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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. 

Classes are taught by Jennifer Speiden of Mandara.  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

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

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

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

SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE

April 9th - June 25th, 2008

COST

To register for these classes, please contact

AKKE'S YOGA PLACE

2401 South Main St., Suite J

Blacksburg, VA 24060

(540) 953-2553

www.akkesyogaplace.com

SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE

June 2nd - July 7th, 2008

To register for these classes, please contact

VT YMCA OPEN UNIVERSITY

(540) 961- 9622

Blacksburg, VA 24060

http://vtymca.org/Courses.asp

*Danielle will be teaching some 4 weeks sessions through Blacksburg Parks & Recreation this summer.

May 28th - June 18th, 2008

To register for these classes, please contact

BLACKSBURG PARKS AND RECREATION

(540) 961-1135

Blacksburg, VA 24060

http://www.blacksburg.gov/Index.aspx?page=92