Latifa's 2012 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
6:30 PM Beginner Belly Dance
7:30 PM Advanced Technique
8:30 PM Advanced Choreography
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 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 20)
Choreography students in this class session will have the chance to dance at Latifa’s Annual Student Recital on April 29. Rehearsals will be held on April 17 and 24 during normal class time.
May 1-June 5
Summer vacation – time to play!
September 18-October 23
October 30-December 11
(no class Nov 22)
Thursday Class Schedule
6 -7 PM Advanced Beginner Choreography
7 -8 PM Advanced Beginner / Intermediate Technique
8 -9 PM Intermediate Choreography
Thursday Night Class sessions
Each 6-week class session is $75 (that’s one 1-hour class per week).
January 19-February 23
March 1-April 12
(no class March 22)
Choreography students in this class session will have the chance to dance at Latifa’s Annual Student Recital on April 29. Rehearsals will be held on April 17 and 24.
May 3-June 7
Summer vacation – time to play!
September 20-October 25
November 1- December 13
(no class Thanksgiving)
Class Descriptions
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 Belly Dance (Tuesday, 6:30 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 combinations.
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. Students are expected to practice on their own to learn the choreography and develop the necessary skills and muscle control so that they can perform the dance independently.
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 execution of specific moves, with drilling and feedback. Students will be expected to complete homework assignments and take part in class discussions.
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 Technique (Tuesday 7-8 PM):
Advanced Technique classes will provide students with the extras they need to perform successfully. Latifa will drill aspects of technique; other topics will include learning improvisational skills; developing personal style and expression; moving with energy and intent; focus; etc. Latifa will draw upon her long association with Ibrahim Farrah to hone students’ performance skills.
Advanced Choreography (Tuesday 8:30 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.
Not sure what level you are? Contact Latifa.
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