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CLASSES
Photo by Isabelle Marchand
Classes are open to all ages and skill levels and offer a fun, safe, and supportive atmosphere in which participants can explore and enjoy this beautiful dance form. Classes are currently offered in Blacksburg, VA and are taught by Danielle D. and Jennifer Speiden of Mandara.
You can find out more about Danielle D. and her classes at her website www.moreshimmy.com.
Jennifer has several years experience not only as a dance instructor but also as a physical therapist, yoga instructor, and Pilates teacher. Her understanding of the human body and how it moves will help students become more body aware thus making this dance form accessible to everyone.
Classes cover world fusion and tribal style belly dance movements, technique drills, group improvisation (leading and following), choreography, and zils (finger cymbals). There is an emphasis on technique and healthy posture. Proper warm-up, conditioning techniques, and cool-down are strongly emphasized to help safely prepare the participants for the dance.
Please wear clothes in which you feel comfortable moving but which are not too baggy. You can dance in bare feet, socks, or dance shoes. If you have one, please bring a hip scarf to tie around your waist to accent your movement.
Jennifer is also available for private and group lessons. Please contact her for more information at (540) 552-2596 or mandaradance@yahoo.com.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Level 1 (Fundamentals) - Belly Dance Fundamentals - taught by Jennifer
This class is an introduction into the theory, style, and fundamental moves of belly dance. This class is suitable for students who are beginners, those that may have some belly dance or comparable dance experience, or experienced students wishing to refine their understanding of these foundation movements. We will explore fundamental belly dance technique focusing on posture, basic isolations, and traveling moves while weaving them into simple combos and flows
Level 2 (Beginner) – Tribal Improvisational Choreography - taught by Jennifer
This class is a
continuation of Level 1 where the foundation moves will be reviewed and
refined. Using the basic foundation movements introduced in Level 1,
students will learn how to build on these moves learning how to use them
in combinations, how to add layers on them (including playing finger
cymbals), and how to cue them in a tribal improvisational style. Classes
focus on technique drills, isolations and combinations from the American
Tribal Style (ATS) and Tribal Fusion movement vocabulary and will
conclude with some group improv.
An
understanding of basic belly fundamentals is required for this class.
Level 3
(Intermediate)
– Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Performance Prep - taught by Jennifer
This class is a continuation of Level 2 which focuses on further development of ATS and Tribal Fusion moves adding more advanced technique, complex layering, and involved combinations. Students also learn how to more smoothly flow moves together in a dance in both choreography and improv as well as how to interact with other dancers. This class is an exploration of belly dance performance focusing on not only belly dance technique, but also exploring personal stylization and bringing emotion into your dancing. Pre-requisite: Level 2 (Beginner) – Tribal Belly Dance Improvisational Choreography
FALL CLASS SCHEDULE
October 21st - December 2nd, 2008 (no class October 28th)
| Tuesdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm |
Belly Dance Level 1 |
$50 for 6 weeks
|
To register for this class, please contact
VT YMCA OPEN UNIVERSITY
403 Washington St.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 961-YMCA
http://www.vtymca.org/Dance.asp#bellydance
December 3rd - December 17th, 2008
| Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30 pm |
Belly Dance Level 2 |
| Wednesdays 6:45 - 7:45 pm |
Belly Dance Level 3 |
| 3 weeks | |
| 1x/week | $30 |
| 2x/week | $60 |
To register for these classes, please contact
AKKE'S YOGA PLACE
2401 South Main St., Suite J
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 953-2553
WINTER CLASS SCHEDULE
January 26th - March 2nd, 2009
| Mondays 6:00 - 7:00 pm |
Belly Dance Level 1 |
$50 for 6 weeks
|
To register for this class, please contact
VT YMCA OPEN UNIVERSITY
403 Washington St.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 961-YMCA
January 7th - March 25th, 2009
| Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30 pm |
Belly Dance Level 2 |
| Wednesdays 6:45 - 7:45 pm |
Belly Dance Level 3 |
| 6 weeks | 12 weeks | |
| 1x/week | $60 | $108 |
| 2x/week | $108 | $200 |
To register for these classes, please contact
AKKE'S YOGA PLACE
2401 South Main St., Suite J
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 953-2553