Homework: September 7th, 2011

If you choose to practice this week, here are my recommendations:   Finger Cymbals: (play out loud if you can, muffled or “air zils” when you can’t) Bolero Zil Pattern: “shave and a haircut for my chicken” Bolero Combination: Step-cross in front (R) extend leg to side (L) with slight lean, gaze to the foot (out of the corner of your eye) Variation: add two hip hits (“butt-cheek, butt-cheek!”) Repeat on other side Tip: Practice this in layers. Start with just the footwork, then add the lean and gaze, then the finger...

Homework: August 24th, 2011

Thanks For a Great Semester! Thanks for allowing me to teach you this summer. It was a pleasure having you in class, and I was so impressed with how much you all learned. The fall semester will begin on Wednesday, September 7th. You can find details and package options on the registration page. As always, contact me if you have any questions or prefer to pay offline.   Cheat Sheet If you’d like to practice in the meantime, or if you’d just like to bask in the AMAZING amount of material you’ve learned, you can download the summer semester cheat...

Homework: August 21st, 2011

Thanks For a Great Semester! Thank you for allowing me to teach you this summer. It was a pleasure having you all in class. The new session on Sunday, September 11th. I hope to see you then. You can register online, or contact me if you have any questions or prefer to register offline.   Cheat Sheet In the meantime, I’ve posted a cheat sheet, with all the moves we’ve covered this semester, as well as the plug & play choreography notes.   Last Week’s Quiz Q: What is one way to make sure you don’t overshoot when you have a long time...

Homework: August 17th, 2011

News & Announcements Registration is now open for the fall session. You can find details and package options on the registration page. If you choose to practice this week, here are my recommendations:   Finger Cymbals: (play out loud if you can, muffled or “air zils” when you can’t) Try some simple dancing (hit-step, figure 8, hip slides) with the following patterns: Singles Doubles Runs (1e&a2) 5-5-13 (1e&a2, 3e&a4, 1e&a2e&a3e&a4) Beledy (I like chicken wings, not chicken legs) Shave and a hair cut   Hip...

Homework: August 10th, 2011

Finger Cymbals: (play out loud if you can, muffled or “air zils” when you can’t) Review all the patterns we’ve covered so far: Singles Doubles Runs (1e&a2) 5-5-13 (1e&a2, 3e&a4, 1e&a2e&a3e&a4) Beledy (I like chicken wings, not chicken legs) Shave and a hair cut (1, &a2, &) 3-5-5 (&a1, 2&3&4, 5&6&7) New pattern: rolls (&a1, &a2, &a3, &a4) Arm Concepts: Frames Start from the basic symmetrical positions: Look at my butt Relaxed horizontal Extended forward Behind...

Homework: August 7th, 2011

IMPORTANT: There is NO CLASS next Sunday, August 14th. Class will resume the following Sunday, August 21st. Continue to Review: Triple hip clicks (one step per three clicks, add “i love you, you can’t have me arms when ready) Triple step, or chasse (palms up, advancing), You Can’t Have Me (palms down, retreating) combo Hip, knee, and twisting shimmies Plug & Play Choreography, Final Section Music: “Leyla” from Belly Dancing for Fortune and Fame by the Mogador Band. (I have it for sale in class, if you want it.) Introduction Not...