Class Descriptions

All classes are open to all levels, unless otherwise noted. See the current Class Schedule for details on date, time and registration information.

African Dance

Wednesdays @ 4 pm for kids
Mondays @ 7 pm for adults
Instructor: Jenabah

Let the beat of the drums move your body and soul! This class incorporates basic stretches and strengthening within an improvisational warm up set to West African and Afro-Modern rhythms. Students will learn songs, rhythm, dances and culture as we embark on a journey of movement from the African diaspora. Focusing on the high energy and powerful nature of West African dance, this class will draw occasional influence from the rhythmic, yet fluid gestures of East Africa, the magic and beauty of Afro-Cuban folkloric dances and the party life of Brazil. Class is accompanied with live musicians, to help students to understand the communication between the drums and the dance. This class offers a rich taste of African culture and provides an amazing, full body workout that you don’t want to miss! Get ready to sweat and have fun! All levels welcome! No shoes are necessary.

Afro-jazz

Wednesdays @ 7 pm
Instructor: Jenabah

Afro-Jazz dance is a fusion of African, Afro-Brazilian, Caribbean, jazz and modern dance styles. We will work closely with the music to explore different rhythms, and how to bring out accents in the music through movement. Classes are up-beat and begin with a warm-up, followed by movements across the floor and a choreographed combination. All levels of dancers are welcome.

Bellydance for kids

Tuesdays @ 5 pm
Instructor: Ziva

Students will learn the history of Raks Sharqi (professional form of belly dance) and Raks Beledi (folkloric form). Fun ways to stretch and strengthen the body will be taught to enable students to execute basic isolations of belly dance and then transfer these movements into a fun contemporary choreography.

Creative Movement

Mondays @ 4 pm
Instructor: Katie

If only age were not a factor, Creative Movement is the dance class that everyone wishes they could attend! It is a class session that introduces some of our youngest movers and shakers to various ways of moving their bodies, while encouraging exploration and independence in movement, as well as the definition of dance. Over the course of the session, basic dance and body terminology will be introduced to begin building a foundation in the art. Dance activities in class range from narrative dances and improvisational movement games, to rhythm and sound activities, to an established warm-up and cool down. Ultimately, this class is about having a good time, never losing freedom of movement, and understanding that there is no right way to dance if you love what you’re doing! Tights, slippers and leotards are welcome, but anything in which it feels great to dance is all that you need!

Dance Basics

Thursdays @ 4 pm
Instructor: Katie

Dance Basics strives to introduce a number of different styles to students who love to move and are interested in dance, but are not sure just what type of dance is their favorite or have not had much previous dance experience. Not only will the movement fundamentals be practiced throughout the session, but a few minutes both at the beginning and end of class will be set aside to compare and contrast the different types of dance-parts of the body used, music, culture, social practice, etc. Dance Basics offers a setting in which students can play with different concepts and movements from week to week, while making new discoveries about their bodies’ capabilities. We will focus on vocabulary and basic technique in the ballet, hip hop, jazz and modern dance styles. It is suggested that students bring either jazz or indoor sneakers and wear comfortable clothes in which they can move (no baggy t-shirts and no jeans please).

Girls Night Out! (21+)

Every other Friday, January 20th to March 30th @ 7 pm
Instructor: Jenabah

Calling all ladies......come get your sexy on!
This is your opportunity to unleash your flirty side and become free from your inhibitions.  We will explore the world of burlesque as we learn sassy dance moves while using various props and discovering graceful ways to peel off our satin gloves. Learn why the art of seduction has more than one approach.  Are you a flirty sex kitten, a steamy seductress, or a wanton wild woman?  Using traditional burlesque techniques and classic strip tease movements you’ll learn the art of slow sensuality, flirtatious teasing and hard hitting sexiness.

Workshops will improve strength, flexibility and cardio – everything you need to make him beg for more. Burlesque combines elements of acting, modeling and dance. It cultivates confidence, bold femininity, and a sense of humor. Bring your booty shorts, barefeet and a boa if you have one. Must be 21 or older.

Hand Drumming

Tuesdays @ 4 pm for kids
Tuesdays @ 7:30 pm for adults
Instructor: Sundance

Share in the excitement of rhythms from around the globe, by learning basic hand drumming techniques and exploring the concepts of polyrhythm. Harmonious repetition of natural rhythms creates healing energy and puts us in touch with ourselves and those surrounding us. Students will learn traditional world drum rhythms, as well as how to listen and improvise within the structure created. Drumming also helps to develop skills in teamwork, playing music, improvising within a structure, building a community, and expressing oneself.  Together we will create “original arrangements” of traditional rhythms for ensemble performances and recitals.  There is a never-ending journey of life and discovery through rhythm!

Hip Hop

Mondays @ 5 pm for kids
Mondays @ 6 pm for adults
Instructor: Ziva

Hip Hop denotes an entire subculture created in the Bronx in the late 60’s and early 70's, which includes four main vices: the rapper (or MC), the DJ, the graffiti artist, and the b-boy/girl (dancer).  One of the integral creators of Hip Hop culture, Africa Bambaataa, also includes knowledge as a main vice. Students will learn fundamental movements of East and West Coast Hip Hop, including basic isolations, top rock, drops, downrock, and freezes associated with breakdancing. Other recognizable movements are the sharp isolations of popping and the comical gesturing of locking from the West Coast style. Like any dance style, however, hip hop is constantly evolving, so students will be taught a plethora of contemporary movement vocabulary. All of these styles will be combined to perform increasingly complex cyphers (hip hop combinations) and fun choreography.

Jazz 2/3

Thursdays @ 5 pm
Instructor: Jenabah

This class is intended for the young dancer who has had previous training in jazz and or ballet. Students will further their technique through more advanced combinations and across the floor movements while working with more difficult turns, higher leaps, and fancy footwork as we execute more power to every move set to todays popular music. Jazz shoes are recommended.

oula

Wednesdays @ 6 pm
Instructor: Katie

Oula offers the perfect balance between the hip and the hippy, with its structured, easy-to-follow, and fun choreography, while simultaneously encouraging self-expression and freedom of movement.  Musically, Oula incorporates hip hop with Hindu and tribal with Top 40s hits. This variety provides a base from which to experience an incredibly broad range of emotion, movement, style and sensation all within one hour.  Oula generally uses three to four movement sequences per song, which are cued and repeated throughout the song so that the student can quickly transition from the learning phase to the dancing phase.  Oula is for anyone who loves to dance and get down to good music, and because Oula can be done at any intensity level, it is open to all experience and mobility levels. Oula helps us to listen to the messages our bodies are sending, to lose ourselves in the joyful and celebratory nature of dance, and shift our focus from how we look to how we feel.  All you will need for class are clothes that make you feel oula-la (and lots of water)!

Raks Belly & Bolly

Tuesdays @ 6 pm
Instructor: Ziva

The purpose of this class is to explore the movements and techniques of Bellydance with an introduction to the movements and story of Bollywood dance. Bellydance is an encompassing term for the many folkloric and professional dance forms of the Middle East, known as Raks Sharqi (oriental dance) and/or Raks Beledi (folk dance). Bellydance is one of the oldest dance forms known to man and can be done by anyone of any age, shape, or size. The movements of bellydance are very natural to the body and can enhance not only physiological health, but can also aid in mental and emotional well being. Physically it is a dance of isolation where you learn to move one body part at a time and then layer these movements on top of one another. Bollywood dance as popularized in Indian films is a fusion of Bellydance, African, Hip Hop and Hindi. This class offers students the opportunity to deepen their studies of Raks Sharqi Bellydance while introducing the basics of Bollywood. To learn more about Bollywood dance, visit www.bollyfit.com. Enrich your cultural experiences and have a blast in this fusion dance class!

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN

Saturdays @ 9 am
Instructor: Jen

This class will begin with a warm up that includes simple breath work and cardio exercises to prepare your mind and body for a challenging yet enjoyable workout! Lengthening and toning are the goals, as we explore various ways to stretch and strengthen the major muscle groups without the use of props or weights. Traditional yoga poses and dance stretches will be incorporated with toning exercises that will target not only the superficial, but also the deep muscles. Come in your bare feet and comfortable clothes.

Tap

Wednesdays @ 5 pm for kids
Wednesdays @ 8 pm for adults
Instructor: Ziva

Stemming from a fusion of African American vernacular dance, English and Irish clogging, and Spanish Flamenco, tap dance consists of a variety of brushing, tapping, and stepping movements focused on the feet.  Typically medal taps are worn on the shoes which enable the feet to play out various rhythms as a musical instrument. In this class students will learn the basic sounds and movements of tap dancing, much like one learns the basic notes of music. These basic steps will then be combined to create a variety of simple to complex rhythms and dance phrases. Tap shoes are recommended but not necessary!

Tribal fusion Bellydance

Tribal Style bellydance is a modern and Western phenomenon. It takes the movements of Middle Eastern dance and combines them with movements, posture and aesthetics of other ethnic dance forms, such as North African dance, Flamenco and Classical Indian dance. It also has a unique costuming style using rich and heavy textiles, tribal jewelry, metal adornments and many layers of clothing. The costuming does not aim to reproduce any given genuine tribal group, but instead conforms to Western notions of ethnic fantasy using a range of different elements from many areas to create a look that is overall cohesive and unusual.  Performed as a “tribe” using synchronized group improvisation, each group develops its own vocabulary of controlled, earthy, and mesmerizing movements and cues, allowing a “follow the leader” format.  Dancers will learn to communicate through body language and will develop awareness of dance partners at all times. Women are attracted to this form of dance due to its femininity, beauty and grace, and find that it is a GREAT workout and a fun way to stay in shape. Appropriate dress includes yoga pants, short top, tank top or leotard (wear something comfortable that conforms to your body so you can see yourself move!) Bare feet, and a hip scarf is optional.

Tribal fusion Bellydance (Beg) basics, concepts & combos

Wednesdays @ 8:45 am
Instructor: Jenabah
Thursdays @ 6 pm
Instructor: Cheri

Class will begin with a gentle warm up that includes, stretches, strengthening and postural drills, followed by basic movements, combos and cues as well as vocabulary and technique. In each class, students will have an opportunity to practice the concepts of Tribal Style bellydance through group improvisation. This is a great class for new Tribal belly dancers, as well as for the dancer who wants to practice and review.

Tribal fusion Bellydance (Inter) conditioning & choreography

Thursdays @ 7 pm
Instructor: Mylitta

Develop your strength, length and presence as you practice your tribal technique.  From hips to finger tips we will train, refine, and embody the grace of this art form! A fun, dynamic and energetic way to condition your body and practice your skills within tribal fusion choreography. It is strongly recommended, but not required to have had previous bellydance experience before attending this class.

Tribal fusion Bellydance (Adv) formations, drills & zills

Thursdays @ 8 pm
Instructor: Jenabah

This class will broaden the dancer’s existing knowledge through new combinations and formations, and will build confidence while dancing with zills. These elements combined with refining technique, reviewing vocabulary and drilling our group improvisation, will help to prepare dancers for performing. One must have completed a minimum of one year of tribal style bellydance at Tree of Life, or with instructors permission.

Zumba®

Saturdays @ 10 am
Instructor: Jane

Zumba® fuses hypnotic Latin and world rhythms into easy to follow moves that create a dynamic fitness class. The routines feature interval-training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you’ve got Zumba. No street shoes please, jazz sneakers are recommended. All levels of experience are welcome!