Our classes are ongoing, and are designed to accommodate students joining at any time. Your classcard allows you to take all Bellydance classes, at any level, as well as some workshops and history classes.
Private and personalized instruction is also available.
The Arabesque Academy curriculum incorporates a range of Middle Eastern dance styles and techniques, including Almeh, Assaya, Beledhi, Cabaret, Debke, Drum Solo, Floorwork, Ghawazi, Hagallah, Kaleegy, Melaya, Mohamed Ali Street, Saiidi, Shamadan, Sword, Tahtiib, Taqsim, Veil, Zaar, and Zylls.
Note:
You can progress at your own rate and take any combination of class levels you wish at the same time.
Introductory |
This class is designed for EVERYONE; for those who have never danced any style in their life and for pro's who are new to Arabesque Academy. It is recommended that every student attend at least one Intro class. Depending upon past dance experience, students may need anywhere from five to ten of these classes before starting the Beginner I level. Speak to your instructor if you have questions about changing levels. This is the only class where the warm-ups explained and the foundation of muscle isolation technique particular to Bellydance is taught. The introductory class allows the student to move on to Beginner or any level and practice traditional Bellydance moves using the proper muscle groups. Every level after Introductory offers an average of 45 steps. Each class begins with 15 minutes of stretch and strength exercises then a thorough breakdown of 2 or 3 moves. The latter part of the class is spent on choreography or a particular folklore. |
Beginner I |
All of the basic dance steps are taught in this class, utilizing the arms, stomach, legs and hips, both stationary and travel steps. This is where students learn the realms of Bellydance movement whether it be undulations, chest and hip circles, figure eight's, shoulder, chest, stomach and hip accents or twisting with appropriate arm embellishments. |
Beginner II |
Students learn about some very unusual muscle isolations only used in Egyptian style dance, as well as adding a shimmy with all the Beginner I moves. Putting these movements together in interesting combinations and transitions make the student feel they are finally dancing. |
Intermediate I |
Now things get challenging with the introduction of layering, meaning performing different movements at different rhythms in different parts of the body at the same time. This is where the foundation steps must be perfected and performed with ease in order to layer. Like rubbing your stomach and patting your head times ten. |
Intermediate II |
This class is the ultimate in technique but also explores the infinite variety of expression through a subtle change of a bend in the wrist or the intensity of a tensed muscle. Now everything comes together so that the student feels they are creating art. |
Advanced |
Students in this class are expected to have accomplished all the technique and now be ready to put it together. In this class students learn to choreograph, improvise and performance technique such as stage presence and dynamics. All of the folklores and Bellydance specialties are now perfected in this level. With a thorough understanding of music and the dynamics of a live band, students are now ready to explore their ultimate potential. |
Children |
In this class children from ages 5-12 learn various styles of Bellydance including folklore. Taught by Arabesque Artistic Director Yasmina Ramzy. |
Creative Movement |
This workshop-style class focuses on various elements of creative movement such as posture, poise and improvisational skills. Taught by Denise Mireau. |
Tribal Level 1 and 2 |
Tribal Style is an improvisational Bellydance form that stresses group interaction. Dance movements from Arabic, Indian, and Old World cultures mix to create a strong New World style. Taught by Valizan. |
Folklore |
Learn Assaya (cane dancing), Milaya, Saiidi, Zaar, Shamadan (candle dancing), Kaleegy, and much much more. Open to all levels. |
Just Dance |
Introduced in fall 2007, a multi-level class for those who want non stop sweat and Just Dance! No technique breakdown, no brainwork, just vigorous drills and expressive dancing! One class is designed for both Beginner levels and one level can accommodate everyone in Intermediate through Advanced. |
| These classes allow our students to experience different Middle Eastern style dances, such as Hagallah and Saiidi, work with various choreographies as well as fusion-style classes that mix latin, brazilian, hip-hop and Ethiopian style dance with Raks Sharqi (Bellydance)! These classes can be taken on your regular classcard.
See the class schedule for a list of specific classes. |
Yasmina Ramzy provides instruction in this martial-arts-style dance for men.
Taught by accredited scholar Kathleen Fraser, rare stories are told each class concerning famous Bellydancers and how politics and Bellydancers have influenced each other. There are no prerequisites for this class. It is a sit down and take notes kind of class.
Arabic drum classes are taught at 4 levels. Introductory and Beginner classes with Dr. George Sawa focus on technique and the basic rhythms, while in Intermediate and Advanced classes with Suleiman Warwar, students are challenged with fancy tricks and becoming creative in order to make music. Students need to bring their own dumbek. 5 week courses offered.
Arabic langauge (Egyptian dialect) and Culture classes are taught by Emad Sadek. Eight-week courses are available as well as private instruction for $35/hour. Audio and visual aids provided.
Learn about the Arabic world, language, arts, music, songs and dances. Learn the origin of different dialects and the alphabet, and make simple conversation. Understand the songs to which you listen and dance.
Learn how to carry on a conversation, listen to songs and translate them into English. Learn many words and expressions and put them into sentences.