KAHRAMAN DANCE STUDIO
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
NEAR EASTERN DANCE
Also known as Bellydance,
Arabic Dance, Mid East Dance, Raks Sharqi and Danse Orientale, Near Eastern
Dance is an expressive dance form that uses isolations of the body,
particularly the hips, torso and arms and includes shimmies, undulations,
locks, drops and lifts.
This ancient form of dance has recently experienced an
increase of worldwide popularity and press.
It is a traditional form of dance (mostly for women) that is found in
villages and cities across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Eastern
Mediterranean. Because it is basically
a “folk” dance, a wide range of women find that this style of movement
compliments their age, body type and fitness/recreation goals. It is low impact, so is easy on the joints.
Please wear comfortable clothing- work out clothes or
dance wear. Bare or socks are best for
feet. If you need shoes, please wear
either ballet or jazz shoes without heels. A shawl or shimmy belt for your hips
is useful, but optional. Regular “on time” attendance in class helps promote
growth in dance. Make-up classes for classes missed through illness or business are
offered, but are to be arranged with the teacher and are to take place during
the session for which the student is currently registered.
Five Levels are offered to develop the dancer at Kahraman Dance Studio: At all class
levels your individual goals are important to us!
LEVEL 1
–Welcome to class! Whether you have
never attended a dance class in your life, or are a pro, Level 1 will introduce
you to the basic history and movements that define Near Eastern Dance. Class time is spent on warming up, dance
conditioning, body isolations, short combinations of movement and ends with a
cool down that stretches the body. Bring an easy going attitude; the accent is
on learning in a stress free, supportive environment! Students are encouraged to share their individual goals in coming
to class.
LEVEL 2 –
For those students who have gained knowledge of the basic fundamentals, Level 2
continues to develop your dance skill through the introduction to more dance
vocabulary, rhythms of the Near East, and longer movement phrases. As your comfort level with your ability
increases, class at this level works your skill of combining hip movements with
hand and arms. Basic dance technique:
posture, alignment, traveling steps (walking!) and turns are incorporated into
your knowledge of Near East Dance movements.
LEVEL 3-
Okay, this is where we crack the whip!
. . . (.Not really! I just needed to get your attention!) Actually, this is a fun level. Students at Level 3 begin to enjoy their
increased proficiency through learning short choreographed dances. Beginning
skills on the finger cymbals is suggested.
Warm-ups are structured to bring increased strength and flexibility to
your growing skills level. Elements of
performance (focus, timing, and dynamics) are also introduced to enhance the
dancer’s own enjoyment through the ability to make individual artistic choices
related to performance. Differences in regional styles of music and movement
are integrated into class exercises. Opportunities for performance experiences
within the studio and community setting are offered to those showing interest
and ability.
LEVEL 4 – Students
at Level 4 show mastery over the technique contained within Levels 1-3. Individual style and expression are
encouraged and actively “coached” individually by the teacher in class. Students will work on will work on phrasing
that is both denser in content and more complex. Dance technique incorporating “western” movement (Ballet and
Modern) are used in order to prepare dancers for theatrical performances.
Finger cymbal skills are highly recommended. Elements of choreography are
explained and explored through class exercises. Choreographies are taught in conjunction with skills and/or style
being learned. Students are encouraged to choreograph and perform both in solo
and group dances, if they have not yet done so.
LEVEL 5 -
Is offered by invitation of the teacher only.
It is for the accomplished dancer, whether professional or hobbyist, to
develop further individual style and technique as a Danse Orientale
soloist. Knowledge of rhythms and
ability to play the finger cymbals is required. Choreographed dances at the advanced/or professional level are
taught to gain further technical skills levels as well as performance
abilities.
Breath and Balance T’ai Chi Class Descriptions
Intro to T’ai Chi: In this class, students will be introduced to the Tai Chi principles and learn to apply them to everyday life.
T’ai Chi Fundamentals
Level 1- for beginners and those with health limitations. Discover inner stillness as you strengthen and heal your body, mind and spirit. Study the basic movement patterns of T’ai Chi and the TCF form as they progress from simple to complex.
Level 2-Ongoing for students who have completed the T'ai Chi Fundamentals Form. Discover more layers of relaxation as you continue to study the Tai Chi principles and refine your form and Qigong movement patterns.
Levels 1/2 : This class is for all Tai Chi Fundamentals students. Enjoy the benefit of studying with students of all levels.
Tai Chi -Yang Style
Level 1 : This class introduces students to the principles of T’ai Chi including breathing, postural alignment and relaxed integrated movement. Students learn Grandmaster Cheng Man-ch'ing’s Yang Style 37 Posture Short form. Prior experience with T’ai Chi Fundamentals is recommended.
Level 2: Students will refine the choreography of the form and deepen their practice of Tai Chi. Holding postures will be part of this practice. Prior experience with T’ai Chi is required
NIA
Nia is fusion movement that blends the martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. During a Nia class you will improve your flexibility, agility, mobility, strength and stability. Classes are done barefoot with music, and practiced at your own fitness level, whether you are a stiff beginner, a highly fit athlete, or somewhere between. Nia is a full body workout that brings you renewed energy and joy. Wear comfortable clothes and bring an expectation to have fun while you stimulate your body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
BOLLYWOOD CLASS DESCRIPTION
Learn Bollywood! Get a great workout and learn the latest dance craze to hit the U. S. Bollywood is an exotic blend of Indian classical dance, bellydance, hip hop, mime, and more. Instructor Wendy Stegall makes it's so easy you'll soon dance like Shah Rukh Khan or Madhuri Dixit! Come join her as she combines the beauty and grace of classical Indian dance, the fierceness and energy of Bhangra, the passion of Latin, the groove from Street/HipHop, and the spice of Middle Eastern dance styles and fuses them into one energetic routine.
"My friends and I tried it and we are completely hooked.its an excellent high energy class" Radhika, Fairfield, IA
Spring Session starts Saturday, February 7th
Weekly classes 11 am-12:15 pm Kahraman Dance Studio 330 2nd Street
$85 for 7 weeks ($12 per class) $17 drop-in. (Wendy also teaches traditional Kathak by appointment. Private lessons are $30 per hour or group rate based on number of students registered.) Kathak is a breathtaking dance art composed of footwork, graceful arm movements, spins, mudra/storytelling and subtle use of head, eyes and limbs.
American Tribal Style - Dance Fundamentals
Learn to dance, make friends, have fun, and appreciate the beauty of your body! Now Fat Chance Bellydance Certified! Learn to dance by drilling the basics in fun combinations. Using both slow movements and fast steps we'll get you dancing in your first class! All basic movements and group formations including posture and body awareness, zills and music. Intro to partner and group dancing.
Best class for beginners
Corresponds with FCBD Tribal Basics Vol.1 Fundamentals of Dance Workshop $35
Dress for ATS classes: Full skirt or loose pants, hip scarf, short top
(choli) or leotard (just wear something comfortable.) Bare feet or
dance shoes only in dance studio. You will need a pair of zils (finger
cymbals). You can purchase them at the studio or bring your own.