Bellydancing is an art form so ancient, that it's roots can scarcely be traced. However, scholars have collected a fair amount of evidence
allowing us to piece together an historic tapestry of this sacred dance. First danced in sacred religious temples to insight fertility goddesses, Bellydance was soon
shared in the birthing tents where the female friends and family of a soon to be mother would encourage and relax her with the movements of Bellydance. Soon the dance
found it's way into popular culture, but before the 1800's it was largely a dance performed by women for women. It is sacred and sensual movement, developed over millennia,
a moving meditation finding it's truest expression on the female form. It is a celebration of the truly feminine, and it is fantastic fun. Today Bellydancing is practiced and
performed all over the world, by people from all walks of life, upholding it's reputation as exhilarating, spiritual, and a great total body, mind, and soul workout!
About My Classes
There are many kinds of Bellydance out there, however most have the same core moves and principles behind them, it is primarily stylization that separates them. I call the style of
Bellydance I teach "Gypsy" because like the Gypsies, I have collected a bit of influence from most of these styles, as well as performing arts and percussion. I am a professional bellydancer,
who performs on a regular basis, as well as other performance arts. In my classes, I create a safe and encouraging environment in which women can explore and open themselves to the movements of
bellydance without fear, judgment, or competition. You will be encouraged to express yourself emotionally through the dance, while you hone technique, and work hard to tone and communicate with the
muscles needed to execute the movements of the dance. This will include just about every muscle in your body, literally from your toes to your finger tips. I often hear students talking about
using muscles they didn't even know they had!
In beginning Bellydance, you will learn the foundation movements, the skeleton if you will, of the dance. This class includes extensive stretching which will lead to flexibility, balance, openness,
and the strength needed to perform bellydance movements. We will also drill basic moves to build muscle memory.
As each class builds upon the one before it, your attendance is crucial to your development.
No other dance or exercise training is needed to attend, it is ridiculous to feel you are too, old, large, or uncoordinated to attend, this is the dance of the feminine and that includes all women!
Beginning classes are held on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm. Class lasts at least an hour, and you should wear comfortable pants and a form fitting top, (needn't be a half top), and bare feet or sandels
with a flexible sole. The class is a six week session and the cost is $55 or $10 for drop-ins. Classes are held at the method pilates studio on the corner of 17th and Wrightsville.
Click here for directions to the Method Pilates Studio.
Previous Bellydance experience or Beginner Bellydance is a prerequisite for this course. This class will include stretching, drills, introduction and practice of complex moves and combinations, choreography,
and an introduction to props, such as zills, veils, swords, candles, etc. Class lasts an hour and a half and will be held on Monday at 7:45 pm at the Method Pilates Studio on 17th and Wrightsville.
Click here for directions to the Method Pilates Studio. Students can
purchase a class card for $45 which is good for four classes or can pay a $12 drop in fee. Wear a full skirt, form fitting top, and hip accent of some kind.
This class is by invitation only. Class focuses on deep development of personal style and expression through advanced combinations, choreography, and layering. Class includes extensive prop and floor work, rhythmic training,
and each class includes a creative exercise where each dancer is asked to solo. Must have the following, Zills, Sword, Veil, and Knee pads. Cost is $45 for 4 classes.
Beginning students cannot attend higher level classes to make up missed classes. Intermediate dancers may attend the Beginning class as make up, and the advanced class by permission only.
Advanced students may attend any class. I have added this note only because it has become troublesome in the past, as beginner students have asked to attend higher level classes as make up,
and it becomes disruptive to the pace of class. Thanks.
You can always contact me to find out more about classes, private lessons, booking, bellydance showcases, or just to talk!
Call me at The Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 763-2223 or at home, 763-7130.
As each class builds upon the one before it, your attendance is crucial to your development.
No other dance or exercise training is needed to attend, it is ridiculous to feel you are too, old, large, or uncoordinated to attend, this is the dance of the feminine and that includes all women!
Beginning classes are held on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm. Class lasts at least an hour, and you should wear comfortable pants and a form fitting top, (needn't be a half top), and bare feet or sandels
with a flexible sole. The class is a six week session and the cost is $55 or $10 for drop-ins. Classes are held at the method pilates studio on the corner of 17th and Wrightsville.
