Latifa's 2008 Class Schedule
Unsolicited student quote:
"I was definitely having fun last night - you have a way of making it fun! I've told several friends and coworkers about you and your class... you're obviously very knowledgable and talented but just as important, you're a great teacher and you make it enjoyable. I think you are skilled at creating an environment where people feel safe trying something that's so foreign to them.
… The tone that you set with your light-hearted humor and patience with your students is just what we need - so I just want to say thank you!"
Tuesday Night Class Schedule
5-6 PM Beginner Choreography
6-7 PM General Technique (Beginner to Intermediate)
7-8 PM Advanced Technique
8-9 PM Advanced Choreography
9-10 PM Advanced Folkloric
Take 2
or more classes from Latifa and receive a $10 discount on each class!
If you wish to pay for multiple classes by credit card through Paypal,
contact Latifa
and tell her which classes you wish to take. She'll send you a Paypal
invoice and you can pay with one click.
Tuesday Night Class sessions
Each 6-week class session is $75 (that’s one 1-hour class per week).
January 15-February 19
February 26– April 8
(no class Mar 11)
Choreography students in this class session will have the chance to dance at Latifa’s Annual Student Recital on April 26. Rehearsals are April 15 and 22.
April 29-June 3
Summer vacation – time to play!
September 9-October 21
(no class October14)
October 28-December 9
(no class Nov 25)
Thursday Night Class Schedule
6 -7 PM Advanced Beginner Choreography
7 -8 PM Advanced Beginner / Intermediate Technique
8 -9 PM Intermediate Choreography
9 -10 PM Beginner
Thursday Night Class sessions
Each 6-week class session is $75 (that’s one 1-hour class per week).
January 17-February 21
February 28-April 10
(no class March 13)
Choreography students in this class session will have the chance to dance at Latifa’s Annual Student Recital on April 26. Rehearsals are April 17 and 24.
May 1-June 5
Summer vacation – time to play!
September 11-October 23
(no class October 14)
October 30-December 11
(no class Thanksgiving)
Choreography classes
Most of my classes are choreography-based – in other words, I teach
steps and movements that are then put into a dance. In my view (and
in the view of my mentor, the late Ibrahim Farrah), the dance and
the music are closely connected, and the dancer should be the visual
embodiment of the music. At the lower levels, learning a dance helps
the students remember the steps and movements. At the upper levels,
concentrating on one dance helps the student develop both dance
and performance skills.
Beginner Choreography class (Tuesday, 5-6 PM
or Thursday 9-10 PM):
If you are new to Middle Eastern dance (belly dance), this is the level for you, even if you are experienced with ballet, jazz or other dance forms. This is also a good level if you’re just looking for an hour of fun exercise every week but don’t want to practice movements outside of class. No experience is necessary. Learn basic belly dance moves and a short, simple dance.
Advanced Beginner Choreography Class (Thursday, 6-7 PM):
If you can do a shimmy and a figure eight, this may be a good level for you. Learn a folkloric or nightclub-style dance incorporating isolations, traveling steps, and musical interpretation. Dance may include props such as veil or finger cymbals. Exceptional students will be able to perform dance independently; others will be able to perfom dance with Latifa leading. Students are expected to practice on their own to learn the choreography and develop the necessary skills and muscle control.
Intermediate Choreography Class (Thursday 8-9
PM):
Intermediate students will learn skills such as shimmy layering; complex traveling steps with changes of direction; expressing character/emotion appropriate to the music; moving with energy; full range of hip movements; different types of shimmies. Dances may include props such as veil, finger cymbals, cane. These classes are faster-paced with less time spent breaking down and drilling basic movements. Choreographies are suitable for performance in a student show, hafla, or festival. Students are expected to practice on their own to develop the necessary skill and muscle control and to be able to perform the class choreography without Latifa’s help.
Advanced Choreography (Tuesday 8-9 PM):
Advanced students will learn complex choreographies based on the teaching and philosophy of Ibrahim Farrah. Dances range from dramatic Oriental to playful folkloric, suitable for solo performance in a hafla or restaurant. Props may include veil, finger cymbals, cane or sword. Emphasis on finishing the movement, graceful transition between movements, moving with energy, and theatrical technique.
Advanced Folkloric (Tuesday 9-10 PM):
Learn the folkloric dances of the Middle East. This class will include lecture and video as well as dance instruction and information on costuming. A different style will be taught in each session. Examples of styles: Egyptian Ghawazee, Sa'idi, Hagallah; Tunisian dance; Moroccan Schikatt; Algerian Ouled Nail.
Technique classes
Technique classes cover a range of topics. We will go over specific dance moves, with time for drilling and individual feedback. Other topics will include Middle Eastern rhythms (how to identify them, plus appropriate moves); a survey of different dance styles; classic pieces of music every dancer should know; the roots of the dance; and whatever else Latifa thinks her students need.
General Technique (Tuesday 6-7 PM):
Suitable for Beginner to intermediate levels. We will learn and drill basic moves like traveling steps, hip lifts and drops, shimmies, figure 8’s, undulations. For each move, we will start from scratch, then add variations for more experienced students.
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Technique (Thursday
7-8 PM):
This is an especially formative stage in a student’s development. At least half of each class will be spent improving the excution of specific moves, with drilling and feedback. Other topics listed above will be introduced as time permits.
Advanced Technique (Tuesday 7-8 PM):
Advanced Technique classes will provide students with the extras they need to perform succesfully. Topics will include those listed above, plus learning improvisational skills; developing personal style and expression; moving with energy and intent; focus; etc.
Not sure what level you are? Contact Latifa.
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