Alaska Awalim

2012-01-20T09:17:00.002-09:00

Spring classes, 2012

Foundation level Belly Dance 11am, Saturdays, January through April
$15 drop in, $80 6-week punch card, $50 monthly with an annual contract.

Advanced Belly Dance (instructor permission required) Sundays 5:45pm $75/month

Family Folk Dance Time TBA
This class is open to participants of all ages, designed for parents who wish to participate in dance class with their family. We will use a combination of creative movement and folk dances from across the middle east and North Africa (including Beledi/home style belly dance) $12/person over 12, limit 3 under 12s per adult (it is okay to mix families to get the right ratio if you are coming with friends, as long as a parent or guardian is present for all children present)

All classes are held at Space For Movement Studio. Class will be held regardless of temperature, however make-up classes will be allowed if it is colder than -30 or if there is a travel advisory.

Fall 2011 classes

2011-09-24T07:11:00.004-08:00

Ongoing classes:
Tues. 5:30-6:30, beginning- intermediate mixed level technique
Tues. 6:30-7:30, advanced technique
$15 drop in, $80 for a 6 week pass, $140 full semester

6 week session beginning Oct. 8
Sat. 11-noon, introduction to belly dance, $80

$75 monthly all access pass is also available.

Special events:
Oct. 15, 6pm- drum & dance circle. Come right at 6 to learn about Middle Eastern rhythms, or drop in any time for a drum/dance/music jam session. We will have a couple extra drums, but please bring your own (and maybe one to share!) Melodic instruments also welcome. Please consider a $5 donation to cover rental costs, but come no matter what!

Nov. 19, 4:30pm- Costume bra workshop. $50, materials included. Bring a decent fitting bra, preferably hard cup, for sizing (we will not cut or otherwise mar the sizing bra!) and walk out with a custom fit bra, ready to be covered & decorated!

requested bra cup making instructions...

2011-09-24T06:50:00.005-08:00

notes from the bra making workshop- © Lara Lotze, 2011
forget bra patterns- make your own! I was so frustrated with *everything* I found, I developed my own method. If you use this method or share it, please give credit where it is due! I spent months researching and experimenting, and I'd like to get at least acknowledgement for sharing my efforts!

(I hope to post pictures soon, but I am lousy at getting things to load on my slow connection!)

Supplies from http://www.bramakerssupply.com/ *underwire(long) *underwire casing
Supplies from Joann's *Pellon- request the thickest stiffener/interfacing available
General supplies *1/2 inch medical/first aid tape *craft scissors *sweedish tracing paper or other drape-able pattern paper *standard sewing supplies (thread, sewing machine, pins, etc)

step 1- find a set of underwires that fit you. They should lie flat against your chest, without pinching any breast tissue.

step 2- get out your best fitting bra, preferably a hard cup of some kind. if you need to fill a cup to get it to reflect actual breast size (soft cup bra) fill a balloon with rice until it is the appropriate size & place it under the cup.

step 3- use medical tape to mark a line from the bottom center of the cup, across the nipple line to the under arm edge. (if you can't eyeball it, use chalk or something washable to mark your nipple while wearing the bra you are using for sizing)- on most bras, this should put the end of the line at about 1/2- 1 inch below the top of the under arm edge of the sizing bra.

step 4- find the center of that line and use the medical tape to mark a perpendicular line from the center to the bottom side edge (so you should have a T of tape on the bra)

step 5- carefully take the tape off the bra and place on your pattern paper. Use the edge of your underwire to start a curve of the right shape on either side of the tape- we are going to take a tuck here in a minute, so you are going to have to continue & adapt the curve such that it goes around the bottom of that T smoothly.

step 6- cut around that curve line and down the (horizontal) center of the tape at the top of the T.

step 7- use medical tape to attach your pattern piece to the edges and center of the underwires. Here is the really tricky part. take 2 tucks, one on either side of the center, to get the bottom edge of the curve to fit the wire while adding depth to the center to hold the boob. tape along the length of your tuck, from the edge all the way to the center (extend the line all the way to the center edge!)

step 8- take the pattern piece off the wires. Mark each section of the pattern out, middle, in, use arrows to indicate which side of the pattern piece is the outside (so it will look something like this: <--out|mid|in--> ) cut down the middle of the tuck-tape.

step 9- trace this onto new, pristine pattern paper and add 1/4 inch seam allowance to both sides of the *middle* section only. Remember to transfer all your markings

step 10- somewhere around here, you have pattern paper with half a strip of medical tape stuck to it. Find it and use that tape as the bottom of the next pattern piece. it should be min. 1 inch higher than the medical tape. cut a 45 degree angle from the top of the medical tape into the top part of the pattern piece on both sides. Note that, since you measured across the nipple line, you are guaranteed at least 1 inch of nipple protection coverage! You can make it more if you need to.

step 11- trace all pattern pieces on your pellon twice- remember to flip the cup pattern pieces for the second cup. I usually mark the pieces cut from the flipped patter pieces with a 2, in addition to transferring the other markings.

step 12- pin the pattern pieces for the lower half of the cup with a1/4 inch overlap- this is why we didn't need seam allowances on all the pieces! pin a lot, because it is hard to maintain the curve when you sew if you don't!

step 13- sew the bottom part of the cup.

step 14- pin the upper edge, with 1/4 inch overlap, sew.

step 15- sew the other cup

step 16- invert both cups (this *should* minimize the lines of excess pellon, but feel free to shear it down with scissors if you still have excess) The bra cups will still look a little wide and flat

step 17- sew underwire casing to the inside of the bra cups- leave a little extra to fold over at the ends.

step 18- insert underwires. Wow! admire that curvy, perfectly fitting cup!

step 19- depending on what kind of straps you use (halter, standard, etc) you will need to take a tuck in the top to make it contour properly. simply cut in the middle to the seam line, overlap and stitch. Use craft scissors to trim & shape the center top edge of the bra (the instructions here essentially have one bra cup running into the next for folks who want full coverage, but since pellon does not fray, it is easy to just cut away to your desired shape.)

Notes on finishing the bra will come in another post.

Spring/Summer workshops & classes

2011-05-05T04:39:00.003-08:00

Spring/Summer line up

Reminder- regular classes run through June 7. Beginning/mixed level drop in class Tuesdays at 5:30, Performance class 6:30, $15 drop in or $80 6 week punch card.

Mother/Daughter Belly Dance Party
May 21, Noon-1
In honor of Mother's Day, I've decided to make May's belly dance workout a mother-daughter affair! Register for class and bring your mother or daughter for free! Ages 8-108 welcome, and I'll accept unofficially adopted family members if your real relations can't be with you. Beginners welcome. Feel free to dress up & have fun with this one! Saturday, May 21, Noon-1pm, $10/pair.

Quarterly Zill Drill
Saturday, June 11, 2-4 pm

Costuming Series:
Bra & Belt construction from scratch
July 16, 4-6pm
How to make a strong, supportive bra from scratch, from materials to design to lining, plus belt construction, basic costume construction and draping and fitting principles. Materials fee included, please bring your own cover fabric to work with. $35

Beading & Embellishing
August 20, 4-6pm
Bead and sequin embroidery technique and design for costumes, appliques and fringe. Materials fee included. You are welcome to bring your own base if you are working on a current project. $35

Happy Spring!

2011-03-10T20:00:00.003-09:00

It's that time again!
Quarterly Finger Cymbal Intensive is coming up
Saturday, March 19 from 4-6pm at Space For Movement.

Brush up on basic technique, learn a new rhythm or two, then work it
all into a simple dance routine. This month we will focus on the
rhythms typically found in an Egyptian Beledi Taqsim routine. All
levels welcome! $20, online registration available at http://alaskaawalim.com/classes.php

Registrants also receive a $5 coupon for finger cymbals or rhythm
tutorial CDs from Alaska Awalim at Space For Movement.

Weekly class:
Introduction to Egyptian Style Belly Dance
March 22- May 24, Tuesdays 5:30-6:30.
This class is a little different from my typical beginning
classes, in that it focuses on the specific technique and aesthetic of
classic and modern Egyptian style, rather than a broader, more
universal introduction. Great for beginners looking for classic
technique, or advanced dancers who want to get a handle on this
dynamic style of dance. $125 for this special 10 week class or $15 drop in.

Preregistration is also open for the
Torso, Arms & Hands Workshop.
April 16 4-6pm at Space For Movement.
We will cover basic upper body conditioning, posture, various stylistic variations for arms and
hands, and (by special request!) belly rolls and undulations. $25

Summer plans:
We will continue holding monthly workshops through the summer-
I am taking requests for topics right now, so let me know if there is anything you are eager to work on! A list of possible workshop topics is at the bottom of this page http://alaskaawalim.com/classes.php
A costuming class would also be an option.
I am thinking of doing either a basic beading class or a bra construction class
(not decorating, actually starting with fabric and ending with a bra base!)

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Lara Lotze
Alaska Awalim

Looking to the New Year

2010-12-10T05:27:00.003-09:00

Special events for January & February:

ShimmyFit workout, January 1, 11am-1pm

. $25, open to all levels & appropriate for beginners.

Tunisian Dance workout, January 15, 4-6pm
. $25, open to all levels- survey of Tunisian dance styles & music.
Brothers of the Baladi music workshop, February 12, 4-7pm
. $40, Middle Eastern drumming at Space For Movement,
. Eastern modes & melodies at The Music Room (adjoining)
Brothers of the Baladi Concert, February 13, 4pm
. Local dancers collaborate with this Grammy nominated Global Rock
. band for a smashing good show!
. Pioneer Park Centennial Center Theater- $28, tickets available at
. www.midnightmuseproductions.com, Space For Movement Studio
. and Grassroots Guitar

Regular classes

January 4-April 26
Beginning Belly Dance, Tuesdays 5:30-6:30
Advanced Belly Dance (with instructor permission only), Tuesdays 6:30-7:30

Current classes

2010-10-27T09:23:00.002-08:00

4 week beginning class begins Thanksgiving weekend- Saturdays 11-12
Understanding Arabic Music continuing Tuesdays 5:30-6:30
Just Drills (multilevel technique class) Tuesdays 6:45-7:30
Prenatal/Postpartum fitness Saturdays 10-11

See below for beginning and advanced workshops coming up!

2010-10-18T04:55:00.004-08:00

Here is the workshop/class registration form for all fall 2010 offerings!

and a paypal button for easy payment to reserve your spot:

Fall Classes & workshops

2010-10-11T11:16:00.002-08:00

Thank you to everyone who answered the survey to help me plan my fall offerings! So, what did you all want? A little bit of everything!
Here is what I have come up with:

For experienced dancers:

Nov. 20
Floorwork, 11-1
Sword Dance technique, 1:30-3:30
$25 each or $40 for both

Dec. 18, 1-4
Choreographic Development workshop
(create your own choreography & remember it too!) $35
All 3 workshops $70 with advanced registration.

For Everyone:

Family dance day
(kids, grandma, dads, aunties, friends, etc. welcome)
Oct 16, 11-noon
$10 adult, $5 under 12, $20 per household maximum

Shimmy-fit boot camp (belly dance crash course & conditioning)
Oct. 23, 11-1, $25

Holiday belly buster class (okay, so I need a new name!)
Nov 27- Dec 18, 11-noon
$15 drop in or all 5 for $60

Shimmy fit boot camp part 2
January 1, 11-1
$25, or all events for $100

Continuing classes ($15 drop in or $80/six class punch card):

Understanding (and dancing with!) Egyptian music (int/adv.)
Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 begins Oct. 19
($80 materials fee for books & audio)

Just drills- conditioning for dance
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30

Prenatal/post partum fitness thru dance
Saturday 10-11-

The whole shebang- all classes, events & workshops for the fall semester, $350

Stay tuned for spring- we will be offering a Tunisian/Moroccan day and a little more fusion skirt work as well!

Cheers!
Lara
www.alaskaawalim.com
alaskadancer@alaska.net
590-3449

2010-09-17T05:58:00.002-08:00

Beginning Belly Dance- now only $125/ semester!
6 week punch cards available for $80, or drop in to see if you like it for $15
Tuesdays, 6:30pm at Space For Movement Studio,
410 Second Ave (across from the downtown parking garage)

2010-08-15T04:28:00.004-08:00

Quarterly Zill Drill
Finger Cymbal technique intensive
August 29, 2pm $20
We will be working on technique for improvisational zilling,
asymetrical rhythm variations (5/4, 7/8, 9/8) and zill/movement combinations

Tentative dates for next Zill Drill- Nov. 27, Feb. 26
(let me know if you have a preferred time for a Saturday drill!)
We will work on a rhythmic analysis of a classic BD tune, & pair it with cymbal patterns.

Fall Classes Start Septeber 2!

Tuesday:
5:30-6:15- Just Drills mixed level technique/conditioning intensive class- previous experience or concurrent theory classes recommended but not required. 6 week punch card $80, semester $150, drop in $15
6:30-7:30- Beginning Belly Dance- Foundational technique & theory, appropriate for beginners or for advanced students wishing to review and polish foundational technique. 6 week session, Sept 7-Oct 12 and Oct 26- Nov. 30 $80 full sesison, $150 semester discount, drop in $15

Thursday:
5:30-6:15- Prenatal/Postpartum Fitness Through Dance- Technique to help stay fit throughout the pregnancy, birth and post partum periods, plus a gentle, aerobic belly dance work out. 6 week session Sept 2- Oct 7. Babies welcome! $80 full session $15 drop in.
*Specialty topic classes will resume at this time (Thurs. 5:30) on October 21.*
6:30-7:30- Int/Adv Belly Dance- Sun Goes Down choreography will be taught through September, in October, we begin working on musical analysis of traditional & contemporary Middle Eastern dance music- $70 materials fee due in October to cover text book & music requirements. Semester based class, $180 for Sept 2- Dec 16 (no class on Thanksgiving!)

Don't forget our all access pass
which allows you to come to as many classes as you wish throughout the month!
Now only $75/month ($60 with an annual contract)

Skirt Dance Workshop Details

2010-07-16T17:36:00.006-08:00

Put a kick in your dance with World Fusion Skirt Dance Technique

Sunday, July 25 2-4pm, Space for Movement Studio on 2nd Ave.

World Fusion Skirt Dance draws principle inspiration from traditional Turkish and Russian dances, a little fabric manipulation from Modern dance in the tradition of Loie Fuller and Ruth St Denis, and a good bit of fantasy and imagination, all stirred together to produce an exciting and dynamic addition to any dance routine. Pioneered by dancers such as Dalia Carrella and Artemis Mourat, some aspect of skirt dancing has entered the repertoire of Belly Dancers of various persuasions across the globe.
This technique focused class will provide you with a basic tool kit of skirt movements to enhance your dance performances. We will drill a number of basic skirt techniques and as well as go over advanced ideas for making the most of this exciting dance prop.

$25 preregistration can be paid for via paypal or by dropping payment off at Space For Movement Studio. If you pay online, please come a few minutes early to fill out a registration form, or print it out & bring it with you (email me for the pdf.) $30 if you pay at the door.

2010-06-16T05:46:00.003-08:00

Summer performances & workshops:
Drop in classes Tuesdays, 6:30pm at Space for Movement all summer
$15 drop in, $80 six week punchcard
Fusion skirt dance workshop Sunday, July 25, 2pm at Space for Movement Studio $30
State Fair Demo performance (many local troupes & classes will perform) Tuesday,
August 10, 8:30pm at the Fergusen Stage.
Quarterly zill drills Sunday, August 29, 2pm at Space for Movement Studio $20
Enter the 'zill off' at the end for a chance to win cool stuff
("stuff" TBA, workshop participation not required to participate in the zill off)

Community events:

Tundra Caravan performs at the Pioneer Park Gazebo Thursday nights at 7pm every week in June
Midnight Sun events- Tundra Caravan will perform at Food Stock at the Howling Dog
Tundra Caravan, Tribal Wallah and Cold Fusion Dance will perform at the downtown street fair on Sunday TC 2pm. TW & CF at 4pm (Dance Theater Fairbanks will be performing at 3pm as well on the same stage)
Poi for Belly Dancers, Mellissa Wannamaker workshop hosted by Zara Noor, Saturday, June 26, 2:30pm
Belly Dance Workout fundraiser for Tundra Caravan July 10, 10-noon Pioneer Park Dance Hall

Spring recital & summer classes

2010-04-22T13:43:00.002-08:00

Don't forget!
Saturday, May 8, 7:30pm is the spring community belly dance recital at the pioneer park centennial center for the arts theater.
Tickets are $15, $10 students, military & hip circle members. Great way to see a sampling of all the different styles & instructors in town, not to mention cheering on all the belly dance students!
Hope to see you there!

Summer classes begin May 11
at Space for Movement Studio, 410 Second Avenue.
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30
We will be working on drilling fundamentals (level 1 technique) but will tailor each class to whoever actually shows up! I know summer is hectic and it is hard to commit to an evening class while the sun is shining, so this is set up as a drop in class from May- August.
$15 drop in,
$80 for a 6 week punchcard (valid May-Aug 2010 only) or

$150 for a summer pass.

Finger cymbals!

2010-04-22T13:35:00.002-08:00

The new shipment is in! If you want a particular style, please let me know as there are only one or two of some of the heavier styles.

In stock now:
name price weight (grams)
minizill $19.00 75
tinkerzill $19.00 75
turkish delight $19.00 100
nefertiti $21.00 100
modern $29.00 110
contemporary $29.00 110
arabesque $24.00 130
arabesque silver $35.00 130
modern heavy $32.00 140
contemporary heavy $32.00 140
persian heavy $30.00 140
moorish heavy $30.00 140
arabic heavy $30.00 140
grecian $42.00 170
grecian silver $54.00 170
afghani $48.00 175
saroyan pro $42.00 180
turkish delight pro $42.00 180
turkish delight pro silver $52.00 180
tutankhamun $42.00 180
saroyan pro silver $52.00 180
tutankhamun silver $58.00 180
arabesque II $45.00 180
arabesque II silver $60.00 180
ghawazee $48.00 188
nefertiti pro $48.00 214
nefertiti pro silver $60.00 214
afghani silver $63.00 230
afghani heavy $63.00 235
concert master $82.00 314

Every time I order, the wholesale prices go up- so if you like the current prices, get 'em now before they go up again!

2010-03-17T06:56:00.003-08:00

New session begins March 23
with Beginning Belly Dance
at 6:30 on Tuesdays
Folk Dance of the Middle East & North Africa
at 5:30 on Thursdays
$80 for 6 weeks or $15 drop in

New! Budget plan*
only $39/month single class
or $60/month all access pass.
*with annual contract- click here for details

complete class schedule:

Just Drills
Tuesday night 5:30-6:15
This class is intended for students with some dance experience or who are taking a concurrent technique class to get a little extra practice in. We will not take a lot of breaks for explaining or breaking things down. Students should already be familiar with basic Belly Dance movement vocabulary, but I will make corrections as needed.
$15 drop in, $80/ 6 week class card

Raqs Sharqi Belly Dance Level 1
Tuesday nights, 6:30-7:30
$80/ 6 week session, $15 drop in

Folk Dance of the Middle East & North Africa
Thursday nights, 5:30-6:15
Learn more about traditional and folkloric dances which influence Belly Dance in it’s native region. Rotating topics, you can start anytime!
$15 drop in, $80/ 6 week class card

Intermediate/Advanced class
Thursday nights, 6:30-7:30
In addition to advanced technique, we will be working on a sagat (finger cymbal) ensemble piece for the spring recital.
14 week session, $180 or $15 drop in.

alaskadancer@alaska.net
www.alaskaawalim.com
590-3449

January update

2010-01-03T16:01:00.003-09:00

Welcome to the world, Ava Joy Lotze, born just before Christmas.

Mom & baby are doing just fine, and I am looking forward to starting classes again Feb. 2.

If you are planning on taking the advanced class, please email me asap for the zill music we will be working on this semester- you have a whole month to get a head start!

Times for upcoming classes are in the post below.

Thinking of Spring...

2009-11-09T16:16:00.004-09:00

Spring semester, that is...

5 more weeks until baby is due-
only 2 more weeks of Belly Dance classes and no more prenatal classes for now-
but that just means I have plenty of time to plot & plan for next semester!

Classes will start again in February,
and we have a couple exciting new classes to announce:

Just Drills
Tuesday night 5:30-6:30
this class is intended for students with some dance experience or who are taking a concurrent technique class to get a little extra practice in. We will not take a lot of breaks for explaining or breaking things down. Students should already be familiar with basic Belly Dance movement vocabulary, but I will make corrections as needed.
14 week session, $180, $125 if taken concurrently with technique class, $15 drop in

Raqs Sharqi Belly Dance Level 1
Tuesday nights, 6:30-7:30
6 week session, $80, full semester (12 weeks), $150, $15 drop in

Men's Choreography class
Thursday nights, 5:30-6:15
This 14 week session will focus on learning a choreography for men only which will be presented at the spring recital, May 8, 2010. Concurrent technique class is required since we will focus solely on nailing this choreo for the duration of the class.
Since this is a shorter, choreo based class, the fee is only $125 for the 14 week semester
Drops ins are discouraged because we really need you here the whole time!

Intermediate/Advanced class
Thursday nights, 6:30-7:30
In addition to advanced technique, we will be working on a sagat ensemble piece for the spring recital- that's right, you and your classmates get to dance to your own, unaccompanied finger cymbals! you do not have to perform to participate in this class (but you know you want to!) I will have mp3s of the finger cymbal parts by the first week of December, so you can be practicing those cymbals while waiting for class to start again in February!
14 week session, $180 or $15 drop in.

New payment options too!

You can now pay for more than one session at a time & save, or set up a monthly payment plan. Watch for the nifty new buttons on the revamped website, due to go up later this week! Yay!

Solo Performance, September 4!

2009-08-17T13:27:00.002-08:00

Don't miss out! As part of the grand opening weekend at Space for Movement Studio, I will be performing a live one hour set at 8pm on Friday, September 4.

Admission is $10 for adults, children 12 & under are free. Plenty of time to check out the First Friday events downtown (don't forget to come check out Ellen Million's work here at the studio!) and then catch a fun show with the family before heading home.

I will be presenting both Classic Orientale Raqs Sharqi, a little bit of modern Belly Dance and a smidge of folkloric for good measure. Come join us!

Fall Classes

2009-08-17T13:11:00.003-08:00

It's that time again- Due to time constraints & building maintenance at Mary Siah, the Saturday and the Thursday Fundamental Belly Dance classes are on a slightly different schedule this year.

Thursday Fundamental Belly Dance will be held at the new Space for Movement Studio at 410 2nd Avenue at 6:30 pm beginning September 3. Classes will run in 6 week sessions, $80 for each session or $15 drop in. Contact me for early bird special pricing.

Saturday Fundamental Belly Dance will be held at Mary Siah Recreation Center at 12:15. Classes will begin September 19 and run through the week before Thanksgiving. This 9 week session is $120 or $15 for drop ins. Contact me for early bird special pricing.

Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance will be held Tuesdays at 6:30 at the Space for Movement Studio, beginning September 1. We will start the semester with drills for drum solo and move on to slow & sinuous taxim. $160 for the full semester or $15 drop in. Contact me if you need to discuss payment plans

Dancing Thru Pregnancy will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 at Space for Movement Studio, beginning September 1.
NEW, LOWER PRICING: $15 per class, $160 for a 12 class punch card, $300 for a 24 class punch card. Classes will be held twice a week through the end of November.

& for those who have not seen me all summer, yes, I am pregnant again! We are all doing just fine and I anticipate a great semester- we are, however, taking care of heavy shimmy instruction early in the semester while I can still handle it! Fluid movements & a focus on arms & ornamentation are reserved for November.

Fab new location!

2009-07-30T21:47:00.003-08:00

Fall classes start September 1 at the NEW STUDIO... more class info to come soon.
Meanwhile check out the new studio being opened by fellow Fairbanks Belly Dancer Joyce Young.

Space For Movement is located at 410 2nd Avenue, in the historic Elbow Room building in downtown Fairbanks. Joyce is hosting a first friday event September 4 featuring yours truly and a hafla/open house September 5. Come join the fun! More information here.

New Summer Classes!

2009-06-19T18:11:00.001-08:00

Beginning Belly Dance for the summer (by popular demand!) will begin July 11. Classes will run for six weeks at noon on Saturdays at Mary Siah Rec. Center. The cost for the full session is $80, $15 for drop in. Classes are 1 hour long. Hope to see you there! As usual, you can pay at class or online, space is available on a first come first serve basis. The deadline for the early bird special is June 30 ($72 which can be mailed or sent via paypal to alaskadancer@alaska.net)

Summer Classes!

2009-04-29T04:21:00.004-08:00

By popular demand, I am offering one more 6 week session before taking some time off for the summer

May 9-June 13
Saturdays, noon at Mary Siah Recreation Center,
Level 1 choreography- we will be working on technique specific to the choreography we will be working on, rather than strictly following the standard foundation level curriculum. $80 per session, $15 drop in

In June I will be visiting family, camping in July, but get ready for a folkloric intensive when I get back!

July 21- August 25
Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm at Dance Theatre Fairbanks (downtown in the old 7th avenue fire station)
Dances of the Maghreb- Tunisian & Morrocan folkloric dance- we might head over to Turkey too if we have time... 1.5 hour class- $100 full session, $20 drop in

(don't forget to email me for early bird discounts or if you want to pay via paypal)

directions to University View B&B

2009-03-21T07:27:00.001-08:00

Directions for those attending the Thursday night Raqs Sharqi class:

From Chena Pump road heading away from town
Turn Right on Chena Ridge Road
Turn right on Chena Ridge Spur Road
Turn left on Morningside Drive
Turn right on Hawthorne Court
Very first driveway on right.

New Spring Sessions

2009-03-13T08:59:00.005-08:00

Saturday classes have been postponed as well, as have prenatal classes.
Post partum classes are still ongoing, Wednesdays from 4-5pm at Dance Theatre Fairbanks on 7th avenue.

Prenatal classes begin Tuesday, March 17 at Dance Theater Fairbanks
& will be held Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm
$16 per class, $180 for a 12 class punchcard or $336 for a 24 class punchcard

Raqs Sharqi Belly Dance session A- March 26-May 7 (no class April 30),
Thursdays 7:00-8:00 University View B&B
Raqs Sharqi Belly Dance session D- March 28-May 2
Saturdays 12-1pm Mary Siah Rec. Center
$80 per 6 week session, $15 drop in, $120 for both concurrent sessions

(remember, foundation level sessions may be taken in any order and all are appropriate for beginers as well as intermediate dancers looking for review.)

2009-02-28T09:16:00.002-09:00

Thursday night class postponed!
I was in a car accident last week & need to be frugal with my 'strenuous activity' for a while. Saturday classes will continue as scheduled, as will the prenatal and post partum classes, however I have canceled Thursday night Raqs Sharqi classes until I have had a bit of time to heal.

A new Thursday night session is tentatively scheduled to begin March 26. It will run 6 weeks and be held at 7pm- location TBA

Thank you for being patient with me, my hips can't handle more than one hour of class a night right now.

2009-02-13T03:32:00.003-09:00

AfterDance change of schedule!

AfterDance postpartum fitness will start Wednesdays at 4pm beginning February 18 at Dance Theater Fairbanks.

Prenatal classes will continue at 5:30 on Tuesday and Thursday.

Hope to see you there!

2009-02-13T03:25:00.002-09:00

Update on Spring classes:
Due to some confusion & advertising issues- the February session will begin on the 19th as originally planned, but I will let it run 7 weeks, so those of you who signed up for the January 6 week session & missed the first class due to cold get that first week of the next session free, & those who are just joining get a little bonus.

The fee for the 6 week/7 week (however you want to look at it) is still $80, don't forget the early bird 10% discount available if you pay by this Saturday!

I have learned my lesson, I promise to schedule a week between sessions in case we need a 'snow day' from now on...

2009-01-14T18:48:00.004-09:00

Spring classes, 2009:
Classes were scheduled to begin last week, but, due to cold weather, I am counting last week as a winter sanity bonus and starting the 6 week session this week (January 15 for Thursday classes, January 17 for Saturday classes)

This means the second session will begin February 26 instead of February 19. There will be an additional 4 week rehearsal period for those who wish to participate in the spring recital Sunday, May 1.

Class times, locations and fees remain the same.

Hope to see you there!

New fall classes, November '08

2008-11-09T13:45:00.006-09:00

New 6 week session for beginning Raqs Sharqi Belly Dance begins November 8

There are currently 2 beginning classes:
Thursday at 7:15 pm at University View Bed & Breakfast
Saturday at 12:15 pm at Mary Siah Recreation Center

The cost is $80 per session or $15 per class.
I also offer discounts if you pay for more than one session ahead of time.
You can register & prepay at our website.

Please note, I have broken my level 1 Foundational curriculum into 4 six week sessions which can be taken in any order. That means that even tho this is session 2 for the year, even folks with no dance experience can still start now, and those who took the last session (session 1) will be learning something new.

If you are interested in my Tuesday night intermediate/advanced classes, or if you need directions to class, please contact me at 907-590-3449.