Well Galena is sorry to say that for now there will be no new class sessions starting.  Galena is currently in the last trimester of her 3rd pregnancy and has taken some time off of teaching to focus on her growing family.  Stay posted for when classes will resume.  Having had 2 children before she knows just how much goes into having a new born so she doesn’t want to make any guarantees that classes will start in the fall.

If you would like to be added to her email list so you will find when classes resume then please send a quick note to Galena at galenadance@verizon.net.

Thank you all for understanding. She is really sad to have to suspend teaching.  She will update here when the baby comes.  Her baby girl is due on June 19th, 2010.

Saturday November 14 (workshop descriptions are below)

Level one technique-2 hour workshop
registration at 10:30
workshop at 11:00-1:00

Egyptian choreography-3 hour workshop
registration at 2:00
workshop at 2:30-5:30

Sunday November 15

Layering taqseem combinations-2 hour workshop
registration at 10:30
workshop at 11:00-1:00

Hard rock fusion choreography-3 hour workshop
registration at 2:00
workshop at 2:30-5:30

Sestraluna Second Annual Show Saturday November 14th

Doors open at 6:30 , show starts at 7:00
An array of performances ranging from Tribal, cabaret, Fusion and Kung Fu!  Including of course the cast members of Sestraluna, and guest performances by Anisa, Naimah and Suhalia’s assistant.

Saturdays workshops only - both for  $130.00

Sunday workshops only – both for $130.00

Both Saturday and Sunday workshops PLUS one ticket to the show $250.00 (best deal savings of $40)

Show Ticket $30.00

To purchase your workshops or tickets online go to http://www.sestraluna.com/workshops.html or contact Galena and she can give you more information.

When you enter the parking lot drive all the way around the right side of the building to the back.  We are in the studios and stage at the rear of the building.

Workshop Descriptions

If you don’t know who Suhaila is because you are new to dance read the artical on her in the August Issue of Nafoura E-Magazine or go to her website at http://www.suhailainternational.com/.

Level 1 Technique

Here is your opportunity to focus on the material covered in Level 1 of the Suhaila Salimpour Belly Dance Format.  Level 1 provides students with the building blocks to develop strength, endurance and knowledge; with these tools, students can progress to more advanced material.  Students learn correct posture and positioning, movement internalization, specific muscle control, safe training and drilling methods, and the concepts of timing and downbeat.  Be ready to work hard . . . and to walk away inspired.

Egyptian Style Choreography

From the creative mind of Suhaila, this Egyptian-style choreography is an exciting exploration of movement, pattern and musical interpretation.  Be ready for muscle isolation, layering, timing variations, downbeat options . . . and those are just the starting concepts.  Using her comprehensive and consistent format language, Suhaila clearly breaks down each move and choreography phrase into understandable pieces that layer and connect.

Taqseem Movements and Layering

You’ll never view a taqseem the same way again.  In this workshop, students will learn to isolate muscle groups so different movements can be layered with variations in timing, downbeat, and movement quality.  The combinations and possibilities are limitless, and students will learn the process of integrating layers with control and intent.

Tribal Fusion Hard Rock/Belly Dance Choreography

Whatever stylization you like, you’re going to love this Suhaila choreography.  This piece has a tribal fusion hard rock feel, but it’s pure belly dance at the core. Be ready for muscle isolat ion, layering, timing variations, downbeat options . . . and those are just the starting concepts.  Using her comprehensive and consistent format language, Suhaila clearly breaks down each move and choreography phrase into understandable pieces that layer and connect.  Come to class ready to ROCK!

7-8pm  – Intro/Beginner Technique

8-9pm – Adv. Beginner Veil (something special for Christmas)

Check out the classes page for more information.

Where the Dead Can Dance and You Can Too!

“Hand drums of the Middle East & Africa” Drumming Workshop $35

Costume Party $10

Kids under 2 are free but must stay with Parent at ALL times

Food, Spirits, Dancing, and more!

Pre-Register for the workshop and/or show by Paypal on website:  www.sestraluna.com or Pay at the door!

Event Description

“Hand Drums of the Middle East and Africa” Drumming Workshop from 4 to 6 pm Hosted by Nate Stottlemyer www.NPStottlemyer.net  Participants are invited to experience a variety of hand drumming traditions from the Middle East and West Africa.  Participants will learn authentic techniques and rhythms.  A limited number of instruments will be provided, primarily doumbeks courtesy of The Wright Hand Drum Company www.wrighthanddrums.com.  These instruments will be available for sale following the workshop.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own doumbeks, frame drums, djembes, or congas if they desire.   Nate Stottlemyer endorses Wright Hand Drums.

All Hallows Hafla We will have a variety of bellydance performances with a Halloween theme.  If you would like to have a dance slot email us at  typhrodisia@aol.com

All dance styles welcome and some sort of a Halloween theme is suggested….be creative!

Costume Party from 6 to 9 is family friendly.  After 9 pm, party becomes PG-13 because it gets darker, scarier and there is alcohol, so keep young children there at your own risk.   Since the majority of the party is outside (although we will have a campfire and a heated tent) dress for the weather.   Feel free to bring a dish or alcohol to share if you would like but it is not required. COSTUMES ARE REQUIRED.  Be creative because there is a costume contest for those who would like to enter.  $10 per person includes food, spirits, show and costume party.

Baby Sitter We will be hiring 2 young people to keep an eye on children who attend the party.  Children under 2 are not permitted to be left with the sitter. The $10 fee for children ages 3-8 is to cover the sitter whether you use them or not.

Costume Swap Meet bring used costumes to sell or exchange

After Dark We will have open dancing and drumming around the fire at night!  Bring your instruments.

New Beginner/Adv. Beginner Veil Classes starting September 21, 2009 through October 26th!  If there is enough interest this session we will split it into 2 classes.  Since the session ends right around Halloween so we are going to do some fun fusion for the holiday.

Check out my Classes Page for more details!

What: SHIMMIES FOR THE CURE

When: September 12, 2009 1:00 PM

Price: $40.00 per person

Where:
Columbus Gardens
4301 Klosterman Ave
Baltimore, MD 21236
443-676-9038

A message from the organizer:
I am training with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training program to prepare for and run 13.1 miles in the Baltimore Half Marathon on October 10, 2009. This will be my 3rd event that I have fundraised and ran for the LLS. Last year I ran 26.2 mile in the Baltimore Marathon and 13.1 miles in The Disney Half Marathon while raising over $7,000 for the LLS. I hope to surpass that amount this year with your help!

I am running in memory for my grandmother LaVerne Virginia Mack, who passed away in March 2009 from brain cancer and my mother-in-law Valerie Ann Richardson who passed away in August 1990 from pancreatic cancer. And in honor of my friend Allyson’s son Connor Riggs an 8 year old boy, Connor who was diagnosed with ALL at the age of 3 and underwent 2 ½ years of chemo and steroids. And I am happy to say that Connor is winning his battle and is now in remission.

At this year’s event, the 2nd Annual Shimmies For The Cure, a fundraising Hafla (Belly Dance Show) on the date of Saturday, September 12th, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Columbus Gardens located at 4301 Klosterman Avenue, Baltimore, Md 21236. This event will feature a Buffet Dinner, a Belly Dance show, open dancing, DJ and a Silent Auction.

Tickets are on sale now $40.00 per person. The buffet will include :
• Beer, Wine, Soda & Coffee
• Cash Bar for all other Alcohol
• Hand Carved Beef, Turkey and Ham
• Italian Meatballs
• Chicken Scampi
• Mini Cheese, Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza
• Vegetable Tray
• Cheese tray
• Dessert – Crème puffs, Chocolate Eclairs, Cookies & Cake

The show will begin promptly at 1:45 p.m. The line- up is amazing and is as follows:
• Bellydance Delight
• Carrie Shusta
• Damiena Dances
• Helena Zahra
• Karma
• Naimah
• Rayhana Rhea
• Sestraluna
• Shems
• Typhrodisia
If you would like to donate items for the silent auction, please email me at  my3weiners@verizon.net  or if you would like to make a monetary donation, you can donate directly to my fund at:   http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/balt09/crichardson.

Please be aware that all donations are tax-deductable and our tax information is as follows:

Tax ID # 13-5644916.

Thank you for supporting our mission

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-DC-Bellydance/calendar/10960830/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8Wg9uO0zAE

[Show as slideshow]

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New Classes start on August 3rd, 2009!

Introduction to Bellydance/Beginner 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. 

Check out the classes page for more information.

This session we will also be learning a very short drum solo choreography.

SUMMER SESSION SPECIAL!  Bring a friend who signs up for class too and receive $10 off your session.  Bring more friends and get more money off your first session.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly-I08uTSKE

Apparently there is a gap between the stage and the wall…..I was unaware of that until I stepped in the gap and lost my footing during our performance.  Oh well, even the best of us make mistakes. I think I recovered quick enough though.

Directions:
From the Capital Beltway, take Kenilworth Avenue (exit 23 – MD Route 201) north. Turn right onto Crescent Road. Follow Crescent Road into Old Greenbelt until you reach Roosevelt Center on your right (2nd stop sign). Turn right on Centerway into the Roosevelt Center.