About Stacey's Classes
Students just getting started in dance (or bellydance) should attend the Introduction series.  During each eight week rotation, we describe and practice the core language, concepts and muscles used specifically to this dance format.  The class has a smaller number of attendee slots available to encourage a personal atmosphere where students can feel comfortable asking questions.  After attending an Introduction dance session, students may repeat the series or move on to the Mixed Level class.

Each Mixed Level and Advanced class series has a different focus or "theme."  Beginner class themes include veil, finger cymbals, choreography or dance combos.  Advanced themes vary and could include focus on a subset of isolations such as figure 8's or upper body work, stamina, layering, choreography, combos, etc.  Each class always includes a warm up, muscle isolation breakdown, practice and cool down.  Student performance opportunities are arranged periodically throughout the year.  New students accepted at the beginning of each series.  

CLASS DATES:  Tuesdays  Nov 15 - Dec 13, 2011 (5 weeks)
Introduction Bellydance Series
6:00 - 6:50pm
Learn the basic principles of posture, muscle isolation and timing.  Students are encouraged to repeat the series as necessary as reinforcement or refresher on the basics.  Students new to Suhaila's format or Stacey's classes must start with one Introduction Series to get the full benefits from the Mixed Level and Advanced classes.  No previous experience necessary.

Beginner / Intermediate Bellydance Series
Theme this series:  Introduction to Layering
7:00 - 8:00pm
One of the benefits of isolating movement is that you have unlimited options for representing different parts of the the music.  Why not hold down the percussion with your hips, while following the melody with your arms?  How does it look if you reverse that?  In this 5 week series, we will drill foundational isolations and play with adding layers to create interesting movement combinations.  Not only is it fun, it is a good way to "test" how well the foundational movements are in your muscle memory and explore your range of motion. Previous experience with Suhaila Salimpour format and/or Stacey Lizette's Introduction classes required.

Advanced Bellydance Series
Theme this series: Rhythmic Recognition
8:15 - 9:30pm
Knowing the most common Middle Eastern rhythms and how to interpret them in your dance is an important aspect for any dancer striving for professionalism.  In this series, we will focus on recognizing these common rhythms, some basic movement concepts and incorporate them into improvisational and choreographed dance combinations.  Registration requires instructor approval for new students.  Previous experience with Suhaila Salimpour format and/or Stacey Lizette's Mixed Level classes required.

What to Wear:
Please wear comfortable clothing in which you can stretch and move easily.  Yoga wear or jazz pants and tank top are most appropriate.  (No skirts, please.)  Bare feet, ballet slippers or jazz shoes are acceptable.  Hip scarves are optional.  If you do choose to wear one, please choose one with no beads or coins.  Thanks!

Payment and Attendance Policy:
Students may sign up online or pay at the door via cash or check.  "At the door" registrations are subject to availability.  Classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.  There are no prorates, refunds, credits or make-ups for missed classes. Please come to class on time so that you can participate in the warm up exercises.  If you arrive late, please find a space on the side and warm up before joining in class activities.  Thanks!