Belly Dance with Samira

Contact Information:
dancer.samira@yahoo.com
706-352-9408

Blog: To make it easier to get information to you, I have set up a blog for my classes
www.athensraks.com. Handouts, sample videos, etc. will all be posted there. You can
subscribe by email to find out when something is posted, so no having to remember to check it.
Class Description:
Bellydance Basics - Students will learn the core movements used in all styles of belly dance
along with traveling steps, combinations, basic choreography and an introduction to Middle
Eastern music. Belly dance is a fun, low impact way to improve whole body strength,
conditioning, and coordination. Completion of this course prepares students for any Beyond
Basics Belly Dance Class.
Bellydance Beyond Basics Core movements will be refined and will be layered with each
other. Focus will be on dancing with the music through the use of combinations and class
choreographies. More emphasis will be placed on dance styles, stage presence, and use of
music. Students should have a minimum of 5-6 (1 semester) months of beginner/basics before
taking this course.
Class attire
Wear comfortable dance, work out or yoga attire that you can move freely in. You dont need to
show your belly if you dont want to. Shoes are optional, but some students find ballet slippers
helpful. You may also want a scarf to tie around your hip so you can see, and sometimes feel
the moves
RESOURSES
Clothing and Costuming (this is not a complete list, just my top few)
Worldwide fashion (http://www.worldwidefashionandgifts.com/) Mala is a wonderful
local supporter of Athens dancers. Her prices are good and she now has a booth at the J
& J Flea Market, Building #2, Booth #31 (Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-3pm) Also,
like her on Facebook at Worldwide Fashion and Gifts
Check the scarf /wrap sections at local stores for things that would make good hip
scarves.
www.moondancebellydance.com
www.sharifwear.com
www.lrosedesigns.com
www.discountdance.com
Music (most of this can be found on Amazon or Itunes you can get good results simply by
searching for belly dance)
Bellydance Superstars Vol 1-8 (I especially like volumes 1,2, and 7)
Neena and Veena Essential Bellydance
Rough Guide to Bellydance
Anything by Gypsy Caravan
Tarkan
Hakim
Hossam Ramzy
Solace
Djinn
Natacha Atlas
Pentaphobe
Masters of Bellydance Series
Middle Earth Ensemble
10 Songs Every Bellydancer Should Know
DVDs and Video instructors
Suhalia Salimpour (conditioning and technique)
Rachel Brice (conditioning)
Michelle Joyce (conditioning and technique anything from Cheeky Girls {her
company} is a good buy.)
Aziza (conditioning and technique)
Gypsy Caravan (technique)
Jillina (technique) and other IAMED videos
Videos from WDNY (World Dance New York)
Reading
www.shira.net the most comprehensive site about belly dance
www.bhuz.com online belly dance forum
Bellydance: A Guide to Middle Eastern Dance by Keti Sharif
Snake Hips: Belly Dancing and How I Found True Love by Ann Soffee
Tribal Vision by Paulette Rees Denis
A Trade Like Any Other by Karin Van Nieuwkerk
Looking for Little Egypt by Donna Carlton
Ask Aunt Rocky by Morroco great source for information on authentic dance and the
history of American dance over the last 50 years

Want to see examples of good dancing? Go to Bella237s favorites on YouTube or watch the
videos I'll post on the blog.