What we offer

Dance Instruction
At Haft Vadi Studio, we believe that this dance is meant to make the
complex and beautiful music of the Middle East visible to the audience. To
achieve this, it is necessary to master the intricate movements of the
dance, as well as learn enough about the music to interpret it well.

The movements taught at Haft Vadi are mainly from the modern Egyptian style
of bellydance. Some exemplars of this style are Souhair Zaki, Naima Akef,
Fifi Abdo, Mona Said, Raqia Hassan, Yasmina Ramzy, Hadia, Sahra Kent and
Shareen el Safy. The style is characterized by an upright posture with
softly straight legs, a long lower back and isolation of the movements of
the ribs and hips. The style is subtle and intricate, with layering of
movements, in order to express many instruments in the orchestra
simultaneously. Movements vary in mood, speed and intensity as the music
inspires the dancer.

The teachers at Haft Vadi are very committed to presenting bellydance from
within its Egyptian context, while including the innovations of American
and European bellydancers. They receive ongoing training with personal
feedback from master dancers, to provide you with the most authentic
experience of bellydance possible, outside of going to Egypt!

Haft Vadi Studio was founded in 2002 by Dharlene Valeda, primarily as a venue for teaching Egyptian style bellydance classes, which continues to be the main focus. Instructors for drumming and yoga were added shortly thereafter.

Drumming
The Studio offers drumming as an important support for the dancer’s training. Without a grounding in the rhythms of Arabic music, it is difficult to advance in this dance, because songs typically have 3 or 4 rhythm changes which the dancer must not only follow, but also know the context of the rhythm so she can perform appropriate movements.

Performances
Haft Vadi also operates a troupe: Troupe al-Kawthar, which is primarily geared toward offering dance performances and mini-lessons in order to support charities and other agencies in their work. Dancers have also performed for weddings, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate retreats and banquets.

Lectures
Dharlene also frequently gives lectures, seminars and demonstrations to raise awareness of the dance. Not-for-profit agencies, faith groups and schools are welcome to inquire about this service.

Haft Vadi also hosts teachers from other disciplines and backgrounds to give students access to a wide range of training. Experts in Turkish, Persian, Azerbaijani and other forms of dance have been guests at the studio.