Workshops That We Just Had:
Rhea from Greece and her wildly talented daughter, Melina, came Sunday, Sept 16th:
This workshop was unprecidented! 35 women with trays and swords on their heads moving in unison. It was so amazing. Rhea and Melina had a so much to share of their experience and talent. The evening performance was amazing with so many fine dancers and talents displayed.
Shadia's Undulation Workshop:
Shadia's Undulation workshop on June 20th was wonderful. Dancers came from as far as 2 hours to learn waving and serpentry from the very highly acclaimed, Shadia. The warm up was worth the trip alone! Thank you, Shadia.
Tribal Night/Drum Circle:
On September 29th, we had a cool Harvest evening. Drummers came, Belly Dancers in Tribal array came, Kevin Smith came with many drums and the night had just begun. First, Kevin gave an hour lesson on basic rhythms we knew in belly dance and how to play them on the drum. Those who had never drummed had a great time learning these patterns as the more experienced drummers took turns playing solos over the top. Eventually, the dancers in the roomægot up and started dancing and the drummers took over the drum circle. We had a great time, learned alot and will have Kevin back for another Drum Circle soon. Stay Tuned.
Karim Nagi Mohammed's Rhythm for Dancers workshop.
This was thrilling. Aside from learning rythms and dancing to
them, we learned Dabkes. The energy of dancing as a group in a
Dabke was hard to describe. We were all feeling it. Thank you, once
again, Karim.
ABOUT KARIM:
Karim, drummer of www.turbotabla.com fame, takes the music and dance of the Middle East very seriously and yet he is an entertaining and fun teacher. Karim Nagi (resume ) is a group and private instructor at The New England Conservatory of Music, The Middle East Camp in Mendocino, The Simon Shaheen Arabic Music Retreat in the summer of 2003, and the Folk Camp of Tayyar Akdeniz. Karim has over a dozen private students learning Advanced Riqq (Arabic Tambourine), Arabic Tabla (a.k.a. Dumbek or Darabukka) and Segat (large brass castanettes).
Leilet Hob workshop taught by performing powerhouse-Phaedra!.
What a fabulous experience this was. Phaedra warmed us up to Tony Chamoun's new CD and then taught us a choreography that touched on everything! We veiled, we zilled, we did fast hips and slow. Leilet Hob is not a simple song and neither was the choreography. But, Ph' was funny and kept us moving andl we got it! Plus, she brought handouts and some vintage music and costumes. We were very proud to have partaken in this workshop. Thanks, Phaeda!
ABOUT PHAEDRA:
With more than 25 years of dancing, teaching and choreographing under her beaded belt, Phaedra is known for effortless turns, seamless veil work, impeccable hip work and solid zilling. Pheadra played zils on recordings Mystical Veil and Katia in Youn el Farrah. A founding member of the Near East Dance Theatre, Phaedra choreographed and performed both classical oriental and folkloric styles for twelve years. Tirelessly promoting the dance as art, Phaedra and Katia have sponsored many workshops, bringing in their teacher, the late Ibrahim Farrah from New York, Yosri Sharif, Jehan, Samara, Riskallah Riad, Mahmoud Reda and more. Collaborating with Amina Delal, Phaedra developed a workshop series designed to prepare dancers for successful nightclub careers. Phaedra is one of our region‰'s shining examples of a dedicated artist. For more info including current classes and performances, visit ephaedra.com
Fall Recital was a hit!
THIS OLD DANCE - Hosted by FYI's Bev Herman
This show featured ancient steps being renovated, rejuvenated and delightfully demonstrated! Ancient Art Studios's dancers were greeted by an incredibly supportive audience and they gave a fabulous show. The sold out, standing room only event was staffed by volunteers of incredible skill and videographer, Mike Handverger of MDH Productions, grabbed the whole thing on tape. Guest Teacher, Katia, sent the intermediate level dancers out with a zil playing Ghawazi Dance. There were old pieces like Leilet Hob and new ones like Snake Charmer. It was fabulous. To purchase a DVD for 10 dollars, please send an email.
Ancient Art Studios is a dance studio dedicated to the timeless art of belly dance, in its many beautiful and diverse forms. Our hope is that this studio will become a temple tucked away just for women's dance: a beloved belly dance clubhouse.
Featuring a state-of-the-art, sprung bamboo floor, we offer a spacious, warmly decorated studio in which belly dancers of all styles and regional affiliations will feel at home. Large mirrors and ample floor space make this space ideal for:
- Troupe rehearsals
- Workshops
- Classes
- Individual rehearsal
- Small recitals
- Haflis
Ancient Art Studios is located in Berkley, Massachusetts, a short drive from Boston's South Shore and Cape Cod. Our studios are an easy drive from Boston, Worcester, Providence and Connecticut.
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Classes
Recital DVDs and PicturesRecital DVDs and Pictures are in and they tell an awesome story.
Call 508-822-6449 to reserve your boxed set of pics and video.
We Be Habibbi with Aurel is for absolute beginners!
By the end of this 8-week, introductory class, our Habibis will have been introduced to correct posture for belly dancing and basic moves that are the building blocks of belly dance. Enjoy a warm up, a cool down and a lot of adventure in between. Traveling steps, accent moves of the hips and ribcage, shimmies, finger cymbals, veil and 2 common belly dance rhythms will be the curriculum through which we learn that belly dance is a perfect tool for physical and emotional well being.
Azhar We Are is for any belly dance student who is has the basics down. Class focuses on mini combinations and drills to strengthen and build stamina. An optional group recital piece will be prepared for the Spring recital. Jump in!
Ghawazi Gals is for intermediate to advanced dancers who have finger cymbal skills. This class looks at belly dance through the lens of the full length solo belly dance show. Solos and group numbers are encouraged at the Spring Recital and the AAS Showcases with Live Band!
Almeh, All the Way
This class for advanced dancers is a taught in a format that gives specific feedback for dancers who want to perform to the best of their ability. Almeh dancers were very polished and to help dancers reach this goal, solo in-class exercises, improv and homework will be used. Plus, a set of CDs is available to accompany classwork that features live bands playing shows for belly dancers. Let's dance!