Heavy Hips tribal belly dance classes class schedule in Santa Cruz.

Turka Lila by Hamsa Lila

Heavy Hips

Tribal Belly Dance Class Schedule 2008

Strength, Empowerment, Community

Empower your body with the ultimate in holistic instruction and precision technique. Heavy Hips celebrates a fusion of modern, popular/folk

dance style of the Middle East, N.Africa, India, Spain and the Roma with the feminist spirit of reclaiming the sacred dance of creativity and

birth that is the inheritance of every woman. Palika is committed to a strong dance discipline and foundation of technique, coupled with a

positive and safe learning environment. All classes focus on body acceptance, building self esteem, dance as meditation and dance to build

body, mind, spirit, integrity and strength. Come see for yourself why Heavy Hips is the personal journey women of all ages, sizes and creeds are

calling their "church of feel good". Experience the change!

* Special Classes and Workshp Offerings - 2008

Prenatal Sacred Dance and Support Group coming soon!

Intro to Finger Cymbals & Rhythm Theory June 7th

Drillz N Zilla - A practice class for dancers new to finger cymbals. June 11,18

Class Schedule for Santa Cruz California

Classes canceled April 15, 17th due to pneumonia. Join yahoo group for makeups.

Resolve to leave a WAY smaller footprint!

Basics Level 1 - New Sessions Begin May 2008 . REGISTER NOW!

Tues Eves 5:30-7 Pm - OPEN

Thurs Eves 5-6:30 PM - OPEN

This class offered as a series only, no drop ins. ..... Registration Info Here!

Basics Level 2 - (by approval only)
New Sessions May 2008. REGISTER NOW!

Tues Eves 7:15-8:45 PM BY Approval New! Zills & Level 2 Technique Session 4/29 Tues Eve class offered as a Series only, drops in only if there is room.

Secondary Level 2 - (by approval only)
New Sessions May 2008. REGISTER NOW!

Sat Morns 9:30-11 AM Session 5/3 Series reg and drop ins welcome. Register Here!

Intermediate Level 3 (by approval only)

Sun Morn 9:30 AM BY Approval

ATS & Improv Training (level 3 and 4 only)

Thurs Eves 6:45-8:15 PM BY Approval

Advanced/Troupe Level 4

Thurs Eves 6:45-8:15 PM BY Approval

PRIVATE LESSONS OPPORTUNITY!

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY @ $60 /HR or $30/1/2 HR

REGISTRATION INFO HERE

WHERE? All classes held at the Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St. Santa Cruz

WHAT? ***Dance attire for class levels 1-4 : Cotton choli or form fitting solid color dance top either

midriff or waist length. Black leggings or dance pants and hip scarf. Hair is off the face and

pulled back or up. Layers helpful. PLEASE NO PERFUMES OR SCENTS!

All Students required to join the Heavy Hips Tribal Belly Dance Yahoo E- Mail List!

Recieve all the Local News, Director Updates, Workshop & Class Schedules.

Subscribe to heavyhipstribalbellydance

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Class Descriptions

Level 1 Basics offers an introduction to a dance discipline. Proper body posture, muscle isolations, basic large body movements and strengthening are emphasized. A foundation of dance technique is established on which a beginning repertory of dance steps are built. Technique is broken down to facillitate various learning styles and personal attention for all is a premium. An introduction to basic musicality in 4/4 is provided.

Level 2 Basics provides a continuation of the foundations established in Level 1. Posture, isolations and strengthening drills continue, tempo increase begins. Basic technique, repertory and combinations are introduced, simple layering and finger cymbal technique (zills) begins. Students begin to remember simple dance sequences and focus on arms and whole body presentation. Basic dumbek rhythm identification in 4/4 rhythms continued.

Level 2/3 Advanced Beginner is the preparatory class for upper level technique and extended repertoire training. It gives us an opportunity to introduce slow movement repertory, prep for ATS, and define and detail level 2 repertory as we introduce level 3 repertory. Increased attention to strength building, isolation drills, full time speed, finger cymbal accuracy and basic rhythm identification. Drumming and dancing 2x per week encouraged.

Level 3 Intermediate begins the committed study of belly dance and provides a disciplined focus on precision technique, core strength, and foundations with attention to detail. Addition of Level 3 dance repertory, focuses isolation layering and dancing with zills are core to the class. Students expected to handle longer dance sequences, extensive drilling and faster pace. Dancing with 2/4, 6/8 and intro to 9/8 rhythms, and intro to ATS improv. Students strongly encouraged to dance 2 times per week, study frame drumming and doumbek, and drill at home. Recognition of at least 6 drum rhythms.
Level 3 ATS focuses on Improvisational Group Choreography. Instructs students in the intricacies of attentive movement where the goal is to unify with the other dancers of a duet, trio or quad and move, respond, think and feel like one organism. Using the technique of subtle physical and energetic cues and a focused attention to one another to transition from one movement to another of a shared repertory, members of the duet, trio or quad act as leaders and followers to create a seamless and improvisational in the moment dance. Learn to interpret and lead cues, grouping and choosing movements that flow well together, floor patterns and responsibilities of the leader and follower postions. All students must be enrolled in a weekly technique class and have Director approval to join this class.

Level 4 Intermediate/Advanced focuses on mastery of precision belly dance technique while adding Level 4 material to the repertory. Class has a disciplined drill atmosphere mastering hands, arms, head, small and large body movements with complex ribcage, torso and pelvis isolations, traveling, layering, sequencing, syncopations to 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, meter rhythms. Technique class two times per week required. Focused drilling and refinement of ATS improv and dancing with props introduced. Mastering zill rhythms and recognition of 8 or more rhythms.

Level 5 Performance Troupe focuses on learning a repertory of choreography for presentation, ATS improv for presentaion, and performance skills. Entrances and closing, props, staging, costuming, performing w/live music and soloing . Exploration of traditional folkloric and classical dance forms and inspired or interpretative dance. Explore dance as ritual, healing, meditation, community building and strong focus on knowing of self for presentation.

Belly Dance FAQS ~ Administrative Policies & Fees

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~ Workshops ~ About Palika ~ What is Tribal Belly Dance? ~

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Debrae & Palika Spin Duo

Dance spirit dance and you'll catch a glimpse of freedom

Spirit Dance and you'll catch a glimpse of peace

Dance, dance, dance - let illusion slip away

Oh spirit dance - Oh let us sing!

Contemporary pagan chant, author unknown.