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We offer you the finest instruction in beginning, intermediate, and advanced Bellydancing.
Our main focus is to teach Mid-Eastern Cabaret
Dancing. In the countries where this dance originated, life is celebrated through dance.
So rather than being just a form of entertainment, the dances either tell a story, depict a particular lifestyle, or are performed for specific occasions (i.e. wedding celebratory dances or religious worship). The Cabaret Dance tells the story of women: The first part of the dance, which is fast, signifies a young girl, carefree and happy. The second part of the dance, the veil dance, signifies the young girl turning into a woman and shedding her adolescence, which is represented by the veil. The third part of the dance, the shimmey, signifies her joy in becoming a woman. The fourth part, floor work, signifies childbirth, and the finale, again fast, signifies her joy in being a woman, wife, and mother.
Nejwah has been instructing bellydancing for over 28 years (longer than anyone else in the Treasure Valley), and during that time has developed a time-tested method for teaching the movements in a layered
fashion, incorporating all of the elements which comprise traditional bellydancing, including finger cymbals (zils) and veils.
Nejwah and her assistant instructors, Il Eyana and Mishka, follow a concise lesson plan which covers fast movements, slow (or taxsim) movements, and shimmeys. Although we will periodically teach you choreographed dances, our goal is not to teach you A dance, but rather HOW TO DANCE. We value and encourage the development of individual style, and wish to assist each and every one of you in finding yours.
During the first month of instruction, we will focus on the basics; in the second month, we will add finger cymbals; in the third month we begin to explore veil and floor work; and in subsequent months we
continue to add new moves while working on perfection of movements and personal stylization. After one year of instruction each student should have the tools necessary to choreograph her own cabaret routine.
Just the facts, ma'am:
BELLYDANCING
Monthly Tuition$40.00 per month
Drop-In Rate$12.00 per night
Monthly tuition due and payable
the first class night of the month. Nejwah's School of Dance currently accepts checks and cash only (please make your checks out to Nejwah's).
Your tuition includes your weekly instruction, open floor times (a monthly schedule will be posted), make-up time for class(es) missed, and access to a library of bellydance publications. (Note: Exercise balls are also available during open floor practice times, space permitting.)
Private Lessons$30.00 per hour
Private lessons are available by appointment for those who feel they need individual attention, those who have a desire to move beyond their current class
level, or those wishing to explore a specialized dance (i.e. cane dancing, sword dancing, drum solo, etc.)
CLASS CONTENT
Beginning Level I
Covers basic body movements. Breakdown instruction of fast steps, slow movements, and arms. Introduction to finger cymbals.
Beginning Level II
Continuation of movement
repertoire and integration with finger cymbals. Introduction to Veil Work.
Intermediate Level I
Continuation of movement repertoire.
Transitioning of finger cymbals and shimmies from half to full time. Introduction to Floor Work. Instruction in choreographed Egyptian Folk Dances.
Intermediate Level II
Continuation
of movement repertoire, with an emphasis on perfection of movements. Further exploration of finger cymbals, incorporating many various patterns. Continuation of instruction in choreography.
Advanced
Continuation of movement repertoire, with an emphasis on perfection of movements. Further exploration of finger cymbals, incorporating many various patterns.
Continuation of instruction in choreography. Coaching and exercises to help each individual find her own personal dance style. Exploration in freestyle versus choreographed dancing, and instruction in how to choreograph. Instruction in prop dancing, i.e. sword, candle, cane, etc.
Bellydance Basics
This class is designed as a fast-forward instructional tool in order to integrate new students to the lowest-level class, or for the Beginning or Intermediate student who
wants to perfect technique. The class is comprised of movement breakdown and execution only, with very little drill or practice time.
BellyBuster
The bellydance equivalent of jazzercise
or aerobics; for those who want a good, solid workout but who are not necessarily interested in learning The Art of Bellydance.
Open Floor
Currently held Monday through Thursday. Open
for individual practice from 5:00 to 5:15. Instructional videos (one selection per week) from 5:15-5:45. Review of previous weeks' new movements from 5:45 to 6:00.
Available at no charge for registered students in good standing. Drop-ins welcome, $12.00.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A current schedule of classes will
be posted on the bulletin board at all times (or contact Nejwah at 906-1402 to request a copy).
If you are forced to miss your scheduled class, you may attend a class on any other night of the same week. (Please choose a class closest to your level whenever possible.) If you cannot attend on an alternate night within the same week, please attend "Open Floor" prior to your class the following week for the breakdown of the movement(s) you missed.
The weekly movement breakdown is intended to allow those students who missed the previous week the opportunity to walk through the movements at an introductory pace; if you have missed more than two weeks,
please schedule a private lesson with your instructor.
Whenever possible, please inform The School if you are not able to make it to class. You can reach Nejwah (or leave a voicemail message) at
377-8301 or 371-0533.
Please inform your instructor of any discomfort or frustration you may be experiencing (physical or emotional) at any time during your class experience. We want this to be a
positive experience for everyone.
Finally – HAVE FUN!
--- Nejwah
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