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...a
proud Arabesque International Affiliate
"Celebrations Bellydance was chosen to be an Arabesque International
affiliate because of Nita's motives and integrity with regard to his
precious and ancient art form. Nita has spent many long and intensive
hours studying at Arabesque Academy in Toronto. Her respect for the art
form has been evident in her dedication to seeking out a thorough
education and her efforts at being a good representative. Once you
couple these things with Nita's natural feeling and execution of the
movement, and Saba Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble's presentation of
Bellydance as a respected art form, Celebrations Bellydance was an
obvious candidate to join the Arabesque International family."
~Yasmina Ramzy, Artistic Director Arabesque International
ABOUT CLASSES
My focus is on teaching a Middle
Eastern bellydance movement vocabulary, specifically the Egyptian
Oriental (Raqs Sharqi) style. There are no age or size restrictions in
bellydance. Whoever you are, whatever your background, you'll find that
this is an enriching and joyful dance form that everyone can do. Women
(and men!) of all ages and sizes
are invited to join me in sweat and laughter as we discover the
beautiful dancer in each one of you!
All classes include the
following elements:
- Technique:
working towards mastery by the introduction, breakdown & practice of
Egyptian bellydance movements
- Artistry:
including creative elements such as improvisation, choreography,
musicality & regional styles
- Knowledge:
providing depth & richness by including history, culture, music &
costuming information
Fall 2008
Schedule
Sunday
classes at Leaping Feats Studio at the Leisure on Lewes Plaza in
Riverdale
Please register
directly with Nita. Thank you.
Level I Fundamentals
Sunday, September 21 - December 14
12 sessions
12:00 - 1:15
No class October 12th (Thanksgiving weekend)
Level II Fundamentals
Sunday, September 21 - December 14
12 sessions
1:15- 2:30
No class October 12th (Thanksgiving weekend)
Level III Beyond the Basics
Sunday, September 21 - December 14
12 sessions
2:30 - 3:45
No class October 12th (Thanksgiving weekend)
Special Topics Class
Wednesday, October 22 - December 10
8 sessions
7:45 - 9:00pm
Noon-hour Classes at
Hellaby Hall
Please register thru the City of
Whitehorse Recreation Program. Please refer to the City Leisure Guide
for registration details.
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Level 1
Fundamentals
Wednesday, October 22 - December 10
12:00 - 1:00 pm
8 sessions
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Special Topics
Class
Tuesday, October 21 - December 9
12:00 - 1:00pm
8 sessions
Classes start on time! Punctuality is appreciated by all.
Course Fees:
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$135
12-week Fall 2008 semester
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$90 8-week Special Topics
Fall 2008 semester
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New!10%
discount for students age 65 & better!
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Drop-in fee: $15 per class.
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Private Lessons: $40 hour
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CityRec
classes have their own fee schedule. Please refer to the City's
Leisure Guide for more information.
Refund
Policy
I'm sorry, no refunds are given and registrations are for the current
session only and may not be carried over.
Making up missed classes
If you
have to miss a class, you are welcome to make it up by attending any of
the other classes that are offered during that semester.
Make-up classes do not
carry over to the next semester.
Class
Cancellation Policy
If I should ever have to cancel a class, I will either hold a
make-up class or credit the balance toward the next session, whichever
is most suitable at the time. The make-up class is typically one
class open to all, with a focus on fundamentals so that all levels can
benefit. This make-up class will not necessarily be held on the same
night as a regularly scheduled class due to scheduling constraints.
Cold Weather
Policy
Luckily, I have never yet
had to cancel a class due to cold weather. Classes run regardless of the
temperature. However, if we should be in the middle of a particularly
awful cold spell (below -40), I will phone or send an email in advance
advising of a cancellation.
How to Register
Class space is limited. Please
speak to me before registering. Then...Print the
registration form from this site, fill it out, and mail it to me
with your tuition check enclosed. I prefer to have all registration
forms filled out and tuitions paid at least one week prior to the course
start date. However, these can be brought on the first day of classes
if you speak to me first.
Course
Descriptions
Level I Fundamentals
(for introductory and beginner level dancers)
No prior dance experience necessary. The focus of level 1 is on the foundation
movement technique and is recommended for students of all levels, from
those at the introductory stage to advanced students who want to brush
up on the basics. This class is taught in a progressive manner, and
includes a short choreography.
An example of some of the steps taught: simple traveling steps, hip lifts, drops &
circles, chest circles, graceful hands & arms and shimmies. Emphasis is
placed on good dance posture, movement breakdowns and enjoying learning
something new and fun.
Level II Fundamentals
(for advanced beginner and intermediate I dancers)
In this class you will expand upon the basic skills you learned in
Level I. Class content varies semester by semester and according
to the needs of the group. A short choreography is taught.
An example of some of the topics taught: walking shimmies, layering,
undulations, combinations, finger cymbals, beginning improvisation and a
simple choreography.
Level III Beyond the Basics
If you've mastered both fundamentals I & II, this is the class
for you. This class is about refining technique and learning to
rely on your foundation in order to dance from the heart rather than from the
head. Shimmies, undulations, layering and articulations are more
challenging. This class is a
blend of technique drills and creative exercises.
This class runs a bit like the Special Topics class at a more advanced
level, and a short choreography is taught.
Special Topics Class:
Full Blast Bellydance!
Each class is targeted to a different specific topic and/or skill in Oriental
dance. Topics may range from shimmy drills, finger cymbals, folkloric
styles, beautiful arms, veil, rhythms, or whatever strikes our fancy.
One week we may drill a movement family from it's fundamental
right up to "crazy" and another week we may focus on performance or
improvisation skills. Special requests are welcome, so
if you have something in particular you'd like to cover, just let me
know! No choreography is taught in this class.
This is a multi-level class.
Something for everyone!
Please note: This
isn't an introductory level course. Please be sure you have completed one semester Fundamentals I before enrolling. Thanks!
SABA Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble
Saba is a semi-professional performing group for those serious students who want to take their
dancing to the next level and share the joy and beauty of Middle Eastern dance
with the public. With this goal in mind, our focus will be to learn and
rehearse a broad repertoire of choreographies to performance standards.
You must be a student in the level III Beyond the Basics course or
dancing comfortable at that level, learn choreography
easily, be committed to growing in the dance, to representing Middle
Eastern dance authentically, and be willing & able to make
both a financial commitment to costumes and a time commitment to
rehearsals and performances. Please see the
Guidelines for Members for more information.
Participation is by instructor invitation. Please speak to Nita if you
would like to be considered!
The Bare Belly Blues
(what do I wear?)
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The good news is: you don't have to bare your
belly if you don't want to! Come dressed as
though for a yoga or exercise class. Comfy stretchy leggings and a crop top or
t-shirt that allow me to see your torso movements, legs and knees
are best. Please do not wear baggy clothing or long skirts because
I need to be able to
see a clean body line including knees and feet.
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Most students
prefer to dance in bare feet; however, soft slippers, ballet or jazz
shoes may also be worn. Please do NOT wear just socks as they
are too slippery on the floor.
Throw it in Your Dance Bag and Bring it
Along
(what else do I need?)
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A
hip scarf is highly recommended.
It allows you to see and feel your hip movements. A hip scarf
helps you to feel that you are really dancing. A lacy shawl or
fringy scarf folded into a triangle and tied around the hips works
fine. You may eventually want to purchase a fancy one with beads and
coins. You'll get lots of ideas on obtaining, making, and
decorating scarves from your classmates. Part of the fun!
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Veil. We will occasionally be
dancing with veils in class. Veils are made out of a length of
lightweight fabric 45" wide and 3 yards long. I have "loaner"
veils to share in class. Level 2 and 3
students are expected to bring their own.
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Finger cymbals. You will be introduced to finger cymbals, and will
start learning to play them in level 2. Please purchase actual
finger cymbals, not toys (I know, it's hard to know the difference
when you're just starting out! We'll talk about it in class). I have
loaners for the introduction, but after that, students are
expected to bring their own. Information on purchasing will be
given in class.
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Water bottle
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Yoga mat to use for floor
exercises and stretches. If you don't have one of your own, there
are some mats available at the studio. CityRec students
must bring their own.
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