Introducing
MiraMania Fall/Winter Class Series 2009
Series
I: Back to Basics September 9th-October 28th
A series for beginner to advanced students. This dance
requires in-depth isolation and layering of clean technique. In this
8-week series, Mira and Lisa will go back to the foundation that this
intricate dance is built on. Appreciated for their individual ability
to break down moves thoroughly, they will guide beginners through their
first taste of this beautiful art form, as well as add insight and tips
for intermediate and advanced dancers looking to refine and ultimately
built strength and awareness in their dance. "You're never too
good for a beginner class" $110
full series/$15 drop-in
Series
II: Props! Balancing and Veil November 4 - November 25
A fun short series
on some popular props! Mira will be leading you through balancing
techniques (such as with pots, sword, and tray) and associated floorwork
to inspire your own creativity with balancing props! Lisa will give
an introductory overview of veil technique, featuring some fun veil
combos. Even if you don’t plan to use the veil in performance,
practicing with veils is a fantastic way to bring awareness and strength
for lovely arms! Both sessions are mixed-level, and some props will
be available for use in class. Balancing Nov 4 & 11. Veil Nov
18 & 25. $55
full series/$15 drop-in
Series III: Intro to Layering December 2 - January 27 (No Class
Dec 23) During this 8 week series, we will build
on what you learned in the Back to Basics series by adding floor movement
and layering to the basic set of moves. You will refine your basic
technique as you expand your repertoire to include the near infinite
universe of combining movements! We'll practice layering shimmies
and traveling steps with all the basic movements, and begin combining
upper body and lower body isolations. This series will be challenging
to both your brain and your body, but will be suitable for those who
have attended at least 8 weeks of beginner classes. $120
full series/$18 drop-in
Full
series can be purchased at the first class, or send
an email to Lisa for advanced registration to ensure
your spot. Cash, Paypal, and Money Orders accepted
What
to expect
Come explore your own body through this ancient, intriguing dance
form. Bring sensuality and grace into your life while strengthening
and toning muscles you never even knew you had!
The primary motivation of my classes is to impart a solid foundation
of the fundamental movements and technique associated with the diverse
styles of Middle Eastern and North African dance. We will focus on
posture, isolations, and rhythm while strengthening our bodies as
well as our self-worth.
What do I wear? Wear
comfortable clothing you can move in. Showing your belly is optional
and I do like to be able to see your knees, so go easy on the big
skirts. Bring a scarf or something to accentuate the hips.
What style do you teach?
I am often asked this question by students, I say "the basics
are the basics." Although this dance has a colorful array of
styles and genres ranging from Folkloric to Cabaret to Neo-American
Tribal fusion, the underlying vocabulary of movement is, for the most
part, the same. Most of the difference is in costume, music, attitude,
and arm formations.
If you are an intermediate / advanced student, and already have many
of the basics down, I encourage the discovery of your own personal
style. Developing your dance to be an expression of who you are and
who you wish to become.
Privates
Need extra attention or just want to excel your
learning curve? Mira offers private and semi-private lessons by appointment.
Email
for more information
Workshops If you
are interested in hosting Mira in your area for workshops and/or performances,
Mira offers a wide variety of workshops guaranteed to challenge and
excite students from beginner to seasoned performers. Some favorites
include: all levels of bellydance technique, shimmies, layering, performance
skills, ethics, and much more. Email
Booking
About
the Intructors:
Mira
Betz, Director/ Lead Instructor
The multi-faceted, 17 year dance career of Mira Betz is a testament
to her passionate artistry and desire for continual growth. She trained
extensively in Middle Eastern Dance with Katarina Burda for over 10
years, with whom she developed a solid foundation in contemporary,
traditional, and ritualistic dance forms. She lived and studied in
Morocco and has been active in theater, dance, and the performing
arts for 25 years. As a leader and innovator of Tribal Fusion Bellydance,
Mira has become an internationally sought after dancer, choreographer,
costumer, and "instructor to the stars." She is currently
touring the globe and manages to come back to Oakland often to offer
these classes. Mira continues to spread her experience, knowledge,
and love for dance through her captivating performance and engaging
teaching style. Don't miss this opportunity to study with the best.
Lisa
Fiera, Guest Instructor
Primarily trained in classical Egyptian dance, Lisa Fiera is also
a solo fusion dancer and was formerly a primary dancer and choreographer
for Ultra Gypsy. Lisa's strong body awareness and intensive studies
have given her a particular skill at breaking down concepts in several
ways to ensure her students' understanding of the fundamentals. Above
all, Lisa believes that this dance is based in joy and passion, and
she hopes that you'll always leave her classes more confident and
smiling! www.lisafiera.com
