Sahara Dance

Performance Classes

Be part of our 7th annual Holiday Student Showcase! Join a performance class to perfect your dance technique, make fun memories and prepare for next semester's "Under a Desert Moon" celebration of belly dance!

Not sure a performance class is for you? Here are some reasons to try give it a try:

Student Showcase Performance classes culminate in our annual Holiday Student Showcase on December 7 (venue TBD). Choreography for the performance classes will be taught based on the corresponding technique classes; the performance classes will be dedicated to revising, rehearsing and blocking pieces for performance at the end of the semester.

Low Intermediate III: Veil Performance

A 90-minute class designed to condition, refine technique and prepare students to perform a veil ensemble piece for stage. Master fluidity, lifted upper body carriage and elegant veil movements while gaining confidence and performance skills. Students will perform at the student showcase at the end of the term.

Prerequisites: Permission of the teacher is required and previous completion of Sahara Dance Low Intermediate I. Concurrent enrollment in a Low Intermediate or above technique class is recommended, but not required.

Intermediate Repertoire Performance Class

Designed to prepare students to perform ensemble pieces for stage and to experience the camaraderie of group performances. Participants in this class will continue to refine technique while gaining confidence and performance skills. Choreographies may incorporate zills, veil, or other props. Students the Repetoire Performance Class will perform at the student showcase at the end of the term.

Prerequisites: Low Intermediate Veil and Zills; concurrent enrollment in Intermediate Repertoire Technique class.

Tribal Veil Performance

Designed to prepare students to join Raqs Caravan West student company. Learn a dance with both choreographed elements and the spontaneity and camaraderie of group improvisation. Specific attention will be given to low intermediate level combinations and tribal props (including sword and/or zills) or a Sahara Dance folkloric fusion (Nubian and/or West African fusion).

Prerequisite: Sahara Dance Low Intermediate III (Zills AND Veil), Introduction to Tribal or permission of instructor / concurrent enrollment in Low Intermediate or above required.

Introduction to Tribal Performance Class

Discover the spontaneity and camaraderie of group improvisation while learning the fundamentals of Sahara Dance tribal technique and movement repertoire. Specific attention will be given to transitional cues and formations for leading and following.

Offered in summer and fall semesters.

Prerequisite: Sahara Dance Beginner II Technique or permission of instructor / concurrent enrollment in Low Intermediate or Tribal Technique required.

Developing Choreography

Learn the essentials for developing a solo choreography to Middle Eastern music. Explore song selection, musical interpretation, transitions, diagramming music and other keys to creating a dance that dynamically reflects and highlights the music. This intensive class will include homework, videotaped reviews and group feedback to guide each participant’s choreographic process through revision to completion.

Offered in summer semester.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Low Intermediate Belly Dance & above classes; concurrent enrollment in a Technique class.