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Beginner's Class: Fundamentals of Women's Multi-Cultural Dance
First Class: Introduction to Belly Dance
In this class, you will learn the most "basic of basics": Belly dance
posture and basic pelvic alignment strategies, hip "hinging," leading
to hip drops and thrusts, the "basic Arabic step" and the most useful,
in-place turns, and how to hold your arms and hands. You will receive
a set of zills, and learn how to assemble and wear your zills, and how
to make a correct "zill sound." You will also get started on your first
choreography -- a solid "performance piece," to the well known music Layla.
| Topic |
Music |
Activity |
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Principles
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Beyond
the Sky, Cuts #1++ (Brian Keane and Omar
Farouk Tekbilkek)
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Level
1: Grounding ("Anchoring"), postural alignment.Handout:
Anchoring.
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Zill Practice
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Zill
introduction: How to assemble and hold your zills. How to make a
good "zill sound." Basic patterns: triplets and alternating
runs.
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Basic Rhythms
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Various selections
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Introduction
to basic rhythms: Beledi, a fundamental 8/8 rhythm. Counting and
clapping the beledi.
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Basic Technique (Technique Development / Review)
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"The
Magic in Your Eyes," on Source of Fire, Cut #1
(Hossam Ramzy)
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Hip
"hinging" leading to hip drops; switching sides.
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Challenge Choreography 1 (Beginners)
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"Layla,"
on Belly Dance for Fame and Fortune, Cut #6 (The
Mogador Band)
OR from Strictly Belly Dancing, Vol. 2, (Eddie "The Sheik"
Kojak).
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Introduce
the dance: Identify basic beledi rhythm in music, choreography for
first two motifs (sets of 2 8-count patterns). Handout:
Layla Choreography, Part 1.
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Basic Combinations (Beginners)
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Various
selections
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Introduce
basic Arabic step; 1/4 turns, 3/4 (reverse) turns. Arm positions.
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Stretch and Cool Down (Beginners Version)
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"Beautiful
Friend ," on Dream Dancer (LIght Rain)
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Cool down and stretches for
belly dancers.
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After-Class Q&A with Alay'nya:
In the video section following class, we will look at one of Shakira's dances. What do you
like the most? What would you most like to do that you see in the video?
On Your Own: Recommended "Homework"
- Principles - Level 1
:
Practice the "Anchoring" exercise as often as you can, throughout the
day. Practice "torso release" and do as much total body stretching as
you can.
- Zills:
Practice basic triplets (4 sets) alternating with 2 triplets and an
alternating run (3-3-3-3 vs. 3-3-7).
- Music:
Order your music, start listening to familiarize yourself with different
melodies and rhythms. Practice basic hip drops / simple pelvic moves,
catching the main beats of various rhythms. Focus on beledi (an 8/8
count rhythm).
- Recommended Reading:
Order your books and/or obtain from local library.
Return to the Yearly Syllabus Page
Return to the Syllabus Page
Go to the Next Class
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