Where is the studio?
All classes are currently taught at Space for Movement Studio at 410 Second Avenue in the historic Elbow Room building. Please see www.spaceformovementstudio.com for directions.
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.
* Reference: Nugent, Marilee, Cairo, Mother of the World-Mother of the Dance
Are there any payment plans?
For semester based classes, you may make a single up front payment of $180, 2 payments of $95, or $15 per class at the drop in rate. For Foundation level classes, you can either pay the $80 full session fee or the $15 drop in fee rate.
A discount of 10% total class fee may be applied if you submit payment and registration at least 2 weeks before the beginning of the session.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, non-restricting clothing that is not so loose that it obscures my view of posture, and a hip sash to help delineate the hip line are all you need. Coin belts are STRONGLY discouraged as they distract from the learning atmosphere. Fringe or beaded belts are acceptable, and we do have scarves and sashes available both to borrow and for purchase at class. We recommend but do not require dance shoes of some sort ($12 ballet shoes are fine) Sneakers are not allowed as they cause too much grip during turns, and just socks will not be allowed (too slippery.) You may dance barefoot at your own risk.
You might also want to bring a mat for stretching (optional), water bottle, snacks for moms as needed, and a hair tie.
Do I have to show my belly?
NO. Belly dance really is a misnomer. Although the current fashion displays midriff tops as the norm, it was largely a colonialist/Hollywood adaptation which brought this into style. There are a number of traditional dresses, as well as gem studded stage concoctions available which can showcase movements just as well.
Do I have to perform?
Performance is not required, and many people dance purely for fun, fitness and/or a sense of community. Performance opportunities are available for those who wish to participate, most notably the spring student recital hosted by Tundra Caravan.
What does Raqs Sharqi mean & where did it come from?
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. Badia Masabni is widely credited with moving the dance form from the streets to the stage, employing professional oriental dancers along with professional ballroom dancers in her casino in Cairo. You can still see various forms of the folk dance style at modern weddings and social gatherings, or danced in the homes, often with women dancing for other women in a family setting. 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.
So where did the term bellydance come from, anyway?
In 1893, Sol Bloom used the misnomer 'Belly Dance' to titillate Victorian spectators at the Chicago World's Fair. When faced with marketing traditional Middle Eastern dance in strange, uncorsetted foreign garb, he made up for a lack in sales by using this scandalous term (in an era where the term 'limb' was preferable to arm in terms of respectability) and banning women from the audience. The result? The public flocked to this tantalizing new image and Mr. Bloom, the consumate business man, raked it in. We have been saddled with both the name and the naughty connotation ever since. It is possible that the term was in use prior to that, but Mr. Bloom certainly made an impact with it! Some dancers choose to perpetuate the use of this term, claiming we can redeem the name. I find it more accurate and descriptive to translate Raqs Sharqi (Arabic) or Oryantal Tansi (Turkish) as Oriental or Middle Eastern Dance.
To see what the Turkish have named 'Belly Dance,' visit Shira.net.