Learn the basics of Belly Dance in a casual, fun and supportive environment. For new dancers or those wishing to dust off the hip-scarf and brush up on basic technique, this class breaks down basic movements and introduces you to isolations, traveling steps and shimmies. All shapes, sizes and fitness levels are welcome. Join us and get your shimmy on! Drop-ins welcome. (9 weeks)

Mondays, 6:45pm - 8:00pm
Note: No class Mon., May 20

EARLY REGISTRATION: $95 ($105 after March 29 )

Cassandra Shore, called
"Her Royal Highness of Middle Eastern Dance" by the Star Tribune, is in
Vancouver for a short visit and Ammara Dance Co. is beyond excited to be
hosting her for a short but SWEET workshop!

Cassandra will be teaching concepts around steps and combinations to specific styles of music and rhythms - a simple concept that is often glossed over in dancing. Gain in-depth understanding of how the music and movement relate to each other; not dancing *to* the music, but dancing WITH and AS the music.

Note: Cassandra is in Vancouver with Simon Shaheen, performing on Sat.
April 27 "The Call:Songs of Liberation". For more information, please
visit http://www.chancentre.com/whats-on/simon-shaheen-call-songs-liberation

Workshop price: $55

Discount! Provide proof of purchase of tickets to "The Call:Songs of
Liberation" and get $10 off registration! email info@ammara.ca for
details.

Its always more fun with a friend!

EARLY REGISTRATION: $155 ($175 after March 29)

Continuation of Level 1 - time to level up! In this class we explore more complex hip movements, shimmies, and combinations. Introduction to basic rhythms, veil and finger cymbals (zills). Prerequisite: Two sessions of Level 1 or previous Belly Dance experience. Drop-Ins welcome. (10 weeks)

Tuesdays, 6:45pm - 8:00pm

EARLY REGISTRATION: $105 ($115 after March 29)

Join the fun-loving Ammara Dance Company student troupe for a great session of learning and laughter!
Learn a fun new choreography for “Layakari” - the Ammara Year End student show! Its a raq’in good time! 

Alternate Tuesdays, 8:15pm - 9:45pm
April 9, 23, May 7, 21, June 4,18
(6 weeks, 9hrs)  (Note: classes are 1.5hr long; prerequisite: one session of classes or previous Belly Dance experience.)

Early Registration: $120 ($140 after March 29)

Half Price for students already registered in Level 1, 2 or 3 Technique Class!

Registered Ammara students: $60 ($80 after March 29) email info@ammara.ca for registration.

Sorry, no drop-ins for this class

Not for the faint of heart! This class will focus on layering of movement, complex foot work, transitions, expression and the more difficult rhythms of Belly Dance music. We will delve into different aspects of the dance such as Taqsim, Baladi and Improvisation. For dancers who have taken Level 2 at least twice or with permission of the instructor. (9 weeks) 

Mondays, 8:15pm - 9:30pm           Note: No class Mon., May 20

EARLY REGISTRATION: $115 ($130 after March 29)

"Backstage with Ala Nar"

Ala Nar has been together for over a decade, performing, teaching and studying all over North America. Their individual expertise in a variety of Belly Dance styles and techniques combines to create a performance group that is talented and unique. Ala Nar has logged hundreds of performances from local festivals to high profile International events. Recognized for their group dynamic, creativity and quality performance, Ala Nar is very excited to share some of their skills with you! Come join Ala Nar for a peek behind the scenes, and get to know Leona, nina d., Michelle, Lisa and Iva on a more personal level!

Sundays - 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Price: $45 per workshop or $75 for both (individual workshops description and registration below)

April 21: "The Art of Release" with Leona and "The Devil is in the Zills" with nina d.

May 5: "Party Fusion" with Michelle and "Egyptian Dance Diversity" with Lisa

"The Art of Release" with Leona - 12:30pm - 2:00pm

Belly Dance, a timeless art form, is known for isolating different parts of the body. More than just the isolation, it is the release that creates the power of the movement. Learn how to power your movements through contracting and releasing your muscles infusing your dance with that unique Belly Dance feel. 

"The Devil is in the Zills" with nina d. - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Zills, fun to play
when you’re sitting down, they have a way of turning into little devils
when you decide to dance while playing them. In this workshop we will
start with basic zill patterns while focusing on breathing. Then we will
add simple traveling steps with the zills and breath. And before you
know it we will be zilling, traveling and layering on some
isolations....while still breathing. Bring your zills to the workshop.
Some practice sets available - but the real thing is far more fun to
tame!

"Party Fusion" with Michelle - 12:30pm - 2:00pm

As Belly Dancers, we often forget that our dance is not just for the stage, but rooted in times of celebration and fun. With all the fancy costuming and intense training, it is easy to get caught up in the performance and forget to let loose and just dance! In this workshop, Michelle will teach combinations to music that will have you shaking your coins off. This workshop is for all levels, although some Belly Dance experience will be helpful. 

"Egyptian Dance Diversity" with Lisa - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Belly Dance is not the only Egyptian dance! Often categorized as
“folkloric”, Egypt has a huge variety of fun, exciting dance forms that
have shaped and influenced Raks Sharqi and in fact are the roots of the
glamorous Orientale style. This workshop introduces three different
dances from three different regions of Egypt: Nubian, Alexandrian and
Saidi. Previous Belly Dance experience helpful but not required! 

Learn the inner-workings of ATS-style group Improvisation. We will cover both basic and advanced moves, cues, and formations, and work to integrate them into your dance vocabulary so you can have "conversations" with other ATS dancers all over the globe!

This workshop is co-facilitated by Tonje and Shareef (of Rakkab music ensemble). We will focus on taking ATS vocabulary and integrating it into dancing/communicating with musicians. As well as cuing the dancers, we will work on learning "musician speak" and de-mystifying the sometimes nerve wracking process of dancing in a group with musicians who don't always follow the plan....

"ATS Intensive" and "Improv at Another Level"