Join us and enjoy the spirit of the dance and the special people in our program. Our emphasis is on learning and executing dance steps with accuracy, flexibility, grace and poise. Movement and rhythms guide this dance that is shared among women throughout time and accross continents.
Our classes offer every student the opportunity to perform during our Harem Nites and other special events. We are also available for private and group sessions! Please contact us at 972.554.0252 for special group rates – 10-student minimum.
Classes are held at Dana’s Dance Academy, 414 S. O’Conner Rd., Irving, TX 75060.
Pricing:
$40 per month for 1 session
$70 per month for 2 sessions
$95 per month for 3 sessions
[1 session = 4 weeks of one class]
Authentic Belly Dancing Academy Class Descriptions
Beginner Belly Dance:
Our beginner classes are structured to allow students to develop at their own pace. You will learn to develop a sound foundation for belly dancing. We’ll explore different music and rhythms (i.e., Egyptian, Arabic, Turkish, etc.) that make this dance so beautiful. You will build a stronger physical body with flexibility and endurance, learn dance history and feminine artistic expressions, and discover the joy of movement. You will need to master the steps outlined in the beginner classes before moving on to our intermediate belly dance classes. Classes are taught by Neenah and Mishael.
Intermediate Belly Dance:
In this class, you will expand your repertoire of dance steps, rhythm knowledge, and music vocabulary. While learning graceful transitions between moves and fun combinations, you will also learn the framework for building exciting choreographies by enhancing your skills in layering movements, level changes, directional changes, and emphasizing and de-emphasizing movement to match the music. This class includes an introduction to the use of props such as veil, candle, and sword. You will need to master this class before moving into our advanced belly dance class. Instructor approval needed for enrollment in this class. Classes are taught by Neenah and Mishael.
Intermediate Zill Drill Class:
This unique zill drill class, which is included in both intermediate belly dance classes, will help you become proficient in playing various zill patterns (i.e., beledi, kashlimar, chiftetelli, bolero, and other variations of the 4/4, 9/8, 6/8, and 2/4 patterns). You will need to master this class before moving into the advanced/performance group.
Advanced Belly Dance / Performance Class:
Get exposed to sophisticated steps and skilled layering techniques. Students in this class must have the fundamental ability to play zills while dancing. Strength building and mastery of transitions in footwork and body isolations is emphasized here. We explore the explosive, dynamic isolations required for drum solos! This class can be an aggressive workout. Advanced work with props such as veil, candle, and sword technique is taught. Members of this group will master advanced choreographies, performance skills, costuming, and the world of entertainment protocol and professionalism. Enrollment in this class is by invitation only. Classes are taught by Neenah.
Meet the Instructors of Authentic Belly Dancing Academy
Neenah
Director of Authentic Belly Dancing Academy
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced/Performance Class Instructor
Neenah is the owner of Authentic Belly Dancing Academy and director of its professional troupe. Hailed by the local press as the “Queen of Quarters and Shot Glasses” and “Dallas’ Favorite Belly Dancer,” Neenah is total entertainment and in constant demand for her performances as a soloist. With her energy and love for the beautiful art of belly dance, Neenah continues to focus on the retro-style form of entertainment which she refers to as Vintage Style. She received early training from Angelika and Zeyna, who were star performers in Dallas during the 1980’s and 90’s, well known for their stage presence, excellent musical interpretation and unmatched dance style. In addition to teaching classes and directing the troupe, Neenah performs and teaches seminars around the country, and is preparing to take on more opportunities to perform internationally both as a soloist and with her troupe.
Mishael
Beginner & Intermediate Belly Dance Instructor
Mishael has been with Authentic Belly Dancing Academy since 2007. Her dance history includes training in ballet, tap and jazz. She is a high-energy performer who is skilled in the use of zills, sword, cane, veil, and – her personal favorite – candle tray. Mishael teaches beginner and intermediate belly dance at ABDA where she makes sure every class is fun, informative and challenging. In addition to her work in traditional cabaret styles of belly dance, she has also had training in American Tribal Style (ATS), Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) and fusion belly dance. She encourages women of all ages, sizes and skill levels to take a class and discover the joy of belly dance!
What’s Happening…
Neenah and the dancers of Authentic Belly Dancing Entertainment can be seen every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at varios venues throughout the Dallas area. Here are a list of scheduled performances for December and January:
Special Event! January 7, 2010: 8:30 pm, Dallas, TX – Harem Nite at Stratos Greek Taverna. This event is an open forum for belly dancers and takes place the first Thursday of each month. Arrive with your music by 8:15 pm to perform. 2907 Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75220
Tell us what you’re thinking, wondering, or about your belly dancing experiences. Let us hear from you! Your feedback is always welcome. Contact us atbellydancingnewstoamuse@yahoo.com.
For more information on Authentic Belly Dancing Academy, including class schedules, booking dancers, upcoming performances and gift certificates, please contact us at 972.554.0252 or visit our website:
Authentic Belly Dancing Academy Coupon of the Month
Free Belly Dance Class!
Purchase one month of belly dance classes at Authentic Belly Dancing Academy and receive one free belly dance class for a friend. Offer applies to new students only.
