Introductory Classes
We're at the end of our 4th week of classes now, and we've been astounded at the fast progress everyone has been making. (Obviously, you've been practicing!) Many intro students who signed up with the first 6 week session have already signed up for the second half, but there is still room in all the classes.
Currently enrolled students: if you bring a friend, you will receive a free CD from our great selection!
Incase you were curious about how this works, we can't cover all the intro content in 6 weeks, so the second set of 6 weeks won't be an exact repeat of the first session, so returning students, you'll get new moves, and new students, you won't be totally behind! (Most students need a year in the introductory level to get a solid foundation for moving on, but it depends on the student's background. When in doubt, ask your teacher!)

Introductory Class Schedule
The following classes are available for the February 19th start:
Mondays 5pm
Mondays 8pm
Tuesdays 5pm
Tuesdays 6:30pm
Thursdays 6:30pm
Saturdays noon (also see below)
6 classes in six weeks costs $75
12 classes in six weeks costs $135
Download the registration form here.

Four Bar Combos
I've had lots of questions about these classes, so here's the idea... It's a class designed for mixed levels. We take 16 beats of music and work on a combo of a minimum of 4 moves to be performed in that time. We'll practice the combos with different songs, so you can learn how they can be adapted to various situtations. Learning combos is a great way to drill technique, but also gives you structures on which you can build improvised performances. We've decided to only run the Saturday noon time-slot for these. Drop-ins are welcome, just email by noon Friday to let us know you're coming.

A what party? "Galabeya" is the plain dress worn by both men and women in Egypt. So, really, it's not unlike a pyjama party!
Basically, we felt like having a party and performance night free from the hassles of getting dressed up, free from debates about cabaret/tribal style, free from being fancy: fancy free!
Come join us for a night that's all about music and movement, nothing else! Well, maybe snacks. Potluck snacks please.
Arrive anytime after 6:30pm. Oh, it's money-free too, no charge, just contribute snackage. (Extra galabeyas will be available for those lacking one.)

I can't say enough good things about this dancer! The first time I saw him perform, or even heard of him for that matter, was at the Tito show sponsored by Arabesque last winter. My jaw was on the floor the whole time. His timing, drama, technique, musical interpretation, expression, connection with the audience, everything, were just perfect. He's one of my top 5 favorite dancers, and not "for a guy." He's up there with Fifi, I'm telling you. Hannan is offering the workshop with him at a great reasonable price, and limiting numbers so you'll actually be able to learn at the workshop. Plus, I hear he's a party animal, so a good time is guaranteed. Don't miss it!!

Khizmet Bellydance and Haft Vadi are now sister schools with harmonized schedules, and we will continue to hold joint recitals at least twice a year. The next recital will be held on Sunday, April 1st at 3pm in the afternoon, at: ARMENIAN COMMUNITY CENTRE 15 International Village Drive Cambridge, ON N1R 7M5 Eek! Can't wait!

Bellydance, Egyptian Folkdance, and LIVE Arabic Music
Hannan's Bellydance Studio Presents Cairo by Night Beautiful Live Arabic Music and Gorgeous Bellydance Performances starring Hannan Sultan and guest artists.

After the Jim Boz gala at the Estonian House, we just KNOW we'll want more, so we'll be heading down for more great performances, music and tasty treats. And, (I'm all excited), I'll be dancing with the band!

Every Saturday Evening starting Feburary 3rd- Show starts at 9pm - $10 door - Prince of Egypt - reservations recommended 416-463-2228
135 Danforth Ave. - Prixe Fixe Available - BYOB - No show on Feb. 10th
Jim Boz after-party at Prince of Egypt (pay at the door)$6 with Gala ticket, $10 without

Yasmina Ramzy, founder and artistic director of Arabesque Academy and Dance Company, has a history of making highly significant contributions to the world of bellydance and elevating its image in the eyes of the mainstream dance world. She's outdoing herself yet again with this ambitious project, coming straight from the heart. Go to the whole thing, you won't regret a minute. (New dancers, this means you, these events don't happen all the time!)

In our ongoing efforts to deepen our knowledge of Arab dance and music, two Haft Vadi instructors will be attending the entirely excellent Heartland Arab Dance Seminar this March. The main organizer is Karim Nagi, the most excellent cymbal instructor I've ever had, but he knows much, much more than just cymbals, and he's organized a dream faculty of teachers. Maybe we'll see some of our colleagues there!