Special Topics Classes and Workshops

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 or visit here for booking information.

• Summer 2010 mini-workshops at the Shaw studio
  

• Registration and payment information for summer 2010 mini-workshops at the Shaw studio
  

• Class cancellations due to inclement weather or other emergencies
  

• Directions to the Shaw studio
  

• Past and future mini-workshop topics
  

Summer 2010 Mini-Workshops at the Shaw Studio

Nisaa is pleased to offer these mini-workshops focusing on specialized 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!

• Arabic Rhythms: Beyond the Basics - June 20, 2:30-4:30 PM - If you are comfortable with basic rhythms like maqsoum and sa'idi and desire to dig deeper into Arabic rhythms, this workshop is for you!  The class will begin with a brief review of basic rhythms, but then will dive into more complex rhythms.  You'll practice dance combinations to several classical Arabic rhythms, including samai darij and samai thaqil.  You'll also have the opportunity to learn about several non-Egyptian rhythms associated with folk traditions from the Levant and the Persian Gulf (and how to distinguish and respond to these rhythms if they crop up in a belly dance composition).
  

• Egyptian Belly Dance Style Sampler - July 25, 2:30-4:30 PM - All Egyptian belly dance is not alike!  Just a quick glance at videos of Egyptian megastars like Fifi Abdo and Dina reveals that there is a diverse range of stylistic interpretations of what dancers generally call Egyptian belly dance.  In this workshop, you'll learn how the basic movement vocabulary of Egyptian belly dance is adapted and modified to suit different musical styles.  Explore the differences between raqs beledi and raqs sharqi (and where dance to sha'abi music fits into the equation) and how movements from folk traditions like sa'idi and khaleegy are adapted, stylized, and integrated into belly dance routines.  You'll also learn about the stylistic changes in Egyptian belly dance over the last century based on the trendsetting influences of well-known Egyptian dancers and choreographers.
  

This page was last updated: July 24, 2010

Egyptian Belly Dance Style Sampler 7-25-10

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Arabic Rhythms 6-20-10

Spring 2010 Mini-Workshops TWO WORKSHOP PACKAGE

Past and Future Mini-Workshop Topics

• Arabic Music 101
  

• Arabic Music 102
  

• Arabic Rhythms: Beyond the Basics
  

• Basic Egyptian Rhythms
  

• Combination Creation
  

• Dancing to Taqasim and Mawawil
  

• Debke Basics
  

• Egyptian Belly Dance Style Sampler
  

• Folkloric Sampler
  

• Improvisation vs. Choreography in Raqs Sharqi
  

• Khaleegy Basics
  

• Layering Basics
  

• Music of Abdel Halim Hafez
  

• Music of Farid Al Atrache
  

• Music of Mohammad Abdel Wahab
  

• Music of Um Kulthum
  

• Nubian Basics
  

• Raqs Assaya Basics
  

• Raqs Beledi: The Roots of Raqs Sharqi
  

• Traveling, Turns, and Transitions
  

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

for Summer 2010 Mini-Workshops at the Shaw Studio

Fees:

• $25 per mini-workshop
  

• $40 for both 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.