What can a new student expect from Dorothea?

I teach primarily classical belly dance, known also as Danse Orientale, Danse Du Ventre, and Raks Sharqi.  My earliest years of study were greatly influenced by Armenian and Lebanese music, somehow softer than the later learnings of Turkish and Egyptian music and styles of dance.  I am "of the old school" of belly dance.  Performers in the 70's and 80's danced to a live band and  danced  a seven-part performance that would last easily twenty to thirty minutes.  The dance scene of today is vastly different.  Not only the styles of dance and the dancers who dance them, but the venues and performances are much different.  There are many talented performers today who present a "fusion" of styles.  I enjoy watching the various thematic and story-line performances and the
creativity in costuming that goes with it all. 

Besides classical belly dance, my teaching includes instruction in folkloric "Beledi" and "Kashlamar" and sometimes exudes an influence of dramatic Spanish and splashing Romany.   "Veil Work" is a must and is such an expression of pure femininity (not to mention the tremendous workout ones shoulders and arms experience!)

I am dedicated to teaching the art of playing zills!  Those fabulous finger cymbals that allow the dancer to become a musician accompanying themselves and the music through their performance.  I am sadden by how many beautiful performances I have seen and alas, no one is playing the zills.  Again, in the 70's and 80's the zills were part and parcel of classes and performances.  Besides all that, they are such fun to play!!!

To create a little more order here, this is what is the class agendas!

Posture/Poise       I teach a 5-part posture check which easily aligns the main chakras!  Focusing awareness throughout the class.

Fluidity/Motion   Included in the warm-up as graduated movement and emphasized throughout the class.

Isolations:             Head, shoulders, arms, rib-cage and hips.

Combinations:     Of the above and also adding in "travelling steps".

Zills:                       Study of basic rhythms/patterns and practice, practice, practice!  Ultimately the performer simply plays
                                 the zills without giving any conscious thought to the patterns.

MORE TO FOLLOW    THIS WEBSITE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION!