Classes
New combination Class starting January 18th. This will be a combo class between technique and choreography from 7-8pm.
7-8pm – Intro/Beginner Technique and Adv. Beginner Choreography
College Park Woods Swim Club House 3545 Marlbrough Way College Park, MD 20740 Monday Evenings 7pm to 8pm
Please note that especially during winter if you show up early the gate at the top of the parking lot will be locked and the building will be dark. Just wait in your car at the top of the hill for Galena to arrive with they keys. With the high cost of utilities the building owners do not want to turn on the lights and open the building early.
Introduction to Bellydance
Introduction to bellydance will give you a brief overview of American Style bellydance. You will learn the fundamentals and importance of proper posture, basic technique and dance etiquette. This class will get you up and moving and best of all, having a good time! This is a technique based class where you will learn individual steps and short combinations.
Beginner Bellydance
In Beginner Bellydance we will expand on the very basic fundamentals learned in Intro to Bellydance and put those skills into a very basic choreography. Technique will be practiced and performance skills will be introduced.
Advanced Beginner Bellydance
In Advanced Beginner Bellydance we will hone the steps we have already covered in Intro/Beginner Bellydance class and we will add a prop (usually starting with veil). We will learn a choreography and start the basics of performance skills. If you do not know if you are “ready” for the advanced beginner level email Galena at galenadance@verizon.net. For the Adv. Beginner veil class you will need a 3 yard long piece of sheer fabric. Chiffon and Georgette work the best. Organza is not a good choice because it doesn’t flow well. Galena offers to hem your veils for you for $5 each.
What do I need to know when starting classes with Galena?
- Wear comfortable clothes that are loose fitting enough so they do not hinder movement. Yoga pants, sweat pants, T-shirt, Tank top, sports bra, etc.
- Bring water to keep hydrated – expect to sweat some especially in summer
- Bring a scarf, hip scarf or coin belt so you can tie it around your hips. It makes it easier to see or hear the movement.
- Have fun! No one here is going to be an expert their first night. Everyone else here is learning just like you. Don’t be self conscious. Let go and enjoy yourself.
How much do classes cost?
Classes are $75 per 6 week session. You may try just your first class for $15. Sorry, no drop in rates for any classes past your first one. Galena accepts cash or check at the beginning of the first class of the session. You can pay via credit card through paypal. Please send paypal payments to galenadance@verizon.net. Sessions are not pro-rated if you miss classes. Galena will pro-rate your first session only if you start late. Email Galena if you have questions.
Is there any way I can get a discount?
Yes! Galena knows times are tough. You can get a $10 discount if you pre-register for the next session by paying BEFORE the start of the new class session. You can also get a $10 discount if you sign up for 2 classes. So if you pre-register AND sign up for 2 classes then you are only paying $130 which is a savings of $20
Can minors attend class?
Anyone 12 to 112 can attend bellydance classes but they must be paying, registered students. If there is interest in having a children’s class or a mother daughter class then we might be able to schedule one. It is not suggested that you bring your children to just play in the corner while you learn. It is a distraction to you, the other students and Galena while she is instructing.
Can I just come to watch?
No, spectators are not allowed in the classroom once class has started. If you would like to pay for classes and then just sit and watch that is fine. But it is not fair to the other students who are learning for you to watch them. People often feel uncomfortable when learning something new.
Do you offer Private or Semi-Private Classes?
Yes! There are several options so it might be best to talk about it on the phone but in general it breaks down like this:
Private lesson if you come to Galena is $60 per hour, or if Galena comes to you it is $90 per hour
Semi-private lesson for you plus 2 friends if you come to Galena is $80, or if Galena comes to you it is $100 per hour. $20 per each additional friend who wants to join in. (suggestion: get a bunch of friends and split the cost evenly to save yourself some money)
If you have any other questions about classes then please contact Galena at galenadance@verizon.net or 410-262-1848.
