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When I miss class for
one day, I know it.
When I miss class for two days, my teacher knows it.
When I miss class for three days, the audience knows it.
~ Rudolf Nureyev
The Classes:
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Level I - Belly Dance Foundations
A six week course for 1 hour each week. Learn the basic technique that is the foundation of all belly dance styles. Start with the simplest movements and build your dance basics. |
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Level II - Belly Dance Basics A six week course for 1 hour each week. After you've mastered Level I, learn the classic belly dance moves - shimmies, undulations, snake arms, and basic footwork. Build on the foundation! |
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Level III - Performance Skills A semester course for 1hour a week. Begin learning to put those individual moves into motion and DANCE! Class will cover both improvisational dance and choreography. Specifics will be determined by the needs and interests of the students each semester. |
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Private Lessons: Private lessons are available at the Conyers location for any student who would like to work on specific skills or learn material not currently offered in an on-going class. Please contact Halleyah directly for prices and to schedule a private lesson.
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Locations:
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Dominy School of the Performing Arts 2204 Salem Road Conyers, GA 30013 770-388-7916 |
Tuesdays: 7:30 Level I - Belly Dance Foundations Thursdays: 7:00 Level II - Belly Dance Basics 8:00 Level III - Performance Skills |
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Atlanta Festival Ballet School 416 Eagles Landing Parkway Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-507-2776 |
Mondays: 6:45 Level I - Belly Dance Foundations 7:45 Level II - Belly Dance Basics |
CLASS DRESS CODE:
Students should wear loose comfortable clothes to class. Something easy to move and stretch in that they don't mind getting sweaty in. We dance barefoot although a list of acceptable shoes will be given below. Please don't wear strong perfume or cosmetic fragrances to class ~ deoderant is encouraged. If you have long hair, bring something to put it up when you get hot.
Suggestions for clothing: a short crop top or wrap yoga top, a leotard if you are modest about your stomache showing, yoga or jazz pants work well, a sash or scarf to tie around your hips (optional). If you need/want shoes, the following are acceptable: hermes dance sandles, regular ballet slippers, capezio foot undies (a half shoe) or paws dance soles (a half shoe). All of these can be purchased at most dance supply stores. However, Angel's Dancewear in Conyers carries supplies for my classes.
Please do not chew gum in class. Please do not bring food to class. Water bottles are allowed.
We do zill work in every level I class. You can purchase zills on-line from Saroyan Zills, Tourquise Zills or at Angel's Dancewear. I find both of these to be good quality lines of zills and they both make a student zill. Please do not purchase another set unless you already know how to play zills. The student set will allow you to learn with less stress on your hands and wrists.
The only other thing needed is a good attitude and a willingness to work!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . . .
1. What do I wear to class?
See the above information on class attire.
2. Will my stomach get flat/loose weight/become skinny - etc?
Like all exercise, it depends on your personal metabolism, your personal diet, and how much time each day you spend doing the exercise. One hour a week will slowly tone your muscles and for some people result in a steady weightloss. However, many people will need much more time invested to achieve those same results. The Lervel 1 class is not particularly aerobic in nature on all nights. It is much more like yoga than jazzercise! You will however develop flexability, and see an increase in general muscle tone and stamina as you continue to take class. Belly dance develops good core muscle strength.
3. Do I need to buy stuff for class?
For class attire, see the above statement. The only other item you must have for class is a pair of finger cymbals (zills). Hip belts, special dance clothes, etc are optional as are shoes.
4. Do you offer classes beyond a beginning level?
Yes. I offer three levels of classes and the opportunity for private lessons for specialty skills. Please see my class listing above.
5. Will I be able to dance after the six week session? Can I advance after the six week session?
Not usually. Most students take 6 months to a year to master what I teach in the level 1 class. I don't refer to these foundational moves or reteach them at any other level, so student must have a good solid technique before being allowed to move up. Most students begin to develop the ability to put moves together and "dane" after a semester of class. There are exceptions to this, but belly dance doesn't use technique that is common to many other dance forms and so most people - even if accomplished dancers in another form will need to spend time in the level 1 class before moving up to the level 2 class.
6. How long does it take to become a professional or advanced dancer?
I know students hate this answer, but - it depends. It depends on your own natural talent, how much time you can invest in classes and practice, whether or not you follow instructions well and whether or not you take and absorb critiques well. I have seen students progress very rapidly and I have seen students never achieve the advanced/professional level. Truly this path is an individual one and there is no way for me to give you an absolute answer to this one!
7. Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes. All students are eligable to participate in the yearly school student recital. Students in the performance level class will have other opportunities outside of the school recital for performances. I also offer a yearly student hafla or party in January of each year where students can perform and try out their dance skills.
8. Where can I get ......?
Belly dance costumes, props, jewelry, music, etc sources are provided in my class handouts as well as on my links page. Currently there are no "belly dance shops" in the Atlanta area that I am aware of. Most dancers make purchases online or at vendors during workshops. Many dancers learn to make their own costumes.