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

“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

Photo by Connie Hammond

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*
(Ages 13 +)

“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 - Technique & Drills- 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.

*Middle Eastern Music Education*
(Lecture/Discussion phase Ages 17+, Hands-on phase Ages 13 +)

“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

"Dancing in the Music," Painting by Stephanie Ford-Scheimer (intermediate dance student), inspired by Middle Eastern Music Education Class.This course has two components comprised of a lecture, discussion and exploration phase, followed by a hands-on phase. Join us for a unique and enlightening experience as we explore new music and re-discover cherished titles on a whole new level of understanding and appreciation! We will explore a variety of music so that we are better educated about the dance, its music and cultural context. While these knowledge and skills are essential for Middle Eastern Dance students, instructors and artists, all who have an interest in learning about Middle Eastern Music are welcome and encouraged to sign up!

Part 1, Regions & Styles (Lecture, Discussion, Exploration. Ages 17 +): Discover a wide variety of Middle Eastern music including classical and folklore styles of Egyptian, Persian, Lebanese, the Arabian Peninsula and Central Asia. Define and discuss the different styles, their cultural contexts, and meaning of lyrics. Each session will focus on a different style of music, ex. Classical Egyptian, Folklore, Persian, pop and contemporary, etc.). Exploration will include how to analyze music for choreography and performance.

Part 2, Percussion, Rhythms & Zills (Hands-on Practical, Ages 13 +): Become familiar with Arabic percussion instruments and gain a deeper understanding of the most common rhythms, such as maqsoum, saidi, masmoudi, and wahida, plus more complex rhythms that are becoming increasingly more popular, such as samai. In addition, you will learn about phrasing and embellishments as you become familiar with a multitude of drum solo patterns and structures. We will also explore a variety of finger cymbal patterns and discuss how best to incorporate zills into your performance for different dance styles.

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

“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

Photo by Yolanda Reyes

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 you practice and improve this deceptively simple technique, you will develop solo performance skills in capturing the essence of Persian dance on stage. 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 Fitness*
Get in shape and have fun! All ages, abilities, sizes and shapes welcome!

“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 - 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! This is a great ‘gateway’ class for beginners as 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.

“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

Kamp Pendleton Fitness, Reston. Drop-in for $15/class. Schedules may vary. Join the mailing list to receive class updates.

Belly Dance Fitness is also offered in Sterling through Loudoun County PRCS at Claude Moore Community Center. Call 571-258-3500.