Raqs Sharqi Belly Dance Classes

Registration/payment links | Schedule/Updates | Calendar at a Glance

Raqs Sharqi, literally translated, means dance of the east, or oriental dance, commonly called by the somewhat misleading name 'bellydance'. This ancient and beautiful art form developed first as a folk dance and was developed as a theatricized art form beginning at the turn of the century in Egypt. It is danced by both men and women, by children through grandparents as an expression of joy. Raqs Sharqi as a performance art has evolved into a variety of sub genres as it has been adapted to film and theatrical productions, multi ethnic restaurant shows and different regional and artistic influences.

At Alaska Awalim, we focus on Egyptian and Classic American cabaret styles, however we do introduce other styles as well, and even within these sub genres there is much variety and room for growth.

The fundamental level classes are appropriate for beginners as well as more advanced dancers wishing to refresh their knowledge of core movements and principles. Every effort is made to associate movements and principles with the appropriate style, history and cultural references as we examine not only how the dance is done, but how it has become what it is today.

Level one consists of 4 six week sessions which may be taken in any order. Level one covers fundamental technique, introduction to finger cymbals and rhythms, and introduction to veil.

Level two features a continuation of fundamental techniques, advanced rythms and a survey of regional styles. Finger cymbals and completion of level one (or equivalent) are required.

Special topics are offered periodically in six week sessions on a rotating basis and will be open to multiple levels.

Current Class Schedules are available on our BLOG!

Registration (all levels)

Please contact us for early bird and multiple session discounts!

Rate Sheet | Class Policy & Registration

New options for payment!

6 Week Beginning Session—$80
Full Semester Discount Beginning—$150
Full Year Discount Beginning—$280 (summer session not included)

Beginning Belly Dance Classes

6 week class $80.00 Full semester discount $150.00 Full year discount (Sept-May) $280.00

Monthly Payments (Sept-May)—$35

14 Week Intermediate/Advanced Session—$180
Summer 6 Week Intensive—$100
Full Year Discount Intermediate/Advanced—$350
Full Year Advanced (including summer session)—$425

Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance Classes

14 week class $180.00 Full year (Sept-May) discount $350.00 Full year (with summer session) discount (Sept-May) $425.00

9 Monthly Payments (Sept-May)—$39

12 Monthly Payments (with summer session)—$39

Almeh Lara is also available for workshops & private lessons in the following topics:

Raks Assaya

Egyptian cane dance, traditionally danced by women to twit the menfolk and their participation in tahtib, a stylized martial art using long staves, practiced in the Middle East.

Balancing

Balancing technique as it applies to bowls, baskets, trays, lamps and miscellanies.

Sword

American theatrical balancing and presentation technique.

Veil

A fusion genre using traditional Middle Eastern movements with modern and dramatic dance inspiration from artists such as Loie Fuller and Ruth St. Denis.

Double and 3/4 veil

Advanced variation on veil technique.

Floorwork

A traditional part of Raqs Sharqi performances, currently banned in Egypt, but still performed in other parts of the Middle east and around the world.

Drum Solo

A challenging part of traditional Raqs Sharqi shows this topical course will focus on improvised conversation between dancer and drummer.

Choreographic Development

Learn how to design your own choreographies—and remember them too!

Survey of Regional Styles

Every region of the Middle East can claim its own stylistic variation of Oriental Dance. This class provides a brief summary of some of the characteristic differences of Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish and Classic American styles of Oriental Dance.