Middle Eastern Dance Artist

Classes

 

 

Iscah teaches through the Banat el Kamar (Pratt) Belly Dance Community Education Program.  Classes run October through May.  Please check back in the Fall.
 
Please note, Iscah will be teaching be teaching the Intermediate Level Class for the 2010-2011 season.
 
Pratt Community Education
66 Malcolm Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
 
 
 Beginner Class Info
Students will learn the basic movement vocabulary and isolations that make up the foundation of various genres of “belly dance”. Class may begin and end with light yoga & Pilates based stretches. Students will be introduced to many core topics during the session, including playing figure cymbals (zils), dancing with veils, historical and cultural aspects of belly dance, styles of belly dance, discovering presence and connecting with the body. Students will also learn a choreography that will be presented at the annual Spring Show in May.   Finger cymbals, hip scarves and veils are available for student use in limited quantities.
 
For more information:  www.banatelkamar.net
 

 

 

FAQS

What should I wear? 
Please wear stretchy and comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement.  Yoga or dance pants and a t-shirt or tank top are fine.   We may get down on the floors for yoga based warm-ups or cool downs.  A scarf or wrap is recommended to tie around your hips to accentuate movement.  Iscah does have a few to borrow.   Most students dance barefoot.  If you like you may wear a dance slipper or footie.  If you need more structured footwear please use a dance or dress shoe.  Rubber soled shoes may restrict movement if they stick on the floor and cause injury.

Do I have to show my belly?
Absolutely not.  In class the majority of students wear modest clothing.  In performance there are many costume choices that do not include a bare stomach.  In fact, there are many venues and folkloric dances where a bare stomach would not be appropriate. 

What will we do in class?
Each class will include a yoga based warm-up and cool down.  We will work on learning and perfecting the basic movement vocabulary of Middle Eastern dance.  During the session, each class may include playing finger symbols, developing stage presence, or dancing with veils.  Students will also work on learning a choreography that will be performed at the end of the season.

 

Workshops

Iscah is available to conduct a number of workshops of different topics.  All workshops are 2 hours and can be customized to the needs of your group.

Topics Include:
Introduction to Middle Eastern Dance
Style Sampler
Presence