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Middle Eastern Dance
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HISTORY
Raqs Sharqi or belly dance, as it is commonly called in North America, is said to be the oldest known dance form in history dating back to approximately 5000 B.C. This dance form is more than7000 years old. That's a lengthy history. There are many sources of historical information on belly dance, so if you care to read more I recommend visiting Morocco or Shira’s websites. Both have a lot to offer, especially if you are a belly dancer or a fan of the art.
MY JOURNEY
My love for belly dance started in 1999 during a mini workshop. It took all of two hours to discover that I adored belly dancing and I'd only gone to the workshop out of curiousity...and a suggestion from a girlfriend who said I would love it. She was right. Belly dancing has turned into another outlet for my creative expression.
I’ve studied with several teachers including Winnipeg’s Shayera, Nicola and Jamiila. After taking classes for over a year, I began intensive studies with Nicola, both at her Navel Academy and in private sessions, where we focused on technique and choreography.
I went to my first belly dance workshop in 2000 and have attended many workshops throughout the year, learning from master dancers Cassandra Shore, Roula Said, Hadia, Jamilee Abir, Ariellah, Sabhua Shahnaz and Morocco.
My first workshop was with Denise Enan and now here I am, just 40 minutes from Hull and her studio, Dance Oasis. I've also studied over the past two years with Jalilah (of the 6 CD Raqs Sharqi series). Both of these women are wonderful teachers and amazing sources of historical dance information. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to learn from both.
TEACHING, WORKSHOPS and PERFORMANCES
I started teaching belly dance classes to women and teens in 2002 in Winnipeg. About a year after moving to Québec, I began teaching in Mayo (near Buckingham) and now teach weekly classes at various community centres and schools in Ottawa. (See teaching schedule below.)
I offer group, private and semi-private lessons, workshops in beginner and intermediate level belly dance, zill/sagat (finger cymbal) technique and Rromany (Gypsy) Dance.
In 2000, I developed Sha' Vega Malibu's In-Home Belly Dance FUNshop (Sha' Vega Malibu being my dance name) and dubbed it "More fun than a Tupperware party!" And that it is! A belly dance FUNshop is a wonderful activity for an all-girl get-together. Why not consider a FUNshop for a baby or bridal shower, or a birthday party?
Create a special memory by adding a belly dance performance to your celebration. Whether it's a milestone birthday, retirement, corporate or family function, a belly dancer can add some sparkle to your party.
For additional information and rates please contact me at potbellyATlablanchepoterieDOTcom
MY CREDENTIALS
First, please let me explain that belly dancing is a tradition passed from woman to girl and is observed and performed as a social dance in North Africa, the Middle East and the Near East. It is my understanding that learning the dance via professional instructor was unheard of until some point in the early 1950's. The dance form is not standardized like ballet for example, therefore certification in belly dance instruction is non-existant. There is no one except you who can judge who or what makes a compentent teacher. Listen to your heart on this and remember that your dance classes should be fun to attend. If you're not having fun, or your body aches after taking class then maybe your current teacher and you were just not meant for each other.
I am not a certified fitness instructor, but I do have a background (as a student only) in aerobic fitness and weight training that goes back to 1995. I’ll always be a student of the dance and I will always be training in the gym. With my health issues (and who doesn't have them?) you can be assured of a few things: understand the need for daily exercise and stretching in a safe way. I understand that we all have physical limitations as well. My goals as an instructor are to make sure you sweat and have fun in my classes!
MY DANCE PHILOSOPHY
It has been said that the dance form originated as part of the ritual celebration of childbirth Women danced the child into the world. It's a beautiful sentiment. I feel that we all ought to be dancing more than we do because it's a natural and a form of self-expression and dancing is a celebration of life. This is very much an important facet of belly dance.
Sometimes we feel that we aren't cut out for a certain kind of dance because of our body type. Luckily in belly dance all shapes and sizes of women are acceptable. In fact, one of my students, while at her first hafla (party), said,
"No matter what size you are, every woman looks beautiful when she is belly dancing!"
During the 2nd World War, a woman named Badia Masabny opened a nightclub called The Casino Opera. Badia hired musicians, comedians, singers and belly dancers too. Suddenly the dance was on a theatrical stage! In my research I have read that Ms. Masabny was influenced by Hollywood glamour and the two piece bedlah (bra and belt costume combination which often bares the midriff) came into vogue with belly dancers in Cairo. Keep in mind that belly dancing is more or less folk dancing and what one wore or wears is often depedent on what one has in their closet, ruck sack, trunk, or caravan! Art is highly personal and you can make this dance something just for you. Remember that it is a dance for all women, not just a select few.
>Belly dancing is being much sought out these days as a way to fitness. It's true that belly dancing can be a great cardio workout, but first you have to learn a few basic steps. Be patient with yourself.
Posture, form and technique are often topics in class. I teach how to be graceful and carry yourself with poise. I teach a little bit of belly dance history, some music theory and if requested by the whole class I will give instruction on how to play the zils (finger cymbals). I can direct students on how to put together an appropriate costume and I teach choreographies and how to improvise to Middle Eastern music and I coach individual dancers for performances.
This ancient dance form does wonders for a woman's body. We gain flexibility, enhanced balance (very important as we age), confidence, self-esteem and we tone muscles we didn't even know we had.
In class I make certain my students dance safely to avoid injuries and we still have lots of fun! Whether you plan on dancing only for self-enjoyment, with a few girlfriends, or in front of an audience some day, do it for yourself and do it for the love of dance!
"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking."
~Agnes De Mille, choreographer
Sha' Vega's 2008 Classes
MONDAYS
Orléans - Maple Ridge Elementary School
(aka South Fallingbrook C.C.), 998 Valin St.Level 1 - 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Level 2 - 7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Classes are over in mid- June, but resume in mid- September.