I'm planning on taking beginner belly dance classes this fall! I've taken them in the past and have had lots of fun. Fall session begins Oct 6th so I thought I'd throw the idea out in case anybody else is interested.
I'm taking the courses from Jawaahir. (http://www.jawaahir.org/Classes.htm#Level1) They don't have the fall schedule up yet, but I'm pretty sure they keep the days and hours the same. I want to go to the Saturday class in St. Paul from 11am to 12:30pm. Classes are $14 per session or you can pay $120 for 10 sessions. If you register for one class you can always go to one of the other days/locations to make up a class if you miss or just want the extra instruction.
The classes are lots of fun, and a nice little workout too! Just thought I'd throw the idea out there in case anybody else would care to join me. :D
I'd love to hon, but with cutbacks at work, and gas prices what they are, trekking from Delano to St Paul every Saturday is a luxury I can't afford right now.
Have fun!!!
This does sound like big fun, but as Kate said, a driving luxury I can't justify. Is there a way we can hold our own "learn to belly dance" nights? Somewhere closer to home and far less $$? Ideas?
*as a side note and only somewhat related... some girlfriends and I had looked into pole dancing lessons. Yummy...*
pole dancing? I'd be up for that. I've done the belly dance thing, and could do it again, but with me knees-not sure how well it would work anymore.
I can be your practicing audience for those pole dancing lessons your gonna do. ;) :D ;D 8)
Quote from: Sleepy on August 22, 2008, 01:23:27 AM
I can be your practicing audience for those pole dancing lessons your gonna do. ;) :D ;D 8)
You gotta wait in line,
behind me well maybe you should just wait outside. I have seen your fop garb.... ;D
I would but the last time I checked the fall classes started in September didn't they?
Doesn't work with fest, but I am hoping to save up the money and do it the next open time at Jawahiir.
Quote from: ladiedragon on August 21, 2008, 11:26:23 PM
pole dancing? I'd be up for that. I've done the belly dance thing, and could do it again, but with me knees-not sure how well it would work anymore.
Flex Appeal has drop in classes for pole dancing. It's really good exercise and you don't have to commit to a full class schedule.
http://www.flexappealstudios.com/classes.html
I'm probably going to do a mix of their classes and Jawaahir.
Sounds like fun. I'll check out their website and let you know...we could carpool, too :)
Oops, the link above didn't work. It looked pretty so I didn't check it, I've fixed it now. Here's the link for the fall schedule (http://www.jawaahir.org/Classes%20Fall08.htm). Double checked and fall session does begin in October, so no conflicts with fest!
I'm up for carpooling too!
I'd personally prefer the classes in St. Paul because I know what I'm getting into and as part of the school I can count on an instructor being there. However, if we're working on ideas for closer to home I'm pretty sure that at least two of the women who perform belly dance out at renfest do private lessons, we may be able to get them to do the driving instead. Only problem with that is needing a location we can go to that's big enough for whoever wants to attend. Also, at the school there's a panel of mirrors so you can see that you're moving the way the instructor is showing you to move which I also find helpful.
Looks cool. I'm in. Have you already called and registered yet? I'll PM you my phone number and email so we can coordinate everything. ;)
*looks at hairy belly...looks at topic*
sigh...
Baron, there is plenty of male bellydancer garb out there for you...hairy or not!
(http://www.pinkgypsy.com/male-dancers/kamaal1.jpg)
(http://www.orientaldancer.net/star-interviews/tarik-sultan.jpg)
oh just fine....
*opens another beer*
damn.
This isn't far from my house... I might be interested too.
Hey baron, we saw some really good belly dancers at bristol. did you?
He was actually pretty darn good. almost better than the girls
Male belly dancers *shudder*
They used to have one out at MNRF. Yes the guy could perform all the moves, but it really freaked me out. It's just wrong, WRONG I tell you!
*SHUDDER*
Men are NOT supposed to move that way.
Quote from: ladiedragon on August 22, 2008, 10:54:32 PM
Hey baron, we saw some really good belly dancers at bristol. did you?
He was actually pretty darn good. almost better than the girls
There is a such a thing as male belly dancers? :-\
Naween love the garb!
I did see some of the male belly dancers at Bristol, I thought they were quite good.
It does make me wonder, belly dancing.
Are we talking Gypsy or middle east?
http://link17.streamhoster.com/video_player.php?u=JimBoz&p=/Rak(W)07-HiRezForStream.wmv&odaid=5549&w=320&h=300&title=Easy+Video+Player (http://link17.streamhoster.com/video_player.php?u=JimBoz&p=/Rak(W)07-HiRezForStream.wmv&odaid=5549&w=320&h=300&title=Easy+Video+Player)
back to topic sorry...
Quote from: Baron Doune on August 23, 2008, 06:51:44 AM
Are we talking Gypsy or middle east?
http://link17.streamhoster.com/video_player.php?u=JimBoz&p=/Rak(W)07-HiRezForStream.wmv&odaid=5549&w=320&h=300&title=Easy+Video+Player (http://link17.streamhoster.com/video_player.php?u=JimBoz&p=/Rak(W)07-HiRezForStream.wmv&odaid=5549&w=320&h=300&title=Easy+Video+Player)
EEP!! :o :o :o
*Runs and hides*
I love Jawaahir. Been going for 4 years. :)
And I almost walking distance from the St. Paul one if that's where you're deciding to go!
I'm currently stuck at 2nd level. I can't get the hang of dancing and using the finger cymbals at the same time, and you have to get that down before going to 3rd. :\
Quote from: Viola on August 23, 2008, 11:52:02 AM
I love Jawaahir. Been going for 4 years. :)
And I almost walking distance from the St. Paul one if that's where you're deciding to go!
I'm currently stuck at 2nd level. I can't get the hang of dancing and using the finger cymbals at the same time, and you have to get that down before going to 3rd. :\
We are planning on going to the St Paul one, but it's the level 1 class. You're more than welcome to join us if you want to get back to basics!
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on August 21, 2008, 10:08:46 PM
This does sound like big fun, but as Kate said, a driving luxury I can't justify. Is there a way we can hold our own "learn to belly dance" nights? Somewhere closer to home and far less $$? Ideas?
*as a side note and only somewhat related... some girlfriends and I had looked into pole dancing lessons. Yummy...*
I'd probably be in for something like this...Sounds like it would be fun!!
Never knew that there were guy bellydancers. Just not something I've pictured! I am with the Baron, hairy bellies and all - gold lame just ain't gonna cut it. *sigh*
Wow, we've been a chatty bunch. Had to go to page 5 to find this dusty old thread!
Classes start Saturday, October 11th! No need to pre-register, you can do that in class. Also, there's no need to make a commitment, you can start anytime in the first 3 weeks and only have to pay for the classes you attend!
I can't wait to start shimmying!
Yayyyyyyy looking forward to it! ;D ;D
lawn chair...check
camera...check
camcorder...check
dollar bills...check
rum...check
ok Im set.... 8)
Thank you so much people. Now I have to go to bed tonight with a vision of male belly dancers in my head.
eeeeeeesssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The only way to purge that thought is to think of my ex-wife..........
EEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Could have been worse BLAKDUKE, they could have had picture.
Quote from: Lord Figaro on October 06, 2008, 01:33:22 PM
Could have been worse BLAKDUKE, they could have had picture.
AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I have a belly, but believe me, you don't want to see me dance with it. ;D
Quote from: Leyla on October 04, 2008, 09:50:22 AM
I can't wait to start shimmying!
How much to just come watch?
;)
Trust me, after having gone through the class before, it's not a pretty site. (where the heck was I supposed to put my foot again, and my arms are supposed to be doing what, while my hips are moving in ways not intended by nature, and I'm supposed to keep my balance through this whole thing and not run into anyone else? and add zills into that?)
I HATE ZILLS!!!!!
Ok I like zills so long as I do not have to do anything but stand there and count in my head
BA-kla-VA BA-kla-VA IS VE-ry GOOD!
Ditto, which is why I won't be making it to Level III anytime soon. :\ *sigh*
That reminds me, I have to find my zills and fix the elastic on them. I'm starting out in level one again - there are certain things I'm not sure if my body can do with ease at this point.
This was sooooo much fun but I am soooooooo sore today. I used muscles I didn't know I had...who am I kidding, I don't even use the muscles I do know I have ;) Thanks Leyla for finding this for us!
Quote from: Synnovea on October 12, 2008, 11:04:21 AM
This was sooooo much fun but I am soooooooo sore today. I used muscles I didn't know I had...who am I kidding, I don't even use the muscles I do know I have ;) Thanks Leyla for finding this for us!
No problem!
So are we getting cinnamon rolls or more cookies from the bakery next door Saturday? Nom nom nom. It's so hard to resist with the lovely scents drifting into class.
*giggle* I should say nothing but I am sure I will cave once the smells of baking bread start wafting in while I am shimmying. ;)
I think I'm joining you on Saturday morning. I finally was able to make it to class last night, but I'm already a class behind, and I won't be making it to class next Wednesday night.
Great Harvest has good sandwiches too.
omg, no kidding.
I always have to restrain myself from that bakery.
I was out of town last weekend, and tomorrow is the mead run.... but it's Level I, so I won't miss anything by going to the third weekend. :D I swear I'll meetcha'll there next Sat!
Crap - can't make it today, have to take mom and her dog to the vet. Max has fleas.
Well that works ok cuz Synnovea and I aren't going to make it today either. :D I might be doing a make-up class though next wednesday evening since I'll be out of town next Saturday as well.
Hi everyone, I just noticed this thread. I just started taking belly dancing lessons in Dubuque, Iowa. Had the first class on Tuesday. It's so much fun! There are 8 of us ladies in the class, all "of a certain age," and we all know that we will never, ever perform on any kind of stage, so there's no pressure.
I ached like all heck after the class, but I've been practicing and practicing the basic combinations we were taught. And what great exercise! Maybe the next time Steve and I get back up to MN for faire, we can get together and compare what we've learned. I love it!
Have fun and keep dancing!
Quote from: Leyla on October 18, 2008, 09:25:51 AM
Well that works ok cuz Synnovea and I aren't going to make it today either. :D I might be doing a make-up class though next wednesday evening since I'll be out of town next Saturday as well.
I won't be at class on Wednesday, we've got tech this week for the Fantastick's.
I'm sure we'll get sorted out to a more normal schedule soon. Just getting started and such. Should be back to Saturday afternoons in St. Paul November 1st. I normally work Wednesday nights, just lucked out for this week to do a makeup class since Josh and I are headed out of town this weekend.
oh crap, I was totally planning to head out there tomorrow... ack!
shoot me mail when/where y'all are going and I'll meet up. :)
I'm going to the Minneapolis location tomorrow at 10 am.
I'll be at the St. Paul class at 11:00 a.m.
Quote from: MissBubu on October 24, 2008, 04:42:37 PM
I'm going to the Minneapolis location tomorrow at 10 am.
I LOVE Kathy!!!! But I have to drop J off somewhere at 9:45, and wouldn't make it back in time. :(
Quote from: Synnovea on October 24, 2008, 06:33:09 PM
I'll be at the St. Paul class at 11:00 a.m.
And I'm way closer to this one anyway. ;) Squee! I'll meetcha there!
I didn't make it there anyways. I got up at 7:20, and then decided I could get another hour of sleep in, so went back to bed. I didn't wake up again until 11:15. Oops!
Fun was had. :D
You should definitely come out this weekend!
Well, I am officially out for this weekend and next. I have run out of funds (and I just got paid yesterday! :o ...damn I hate production pay sometimes). Which probably means I'll be bowing out of the rest of this whole class session period as I'll be way too far behind. :(
Sorry gals. Have fun!
Due to a sudden windfall (thanks sweetie :-* :-* I loves you), I don't have to miss the next two weekends. ;D
It's because you showed him the snake arms and chest bumping, right? ;)
Quote from: Viola on October 31, 2008, 06:25:21 PM
It's because you showed him the snake arms and chest bumping, right? ;)
you got me... ;D
That said, I'm afraid I may have to miss tomorrow - after a thorough examination of the mass of blisters on my feet (and the subsequent walking on them), I feel inadequate to the challenge of standing & moving about for an hour and a half (after standing & moving about for 9 hours today).
But I'll see how I feel at 10:30a. If the blisters callous up sufficiently, it may still work.
Quote from: Viola on October 31, 2008, 11:21:14 PM
That said, I'm afraid I may have to miss tomorrow - after a thorough examination of the mass of blisters on my feet (and the subsequent walking on them), I feel inadequate to the challenge of standing & moving about for an hour and a half (after standing & moving about for 9 hours today).
But I'll see how I feel at 10:30a. If the blisters callous up sufficiently, it may still work.
Just a heads up. I think Synnovea is planning on going to the 10am class Saturday in Mpls this week, not the 11am one in St Paul. It looks like the Mpls class is probably closer? I think I chose the St Paul one because 11 gives me time for a nap if I work the night before and time to sleep in if I don't work.
I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it. I didn't get a nap before work so I've been up since 11:30 am yesterday, attending class will put me at over 24 hours of wakefulness, and I'm thinking that's not such a hot idea.
Hmmm...posted an hour ago but didn't show up.
I'm not going today as well. Doesn't sound like Viola or Leyla are up to it and I have a migraine anyways so ... more time for practice I guess. Try again for next week?
Gotcha.
Well heck, we can always have a wee practice in our (heated) garage! ;) hee
I made it to the 10 am class on Saturday. I managed to walk through the Dahlal sale on my way out without buying anything! Willpower! I'll probably be at the 11 am class this Saturday.
Quote from: MissBubu on November 03, 2008, 08:34:22 AM
I made it to the 10 am class on Saturday. I managed to walk through the Dahlal sale on my way out without buying anything! Willpower! I'll probably be at the 11 am class this Saturday.
sorry i missed class then,Miss Bubu. See you saturday.
Quote from: Viola on November 01, 2008, 10:20:04 AM
Gotcha.
Well heck, we can always have a wee practice in our (heated) garage!  ;) hee
That would be cool! Heated garages ROCK!
Plans for tomorrow?
(and oyez, Syn, noseeum on WoW!)
I talked to Synn, we're planning on hitting the 10am class in Mpls. Wish I'd known then that I'd have work tell me to stay home tonight (we're overstaffed :P), I would have said 11 and gotten an extra hour of snoozin hehe. Oh well, it'll make it easier to sleep before going to work Saturday night!
Went to the Mpls class today...I liked it much better than the St. Paul one! Next Saturday - Minneapolis at 10 AM. Doesn't look like I'm going to be able to make it tomorrow after all...oops.
Aww, curses.
I made it to the St Paul class on Saturday. Since I have to miss class this Wednesday, I'll be making up on Saturday at the Minneapolis location.
Heads up that I'll be sitting out the rest of this session. Just too much going on. Will start over next session.
Ditto, just missed to many sessions to pick up where I can. Winter session begins the week of January 5th!