Beginner Troupe: “RAKS HABIBI”

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE ENTRY AS YOUR QUESTIONS ARE LIKELY ANSWERED BELOW.
___________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION:
This class is the second stepping-stone to learning Belly Dance. The Beginner Troupe classes cover introductory level choreography, stage/performance technique, and sometimes special classes on props such as veils, finger cymbals, etc.

___________________________________________________
PREREQUISITES:
Because Belly Dance has an extensive movement vocabulary, students should have about 6-12 months of Linda’s beginner 1 classes or the equivalent from another instructor (not including videos) before joining the troupe. Of course some students will need more or less time than others to be ready for this. So if you are unsure of which class to take, feel free to contact Linda to find the right class for you.

Many students continue taking beginner technique classes in addition to being in the troupe. This helps the student continue building their movement vocabulary and hone their technique.

If a dancer is struggling to keep up in the troupe, Linda reserves the right to require the student to take beginner technique classes in addition to or instead of being in the troupe.

___________________________________________________
PERFORMANCES:
As a troupe, dancers are expected to do at least 2 performances per year. There will be many more opportunities for students to perform as a group. Students may choose to perform in each one or in only the 2 with which they feel most comfortable.

Performances will include hafla/belly dance party events. Students will not be performing for the general public.

There is no audition required to join the group.

___________________________________________________
COSTUMES:
Students are responsible for the cost of their costumes. Linda will arrange, whenever possible, for wholesale prices on required costumes. Students are not required to show their stomach or any other body part with which they they feel uncomfortable showing. Linda will present costume options for the troupe and students will vote on the final decision. New costumes will be purchased usually once per year, more/less often if the troupe agrees to do so. Generally costuming is around $55 and no more than $75.

___________________________________________________
OTHER INFO:
Some classes or sessions of classes will be open to general students as well as troupe members depending on the topics. These times will be noted in the schedule below.

Music:
Students are expected to purchase the music used for the choreography when available.
Special edits or music that is out of production (and not available online) will be provided by Linda via email or CD at no charge.

Video:
Students are welcome to record Linda performing the choreography for personal use only.
If at any time, a video of student choreography is posted publicly online (such as on youtube or facebook); recording in class will no longer be an option for ANY student in ANY class in the future.
Linda may sometimes allow video to be posted securely online (such as under a private or unlisted link). However, students are not allowed to do so without Linda’s express, written, consent.

Thank you for respecting the intellectual property rights of our community’s dancers and musicians.

___________________________________________________
PRICING:

  • This level is offered in class packages only unless otherwise specified in the schedule.
  • Classes are $10 each; payable at the beginning of each month. For instance, if there are 4 Wednesdays in the month, students pay $40 at the first week’s class. If there are 5 wednesdays, they would pay $50.
  • Some months may have as few as 2 or 3 classes, depending on holidays, etc.
  • If a class is canceled due to illness, weather, etc. students may roll over a $10 credit to the next month of troupe.

    • Discounts and Missed Classes:

  • If you miss a class during a choreography, you may use the dollar equivilant towards a private lesson or you may drop in on a Beginner technique class of your choice.
  • Missed class credits must be used within 1 month of the missed class. Otherwise the credit is expired.
  • As a member of the troupe, you may drop in on technique classes for just $10.
  • Students are expected to attend at least 85% of classes. If your schedule will not allow for this consistency, it’s best to just take technique classes and wait to join the troupe.

    • ___________________________________________________
    GETTING STARTED:

  • Students may start only at the beginning of the choreography unless other arrangements are made in advance with Linda or noted in the schedule.
  • Please fill out a registration form before coming to class: CLICK HERE
  • All Beginner Troupe classes are listed in the schedule below. However, in case of schedule changes, be sure to join Linda’s mailing list click here.
  • For general questions about Linda’s classes (including what to wear) or Middle Eastern Dance, please see:
    Frequently Asked Questions: click here About Mid-East Dance click here

    • ___________________________________________________
    SCHEDULE:
    Click on the studio name for directions and info.
    DO NOT use GPS or google to get to this location!

    WEDNESDAYS: 7:35-8:35 pm at The Dancer’s Edge in Brentwood

    New choreography Starting January 11th, 2012:
    “Habibi Ya Nour el Eini” – A romantic, modern-style choreography with veils and a hint of Spanish fusion.
    Original choreography by Conchi of Ohio;
    Edited and staged by Linda Riyad

    -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
    Current class cancellations are as follows:

  • No current class cancellations

    • _____________________________________________________