Classical Belly Dancing

Sophia's class presents "raks sharqi," or Oriental Dance, as a classical art. The sinuous, layered movements are broken down clearly and concisely into a series of isolations; the keys to creating an expressive dance. Oriental Dance is an art of empowerment. Mind, body and spirit come together in a dance both ancient and highly individual. The simplest gesture tells a story, while the intricate, rhythmic music tells its own story. The art of the dance is the art of making music visible, each dancer in their own way.

You will learn this art step by step at your own pace, each step explained and linked to the next. The warm-ups build the dance by repeating the basics each class therefore the class is appropriate for students of various levels. As you progress, the entire body receives a workout, literally from head to toe. Little used muscle groups receive attention as even the fingertips learn to ripple. Simple weight shifts are revealed which create beautiful clear movements. Steps are linked together to form elegant travels and sensuous combinations. You will learn basic and layered shimmies and delicate vibrations while exploring the relationship of movement to music and gesture to emotion.

This class will get your heart-rate up, but the focus is on building strength in the legs and feet, all while toning and shaping the core. Hip, thigh and bottom muscles are also extensively worked! Isometric isolations are employed to create whole body and abdominal undulations. You'll learn characteristic snake-like gestures of the hands and arms that are not only expressive, but serve to shape muscle in your shoulders and arms. This dance can improve balance, flexibility and coordination while also connecting mind, body and spirit to the music. You'll feel and look amazing as your perform head slides and circles that demonstrate mind over matter. You'll also relieve tension!

Come learn from a true "professor" of the art. Sophia is happy to provide regular students with a practice CD of traditional music from the Middle East that includes Turkish and Arabic styles. She also may provide written reminders and tips for practice at home. Sophia is happy to help explain the music, recommend videos for additional study and demonstrate special techniques that include finger cymbals, veils, skirt work, swords and other traditional props and costuming. See you in Edgewater every Thursday 8:00-9:00pm and Sunday 1:30-2:30pm!

For more information about any of our group exercise classes, please contact
Greg Staley, Program Director.