1. Biomechanics of Middle Eastern Dance Movement 1                    Multi-Level
2. Biomechanics of Middle Eastern Dance Movement 2                    Multi-Level
3. Biomechanics of Middle Eastern Dance Movement 3                    Multi-Level
This Workshop is an introduction to Raqs Sharqi, Tribal and even Folklore. It systematizes students’ knowledge of body mechanics and Bellydance foundations preparing for further learning. It starts with the Posture Correction, Body Alignment, Foot Positions, and basic anatomy for dancers to encourage a conscious and healthy body use. Secondly, it provides a necessary context of Arm Framing and basic Travelling Steps for learning the Body Mechanics and Lower & Upper Body Technique based on the useful concept of the ‘5 Basic Mechanisms®’. Finally, it leads to construction & analysis of basic to advanced figures & moves (Gaia, Solar & Shimmies) through the “5 Basic Mechanisms”, the origin of an unlimited variety of the Bellydance movement. Each section consists of an introduction, breakdown, analysis, drills and combinations.

4. Gaia Figures (Feminine Essence: Rotations, 8s & Undulations) in Bellydance Polarity            Multi-Level
Construction, analysis and drills in liquid flow Figures/Moves characteristic for Bellydance.

5. Solar Figures (Masculine Essence: Accents & Locks) in Bellydance PolarityMulti-Level
Construction, analysis and drills in percussive Figures/Moves characteristic for Bellydance.

6. Lower Body Technique in Bellydance 1                                         Multi-Level
7. Lower Body Technique in Bellydance 2                                         Multi-Level
8. Lower Body Technique in Bellydance 3                                         Multi-Level
Enriching and improving the basic to advanced Lower Body Technique in Bellydance.

9. Upper Body Technique in Bellydance                                             Multi-Level
Enriching and improving the basic to advanced Upper Body Technique in Bellydance.

10. Arm Technique in Bellydance 1                                                   Multi-Level
11. Arm Technique in Bellydance 2                                                   Multi-Level
12. Arm Technique in Bellydance 3                                                   Multi-Level
The ‘Arm Technique’ workshops focus on Arm Positions & Moves as well as hand embellishments (Floreos & Gestures) from the most representative and typical for Bellydance to new, fresh and creative options. It works through basic breakdown, analysis, drills and combinations of isolations and assembling the arm vocabulary with the other movement categories, such as a variety of Foot Positions, Footwork Patterns, Travelling Steps, Turns, Head Moves, Upper and Lower Body Technique, Orientation in Space & Travelling Direction choices, etc. to enrich your dance.

13. 1001 Travelling Steps from the Old and Modern Oriental Dance 1            Multi-Level
14. 1001 Travelling Steps from the Old and Modern Oriental Dance 2            Multi-Level
15.  1001 Travelling Steps from the Old and Modern Oriental Dance 3            Multi-Level
The ‘1001 Travelling Steps’ workshops focus on the usually neglected element in the Middle Eastern Dance teaching: the Foot Positions, Footwork Patterns and Travelling Steps representative for Bellydance from old to modern times. Students learn to see patterns & steps as a result combining different Positions and create move variations assembling the footwork vocabulary with the other movement categories, such as a variety of Orientation in Space & Travelling Direction choices, Turns, Head Moves, Arm Technique, Upper & Lower Body Technique.

16. 1001 Shimmies Multi-Level
Drills in many types of Shimmies in Bellydance and analysis of their technical/machanical differences.

17. Spins & Turns in Middle Eastern Dance 1 Multi-Level
18. Spins & Turns in Middle Eastern Dance 2 Multi-Level
19. Spins & Turns in Middle Eastern Dance 3 Multi-Level
The ‘Sins & Turns” workshop centres its attention on turns starting with the representative and typical for Bellydance and proposing fresh, new and creative options inspired by other dances. It works through their categorization, analysis of its elements (body form, rate of turn, balance and spotting), and finally drills, combinations of turns and assembling with other movement categories, such as Footwork and Arm Positions & Moves.

20. Special Resources in Bellydance 1: Layering by Assembling    Multi-Level
The ‘Assembling Layering’ workshop focuses on one of the Special Resources, fundamental and essential to Middle Eastern Dance and its basic principle of isolation. It enlarges our repertoire of body vocabulary and increases its complexity by either combining two or more elements from different movement categories (execute moves in two or more body parts simultaneously).

21. Special Resources in Bellydance 2: Register                               Multi-Level
The ‘Register’ workshop focuses on one of the Special Resources which allow varying between the gentle and sharp execution of the same Solar Moves due to the optional use of certain muscles. It is present in a large variety of Solar Moves, such as: pendulum /hip bump, hip up, hip drop, pelvic tilt/bump, pelvic tilt/drop, twist/twist bump, hip slide/slide bump, chest slide/slide bump, sternum tilt/drop, sternum tilt/bump, shoulder twist/drop and other moves.

22. Special Resources in Bellydance 3: Knee Work, Levels & Adaptation   Multi-Level
The ‘Knee Work, Levels & Adaptation’ workshop focuses on some of the Special Resources in Bellydance which enrich our body vocabulary by introducing variations in some moves by using the knee bending, creating levels or adaptations in movement according to the circumstances.

23. Special Resources in Bellydance 4: Grading, Waxing, Waning & Transformation  Multi-Level
The ‘Grading, Waxing, Waning & Transformation’ workshop focuses on two of the Special Resources which can enrich our body vocabulary by introducing variations in some moves by grading their execution either in height, rotation, size or transformation into another movement according to the circumstances.

24.  Special Resources in Bellydance 5: Onion Layering                  Multi-Level
The ‘Onion Layering’ workshop focuses on one of the Special Resources, fundamental and essential to Middle Eastern Dance and its basic principle of isolation. It enlarges our repertoire of body vocabulary and increases its complexity by either combining two or more elements from the same movement categories introducing variations in some moves by layering another mechanism or move in the same body section.

25. Bellydance Elementary Technique:                                   Elementary Level
26. Bellydance Intermediate Technique:                             Intermediate Level
27. Bellydance Advanced Technique:                                         Advanced Level
‘Bellydance Technique’ workshops are meant for all the students to build a systematic knowledge of the Bellydance technique, enlarge body vocabulary and perfect & improve physical skills through drills. They include Posture Correction, Footwork, Armwork, Mechanics, Lower and Upper Body Technique, Turns, Orientation in Space & Travelling Direction choices & expression through movement according to the level.

1. Full Raqs Sharqi Choreography: Technique & Choreography
A sample Full Raqs Sharqi choreography from an Entrance & Presentation to Finale in the Classical style of Middle Eastern Dance.

2. Short Oriental Choreography:                             Technique & Choreography
A sample short Oriental choreography based on one of the classics of the Middle Eastern Dance music.

3. Entrance & Presentation in Raqs Sharqi            Technique & Choreography
A sample choreography to give ideas on how to plan and dance an entrance and presentation on the stage with special emphasis on Travelling Steps to interpret the 2/4 rhythms, such as Malfouf, fast Ayoub and Fellahi.

4. Taqseem:                       Technique, Improvisation & Sample Choreography
The interpretation of the Taqseem (Improvisation), with special emphasis on the Gaia Moves, as part of the Raks Sharqi Routine in the Middle Eastern Dance performed during the melodic instruments improvisation and usually accompanied by the Chiftetelli rhythm (as variation of Wahda Kebira) in the drum section.

5. Baladi Choreography:                                           Technique & Choreography
The interpretation of the Egyptian Baladi style, usually beginning with an accordion or saxophone Taqseem (improvisation), and accompanied by the Masmoudi Soghayar/Baladi rhythm during its main development and the Fellahi rhythm at the end in the drum section, gives a special emphasis on the emotional aspect expressed by the combination of the Gaia Moves & Armwork with the Solar Moves for strong accenting, resulting in a very complete and rich dance.

6.  Maqsoum Choreography:                                    Technique & Choreography
A sample choreography of Maqsoum style based on one of the classics of the Middle Eastern Dance music.

7. Drum Solo:                                                            Technique & Choreography
The interpretation of the Drum Solo, very energetic and playful with the rhythm, with special emphasis on the shimmies, accents & locks (Solar Moves) and the understanding of a variety of rhythms & options for their recreation, as part of the Raqs Sharqi Routine in the Middle Eastern Dance that gives a leading role to the performance of percussion instruments.

8. Finales in Raqs Sharqi                                          Technique & Choreography
Sample fragment choreography to give ideas on how to plan and dance a Finale, the last & closing part of a Raqs Sharqi Routine, as a farewell powerful moment on the stage, with special emphasis on Travelling Steps to interpret the 2/4 rhythms, such as Malfouf, fast Ayoub and Fellahi..

9. Interpretation of Farid El Atrache                       Technique & Choreography
The interpretation of the work composed or even performed by the legendary Syrian singer, composer, virtuoso oud player and actor, Farid El Atrache. There are 2 options to conducting this workshop: either choosing his romantic love songs for interpretation or their instrumental versions which turned into Middle Eastern Dance classics and are often danced as an ‘Oriental’.

10. Interpretation of Oum Kalthoum                      Technique & Choreography
The interpretation of the songs performed by the legendary Egyptian singer, Oum Kalthoum, overwhelming with emotion, turned into Middle Eastern Dance classics since Souhair Zaki’s groundbreaking innovative achievements.

11. Shaabi - Interpretation of “Urban Folklore”    Technique & Choreography
In spite of using the common core BellyDance vocabulary, Shaabi, the so-called ‘urban folklore’, has more of a Baladi-style air and energy and is danced to popular contemporary songs based on traditional rhythms. It is a perfect addition to a Bellydance performance if you intend to offer variety and authenticity with an Egyptian touch, and something you do not see every day. Not many modern singers have succeeded in creating their own style and inspiring so many Bellydancers to interpret their songs as the Egyptian artists: Hakim and Ehab Toufiq and Ahmed Adawiya. Their musical pieces are very dynamic & groovy encouraging to create a flirty, naughty and rebellious dance.

12. Jeel (Modern Arab Song):                                 Technique & Choreography
The Bellydance interpretation of modern Arab songs which became hits.

1. Veil:                                                Technique or Technique & Choreography
The Workshop presents the veil handling ideas and the relevant body technique to synchronize them both in neat and well-created figures. It shows not only the most representative and traditional but also other new and creative moves, finally leading to constructing fresh combinations to enrich your dance. It teaches the technique of working your arm and veil from the Upper Body to relocate the muscle effort correctly and efficiently to avoid possible shoulder and back damage.

2.  Saggat / Finger Cymbals / Zills: Technique or Technique & Choreography

3. Cane:                                              Technique or Technique & Choreography

4. Candles:                                         Technique or Technique & Choreography

5. Wings:                                            Technique or Technique & Choreography

6. Use of Props in Oriental Dance: Veil, Finger Cymbals, Cane & Candles
Technique (1 or more introductory workshops, 4h each)
or Technique & Choreography

1. Introduction to Music Principles & Middle Eastern Rhythms       Multi-Level
Familiarizing with the most important music principles, learning to discern and recreate rhythms used in Middle Eastern & Maghrebi Music & Dance.

Intermediate/Advanced Level

2. Middle Eastern Rhythms & their Interpretation in Bellydance 1 (Maqsoum Group)
Learning and discerning the 4/4 time signature rhythms belonging to the Maqsoum group: Maqsoum, Masmoudi Soghayar/Saghir (Baladi), Saidi & Tabl/Nawari.

3. Middle Eastern Rhythms & their Interpretation in Bellydance 2 (Other 4/4 Rhythms)
Learning and discerning other 4/4 time signature rhythms, such as: Wahda, Sombati, Rasba/Conga Masri, Rhumba Masri, Mosalas Iraqi, Jerk, Hajja & Zaffa.

4. Middle Eastern Rhythms & their Interpretation in Bellydance 3 (2/4 Rhythms)
Learning and discerning the 2/4 time signature rhythms, such as: Malfouf, Ayyoub, Bayou, Vox, Haggalah, Fellahi, Karatchi, Adani (Khaleeji) & Nuba.

5. Middle Eastern Rhythms & their Interpretation in Bellydance 4 (8/4 Rhythms)
Learning and discerning the 8/4 time signature rhythms, such as: Wahda Kebira, Hajja, Chiftetelli, Masmoudi Kebir, Ghelbab, Bambi & Mosalas

6. Middle Eastern Rhythms & their Interpretation in Bellydance 5 (Other Time Signature Rhythms)
Learning and discerning the 3/4, 6/4, 3/8, 6/8, 7/8, 8/8, 9/8 & 10/8 time signature rhythms, such as: Vals, Vals Kebir, Aaraj, Ogrog, York Samai, Samai Ta’er, Dareg & Dareg Kebir, Nawakht, Dawr Hindi, Ibrahimi, Karshilama, Samai Thaqil, Moroccan/Maghrebi/Tunesian Dareg.

1. ATS – American Tribal Style:
Technique, ATS Movement Set, Transitions, Cues for Group Improvisation, Choreography & Use of Finger Cymbals

This Workshop focuses on the American Tribal Style Bellydance (ATS), a format always performed with finger cymbals unlike the Tribal Fusion, and based on synchronized improvisation by means of pre-established -ample but still limited- vocabulary, cues for communication of the step change, and exchange of the leader and followers roles between the dancers. The selection and the modification of moves and steps to adapt them to the needs of the synchronised improvisation, led to creating what is nowadays considered the fundaments of Tribal, the basic vocabulary in the knowledge of any Tribal dancer, indispensable before moving on to Tribal Fusion.
This Tribal Style format has been created by the third generation of Tribal dancers, Carolena Nericchio and her group FatChanceBellyDance in San Francisco, who have popularized it since the 80s up till today inspiring formation of groups that dance Tribal according to the same format all around the world.
The workshop time will be divided between the study and perfecting finger cymbals playing and an ample fundament vocab of the body technique with both the percussive and the undulation elements of Taqseem (Solar & Gaia). Each step and move will be first introduced in technique perfecting drills, and later accompanied by zills.

2. Tribal Fusion:                              Technique, Improvisation & Choreography
The ‘Tribal Fusion’ Workshop leads you from the ATS to the next evolutional step: Tribal Fusion, which abandoned the use of finger cymbals in favour of the development of its arm work and body vocab complexity, dwelling more on undulations and physically challenging technique. The style allows both a solo and a group performance in an improvised or choreographed dance.

1. Folklore from Upper Egypt: Saidi & Cane Dance (Raqs Al-Assaya)           

Technique, Cane Handling & Choreography

The Cane Dance is a folkloric dance from the Upper Egypt (the Country of Said), performed to the local Saidi rhythm, which also became part of a Raqs Sharqi routine like other folklores. It has an earthy and heavy feeling, and thanks to a peculiar footwork and the use of heels, it connects the dancers to the Earth working especially their first and second chakra, as a result, filling them with a renewed energy and joy. Handling the cane gives it an additional air of strength and pride, awaking the masculine energy in the dancers. With all these features together many find this dance balancing or healing.

2. Folklore from Lower Egypt: Fellahi

Technique & Choreography

The folkloric peasant/farmer dance from Lower Egypt.

1. Introduction To Bellydance                                                      Beginner Level

2. Bellydance Technique for Health and Beauty                              Multi-LevelThe ‘Bellydance Technique for Health & Beauty’ workshop intends to dote the dancer with body consciousness and physical education emphasizing posture correction and work on body alignment to achieve living, moving and dancing in accordance with our anatomy and energy flow and promote healthy lifestyle through dance knowing how to protect the body from possible damages caused by either carrying out everyday life activities with a wrong posture or by the unconscious and incorrect practice of this strenuous art form in classroom or on stage.
It focuses on the study of the upper (ribcage, sternum, shoulders) & lower (hips, pelvis, coccyx, belly) body technique, arms and footwork patterns, and the creation and analysis of figures & moves through the useful concept of the “5 basic mechanisms” which originate an unlimited variety of the Bellydance vocabulary. Learning to connect to the Source energy and bringing together our emotions, spirit, mind and body through the conscious movement and peace of mind, we achieve the physical and spiritual beauty.

3. The Five Elements in Bellydance                                                    Multi-Level

Explores the expressions of the 5 Elements through the body movement by performing the 5 Basic Mechanisms, the human body mobility options, the source of the unlimited number of Figures in Bellydancing, reflection of the Sacred Geometry shapes.

4. Egyptian Saidi Folklore Class                                                          Multi-Level

ACTIVATES & GROUNDS YOUR 1st CHAKRA (ROOT/BASE CHAKRA)—Survival & Life Force
Unblocks your Masculine energy, exploring the Masculine half of your Soul, the Animus, by dancing to the MASCULINE ESSENCE Middle Eastern Rhythm called Saidi. Excellent for Ladies to balance our Feminine Essence with Masculine element of power and activity.

5. Egyptian Baladi                                                                                Multi-Level

ACTIVATES & GROUNDS YOUR 2nd CHAKRA (SACRAL CHAKRA)—Creation, Co-Creation, Procreation, Sexuality & Money
Unblocks & strengthens your Feminine energy, exploring the Feminine half of your Soul, the Anima, by dancing to the FEMININE ESSENCE Middle Eastern Rhythm called Masmoudi Soughayar. To resonate with Gaia, you need to be very female. Excellent for Ladies to develop & enhance our Feminine Essence of sensuality and receptivity.