Classes in 2007
Our dance style is predominantly Egyptian cabaret (called 'raks sharqi') with folkloric elements. The dances we teach range from simple (for beginners) to more complex, and may incorporate veil work, different rhythms, zills, drum, cane, and stylistic elements from Turkish, Saiidi, Nubian, etc. Men are welcome to come to classes and we will teach you the different dance style of males. We also have a drumming (tabla) group.
There is no pressure to perform; many of our students come to class just for the fun and fitness, without ever wishing to perform, and that's fine with us. We do have a performance group, however; please let us know if you are interested in performing.
Please note there are usually no classes during school holiday breaks, although we may offer dance revision classes in the short breaks.Classes for Beginners
We provide 2 hour beginner workshops 3 - 4 times per year, usually on a Sunday. These workshops introduce students to the basic moves of belly dance, and to the culture and history of the dance. From here students can easily move into our weekly classes, described below. It is also OK, however, to join a weekly class at any time, and then do the next beginner workshop when it occurs.
Our weekly classes cater for all levels of experience.Please contact us if you would like to know when the next Beginner Workshop will be held.
Thursday evening class:
This class caters for beginners to more advanced and covers all dance techniques, plus learning a choreographed dance. The class is held every Thursday night 6.30-8 p.m. at Dan'Dinna House, 459 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay (between Tavistock and Bideford Sts).
Cost: $8, or $6 concession (unemployed/pensioner/student/school student).
Saturday morning class:
This class caters for beginners to more advanced and covers all dance techniques, plus learning a choreographed dance. It is held 10.30 a.m.- 12 noon at Pialba Memorial Hall, corner of Main St and Charles St, Pialba, Hervey Bay (opposite Pialba shops and next to the Anzac Memorial and old train station).
Cost: $8, or $6 concession
What to wear/bring:
- Loose or stretchy clothing,
- Shoes not necessary (but if you are concerned about your feet try Jiffies, ballet/dance shoes or non-slip socks).
- Water to drink
- A mat or towel to sit on (if you cannot sit on the floor, that's OK, you can use a chair or stand)
- Scarf to put around your hips, if you like (not essential), and
- A sense of fun!
Children and Bellydance
Kids love the colour, movement, music and ‘dress up’ of bellydance. It’s great for learning co-ordination skills.
We accept children from the age of 8 up as students in classes, as long as:
- Children 8 – 11 are accompanied by a parent for the duration of the lesson (the parent does not have to be a student, but must be present);
- They understand that it is an adult class, not a children’s class, i.e. the class is not designed to be specially suitable for children.
We find that children younger than 8 are too young to concentrate for the length of a class, so we do not accept children younger than 8 as students. Children are welcome to accompany their parent to class (when the parent is the student, not the child). There is no charge for a child accompanying their parent. However, they are the responsibility of the parent, not the teacher/s.
Belly dance Workshops for Conferences
We are happy to provide workshops at conferences where we introduce the basics of belly dance. Workshops provide a change of pace and help to energise and 'reward' participants. They can be from 20 minutes to an hour in length and the emphasis is on fun and trying something new. Both men and women are welcome.