"There are two ways of spreading light: To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton
Above: Performing with Animus at World Cafe Live, Philadelphia - July 2011
Photo Courtesy: Lloyd David Photography
Belly dancing tones your physique, improves your posture and provides countless health benefits, all while learning some fun dance moves. It is a visually stunning and sensual art which unleashes the goddess in every woman! Even if you are professionally trained in other dance disciplines, you will notice after your first lesson that belly dance is unlike anything else you've ever experienced!
RENA'S BEGINNER BELLY DANCE CLASS
Karibe Dance Studio (near FIU)
10370 W. Flagler St., 2nd Floor
Miami, FL 33174
Belly Dance recently became part of the dance curriculum at Karibe Dance Studio, a salsa studio conveniently located just a few blocks northeast of FIU (Florida International University), near the Doral area of Miami.
This exciting class focuses on the basics of belly dance as well as the progression of delivering the stage presence and expression that is unique to this beautiful art form. After a warm-up, students learn isolation movements of the hip and torso, how to frame them with graceful arm positions and how to use them properly in combinations across the floor. Above all, participants will love what it does for them emotionally, physically and even spiritually!
First time attending a belly dance class? No doubt you probably have a few questions. Scroll down to the bottom section titled Helpful Information for Attending a Belly Dance Classfor answers on what to wear and more.
Class Day & Rates
Wednesdays from 7 - 8PM
$12/hr.
$10/hr. (with advance purchase of an 8-class card)
Walk-ins are generally welcome, but please contact the studio to ensure space availability
For registration and additional information, please contact the studio directly by calling (305) 220-1505 or emailing them at info@salsakaribe.com. Visit www.salsakaribe.com for additional information on studio services.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Need specific, tailored training designed to meet your goals and focusing strictly on you? Rena can provide private lessons for all levels of belly dance (from beginner to advanced) for more individual attention. It's all about YOU! Email her with "Private Classes" as your subject line.
Private Class Rate: $50/hr.
Note: Rate varies depending on travel needs
Helpful Information on Attending a Belly Dance Class
What is Belly Dance?
Belly Dance or Raqs Al Sharqi (literally, "eastern dance"), as it is known in the Middle East, is one of the most ancient documented dance forms. Today, it has spread throughout the world and has come to be respected as an art form as well an amazing and unique way to exercise. Belly Dance technique enhances flexibility, corrects posture, tones the physique and promotes overall health benefits while enjoying the beauty of the music and your own individual expression! It is an excellent form of cardio, yet low impact enough to be gentle on the knees and ankles, making it appropriate for all ages and sizes. Above all, Belly Dance is an elegant art form that expresses a full range of emotions as it celebrates womanhood.
What If I've Never Taken a Dance Class Before?
There is no pre-requisite to join this class, only a desire to learn. Many women who have never studied dance a day in their lives have taken up belly dancing successfully and even perform it professionally. Warning: Most students report getting "hooked" on this dance after they begin taking their first class! Once you start belly dancing, you may never give it up!
What Do I Wear to Class?
Wear comfortable clothing (jazz/yoga pants, leggings, tank tops, midriffs, etc.). It is not necessary to bare your midriff, but you may find that watching how your torso moves will help you understand the technique better.
You may either go barefoot or wear dance shoes (jazz, ballet or lyrical shoes).
If you have a hip scarf, don't forget to bring it! Don't have one? No worries, come out with your lovely smile and shake your hips anyway!
I Can't Make It To a Class, But Still Want to Learn - What Can I Do?
In today's world, where there is so much going on, it is understandable that we often find ourselves running out of time in our busy schedules to do what we'd like to do. An alternative to going to a studio for class is taking belly dance classes online from the comfort and privacy of your own home. There are several options from various master instructors who provide belly dance training online. Keep in mind that the fees for online classes will be more costly because of the benefit they are providing students who learn from home via the internet. Nevertheless, it is a convenient alternative for those who simply cannot make it to a class and are willing to pay a little extra with a master instructor.
I personally feel that there is no better method than learning with a teacher in front of you who can have a more hands-on approach, such as in a studio class or private session. However, this is entirely up to the individual's needs and/or preferences. The following are just some of the options available for online belly dance classes. Visit the websites of these outstanding instructors for detailed information and registration: Portia, Suhaila and Ansuya via Skype.
