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I am very passionate about Egyptian Raqs Sharqi and Egyptian Folklore.  So many great dancers came out of Egypt between the 1930's-1980's; casting an everlasting impression on those of us who have been fortunate enough to see even a glimpse of their artistry.  My personal aspiration is to take all the fascinating and wonderful elements of their dance, make it my own, and continue to be a part of keeping their legacy alive.

 

As dancers, and especially as teachers, we have a great responsibility to preserve the integrity of our art form. I strive to concentrate on the elegance, authenticity, technique and inherent fun of Egyptian cultural dances.  I choose to focus on quality of movement -- understanding the music, knowing what to do when and why -- and sharing that knowledge with students who are interested in taking their dance to the next level.

Current Workshop / Class Topics include:

 

 

*Oriental Entrance  Piece:  Set Choreography OR Choreography Improv Lab

 

*Tabla Solo

 

*Saiidi (with or without assaya /cane)

 

*Eskanderani (with or without meleya)

 

*Shamadan

 

*Orientale Classique 

 

*Turns, Transitions & Combos

 

*How to Choreograph to Music--Listening to the Musical Cues 

 

*Beledi

 

*Pop or Shaabi 

 

*Folklore Cocktail

 

*Ballet For Belly Dancers Series

 

 

Folklore Cocktail

 

All Levels 

 

Vanessa will cover up to 5 types of dances, discuss the music,

appropriate costuming, go over the basic steps, and teach a short combo for each of them

to give the students a further understanding of each topic and concept. 

 

Topics can include: 

*  Shamadan  (no Shamadan nescessary)  *  Nubian  *  Falahy  *  Gawazee

*  Eskenderani (meleya or veil would be helpful)  *  Saiidi  *  Bambouti  *  Shaabi

 

Sample some of the dances you don't see or have a reason to practice every day!

 

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