Location:
Engine House Yoga - Parkedale
2131 Parkedale Ave, Inside the lighthouse
What is Raks al Sharki?
Colloquially called belly dance in North America, Raks Sharki is a dance form with its roots in the vast cultures of the Middle East, the Levant and the Maghreb. This beautiful dance form evolved from the blending of traditional dance steps and movements of many regions into the distinctive style it holds today. Raks Sharki has such depth that it also gave rise to new forms of dance such as fusion styles and group improvisational styles formerly called ATS. These new forms are what we refer to as belly dance. We at Aaliyah Dance celebrate the culture and history of Raks al Sharki while welcoming and celebrating the exploration of its movement and artistry and the many iterations that develop as a result.
What to wear:
Please wear clothes that are comfortable but not too baggy. It is not necessary to show your belly though you are welcome to wear cropped tops or sports bras if you like. Hair can be worn down as long as it does not distract you. Bare feet are ideal but do feel free to wear ballet slippers, foot mittens or other dance shoes if you prefer. Remember to bring your hip scarves!
Dance Bag Essentials:
Hip Scarf or sash, footwear if needed, finger cymbals, veil, notepad and pen, hair ties, water, towel and snacks.
Am I too old?
Age is no restriction to dance. Doctor approval regardless of age recommended.
Gender restrictions?
All genders are welcome.
What kind of a dancer do YOU wish to be?
Explore your style and your message. Find your inner light. Gain a strong technical foundation in foot work, hip work, isolations, and the use of props such as veils, canes and the use of finger cymbals. For those interested, we also cover the stage craft of appropriate costuming, expression, music selection and communicating with your audience.
Performances are strictly voluntary and at the discretion of the instructor.
Only students that are conscientious about attending classes and rehearsals will perform. Fall semester is a pre-requisite.
Engine House Yoga - Parkedale
2131 Parkedale Ave, Inside the lighthouse
What is Raks al Sharki?
Colloquially called belly dance in North America, Raks Sharki is a dance form with its roots in the vast cultures of the Middle East, the Levant and the Maghreb. This beautiful dance form evolved from the blending of traditional dance steps and movements of many regions into the distinctive style it holds today. Raks Sharki has such depth that it also gave rise to new forms of dance such as fusion styles and group improvisational styles formerly called ATS. These new forms are what we refer to as belly dance. We at Aaliyah Dance celebrate the culture and history of Raks al Sharki while welcoming and celebrating the exploration of its movement and artistry and the many iterations that develop as a result.
What to wear:
Please wear clothes that are comfortable but not too baggy. It is not necessary to show your belly though you are welcome to wear cropped tops or sports bras if you like. Hair can be worn down as long as it does not distract you. Bare feet are ideal but do feel free to wear ballet slippers, foot mittens or other dance shoes if you prefer. Remember to bring your hip scarves!
Dance Bag Essentials:
Hip Scarf or sash, footwear if needed, finger cymbals, veil, notepad and pen, hair ties, water, towel and snacks.
Am I too old?
Age is no restriction to dance. Doctor approval regardless of age recommended.
Gender restrictions?
All genders are welcome.
What kind of a dancer do YOU wish to be?
Explore your style and your message. Find your inner light. Gain a strong technical foundation in foot work, hip work, isolations, and the use of props such as veils, canes and the use of finger cymbals. For those interested, we also cover the stage craft of appropriate costuming, expression, music selection and communicating with your audience.
Performances are strictly voluntary and at the discretion of the instructor.
Only students that are conscientious about attending classes and rehearsals will perform. Fall semester is a pre-requisite.
