Level 1:
This twelve-week course is a basic introduction to the history and technique of Middle Eastern dance, with an emphasis on raqs sharqi (belly dance). The course is designed to provide you with a basic mastery of fundamental movements and to introduce you to the cultural context of the dance.
This course is geared toward absolute beginners, although it is also a good refresher for students who need a review of basic technique. Level 1 students who are interested in advancing to Level 2 usually attend more than one semester of Level 1 and/or Level 1a.
Prerequisites for Level 1:
None
Level 1a - Drills and Practice:
This course provides additional practice in Level 1 technique.
This course is geared toward Level 1 students who desire additional practice beyond the regular Level 1 class. This is also a good course for students who have completed the Level 1 curriculum but do not wish to move to Level 2 or need additional practice before moving to Level 2.
Prerequisites for Level 1a:
Concurrent or prior enrollment in Level 1 OR instructor permission
Level 2:
This twelve-week course is designed to build upon your basic mastery of fundamental movements and to enhance your ability to interpret Middle Eastern music. This course focuses heavily on Middle Eastern rhythms and on musical interpretation. In addition, the course introduces Middle Eastern dance props, including zills and veil.
This course is geared toward students who would like more in-depth instruction with a focus on Middle Eastern musical interpretation. Level 2 students who are interested in advancing to Level 3 usually attend more than one semester of Level 2 and/or Level 2a. Although performance is not a requirement, Level 2 students have the option of performing in the annual recital and other student events.
Prerequisites for Level 2:
Level 1 (or equivalent) AND instructor permission
Proficiency in Level 1 skill set (contact Nisaa for a detailed description)
Level 2a - Drills and Practice:
This course provides additional practice in Level 2 technique.
This course is geared toward Level 2 students who desire additional practice beyond the regular Level 2 class. This is also a good course for students who have completed the Level 2 curriculum but do not wish to move to Level 3 or need additional practice before moving to Level 3.
Prerequisites for Level 2a:
Concurrent or prior enrollment in Level 2 OR instructor permission
Proficiency in Level 1 skill set (contact Nisaa for a detailed description)
Level 3:
This twelve-week course is designed to provide you with more challenging, in-depth instruction in Middle Eastern dance, including both raqs sharqi (belly dance) and various folkloric styles. This course emphasizes the importance of musical interpretation and showmanship in creating a Middle Eastern dance performance. The course involves extensive work with Middle Eastern dance props, including zills, veil, and cane.
This is a challenging course geared toward intermediate to advanced students who are serious about Middle Eastern dance. This course demands a high level of commitment (students at this level are expected to spend significant time outside of class in practice). Students must obtain permission to enroll in this class. Performance is not a requirement, but Level 3 students are encouraged to perform and are offered a variety of performance opportunities.
Prerequisites for Level 3:
Instructor permission
Proficiency in Level 2 skill set (contact Nisaa for a detailed description)
Commitment to regular attendance
Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 2):
This course is designed for students who are enrolled in the regular Level 2 class during the spring session and who have volunteered to perform in the spring recital. Students will work on learning and refining choreography and will receive guidance on performing skills and costuming. Level 2 students who wish to perform in the recital are required to enroll in this class. Read Nisaa's performance policy for students here.
Prerequisites for Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 2):
Concurrent enrollment in Level 2 (and/or 2a) AND instructor permission
Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 3):
This course is designed for students who are enrolled in the regular Level 3 class during the spring session and who have volunteered to perform in the spring recital. Students will work on learning and refining choreography and will receive guidance on performing skills and costuming. Level 3 students who wish to perform in the recital are required to enroll in this class. Read Nisaa's performance policy for students here.
Prerequisites for Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 3):
Concurrent enrollment in Level 3 AND instructor permission
Belly Dance and Folkloric Dance Styles of the Middle East (credit course at St. Charles Community College):
This eight-week course is a basic introduction to the history and technique of Middle Eastern dance, with an emphasis on raqs sharqi (belly dance). The course is designed to provide you with a basic mastery of fundamental movements and to introduce you to the cultural context of the dance.
This course covers the same content as the Level 1 course, but students who attend this course earn one college credit hour. Grading is based on a combination of attendance/participation and completion of four short assignments.
Prerequisites:
None
