Everyday life can start to feel, well… everyday

This isn’t so bad when life is going smoothly. But when you’re busy, it gets worse: you get bored, then you get cranky, and before you know it, you’re buried under the stress. You know you need some “me time”, but you’re too overwhelmed to carve out the time.

Does that sound familiar?

If so, you’re the kind of person who needs to make room in your life for fun. A little bit of fun helps you regain your balance and energy when life gets crazy.

Belly Dance Class is a Weekly Dose of Fun

Belly dance class is fun. Really, really fun.  In fact, my top priority as your teacher is to make sure that you’re glad you came to class.

Here’s how belly dance brings more fun into your life:

It Feels Great

Moving your body just feels good. Belly dance, with it’s gorgeous moves and beautiful music, is an especially good mood-lifter.  And exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve self-esteem, especially fun activities (like belly dance) that you do just because you enjoy them.

Learning is Fun

I’m not talking about sit-at-a-desk learning; this is excitement-of-discovery learning.  In belly dance class, you’ll learn much more than moves. You’ll learn how to put them together to create a beautiful dance. You’ll also learn the history of belly dance, from it’s Middle Eastern roots to Boston’s special role.

Accomplishment is Fun

Nothing boosts your confidence like a doable challenge. This is a real belly dance technique class, so you’ll be making real progress, not just feeling good. But there’s no pressure: every class includes basic options for when you want to take it easy, and more difficult options for when you want more of a challenge.

Fun Needs a Positive Environment

The class is supportive and friendly, with plenty of laughter. It’s a non-judgemental, safe place to explore your creativity and personal style through dance.

Self-Expression is Fun

Belly dance is personal.  But belly dance is all about you: what you feel, what you hear in the music, and the moves that feel good to your body.

Fun for Everybody

Belly dance is suitable for all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. In fact, part of what makes belly dance so special is that it looks completely different, but equally good, on each woman’s body.

No experience is necessary – whether you’ve never danced before or have happy childhood memories of ballet class, you’ll discover a completely different way to move.

You’ll leave class with your body floating and your brain humming.

But I’m too Busy to Practice!

Belly dance, like all art forms, takes practice to master.  If you’d like to quickly progress to the next class level, I recommend a modest amount of regular practice.

That said, I know that one weekly class is all the “me time” some of you can squeeze into your schedules.  It’s important to me that belly dance be a positive part of your life, not a source of stress.

For that reason, practice is optional in Levels 1 and 2.

In upper-level classes (Level 3+), regular practice will be expected.  But for now, if you choose not to practice, I won’t make you feel guilty, and you won’t fall behind.

It will take you longer to move on to the next class level, but that’s not a bad thing.  It gives you more time to enjoy the journey.

Level 1: Discover Belly Dance!

You’ll learn:

• dance posture, so you can do the moves correctly, safely, and beautifully
• classic belly dance moves
• traveling steps
• graceful arm movements
• combinations, to help you learn how the moves fit together
• elementary improvisation skills, so you can let go and just dance

Now offered twice per week!  

Somerville: Sundays, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Third Life Studio 33 Union Square Somerville, MA directions

8 weeks: June 10th – August 19th, with NO CLASS on June 24th, July 22nd, and August 12th. Please keep August 26th free as a make-up date in case of cancellations.

Price: $110 for the session, or $15 per week drop-in.

Early bird special: register by May 13th and save $10!

Level: Suitable for complete newbies and beginners with up to a year of recent classroom experience. Also a good refresher for students who have not been taking class recently.

Open to: Women only (Respectful male students are very welcome in the Thursday class)

Register Now

(Paypal payment also available upon request. Contact Nadira for details.)  

Medford: Thursdays, 6-7pm

ON BREAK FOR THE SUMMER Tufts campus Halligan Hall, room H108 161 College Ave. Medford, MA directions

You do NOT need to be affiliated with Tufts to attend this class. However, please remember that we are guests on their campus and behave accordingly.

Level: Suitable for complete newbies and beginners with up to a year of recent classroom experience. Also a good refresher for students who have not been taking class recently.

Open to: all genders. (Note: male students are asked to contact Nadira before registering)

Classes are limited to 15 students, so I can provide individual attention.

The Thursday class is on break for the summer. But you can still join the waiting list for future class offerings:  

Level 2: Beyond the Basics

Somerville: Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm

Third Life Studio 33 Union Square Somerville, MA directions

Ready to move beyond the basics? In Level 1, you built your technical foundation. In this class, you’ll start building your performance foundation.

You’ll learn:

• more challenging technique
• traveling steps
• shimmy layering
• armwork
• stagecraft and performance skills
• finger cymbals
• improvisation

8 weeks: June 6th – August 15th with NO CLASS on July 4th, July 18th, or August 8th. Please keep August 22nd free as a make-up date in case of cancellations.

Price: $170 for the session or $25 per week drop-in.

Early bird special: register by May 13th and save $10!

Level: Suitable for advanced beginners through intermediate. If you’re new to Level 2, or to my classes, please contact me to discuss placement.

Open to: qualified students of all genders (Note: Male students are asked to contact Nadira before registering)

Requirements: You will need finger cymbals every week, and a silk veil in some weeks. I will have these for sale in class. You’re welcome to buy them elsewhere, but please contact me for guidelines before you shop.

Classes are limited to 15 students, so I can provide individual attention.

Register Now

(Paypal payment also available upon request. Contact Nadira for details.)      

Level 3: Performance Preparation

In Level 3, you’ll start building the bridge between student and performer. Whether your goal is to go pro someday, or just be the best hafla dancer you can be, this class will help you get there.

This class will include:

• Intermediate and advanced technique
• Improvisation skills
• Stagecraft and performance skills
• Dancing with props (veil, zils, cane, balancing)
• Performance critiques

This level is not being offered at this time. However, Nadira does offer private coaching.