Intermediate to advanced students of Middle Eastern dance are invited to join Nisaa for a four-week Winter Intensive course in Egyptian dance. This year's Winter Intensive will explore how to make the most of a short performance – how to showcase your individual talent, skill, and personality within a limited time frame while staying true to your music. In a performance where you are allotted no more than 5 to 10 minutes, careful selection of the right piece of music is the first critical step toward maximizing your performance time. In the course, we will work with the song Ban 'Allaya Hobbou. Originally sung by Najat al Saghira, we will study a version arranged by Orchestra Negum and featured on the CD Leila presents Tarab. This upbeat romantic song, with its dynamic introduction, interesting rhythm changes, rich instrumental accents, and soaring vocals, all contained within less than six minutes, offers the perfect vehicle to explore this year’s topic.
In four intensive two-hour sessions, you will
Learn a complete choreography (with segments for improvisation) to Ban 'Allaya Hobbou (version from the CD Leila presents Tarab)
Study the process of song selection and choreography development for a short performance
Explore how to keep excitement and interest in your performance without "over-dancing" your music (the "Goldilocks Rule" applied to raqs sharqi)
Learn to discern self-expression versus self-absorption in artistic expression (respecting your music, respecting your audience, and respecting yourself)
After completing the Winter Intensive, consider joining one of Nisaa's 12-week class sessions. The spring semester will begin in early February.
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.
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.
Registration and Payment Information
Fee:
$80 for the entire course
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.
Drop-in attendance is NOT permitted in this course.
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.
