Special topics classes and workshops are offered at the Shaw studio in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. If you miss a class or workshop during the current semester, contact Nisaa to see when it might be offered again. Nisaa can also offer a class or workshop at your location. Contact Nisaa for more information.
Fall 2009 Mini-Workshops at the Shaw Studio
Nisaa is pleased to offer a series of four mini-workshops focusing on a variety of Middle Eastern dance topics. Nisaa's mini-workshops are generally geared towards students who have some experience in Middle Eastern dance. However, some topics are suitable for absolute beginners - contact Nisaa if you're not sure!
- Combination Creation - September 27, 2:30-4:30 PM - Movement combinations are the building blocks of a dance performance. In both choreographed and improvisational raqs sharqi, having a toolkit of combinations to draw from opens up a range of creative possibilties for a dancer. In this workshop, Nisaa will teach several useful combinations grounded in the rhythms and phrasing of Middle Eastern music. In addition, students will have the opportunity to practice creating their own dance combinations.
- Traveling, Turns and Transitions - October 18, 2:30-4:30 PM - One of the greatest challenges for the belly dancer is to use her performing space creatively and effectively while staying true to the music. In this workshop, you'll learn a variety of traveling steps, turns, and transitions which will allow you to make the most of your performing space while creating dramatic, dynamic interpretations of the music. The importance of connectedness to the rhythms and phrasing of Middle Eastern music will be emphasized.
- CANCELED Arabic Music 101 - November 15, 2:30-4:30 PM - Music is the heart and soul of belly dance, so it's important for dancers to have a working understanding of Arabic music. Through a combination of lecture and listening exercises, Nisaa provides a concise introduction to the basics of Arabic music for dancers. Non-musicians need not be intimidated! In this workshop, you'll receive a general introduction to the core elements that set Arabic music apart from other musical traditions. You'll learn to identify by sound and sight some traditional Arabic musical instruments. And, you'll have the chance to explore different styles within the Arabic musical tradition. This is a workshop not to be missed by serious students of raqs sharqi! Lecture and discussion only - no dance.
- Arabic Music 102 - December 6, 2:30-4:30 PM - In this follow-up to Arabic Music 101, students have the opportunity to apply what they've learned about the core elements of Arabic music. Through a combination of listening exercises and dance practice, Nisaa reviews the basics of Arabic music for dancers and guides students through a dance exploration of different styles within the Arabic musical tradition. Not to be missed by serious students of raqs sharqi! Dance-focused.
Registration and Payment Information
for Fall 2009 Mini-Workshops at the Shaw Studio
Fees:
- $80 for all four mini-workshops
Class size is limited! Only students who register in advance are guaranteed a spot in the class. Please register early in order to reserve your spot. Advance registration also helps to ensure that your workshop(s) of choice reach the minimum enrollment of four students.
Drop-in students are permitted, but are not guaranteed a spot in the class. Drop-in students are strongly encouraged to e-mail Nisaa or call 314.599.0506 to inquire about available space prior to attending.
Please note that class fees are non-refundable after the start of the session. Classes missed in the current session may not be used as credit for classes in future sessions. Registrations are non-transferable.
Registration:
There are two ways to register.
1. Print and complete the registration form, and mail it with your check or money order to Belly Dance with Nisaa, PO Box 26992, St. Louis, MO 63118. One form per student, please.
OR
2. Register here with Paypal. Click on the buttons for the classes of your choice.
Liability Waiver and Release
Please note that students are required to sign a liability waiver and release in order to participate. The liability waiver and release will be provided at the students' first class.
Class Cancellations due to Inclement Weather or Other Emergencies
- In the event of inclement weather, call 314-599-0506 to check the status of classes.
- In the event of other emergencies, such as instructor illness, Nisaa will make every effort to contact students. If for some reason Nisaa is unable to contact students, the cancellation will be posted on the door of the studio.
- Make-ups for cancelled classes will be offered as scheduling permits.
Past and Future Mini-Workshop Topics
- Arabic Rhythms: Beyond the Basics
- Dancing to Taqasim and Mawawil
- Egyptian Belly Dance Style Sampler
- Improvisation vs. Choreography in Raqs Sharqi
- Music of Abdel Halim Hafez
- Music of Farid Al Atrache
- Music of Mohammad Abdel Wahab
- Raqs Beledi: The Roots of Raqs Sharqi
- Traveling, Turns, and Transitions
