TECHNIQUE Class:
Basic rhythms. Oriental Dance (Bellydance) technique. Finger Cymbal technique. Taqsim. Veil work. Drum Solo. Turkish and Egyptian Oriental dance styles. Upper Egyptian Folkloric styles. Turkish Romani dance. Khaliji dance. Sword dance. Folk dances of Turkey, the Levant, Greece, and Armenia -- including Dabke, Turkish Spoon dance, Syrto and more. Classical dance influences from Armenia, Persia, Central Asia, and Western ballet. Cultural context and awareness.

In all subjects, Amanda emphasizes understanding the rhythms and music of each style, as the basis for expressive interpretation and improvisation. Her dance style is traditional, but often includes modern music and always a sense of fun.

Classes usually begin with Finger Cymbal practice to learn and drill any rhythms covered in that class. After a thorough warm-up and workout, Amanda teaches steps and combinations and/or a choreography. Amanda also teaches a Near Eastern folk dance in most classes. 

New 6-week sessions begin every other month, and one or two Special Topic classes will be offered between sessions. See below for details about each session and Special Topic classes. Students may drop in any time during a session, but regular attendance is encouraged in order to progress in the choreographies. For questions about any class, please contact Amanda.

Class times: Fridays, 6:15pm-7:30pm. 
Class fees: $12/class for single class or $10/class for 4+ classes paid in advance (extendable throughout the session)
          Session specials: Full 6-week series for $55.
Tution Policy: No carry-overs between sessions. Classes missed in one 6-week session may not be carried over to the next session, but students may use the Special Topic class as a make-up for any class missed during the prior 6-week session OR any 7:30pm Choreography class in the same session. Students may take Special Topic classes independently of the 6-week sessions.

CHOREOGRAPHY Class:
Review and polish dances learned in the Technique class, plus learn new choreographies. Work toward troupe performances of traditional Bellydance and Near Eastern folkloric and classical dance styles. Hone your dance and performance skills by working on the details required to make a good performance. Prior or concurrent attendance of Technique class is not required, nor is performing. Prior dance experience is recommended.

Class time: Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm.
Class fees: $5/class for attendees of same-day Technique class; otherwise, $10/class drop-in only.  
Tution Policy: No carry-overs between sessions. Sessions follow same dates as Technique class.


All Classes held at Halanda Studio, 1062 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125
Registration: in class or contact Amanda.

Session/Class Information Fridays 6:15pm - 7:30pm: Near Eastern Dance Technique

July/August Session

Session Dates: July 18 through August 29 (No classes August 22) Session Topic: Undulations and Taksim We will work on all kinds of undulations: body, arms, torso, hips, hands, fingers, and more.  Application to improvisational Taksim (non-rhythmic, improvised musical solo pieces), with particular emphasis on Turkish instrumentation and movement. Folk dance: we will review and continue working on the Armenian/Persian Candle Dance. All levels welcome.

September/October Session

Session Dates: Sept. 12 through Oct. 17 [Tentative dates] Session Topic: Percussive Isolations and the Drum Solo This session, we will play with all kinds of percussive isolation movements (shimmies, snaps, locks, drops, etc.), with application to the Drum Solo. Folk dance: TBD All levels welcome.

Special Topic Class: Oct. 24 (Tentative Date - No class Oct. 31) Topic: TBD A class missed during Sept/Oct session may be made up in this Special Topic Class.

November/December Session

Session Dates: Nov. 7 through Dec. 19 (No class Nov. 28) [Tentative dates] Session Topic: Turkish Dance Specifics TBD. Folk dance: TBD All levels welcome.

This page last updated July 17, 2008.
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