Edmonton Bellydance Ensemble

Class Description

Class structure and technique is based largely on the artistic and talented Yasmina Ramzy and Arabesque Academy. All classes follow a similar structure that includes warm up, technique drills, and technique instruction of 2 or 3 moves. The latter part of each class typically involves choreography or folklore and a cool down.

Class types include Raks Sharqi (bellydance), American Tribal Style, Dancepoi and more. See below for details and class description.

Beginner I

This class is designed as an introduction to bellydance for students with or without previous dance experience. Students are taught the bellydance posture, how to isolate body movement and the basic dance steps. Arms, hands, stomach, legs and hips are used in both stationary and travel steps.

Beginner II

Additional basic and more complicated movements are learned. Shimmies are added to all of the Beginner I movements. Therefore, good technique and comfort with the Beginner I movements is important.

Technique I

This class is designed for bellydance students with previous dance experience. All movements taught in Beginner I and II are covered at a faster pace with focus on perfecting technique. This class is required for students transferring from other instructors. It ensures competency in foundational movements that are added and layered in following levels.

Technique II

All movements taught in Intermediate I and II are covered at a faster pace with focus on perfecting technique. Pre-requisite is a minimum of Intermediate II classes at edVenture Arts Inc.

Intermediate I

At this level, the movements are layered; meaning you will do two of the basic movements at once. Therefore, the foundation steps learned in the beginner levels must be perfected and performed with ease. Additional steps are also learned. Students wanting to attend this class must have taken the beginner or technique classes, or have special permission from Aurora.

Intermediate II

In addition to more techniques and movements, students are taught to recognize and perform subtle changes in the body, such as a change in wrist position, thus creating more artistic and emotional dancers. Students begin to work with improvization skills and musicality.

Advanced I

Prerequisite: Intermediate II and an audition
Students in this class are required to be competent in all the movements and be prepared to perfect technique and develop as artists. Class focus is choreography, stage presence and dynamics, improvisation and performance techniques. Students are encouraged to explore their utmost potential thorough understanding of music and dance.

Tribal I

An Introduction to American Tribal Style as created by Carolena Nericcio, director of Fat Chance Belly Dance. In a progressive class, students will be taught the basic repertoire from the fast and slow ATS movement vocabularies using fun combinations. Emphasis will be placed on learning the concepts of group improvisation used in ATS - the techniques behind dancing together without choreography. Finger cymbals will also be introduced and used in the class. Students should have previous belly dance experience and be familiar with various hip and chest movements as well as 3/4 shimmies.

Tribal II

Prerequisite: Tribal I A continuation of American Tribal Style belly dance (ATS) as created by Carolena Nericcio, director of Fat Chance Belly Dance. In a progressive class, students will be taught additional movements from the fast and slow ATS movement vocabularies along with more formations for group improvisation. Finger cymbals are required as they will be used on a regular basis. The movement vocabulary and group improvisation concepts learned in Tribal I should be perfected and performed with ease before moving to this level.

DancePoi I

Learn the amazing art of Polynesian fire twirling without the fire! A popular dance form in coastal areas, poi is fantastic to watch and wildly entertaining. This class specifically combines the use of poi and belly dance movements. Note: Poi required. This class is open to any level, but some belly dance technique is suggested.

Bellydance Bootcamp

Bellydance Bootcamp is a chance for you to get your smile and your sweat on! BDBC is a fitness based class with a bit of bellydance flair. Challenge your cardio, strength, core stability and flexibility in a fun and motivating environment. Make your Monday, or start your Saturday with a rush of good ol' endorphins! Previous bellydance training is not a requirement, but a comfortable and clean pair of cross trainers are.

Belly Burlesque

Get in touch with your inner diva! This class will focus on increasing your sensuality and body confidence. Each class will focus on natural body movements and isolations and will be heavily routine based. Props such as the feather boa, chair and fedora will be incorporated. Prepare to feel sexy and have fun!

DancePoi II

Prerequisite: DancePoi I.

Folklore

Prerequisite: belly dance experience
Students are taken taught the various movement and styles of Egyptian folklore. Dancers are given historical background and taught to recognize musical styles. Folkloric dances will include Mohammed Ali Street, Zaar, Whirling, Saidi, Assaya, Malaya, Port Said, Fehlahee, Tahtib, Khaleegy and others. Students are required to bring their own props - veil, cane, thobe, tahtib/dowel, are required.

Pro Course Prep

Prerequisite: Intermediate II or Advanced, or audition)
Createdin response to the demand of higher level students wanting more in depth information and practical experience at the professional level. This course is designed to challenge more advanced students and prepare students for the Professional Course at Arabesque Academy. Students interested in this class must be prepared to work on assignments.

Improvisation (Improv.)

Improvisation is a skill that requires regular practice and a fundamental understanding of Middle Eastern music and culture. It is the true art of belly dance. This class is designed to create an environment where students can explore and practice the time honoured skill. This class is open to any level, but some belly dance technique/movement is suggested

Ballet & Stretch

Bring the strength and grace of ballet into your belly dancing. Designed to teach and hone skills used in belly dancing such as spotting, turns, posture, arm positions, and arabesques. High level stretching and partner stretching included.

Ballet Basics

Shimmy and Stretch

An innovative new class that combines the cardiovascular exercise of shimmy drills and traditional ballet stretching. Two instructors for the price of one….Aurora and Natasha run this high-energy class that is designed to make you sweat and increase your flexibility. This class is open to any level of dancer but some previous experience is an advantage

Just Dance

Learn by doing! Inspired by Yasmina Ramzy, this class is an hour of dance, dance, dancing! Dance to different types of Middle Eastern music to expand your repetoire and learn different dance styles. Expand your musical understanding and sense of music driven movement. Class is taught in a lead and follow style with no focus on technique. No prerequisites, but some bellydance experience recommended.