Adventures in Modern Belly Dance, Intensive series with Ali Prater Tuesdays from 12:00pm-1:15pm, Starting April 18th-May 24th Join us for this six week intensive course which explores the art of Modern Belly Dance. This six week series is appropriate for brand new beginners as well as dancers with some experience studying belly dance. This class will explore middle eastern rhythms, zils (finger cymbals), technique, improvisation and choreography. There have been lots of innovations to the art of belly dance in recent decades, we will explore some of the modern stylizations of this dance, especially those rooted in the Tribal Fusion style. At the same time, students will learn the historical and cultural roots of this dance. Each class will begin with a warm up that includes, cardio conditioning and some yoga based sequences to strengthen the muscles we use in dance, while reinforcing strong posture. We will then drill some of the foundational movements, which often involve isolating one or more parts of the body. We will practice dancing while playing the zils (finger cymbals). Each week students will learn zil patterns that will grow increasingly more complex. Each class will include a short choreography combo and we will also explore techniques for improvisation. Students will be introduced to six classic songs that every belly dancers should be familiar with. We will end class with a yoga based cool down. Students who sign up for this six week program will be able to attend a bonus 7th class FREE of charge! In this final class, (which will meet at the same time on May 31st) we will watch some film footage and take part in a discussion about the history, culture and ethics of belly dance. Whether you have always wanted to study belly dance, or if you'd like to deepen your understanding of this art, this is the class series for you. Class fees: six weeks: $72 OR We offer payment plan options: $40 by April 5th and the remaining $40 by May 1st There is an additional $10 fee if you'd like me to order zils for you. To register please email [hidden]. Payments can be made via cash, check, credit card or Paypal. More Info below.