Class Schedule
(updated 01/13/11)
- Beginner Level Classes
By invitation only. Private classes held weekly.
- Intermediate Level Classes
By invitation only. Private classes held weekly.
- Advanced Level Classes
These classes are held weekly, and are by appointment only. A dance skills assessment test is required.
- Master Level Classes
These classes are held weekly, and are by appointment only. A dance skills assessment test is required.
- Professional Polishing Classes
Private classes by appointment only. A dance skills assessment test is required.
- Performance Troupe
By invitation only. These private classes are held every other Sunday. A dance skills assessment test and an audition are required to join the troupe.
What do you wear to class?
When you come to class please feel free to wear comfortable clothing. We will be stretching and performing dance movements so you won't want clothing that will restrict your movements.
Each dancer has their own personal style that develops as they progress. Eventually, most dancers will begin to acquire costume pieces such as jewelry, scarves and hip accents that represent their own individual taste.
However, often people do not know what to wear, so here are some suggestions for class, to get you started.
- Leotard or unitard (the most popular being the mesh middle available from Sugar Petals)
- yoga pants (with or without accent skirts worn over them)
- crop top, bra top or sports bra
- leggings or shorts (with or without accent skirts worn over them)
- hip scarf or sarong in a contrasting color from your leotard
- shoes with flexible soles - or bare feet
- broomstick skirts or other full skirts
- any jewelry that pleases you but that does not interfere with your dancing
- any other slightly form fitting but comfortable clothing that allows you freedom of movement
Most of these items are available for sale in class or you can buy them online. Check out the recommended vendor page!
Other Suggested Class Supplies
(aka: what to keep in your dance bag)
Water
We will be working and moving. It is important to stay hydrated.
Notebook
You can write down the things you learned so that you will have a resource
for practicing on your own. You may do the move perfectly in class, but two days
later at home you might not remember the steps exactly. Take notes!
A veil.
We would like to continue with incorporating veil-work into class as part of a student choreography. A veil should be lightweight, semi-sheer or sheer material such as chiffon or silk between 2 1/2 and 3 yards long. We do have loaner veils available in class. We recommend making your own practice veil. It is easy and cost-effective.
Finger Cymbals / Zills / Zils / Zagat.
We will work with basic zill patterns
and rhythms in class at least twice per month. Loaner zills are available and occasionally we will have an extra pair of zills to sell.
There are a number of very good sources for student zills.
We would recommend these:
- Saroyan Zills 2 1/16" diameter zills in the Arabesque, Nefertiti or Turkish Delight styles, $13-$15 (plus tax & shipping)
- Mid-East Mfg, Inc. 2" diameter student zills, $10.50 (plus tax & shipping)
- Lark in the Morning carries Saroyan zills (plus tax & shipping)
- Turquoise International size A (2 1/16), $12-$14 (plus tax & shipping)
We do not recommend that you buy larger zills at this time - it will take practice to build up the strength to play them consistently - which is much harder if they are heavy.
Dance sandals.
While dance sandals are not required in our studio, when we perform in a public area, you will want to have sandals to protect your feet from any sharp objects (like beads!) or yucky objects (think restaurant floors) that are on the dance surface.
I recommend:
- Greek sandals. Great alternative to standard dance sandals. They work for both indoor and outdoor events. They have a thick no skid bottom that makes them perfect for Renaissance Faires or other rough terrain venues where the Hermes are just not enough protection. They have such a great look to them you can still wear them for regular indoor performances.
-
Hermes dance sandals
for general indoor performances, classes and practicing purposes.
They are available locally at:
- Dance Boutique (14920 N. Florida Ave 813-968-8099)
- On Your Toes (11401 North 56th Street 813-989-1286)
- *hint: replace the leather laces on your Hermes dance sandals with 1/4" or 1/8" width grosgrain ribbon. It is a lot more comfortable and you can change the ribbon often to match your outfit.
- Renaissance moccasins. The "open toe sandals" are good dance footwear alternatives, generally available at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI each spring.
- DancePaws. For dancing indoors on carpet & wood floors. They protect the balls of your feet and increase traction on slick floors. They only cover the balls of your feet. Great for class where you will have a lot of repetitive moves while practicing/learning so the balls of your feet don't get a lot of wear.