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Haft Vadi Studio's Philosophy of the Dance
At Haft Vadi Studio, we believe that this dance in its highest form 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 a very 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 simulaneously. Movements vary in mood, speed and intensity as the music inspires the dancer.
As dancers, we express all aspects of ourselves, our many moods and personalities, since all these moods are found in the music. We can be fiery, shy, comic, sensual, or whatever we can dream up. This makes the dance a very rich experience for the dancer, as well as the audience.
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Bellydance & Drumming Classes
Winter 2007: January 8 - March 30
Click HERE to download the Brochure and Registration form!
2007 session dates:
- January 8th – March 30th, 2007
- April 16th – July 6th, 2007
- Sept. 17th – December 14th, 2007
Schedule: Mondays 5pm: *Introductory bellydance with Raveet 6:30: Returning beginners with Raveet 8pm: *Introductory bellydance with Raveet Tuesdays 5pm: *Introductory bellydance with Dharlene 6:30: *Introductory bellydance with Dharlene 8pm: Returning beginners with Dharlene Wednesdays 5pm: Folklore tour with Dharlene 6:30: Advanced choreography with Dharlene 8pm: Drumming (mixed level) with Sheldon Thursdays 5pm: Returning beginners with Dharlene 6:30: *Technique workout with Dharlene 8pm: Intermediate bellydance with Dharlene Fridays Noon: Mixed level 4 bar combos with Chantal 6:30: Troupe (audition/invitation only) Saturdays Noon: Mixed level 4 bar combos with Chantal 2pm: Master classes with guest instructors and other special performances and events (dates to be announced) * Introductory classes run in 6 week sessions, all others in 12 week sessions. Second winter 2007 intro session starts February 19th
Dance classes are taught by Dharlene Valeda and special guest teachers. Our beloved Alana Miller has moved far, far overseas to Hong Kong, but when she's back in Canada to visit will be offering special workshops.
From time to time, special workshops will be organized. This is mainly done to provide students with the opportunity to study with different teachers, which is essential to each dancer's growth. We will usually bring in teachers who have expertise in areas that Haft Vadi teachers do not. In the past, we have had Roula Said, Ranya Renee, Yousry Sharif, Hannan Sultan, Ishra, Sashar Zarif, Neefa and others. Also, Haft Vadi teachers may devote an evening or afternoon to a specific topic such as finger cymbal work, veil technique or other topics that aren't focussed on in the regular classes. Keep up to date with the current newsletter for notices of workshops at Haft Vadi, as well as interesting events in neighbouring cities.
Dance Class vFAQ (very frequently asked questions)
What do I wear to class?
The best thing to wear to class is yoga clothes, such as leggings and a tank top. Baggy t-shirts and skirts are discouraged, because they make it hard for the instructor to make sure that you are performing the moves correctly and safely. Spine and hip-joint health is a major concern in this dance, so your clothes have to be close-fitting enough for your instructor to help monitor your posture. Also, the warm-ups and cool downs involve getting on the floor, so you'll want to be able to move easily. We dance in bare feet, special dance shoes or socks, but no outside shoes are allowed in the studio. Layers are a good idea, because the temperature in our old building is a bit unpredictable, but is usually a bit on the hot side. There are scarves and shawls for your hips available for borrowing or buy your own shiny, jingly one at the Shimmy Shop at Haft Vadi Studio.
Please bring your own yoga mat and a belt or strap to assist with the stretches.
What happens at class?
The classes start with 20 minutes of warming exercises, specifically chosen to build the strength and body awareness necessary to perform the moves. We then quickly run through practice of the various shimmies, and whatever choreography the class is working on. A few moves from the choreography are broken down in detail. Then we have another run-through of the choreography, and 10 minutes of stretching to realign and restore the body after the class. The amount of time spent on choreography may vary depending on whether there is a student recital at the end of the session or not.
What are the different levels about?
We teach in sessions of a few weeks at a time, rather than ongoing classes. In each level, a choreography is taught which contains movements suitable to the level. The difficulty of the levels is increasing as the school establishes itself. It is recommended that all students begin with a beginner level class, regardless of prior dance training in bellydance or other forms. Because of the emphasis on correct posture and movement safety, the instructors must be satisfied that the basics of each level have been mastered before recommending moving up.
How long one stays in a level depends on a number of factors, such as coordination, strength, how much you practice, etc. Most students do the beginner level for a few sessions, up to about a year. Others choose to study in two levels at the same time, by taking two classes per week, which is a recommended method. Students wishing to continue into an intermediate or advanced level are urged to take at least one session of drumming classes, since the more complex music and finger cymbal playing used in the higher levels demands good rhythm literacy.
Do I have to perform in the student recital?
Dance is a performing art. At Haft Vadi we are committed to treating it that way. Many people come to the class looking for exercise, fun, etc., which you'll get, but we don't water down a serious approach to dance as a performing art to suit the casual student. From the very first class you will be encouraged to keep facial expression and emotion in mind while learning movements, because this is an integral part of dance, which should be learned along with the technical skills. We find that most students end up appreciating the extra challenge. Many beginners are very nervous about performing, thinking that they aren't ready. While it's true that beginners shouldn't be taking jobs performing at weddings, a student recital is a perfect place to perform. You'll never meet a more supportive, encouraging audience, and you are guaranteed to have a good time. Students often tell me they are scared of looking dumb, and my answer is, I have no patience for vanity! In learning anything, a dance, a language, cooking, anything, you are going to make mistakes and you are not going to look good at every stage of the learning process. Don't let it stop you! As one of my favorite teachers, Ranya, says, "you have to suck, before you can succeed!" Having said all that, our first priority is safe, strength-building technique, so because of that, not every session has a student recital, so that students can work on technique without the stress of memorizing a choreography.
Are there other costs associated with taking the classes?
There is no requirement to buy a costume for class, but you may want to pick up something shiny for performing. In the sessions where a choreography is taught, you will have to purchase a CD of the music to study at home. Every effort is made to acquire the CDs from the artists directly, or from Canadian distributors, to keep the costs low for students. Usually a CD costs $20. Other study aids such as DVDs and videos are available at the studio and range in price from $25 - $45.
What if I can't make it to the class I'm registered in?
Registered students should make an effort to come to the regular class they signed up for, since that is best for continuity, but if something comes up and you can't make it, you're welcome to come to any other class, including drumming, in order to make it up. You do NOT need to contact the instructor for permission to do this.
I already studied at another studio, which level do I take?.
Because different teachers take different approaches, we always recommend that new students start in a beginner class. If you will be better suited in an intermediate or advanced class, you'll be moved up after a week or two.
I paid for the full session and only made it to 2 classes, can I transfer my classes to the next session or get a refund?
To make sure that everyone can take all of the classes they paid for during the session, we allow students to come to any of the other classes during the week. If you know ahead of time that you won't be able to make a class, come to a different one the week before, you don't have to wait until the last week of classes. If you know that your schedule is very erratic, just use the pay-$15-per-class option. Session registration fees are not transferable to the next session and are not refundable.
There's a monsoon, blizzard, plague of locusts, etc. Is class cancelled?
Haft Vadi teachers live very close to the studio, and can make it in all kinds of weather, and will probably not cancel. If they do, they will make an effort to contact participants ahead of time.
Where can I buy Arabic music?
It is not easy to find quality music, and for copyright reasons, mixed CDs are not sold at the studio. However, we do make an effort to acquire original recordings of the music used in our choreographies, as well as other albums which are good for students to have in their collections and make them available in the Shimmy Shop. Recommendations for online vendors are in the Music Links section.
What else goes on in the building at 100 Ahrens?
The building is loaded with excellent artists and musicians. Closest to Haft Vadi's room are a guitar and piano teacher who are often running classes at the same time we are. In order to not disturb them, we ask that Haft Vadi students avoid talking in the hall outside the studio door, and to keep conversations in the waiting area quiet.
Where do I park?
Public transit comes very close to the studio. Also, it's worth getting to know your classmates and arranging carpooling. All this of course to benefit the asthmatics in the community as well as reducing congestion in the parking lot. Also, there is room for two cars directly in front of the building.
Private and Semi-private Lessons
Private lessons are excellent in conjunction with group classes and can lead to very fast progress. Teachers are also available to come to your birthday party or company party to teach a mini-lesson. Prices range from $125-$250 depending on location and duration.
Private lesson, non-Haft Vadi student: $50/hour or $40/hour for 6 or more lessons paid in advance.
Semi-private lessons, non-Haft Vadi students $30/person.
Private lesson, current Haft Vadi students: $40/hour or $30/hour for 6 or more paid in advance.
Semi-private lessons, current Haft Vadi students $25/person.
Private drumming lessons: $40/hour or $30 for 6 or more.