Dancing from the Heart©

A special class for upper-level students

Monday nights* (see below)

Classes begin Septemer 22, 2008

(no classes Oct. 6 & 13)

Recital May 2

Although this class is presented in a 10-week session you may drop in at any time, but understand that the classes are continuous in nature, and previously taught steps, combinations and movements will not be taught again in order to bring drop-in students up to speed. The drop-in rate for the class is $30 per class. The pro-rated charge is $25 per class (i.e., paying for the full session, but missing one or two classes).

Monday: 7:00-8:30; 635 Commonwealth Avenue (room 300)

(snow day makeup class Monday, December 15th)

Please see cancellation policy in the payment section.

These classes are on the Boston University campus but you do not have to be a BU student to take these classes.

SPACE LIMITED: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

* I do have a room reserved for Thursdays, and if the class reaches its cap I may offer this class a second night. That is why it is important to pre-register.

REGISTRATION: Send name, address, and phone number(s) to amirajamal@yahoo.com . Payment to my paypal account: amirajamal@yahoo.com, or send me your registration information and I will give you the address for sending a check. No credit cards.

******

As many of you know, I try to mix up the format and content every semester so that the class remains challenging and refreshing. This semester we are going to work from a standard song list, which includes over three dozen of the most popular and classic Arabic belly dance songs that you will need in your repertoire in order to be the best educated dancer. My students can take pride in the fact that they are among the few (across the country) who can say to a live band: "Play anything," and not be confused or unfamiliar with the music.

General Class Format and Content

                  • Learning improvising skills
                  • Working the five-part or classical Arabic routine
                  • Working with musicians
                  • Learning listening skills
                  • Reviewing music
                  • Putting together routines with recorded music
                  • Exploring psychology of the dance such as motivation and anxiety
                  • Working with props
                  • Costuming
                  • Posture and stage presence
and Drilling Skills such as:
                  • Steps and Combinations
                  • Detailed Zill Work
                  • Advanced Layering Techniques
                  • Shimmies and Drum Solo Work
                  • Taxims for Performance
                  • Precision Hip Movements

                   

This class is designed to meet the needs of students who are in, or beyond, an intermediate level, and who would like to work towards becoming a professional dancer, or work toward improving their craft to dance for recitals and student shows. This class is also highly recommended for newly minted professional dancers who have been out dancing on their own for less than 10 years.

Students who have not studied with me before are advised to purchase Language of the Dance at the beginning of the class session, as a study companion to this class.
 

Class Attire

You are expected to wear proper dance class attire. Regular street attire is not recommended -- this includes sweat pants, loose t-shirts, jeans, anything baggy or tight. Footwear is recommended (this is a carpeted room). Hermes Dance Sandals or half-soles are a perfect item and are available at Teddy's Shoes at 548 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 617-547-0443. I have had my Hermes sandals for about 25 years, and they wear well -- even for outdoor use. You may wear high heels for this class or dance sneakers or other dance shoes as an option on footwear.

Payment

The session is 10 weeks.

Payment schedule options:

  • In full for 10 weeks: $225 *BEST DEAL
    • Missing some classes: the charge is $25 per class. I.e., if you will be at 8 classes, the charge is $200. (You must give me the dates at the beginning of the semester)
    • Drop in rate: $30

There will be no refunds. However I do allow pro-rated advance absences. As a way to make-up any missed classes you are welcome to come to any other of my classes.

NEW CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event that too few students are present at the start of class, I will allow a 15 minute grace period before decided whether to continue the class for that day or to cancel it. If more students fail to arrive during this grace period, I may elect to cancel the class for that day. If I cancel the class for that day, a refund will be provided to the students in attendance within the 15 minute grace period. Students who do not attend the class or arrive after the grace period will not be entitled to the refund for the class.

Language of the Dance, second edition with CD-Rom: $20 Strongly recommended

Assorted Classroom CDs: $15

Amira Jamal Language of the Dance Totebag: $20

ABSOLUTELY no refunds, credits, or carry-over to future sessions.

Mixed Level (Beginner through Intermediate) will be offered in Wellesley on Wednesday nights and in Cambridge on Thursday nights:

Wellesley Wednesday Night Class

Cambridge Tuesday Night Class

Framingham Saturday Morning Class