What we offer
Dance Instruction
Drumming and Music Instruction
Performances
Lectures
Specialty Workshops
Haft Vadi specializes in small, custom-tailored classes to give you the attention and space you need to grow as a dancer. Clear sight-lines of the instructor and the mirrors, individual feedback on each stage of instruction and personalized curriculum development are a priority. Groups of six or more who inquire about classes are encouraged to find a time for private lessons so as to ensure classes will not be crowded.
At Haft Vadi Studio, we believe that what distinguishes Egyptian bellydance from bellydance in other countries is the focus on making the complex and beautiful music of the composers 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. Arms move within a soft column with soft angles and subtle yet expressive hands. 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.
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.
Learn the heartbeat of the dance in these fun classes.
We’ve found that dancers who drum progress substantially faster in their dance. Bring your friends, drumming is for everyone!
Spring 2010 Classes
Thursdays 7pm – 8:30pm: Grooves and Moves
This is a multi-level, multi-disciplinary class. We will be drumming, dancing and playing finger cymbals, you choose if you want to do one, two or all! This is a great chance to get to the heart of the music and feel the groove! We will collaborate together to create a performance piece with live percussion and dance. Those new to bellydance and/or drumming are very welcome, and experienced dancers and drummers will be challenged!
“Sheldon Valeda is an amazing drummer who is equally devoted to his students. The drumming classes at Haft Vadi Studio are a must for any serious student who wishes to become a skilled drummer or dancer. Sheldon is patient and methodical in his approach to drumming and his students benefit greatly. Drumming classes improved my knowledge of Middle Eastern rhythms, how sounds are created on the doumbek and how to anticipate cues from musicians. Dancers training at Haft Vadi will have the distinct advantage of learning to work with musicians and improvise with live music in a nurturing environment, a skill that is greatly fullfilling and necessary for a professional Middle Eastern dancer. Both drummers and dancers alike will benefit from Sheldon’s vast musical and performance experience!”
~Alana Miller, Middle Eastern Dance Artist – Hong Kong
www.uulady.com
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. Troupe al-Kawthar has already worked with the Mennonite Refugee Coalition, Big Sisters, Community Justice Initiatives, to name a few. Dancers have also performed for weddings, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate retreats and banquets.
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.