Teaching Schedule

Photo credit Gary Johnson, 2009

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	Belly Dance 101("A Belly Dancer's Toolkit") Should I begin with 101? Belly Dance 101 is a 12-week introductory foundations course (30,000 foot view of the art form)that covers vocabulary, history, posture, isolations, shimmies, undulations, traveling steps, fundamental dynamics of veil, the formula of the vintage orientale routine, a short choreography, basic zill patterns and the past and current influence of folk dance and  the Romani Trail on our art form. No experience is required to celebrate this ancient, athletic, artistic women’s movement form.   The next course of Belly Dance 101 will begin September 15 2010 from 8-9:15 p.m.  I look forward to seeing you there! $150/12 weeks (saves $30) or $15 drop in Belly Dance 101 $150/12 weeks Belly Dance 101 Single Drop In $15 A proud teacher... Photo credit Frank Clemmens Urban-inspired "A Modern Classic" Photo credit Keith Darkchilde, 2009

	Versatile Technique for the Curious Belly Dancer   Graduates of Belly Dance 101 that wish to continue in Melissa's format are welcome to move on to Versatile Technique for the Curious Belly Dancer.  The first 6 weeks of Belly Dance 101 or equivalent foundations training is recommended.  This is a mixed level class focused on refining technique, adding complexity through layers and overlays, and putting it all together into combinations.  Topics vary. Drop ins are welcome. Class focus is equally on these 5 points of the performance star:   1) Posture and Arms, Arms, Arms  2) Foundation Technical Skill 3) Staging 4) Presentation & Emotional Projection   5)  Learning and Remembering Combinations Classes on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30  p.m. with optional zill class from 7:30-7:45 p.m. at no extra charge.  The topic for July 2010 is "A Balancing Act: Melissa's Favorite Sword Tricks and Combinations from Classic to Cirque".  Bring a balanced  dance sword or borrow one of mine.  We will start with the basics and go as far as the class is interested.  No class in August but will resume September 16, 2010. $15/drop in or $50/month Versatile Technique Monthly/$50 Versatile Technique Single Drop In/$15 "There's a bit of madness in dance... ...that does everybody a great deal of good." -Edwin Denby Raqs means "to dance" or "to celebrate". Belly Dance is a celebration of body and spirit. MW Photo credit K. Darkchilde

	Belly Dance Unlimited   Intermediate plus level students that are interested in performing and wish to continue in Melissa's format are welcome to move on to Belly Dance Unlimited. Topics vary.  Focus is on technique, adding layering, more complex choreography and staging, cultural/historical context,  finger cymbal mastery, musicality, showmanship, performance prep, ensemble building and adding the dichotomy of control and abandon.   Strong technical foundation required.  Students are never required to perform publicly but the option will be available as appropriate.  Students from this class will perform with Ciccia Bella student troupe by invitation.  Classes on Thursday evenings from 7:45-9 with optional (recommended) zill class from 7:30-7:45 p.m. at no extra charge.  No class in August but classes will resume on Thursday, September 16, 2010. $15/drop in or $50/monthly  Belly Dance Unlimited Monthly/$50 Belly Dance Unlimited Single Drop In/$15 Creating images out of time... ...and imagination Photo credit Keith Darkchilde, 2008

	CICCIA BELLA STUDENT TROUPE Ghawazee Dance at Alaska's 50th Anniversary Photo credit Keith Darkchilde CB at Grace's Annual Saturday Market Fundraiser Photo by Nicole McGough CB in a Tuareg Guedra Blessing Dance Collaboration Photo credit Keith Darkchilde Aksana's Earthquakes and Hipshakes 2009 Photo credit Keith Darkchilde Dancing for fun, friendship, the pure joy of movement, the desire to put on a great show and give up-and-coming dancers performance seasoning, Ciccia Bella presents an eclectic mix of folkloric, Romani-inspired Mediterranean fusion, modern sacred, vintage orientale, circus and theatrical American belly dance styles. Located in Anchorage Alaska.  Students are eligible to perform with Ciccia Bella student troupe by invitation.     You can also find us on Tribe.net at  http://tribes.tribe.net/cicciabella Class Attendence, Time, Costume Investment, Studio Fees & General Coolness