rakstclasses

Terry has been teaching BellyDance in the SF Bay area for 15 years. Terry's curriculum includes embellishments of the basics and her signature moves. Her unique interpretation of BELLYDANCE motivates the beginner, inspires the intermediate and challenges the seasoned dancer.

MONDAYS: Beg/Int. 7:30-9:00PM $12.50
TUESDAYS: Int/Adv. 7:30-9:00PM $12.50
SATURDAYS: Int/Adv. 11:00-1:00PM $15.00

All Bellydance classes are held at Suzie's Studio 36 Woodland Ave. San Rafael, Ca. 94901 (studio is in back of building) Located in Marin County, which is easily accessible from the East Bay and San Francisco.

All classes are fast paced, progressive and designed to encourage strength, precise technique and creativity. All classes start with an invigorating warm up and end with a cool down. Please try to eat at least one hour prior to class and stay well hydrated during class. All levels should bring zils (finger cymbals), a veil and a notebook in your dance bag. Please, no heels in class.

While the focus of the classes is not on performance as the final goal, I use choreography as a means to teach technique, musical phrasing and movement principles. There are opportunities to present your dance at the student "haflas" at World Dance and Fitness. I try to inspire, challenge and include everyone from the casual or serious student to the working dance professional in my curriculum. I continually challenge myself in preparing classes that allow me to share knowledge and experience with clarity and safety. I use teaching techniques to help the visual learner, the oral learner and the learner who requires kinesthetic guidance.

I am American born of Mediterranean heritage. I see myself as having a unique belly dance background in that the bulk of my performance career has been spent entertaining Arabs. However, I prefer to categorize my dance as American or good old fashioned belly dance! My dance repertoire is drawn from long traditions of mostly un-codified movements from
past influences; with great care I try to preserve the essence and integrity of classical Arabic styling and musicality while utilizing it as a vehicle for my creative visions.

There is no certification program for my curriculum. After steady attendance and regular practice beginning students are encouraged to attend advanced classes. There is no "troupe class" or performance only class. However performance-ready students are encouraged to perform with me at showcases and festivals.

Please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail with any questions about my classes or workshops. Private lessons are also available.

BEGINNING CLASSES are geared for the casual or serious student, or intermediate dancers of other belly dance techniques. Focus is on learning the fundamentals of belly dance isolations, dance footwork, and rhythmic identification. Instructor presents a comprehensive belly dance vocabulary including steps, turns and transitions.

INTERMEDIATE CLASSES are directed to dancers who have the skill level and understanding of Terry's technique and dance vocabulary. Continued refinement and mastery of technique are stressed. While using intricate and intelligent phrase work, we explore more advanced technique and movement principles. We are often lucky enough to have live musical accompaniment in this class by members of Grammy Award winning Helm.

ADVANCED CLASSES are geared for the advanced dancer who has a comprehensive understanding and familiarity with my technique and dance vocabulary.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Work Shops (Sign Up For Schedule)
Dances are presented from my archives in a workshop format; excellent for review or new study for intermediate and advanced students. This series will include "shaabi" songs and oriental pieces.