Sunset Shimmies at the Park:
This is a Belly Dance Basics Class in that we incorporate basic belly dance technique and basic combos, helping to build muscle memory and practice good belly dance posture. However, this class is outdoors. The priority here is to be free and explore the freedom that comes with this dance form and connecting to yourself and to nature. We focus on basic movements and combos that will offer practice for a good belly dance foundation and allow your body to connect with your heart, with nature, and the freedom to move.
Thursday Technique:
Our Thursday class is a Belly Dance Technique & Drills Class designed to focus on drilling basic technique and foundational moves, as well as drilling basic combinations to help build muscle memory. Through this class we work on conditioning, toning, and help increase balance and flexibility. We go through a breakdown for all technical moves and practice limited combinations. This class offers you the opportunity to break down individual moves and drill them in the class setting with guided instruction.
+ Live Drumming on occasion
Saturday Intensive:
Our Saturday class is a Belly Dance Intensive: Technique, Drills, and Combos designed to challenge every bit of your mind and body by introducing as many belly dance elements as one can discover in one class to fully participate the belly dance experience. We go through Warm Up, Technique, Drills, Combinations, Shimmies, and end with a Cool Down.
Styles/Elements taught in class:
+ Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish, Folkloric- Baladi, Saidi, Khaliji, etc. Intro to Elements of Tribal Fusion
+ Intro to Drum Rhythms and Zills
+ All classes are Open Level and provide cultural and emotional elements that guide you through this art form and allow you to connect to yourself and to belly dance more each class!
Troupe-ONLY Class:
Our Troupe-ONLY classes are reserved for Shimmy Shakti Troupe Members. We drill choreography, condition, and train through intense drills that challenge us as dancers and help us connect with ourselves, each other, the audience, and the dance! For more information about the Shimmy Shakti Troupe Requirements, email karlamariefineart@gmail.com
+ Not an OPEN Level Class
4 Week Beginner Belly Dance Intensive:
During this session we practice (Zills suggested)
• Basic 12 Belly Dancing drills
• Connect with your unique body and movements
• Undulations and layering techniques
• Learn arm combinations and sequences
• Condition and tone your arms, lower back, and abs
• Learn to increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in your joints and ligaments to allow for better circulation and mobility
• Improve your posture through balance and control.
• Learn relaxation and restorative techniques that will help you de-stress at home or work.
6 Week Beginner Belly Dance Intensive Sessions:
At the end of this session you will….
- Understand the Basic 12 Belly Dance moves and know the technical aspects of each
- Understand your unique body and movements and sharpen body awareness
- Condition and tone your arms, lower back, and abs
- Learn to increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in your joints and ligaments to allow for better circulation and mobility
- Improve your posture through balance and control.
- Learn relaxation and restorative techniques that will help you de-stress at home or work.
- At the end of this session you will be a Belly Dancer!
Awaken the Goddess Workshop:
(Beginner level)
- Activate your Chakras
- Focus on restorative techniques, alignment, and flow
- Discover Balance, Fluidity, and Awaken the Goddess
- Connect, renew your spirit, and increase circulation for better overall health.
(Bring an open mind and open heart)
Bring a journal and a pencil, and a yoga mat.
Shimmy Shop Workshop:
(Intermediate Level 1- You must have taken at least 6 Basic level Belly Dance classes to register and know the following basic moves: Shoulder and hip shimmies, wrist circles, hip circles, 3 point turn, camels, belly rolls, and egyptian walk
This Belly Dance workshop will focus on layering moves, traveling, and turning.
- Explore shimmies... layering them, traveling with them, incorporating them to undulating moves
- Drill 3/4 steps, traveling hip snaps and layered shimmies
- Learn footwork and turns, including arm movements and flutters
Bring a towel and lots of water!
Belly Dance Fusion Hafla:
(Open Level)
This fun Dancing Workshop will allow you to explore rhythm and flow and your body!
Start with the basic Belly Dance moves as well as tap into Latin and African rhythms to help you improve fluidity and flow.
We will explore Belly Dance traveling steps and basic sequences, group belly dance and flow.
This Open level workshop is great for everyone from beginners to advanced dancers!
It's a great opportunity to dance and understand the flow of your body and the differences in movement from style to style.~
No dance experience necessary.
Belly Dance Goddess WORKSHOP:
(Open Level)
This workshop is a perfect blend between the Belly Dance Goddess Hour class and the Awaken the Goddess Workshop. The first hour is dedicated to shimmying and shaking to eliminate toxins, increase circulation, promote flexibility and movement, and BELLY DANCE!!! The 2nd hour will be dedicated to restoring and renewing through guided meditation, chakra alignment, and yoga restorative poses.
Belly Dance Goddess Hour CLASS:
~This class is great for Beginners~
(Open Levels- all levels, from beginners to advanced)
Shimmy, Shake, and Undulate....
Class structure includes warm ups, clear movement breakdowns, movement drills and integration of movements through short dance combinations, skill building exercises & education in dance theory, and closes with a relaxing yoga cool down. Although strict choreography is not taught, choreographic sequences & essential performing / stage dynamics will be taught. We focus on technique, control, and strength while increasing mobility, flexibility, and balance. The goal is to shimmy and shake while learning the art of Belly Dance!
Our Belly Dance Goddess Hour class is a celebration... of life, femininity, and an opportunity to awaken our inner goddess. Primarily each student is encouraged to find their own unique flow/field of energy and discover their own rhythm within the dance. Students learn individual movements and then experiment with layering these for a richer dancing experience.
Attire: Yoga attire is best. Stretch and fitted tank or t-shirt works great. However, anything that allows a full range of motion is okay. You are welcome to bring your own hip scarf. Hip scarves are available in class, you may borrow a scarf or purchase one from instructor if you prefer.
FAQ:
How long does it take to learn?
I find that you never stop learning when it comes to belly dancing. There are so many styles and variations. However, once you have the foundational moves you can begin exploring and layering to add dimensions to your dancing. Every individual is different, but, as a generalization, I find 8-10 weeks is typically the amount of time it takes a dedicated student to get learn the basic control, technique, and movement.
What if I can't move my hips?
Many of the movements in belly dance come from controlling your abdominal muscles and movement in your knees. The misconception is that you'll be directing your hips the whole time. An open mind, relaxed body, soft knees, and controlled state is what will allow the hip and arm movements to flow.
Belly Dancing is meant to follow the natural movements and shapes of the female form. Relaxing and allowing the movements to flow out gracefully comes from allowing your self freedom to move without judgment and understanding the mechanics of the dance so you know where the movements come from and this adds the level of control.
In short, the control comes from letting go! (if that makes sense)
I've never danced before and I need a beginner/beginner class:
I don't really believe in Beginner, Intermediate, Advance Level classes. I structure my classes around the concept of Open Level teaching and provide modifications during class for Intro to Advanced dancers.
Once you start to move your body in class, you decide when to incorporate layers into your practice. As your instructor I provide guidance and offer modifications to start trying and adding as you go but you can always go back to basic within the class until you are ready. Likewise an advanced dancer can choose to focus on arm placement and movement while practicing a more basic move or choose to do it in releve or demi plie to add other levels of difficulty to the practice.
A great place to start is with footwork as a basic level. Starting with the feet/footwork and working your way up to Footwork, Control/Balance/Technique, Arm positions, Gaze, Emotional Connection, into a beautiful dancer is the way I look at the different levels.
Open level means means the steps and movements are broken down into smaller steps and more challenging variations or layering options are offered for those students who would like to start layering in every class. You should feel comfortable no matter where your level is.
I'm going to look crazy!!!
If you've never taken my class, this may be something you say to yourself before signing up or dropping in. The reality is, it's a very open and non-judgmental environment. A safe zone to explore this beautiful, feminine, sensual dance. Each one of my students is encouraged to engage within herself to explore her own movement and body. You will see, once you're in the class, everyone is focusing on their own movements and sometimes, the awareness, control, and focus is so intense, you do forget there are others in the class! Come and check it out!!!
What to wear?
Wear comfortable clothes such as yoga pants and tank tops...Class is done barefoot (no shoes required).... Bring your own hip scarf or borrow one from us...
Class Cards Available
For Class Schedule click here
For Attire click here
Drop ins are ALWAYS Welcome
"Belly Dance, in all it's styles, is spiritually grounding, physically rewarding and aesthetically pleasing. It is a graceful art form that builds physical awareness, greater self-confidence and new friendships.
Belly Dance is accessible for women (and men) of all ages and sizes. Because the focus of Belly Dance movements is on the torso, the student benefits from proper posture, core strength and love of her belly."
(Exposing your belly is not required)
DID YOU KNOW?
* Belly dancing burns over 380+ calories during an hour workout
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If you are pregnant:
Please notify your instructor if you are pregnant, as there are small adaptations available to certain movements for maximum comfort. Some doctors encourage the practice of belly dance during pregnancy, which they think provides the following benefits:
Strengthening pelvic and deep abdominal muscles and all those muscles specifically used for giving birth, thus facilitating the process of delivering and of recovery.
Relaxing the body.
Improving self esteem.
Promote good posture.
Help maintain general fitness.
Help maintain a god sense of balance.
Relieve back ache.
Promote socialisation, if performed in classes.
Always consult your physician or health care provider before beginning an exercise program. Precautions with belly dancing during pregnancy and general guidelines issue by expert:
Always seek your doctor’s advice before starting any exercise programme.
Avoid back bends.
Keep a natural pelvic tilt (that is, keep your bottom tucked under).
Be aware of the softening of ligaments in your body, therefore avoid jumps, hip twists and sharp movements.
Listen to your body and avoid movements that cause pain or discomfort.
Stop exercising altogether if you feel unwell or experience bleeding, dizziness and/or pain.
Do not overheat and avoid exercising on hot days.
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FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions... After my postings today about class starting (on my facebook page- www.facebook.com/bellydanceneworleans), I received lots of questions, so I'm posting responses to your questions and concerns....
1) Hell nah! I am NOT jiggling my belly in front of a bunch of strangers
- You don't have to bare your belly to do the class. In fact 95% of my students wear a fitted t-shirt or tank top to class and don't bare their belly at all
2) I'll come when I lose some weight
-Belly dancing is about connecting with yourself, increasing circulation, flexibility, finding your own body's movement. The class will allow you to feel comfortable no matter your size, shape, level of experience. It's an amazing and complete body workout, we start with a warm up from head to toe, if you are looking for an exercise plan to add to your lifestyle or a fun and exciting workout, this is perfect, during technique you will tone and during the layering you will sweat and challenge your body in ways you never imagined. My students are different ages, sizes, body types, you will definitely feel comfortable with the wonderful lovelies that come to class!
3) I'm not coordinated and can't dance, I have NEVER belly danced
- Perfect! Then the class is ideal for you. We start slow, step by step, and build on each step within the class. For those students who have taken the class for a long time, I always include new moves and sequences so it's never boring, keeping it new for everyone... beginners and seasoned dancers. If you've never danced before it will be great because we do very few traveling steps, most of the focus will be in your own space focusing on strengthening your core and posture... no tripping of the feet involved.
4) I'm so busy, it's hard to make it each Tuesday.
- This is my favorite... with 3 boys (a 16 year old in high school and every sport imaginable, an active 10 year old, and a 2 month olf baby), a successful photography career, and a full time art teaching job, I found the only way to keep it together was taking out from my "busy" schedule, time just for me! I find you can make the time if you try! It's challenging but isn't everything? Make the time! It will be worth it. You deserve to carve out at least one hour per week for something new and fun! Give it a try!!! Plus, I find there is nothing more refreshing than a room full of amazing, strong women belly dancing!!
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