What is Alaska Awalim?
Alaska Awalim offers regular classes in Raqs Sharqi Belly Dance as well as an ongoing prenatal/post-partum fitness program, Dancing Thru Pregnancy, and MotherDance- a prenatal Belly Dance fitness program.
What does Awalim mean?
Awalim - during late 18th to early 19th centuries, this term referred to a highly
educated group of entertainers (almeh, singular) proficient in music and dance
who performed as a group in the homes of the wealthy, as well as at weddings and
community celebrations. Considered ‘learned women,’ they were respected for
their mawaal, or improvised song.*
Alaska Awalim maintains a holistic approach to the interrelation of dance, music
and art.
We also believe that dance, music and art, in conjunction with nutrition,
education and community are key components to living a healthy, well balanced
life. As such, raqs sharqi and mother dance can play valuable roles in physical,
emotional and social healing, but you’d never guess because it’s disguised as
just plain fun! Dancing Thru Pregnancy is a fitness program specifically
designed for pregnant and postpartum mothers, clinically proven to be effective
at improving birth outcome and mother’s health.
As a school for oriental dance and art, we strive to give students a well
rounded education in the dance, music and culture of the Middle East, past and
present. Whether you are looking for an entertaining fitness or music class or
have ambitions of becoming an Almeh yourself, you will find here a wealth of
information, inspiration and fun!
As entertainers, we provide a variety of performance options from classic
Egyptian style to modern international pop and fusion pieces. We will work with
you to find the perfect presentation for your wedding, birthday, office party or
other event.
As fitness specialists, we can tailor classes and private lessons to your unique
needs no matter what phase of life you find yourself in.
*Reference:
Nugent, Marilee, Cairo, Mother of the World—Mother of the Dance
www.venusbellydance.com/documents/Cairo-Mother-of-Dance.doc