At Level 1, you learn the physical "basics", and learn the most rudimentary energy practices. You gain the ability to dance with choreographies ranging from simple to complex. Many fine dancers, even those who are active performers, are at Level 1 for their entire dance career, because Level 1 is not about technique -- it is about preparing to do the energy work of the other Levels.

As the physical practices become innate and natural for you, you enter into your first ability to transcend the simply physical aspect of dance, and open to the release work and the basic energy awareness of Level 2.

Because Level 2 studies involve learning to release emotional triggers that we have each embedded into our bodies, Level 1 is a very good time to "get our house in order," before proceeding to the more internal and potential complex aspects of Level 2. A wise student will use Level 1 for grouding all aspects of her life, creating a calm and well-supported environment before undertaking Level 2 studies.

A student -- or even a teacher -- may spend anywhere from several months to several years at Level 1. Periodically, all of us (even teachers!) need to return to our Level 1 practice; whether it is to get grounding in our dance, or our lives. Level 1 studies should never be rushed. Rather, you will realize that you are incorporating aspects of Level 2 work in your dance (and your life) as you progress.

There are no "belts," as in karate, for progressing to Level 2. There are no exams, and no certificates. Rather, there is the shift in attention, from technique mastery to releasing into the dance. At Level 2, you become actively aware of not just grounding your energy, but sensing some sort of energy release, cultivation, and flow.

Level 1 Learning Objectives:

• Basic Static and Dynamic Principles: Understand and successfully demonstrate:

  • Basic Static Principles - how to how to hold your body for maximum beauty and compelling presence,
  • Basic Dynamic Principles - how to integrate your body within, enabling you to move with panther-like grace and power, and
  • Basic Framing - how to show yourself off to best advantage - in any situation!
• Oriental Dance (Belly Dance) Beginner's Techniques: Your Basic Techniques and Dance Vocabulary body-line-central (axial-static) dance movements will include: Pelvic movements (drops, thrusts, slides, rotations, accents), rib cage movements (lifts/drops, circles), shoulder movements (shimmies and accents), introduction to undulations (upper and lower torso), and introduction to figure-eight hip movements.
• Introduction to Oriental Dance Rhythms: The beledi family (Upper Egypt), chifti-telli (Turkish), and karsilama (Turkish). Types of movements for different rhythms.
• Basic Dance Combinations: These Basic Combinations will often build on the "basic Arabic step." Level 1 will include basic turns and moving across the floor.
• Your first dance choreographies: Learning how to open and close a dance. Learning the basic parts of a classic, multi-part dance performance.
• Introduction to zills (metal finger cymbals): How to wear, how to make a good sound, basic patterns.
• Introduction to veils: How to select, wear, and drape. How to "unveil." Basic veil movements while dancing.
• Basic energy exercises: "Anchoring" and the "Lotus Flower."

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