*Egyptian Dance Technique & Performance Skills*
(Ages 17 +) Recommended for current and aspiring performers.

Photo by Connie Hammond

“Katayoun is a great teacher and her love of dance and kind spirit make her class very enjoyable.” Anna, intermediate student

“I'm having a great time at class. I may yet have a chance to learn to be graceful thanks to you :)” Maria, beginner student

Develop a strong movement vocabulary while preparing to perform as a soloist with artistry, musicality and confidence. In addition to choreographed sequences and dynamic floor patterns, students are expected to participate in improvisational dance activities using the concepts of each lesson. Bring a veil. Ballet shoes are highly recommended.

For more information about this course, see Resources and scroll down to Katayoun's Class Handouts (Egyptian Dance Technique & Performance).

*Middle Eastern Dance Technique & Artistry*

“I just want to thank you for all of the drills (even when I was too tired to appreciate them), dance moves, history, structure, and techniques which I have learned. You have a very special way of making all of us feel like beautiful dancers.” Mary, intermediate student

This class develops from the fundamental movements and concepts of Persian and Egyptian dance forms as a performing art. With a strong focus on proper posture, alignment and artistry, students gain a foundation in strong technique for continued progress.

Beginner Level: Posture, Alignment, Isolations, Movements, and Steps - Perfect for absolute beginners and those with less than six months experience.  Most students will benefit from and enjoy this class for up to one year or more. You will be introduced to the basic concepts, movements and steps of Egyptian and Persian dance styles and develop a working movement vocabulary. You will learn about various styles of Oriental (belly dance), folklore and Persian dances.

Six components of fundamental dance skills are developed over three 6 or 8 week sessions:
1)Posture/Alignment, 2)Footwork/weight distribution, 3)Vertical hip movements, 4)Horizontal hip movements, 5)Steps/transitions/turns, 6)Coordinating arms/hands.

Each class begins with a detailed warm-up and drills of basic movements. While the focus of instruction is on proper technique, additional concepts such as music interpretation, cultural information and performance dynamics are integrated where appropriate. Activities include drills, choreographed sequences and exploring stylistic variations.Throughout the course it is expected that students will become more proficient and confident in the basic movements and steps.

“Class is so fun! I am working hard and am trying to keep a positive attitude. You are a patient patient woman!” Jennifer, beginner student

Intermediate/Advanced Level: Multi-dimensional movement, Fluidity, Precision and Infinite Variations! Dancers with six+ months experience and intermediate to advanced dancers.  Develop an expanded and sophisticated movement vocabulary. This class is designed to be challenging.  Although some basics are reviewed in each class, the course progresses with increasing difficulty. The curriculum includes movements and concepts from Oriental (belly dance), folklore and Persian dances.

Each session will focus on one of ten possible topics or themes:
1)Shimmies, 2)Circles, 3)Figure 8's and undulations, 4)Folkloric flavors, 5)Baladi and taqsim, 6)Traveling, turns and transitions, 7)Upper body, 8)Essential Egyptian steps, 9)Melody and movement, 10)Rhythm and movement.

While the focus of instruction is on proper technique, additional concepts such as music interpretation, cultural information and performance dynamics are integrated where appropriate.  Variations are developed from the basic movements and progress to increasingly more sophisticated combinations. Activities include drills, choreographed sequences and exploring stylistic variations. Each week combinations are reviewed and new ones added. As the weeks progress, the combinations culminate in a series of short choreographed sequences which can be used as a springboard for full choreographic works.

“In this class I finally improved my technique and posture. The instructor is wonderful and really knows her stuff.” Hilary, intermediate student

Mixed Level:  All concepts, movements and steps presented in this class include basic and challenging variations as determined by the median ability of the class. However, it is NOT recommended for absolute beginners.  If you are brand new to dance or to Middle Eastern dance as a performing art, start with the Beginner Level class.

“I'm really glad I found you as a teacher. I think your dance, teaching style, and classes are great and I feel like I'm learning a lot and developing my dance style too. I like that you break classes down into specific areas – music, veil, technique, etc.” Anna, intermediate student

Learn more about the Middle Eastern Music program.

"Dancing in the Music," Painting by Stephanie Ford-Scheimer (intermediate dance student), inspired by Middle Eastern Music Education Class.

*Persian Dance Technique & Performance Skills*
(Ages 17 +)

Photo by Yolanda Reyes

“You are a wonderful instructor and you make things fun. I love the fact that you are our biggest cheerleader!!!”Ashley, intermediate student

“I am so lucky to have a teacher like you. I think it's a waste of time to learn anything from an average teacher.” Jenny, beginner student

Persian dance styles are characterized by upper body fluidity, intricate floor patterns and expressive movements. In this class you will become familar with the diverse dance styles of Iran, the country formerly known as Persia. From the funky and playful social dances to the fiery regional folk dance, Bandari! Each class begins with classical postures and poses which develop the fluidity and flexibility required for the graceful nature of these dance forms. As students practice choreographed sequences and improvisational skills, we will aim to develop solo performance skills learn about the diverse musical and dance styles. With a strong emphasis on the intricacies of technique and artistry, students will gain a better understanding of Persian dance aesthetics and what it means to capture the essence of Persian dance. Technique drills, structured improvisation and choreographic sequences are an integral part of the course. Ballet shoes required. For more information about Persian dance, see Resources and scroll down to Katayoun's Class Handouts.

*Dance for Fun & Fitness*
Get in shape and have fun! All ages, abilities, sizes and shapes welcome!

Learn more about ShimmyFit! - Fitness and grace through belly dance!

Photo by Jane Koska

“Thank you for a wonderful class last night and please do correct me in the class. I never feel like you pick on me or anything. I think it was a good thing that you tried to correct me personally so (hopefully) I will be able to dance beautifully like you in the (near) future.” Suzy, beginner student

Belly Dance Fitness and Persian Dance Fitness - The fitness classes are a great introductoin for beginners. Students are guided step by step in a relaxed and fun format. Experienced dancers, this is a great way to keep your basic skills fresh and learn fun combinations. Enjoy a total body workout with authentic dance movements designed to improve flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination, while promoting a healthy posture. In each class we work on a series of basic movements and steps which are put together for a simple routine. While students are instructed in correct form and technique, the focus of these classes is continuous movement and pure fun!

“Your beautiful spirit fueled my desire to stick with dancing class. Thank you for making each lesson an experience that soothed my soul.” Robyn, intermediate student

Learn about offering the ShimmyFit program at your business or organization. ShimmyFit Instructor Training is also available for individuals and organizations.