movements |
Beginner 3: Middle Eastern Music
Various movements
include but are not limited to:
|
How to play Finger Cymbals |
Isolated Dance Moves while |
Beginner 4: Lebanese Zill Dance
Various movements
include but are not limited to:
|
Traveling Fast Shimmy |
Maya |
Intermediate through Advanced levels are
based on the class needs and desires. Classes get to choose
which class to take next. Choices include but are not limited to:
Refinement Classes
Performing Tips
Pop Arabic Music
Improvisation
Cane Dancing
Veil Solos
Middle Eastern Music I and II
Drum Solos
Choreography
Balancing
Advanced Zills
Folk/Traditional Dances
Intermediate level Floor Work
Class Conditions
- - Since each move is broken down into very controlled body movements, it is important to take your time and learn the moves correctly. Some moves will come easily; others will require more practice, therefore take the class at your own pace.
- -In order for the instructor to make sure that you are doing the moves correctly, it is helpful to wear clothes that are not baggy, yet allow you to move comfortably.
- - Throughout the course the instructor will incorporate various aspects of the Middle Eastern Traditions, the first being dancing barefoot. (For some students, this condition provides an excuse to pamper their feet!)
- - Most
importantly you will only get out of the class what you put into the class.
Try all of the moves and practice them. Anyone can learn to belly
dance - - including you!
Learning the Dance
BodyWorks By Chandani believes in following the ancient traditions of Middle Eastern Belly Dance. It is important to teach the origins, changes and various styles of the dance. With changing times, comes changes in the dance and so BodyWorks By Chandani moves with the world in adopting new forms, versions and characteristics of the dance.
The dance will take on a different meaning for each person, therefore individuality is encouraged. At the same time the dance is a shared dance and brings about a sense of community. BodyWorks By Chandani understands these concepts and provides an experience of bonding and self discovery.
Middle Eastern
Belly Dancing was and is still performed for many reasons, but mostly as a
celebration of life. All women regardless of age, size, race or spiritual
practices are welcome and have the opportunity at BodyWorks By Chandani to
celebrate life through Middle Eastern Belly Dancing.
Words of Wisdom
Excerpts From The Serena Technique of Belly Dancing
Many Women find that most of the common exercises are unattractive and masculine. You will learn a great deal about yourself as you go along. You will become increasingly aware of your body: what it looks like, how it works, and what its capabilities are. You will probably discover a you that you didn't know existed. Don't be afraid to criticize yourself, but be honest in both directions - - good as well as bad. Genuine confidence is impossible without a realistic appraisal of yourself. If you believe that you have done a step especially well, tell yourself so, out loud! Applaud yourself when you deserve it. At the same time, throw away your rose-colored glasses. If you see a stiff, awkward woman in your mirror, admit it and do something about it. After all, you owe it to the dance as well as to yourself to give it your best, and that means the most graceful and attractive you that you can create.
You will probably find that you are better than you thought you would be. You will want more of a challenge than the simple folk steps have to offer. To meet this need, there are many steps with are difficult; some are very strenuous, and others require such exceptional skill that they would challenge any professional dancer in any dance form. However, don't feel compelled to try these steps just because they are there. By the time you feel ready for greater challenge, you will have a reasonably good idea of your individual abilities. At this point, it's wise to consider the economist's advice: Live a little beyond your means; it makes you work harder. In other words, bite off a little more than you can chew; perfect each step you select, don't skip, but always have your eye on the next step.
The Serena Technique of Belly Dancing
By Serena & Alan Wilson
Pages 22 - 23
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