Thread: teachers/troupes in DC?

Hello again,

I posted a little while ago about teachers in Providence, and while I didn't get that job, I did get one in DC. :Abiggrin:

I've looked on shira.net, but there are *so* many instructors in the area. Are there any you would recommend? I'm also kind of interested in auditioning for a troupe, so if you have any recommendations there, that would be great, too. I've mostly focused on Egyptian, but am interested in most styles.

Thanks!

Maura

I'm located in the DC area, but I'm only 6 months into my dance education, so I'll let the more seasoned DC Dancers take care of your question.

However, I'd suggested getting on the DC Area Belly Dance Tribe if you aren't already.

We're really spoiled here! Lots of great teachers. Others will chime in with their favorites, but here are some of mine:

I dance mainly at Saffron Dance in Arlington, VA, just a few minutes out of DC on Metro's Orange Line at the Clarendon station. It just opened in September, and the director is my teacher, Saphira. I can't recommend her highly enough for all levels, beginner through pro. She's had many years of experience working with hundreds of students and has developed an amazing eye for identifying what you need to do to move forward, wherever you start out. The style is primarily Egyptian, with influences from Golden Age stylings (Samia Gamal) to jazzier modern elements (Yousry Sharif). Also, though she has high standards and expectations, especially at the upper levels, she's also warm, funny and a joy to work with -- always an asset, I think!

The summer session started two weeks ago and you can still enroll -- give Saphira a ring if you're not sure where to jump in. (Tell her Suzana sent you.) More details: Saffron Dance | Belly Dance Classes in Arlington
(No troupes yet, but there's a group performance workshop starting later this summer that may develop in interesting directions....)

Kostana also teaches at Saffron and elsewhere. She's excellent for all aspects of the dance and particularly strong at teaching rhythms, cymbals and cane. Her Turkish and Roma specialties are awesome. A generous teacher and a kind soul, too. Home

Faten Salama also teaches at Saffron and at a studio out in Manassas when she's not in Egypt -- she's leaving soon but her classes will resume in July. If you haven't taken with her yet, you must. She's wonderful! Heartfelt, dramatic Egyptian, both oriental and folkloric for the stage. She's completely "in the music" every minute of every class, which in itself is a real education. ::::::: FATEN SALAMA - MASTER INSTRUCTOR :::::::

Another favorite: Noor-Jihan. She has a lyrical "classical Egyptian" style, which she describes less modern/Western influenced -- along the lines of Morocco (Aunt Rocky), who's one of her biggest influences. Shimmies to die for, taffy-pulling taqsims, kick-butt drum solos. Also a sweetie! She doesn't have her own studio but teaches at various locations around the area. E-mail me for her phone number to get her most current info: Noor-Jihan.com may not be up to date.

Heading out of Egyptian and into Turkish and AmericanCabaret / VintageOriental / GreatAmericanBellydance, no one tops Artemis. Her classes and workshops are packed with information and insights, whatever your style. I'm very much focused on Egyptian, but over the years she has taught me a ton.

If I can help with anything or provide any additional info, please let me know: info at suzanadance dot com

Welcome to DC, and best of luck with the transition! Hope to see you at the studio.

Suzana

One more hot tip over in Maryland:
Latifa (of Bhuz) comes highly recommended for her extensive background, her smart and sensitive teaching, and her rhinestones.
www.bintbeled.com

Last one:
Saphira, Latifa, Lotus Niraja, Ebony, and some other local favorites are teaching workshops at the big upcoming Raqs America festival with the BDSS, so if you're shopping for a teacher that would be a great place to check them out. Should be a great event! http://www.raqsamerica.com/

Originally Posted by Zana

One more hot tip over in Maryland:
Latifa (of Bhuz) comes highly recommended for her extensive background, her smart and sensitive teaching, and her rhinestones.
Latifa's School of Middle Eastern Dance. If you want to learn the art of Middle Eastern dance, this is the place to start. Located conveniently in Millersville Maryland (close to Annapolis) we offer instruction in all aspects of Middle Eastern dance,

Last one:
Saphira, Latifa, Lotus Niraja, Ebony, and some other local favorites are teaching workshops at the big upcoming Raqs America festival with the BDSS, so if you're shopping for a teacher that would be a great place to check them out. Should be a great event! http://www.raqsamerica.com/

Aww, thanks Zana.

Will you be in DC? Or VA or MD? There are SO many teachers!

I love Latifa, too, but she is really far from me. Or maybe I'm far from her...

There is also Yucy and her Belly Dance for Life Troupe-fun girls!
Yasmin, who I only know by her great reputation, is a real gem, too. I think she's at Joy of Motion???

Wonderful teachers have been mentioned above, so I'll chime in with a top notch instructor (and human being) who hasn't been mentioned yet; Yasmin.
She and Artemis Mourat share a website: www.serpentine.org where there is info on her classes, which through a link will take you to Joy of Motion. I recommend starting out at the beginning in her classes, no matter what level you are. She is a detail oriented instructor with unparalleled experience- having worked "over there" for over a decade and with over 30 years pro experience. Take a look at the bio on her page to get a more full idea of her experience. This thread: http://www.bhuz.com/forum/belly-danc...ntine-cds.html
is about the CDs she produces from her former band in Egypt, the Henkish brothers.
She is dedicated to helping you get it right- so she is a demanding and honest teacher. She tells you when you're doing something wrong, but also helps you figure out how to fix it. She teaches classic Egyptian style; having worked regularly with Mona Said, Shoo Shoo Amin, the Henkish family, Ahmed Adawiyah and more she's got the real life experience to help you pick up the techniques and understand the feelings.
There are always TONS of workshops, events, haflas and shows around here. Welcome!! ..g.:

I just wanted to add to what was already said about Saffron: Yasmina teaches some classes there with Saphira. Yasmina is a full-time professional dancer in the area with many years of experience and a wealth of cultural knowledge to learn from ..g.:

Wow! I'm looking forward to being spoiled. :) I think I'll be living in DC, but I don't mind traveling a little bit for dance classes. Thanks for all of you recommendations so far!

Raqs America is a great suggestion to try out various local teachers. I'm looking forward to learning from teachers that are technically in "the area" but are either too far away to see weekley or whose schedules conflict with mine.

Also, your choices may depend on where you are living and working. I live in Maryland but work in DC, so I take classes in the city. By the time I get back to Maryland, I've missed the standard 5pm, 6pm, or 7pm class. But I'm also about 15 minutes from Virginia so places like Saffron Dance are an option for weekends.

Every time these DC/Baltimore/VA threads pop up, I seriously consider moving back east...!

I'd definitely second the recommendations for both Yasmin's (Egyptian) and Artemis's (Turkish) classes. I take from both of them and they're fabulous instructors. Artie teaches lots of places, and Yasmin teaches at Joy of Motion.

For tribal fusion, Asharah ({ asharah.com }) teaches at Joy of Motion and Saffron Dance. She's an excellent instructor. Belladonna (belladonna dance --- also awesome) teaches out of her home studio in Centreville, VA. And for pure ATS (hard to find), Jenn Hodge teaches at Saffron Dance (and maybe Joy of Motion)?

Joy of Motion Dance Center - Home
Saffron Dance | Belly Dance Classes in Arlington

If you're interested in Persian dance, Laurel Victoria Gray teaches at JOM. I've never been to her classes, but I've seen her shows and heard good things.

Visit WAMEDA, Inc.

This will help break it down by area. There are lots of us out there ;-)

You guys are awesome! I'm really not excited about finding movers, packing up my stuff, and leaving my giant and cheap apartment, but I'm definitely excited hearing about all of the different teachers and styles!

cleoscloset.com has a teacher list too, tho at least my listing info is a bit out of date.

I'm 40 miles south of the beltway in VA (Fredericksburg) & teach weekly classes Bellydance by Anthea (Kawakib) Belly Dance classes in Fredericksburg, VA in both Oriental and tribal improv.

Welcome to the area!

Welcome to the area!

The teacher you need will depend on what you are looking for.

• Basic techniuque nazi? - Well, that would be me...Zobeide zobeide@comcast.net
• Advanced dance drill sargeant - Yasmin
• Get moving and fearless performance with a dash of Turkish? - No one better than Artemis
• Uber modern Egyptian beginning / advanced - Saffron Dance (Note: I attend classes there.)
• Suhaila, kick-your-butt tribal - Asharah at Saffron
• ATS - Jen Hodge at Saffron
• History / spirituality w/ a dash of choreography - Laurel Gray

Hope this helps!

Z