Middle Eastern dance (belly dance), is originally an improvised "solo” dance that focuses on relaxed, natural isolations of the torso muscles, travelling steps, turns and spins. The arms are used to frame and accentuate movements of the hips, for dramatic gestures, and to create beautiful lines and shapes with the body, other movements may be used as occasional accents, such as low kicks and arabesques, backbends, head tosses, finger cymbals or a veil. Many of its movements are characterized as percussive and fluid with shimmies, shivers and vibrations incorporated. In this course, students will learn basic steps, incorporate finger cymbals or a veil. An integral part of each session is to perform warm-ups, stretching and strengthening exercises in addition to isolation techniques. No experience necessary. Please bring a scarf to tie around your waist and wear form-fitting clothes such as leotards or bike shorts.
Erika Ochoa is a contemporary artist of Middle Eastern dance, specializing in Egyptian-style dance. She has been dancing professionally in the Chicago land area for the past sixteen years. She has expanded her education outside the U.S. and Mexico, studying with Egyptian dancers and choreographers.
Students will learn basic steps and several combinations
Students will be able to relate to the basics of belly dance and work at home.
Please bring a scarf to tie around your waist and wear form-fitting clothes such as leotards or bike shorts.
