About Najla's classes

Najla has been teaching belly dance for over a decade, and performing even longer.  In her classes, students learn fundamental belly dance moves through drills, combinations, choreographies and improvisation.  Each of her three classes has a specific focus designed to help students at all levels of the dance form. Class topics may change each month, so check individual listings for details.  Classes are held in Central Austin, at Tarrytown Dance on Sunday evenings.  

Fundamentals of belly dance (4:00 to 5:00 p.m.)

• This class is designed for students new to the dance, or those that want to work on fundamental movement and technique.  Each month a new topic is introduced, with the idea that a new student to belly dance can gain a strong foundation in the dance over the course of six months. 
• The topic for March is: Slow, Slinky and Sultry Movements.  The four-week class will cover slow hip and rib work, undulations and body and waves and introduce students to veil work.  Perfect for students new to the dance or beginner students who want want to work on veil work and fluid, graceful steps.
• Class rate is $12 a class.  Students who have studied with Najla for at least three consecutive months, pay a "loyal student" rate of $10 a class.

Mixed-level belly dance (5:00 to 6:30 p.m.)

• This class is designed for students who want to work on their technique and perfect their belly dance skills.  With a mix of drills, combination and improvisation, this class is ideal for a dancer who has a strong understanding of fundamental belly dance movement. 
• Experience with zils and veil is highly recommended.
• This class may be combined at a discounted rate with either the fundamentals or performance class. The cost for the combined class is $22 a night for either combination (mixed+fundamentals or mixed+performance).  Students who have studied with Najla for at least three consecutive months, pay a "loyal student" rate of $18 a night for the combined classes.
• The topic for March is:  Developing Fluid Movements and Transitions:  We'll start by working on increasing your strength and flexibilty, and start to transistion into floor work.   Class will not only include drills, but also cardio and stamina movements followed by a nice, long stretch at the end.  
• Class rate is $15 a class.  Students who have studied with Najla for at least three consecutive months, pay a "loyal student" rate of $12 a class.

Performance and choreography (6:45 to 8:00 p.m.)

• This class is designed for students who are interested in solo and group performance opportunities.  In this class, Najla will explore more advanced and challenging dance technique, including performances with props, improvisation, designing choreography and deepening your understanding of Middle Eastern music, culture and costuming.
• Enrollment in this class is subject to the instructor’s approval.  Students attending the performance class must be simultaneously registered for the mixed-level technique class. Because the emphasis on this class is performance, students are invited but not required to perform at local dance events. 
• This class is required for membership in the Baharat Belly Dance Ensemble.  Members of the ensemble may be required to purchase troupe costumes for group performances.
• In March, we’ll be starting a new choreography that includes sword and floor work.  Be prepared to really test your strength and stamina.  

What to Wear:

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in, but try to avoid loose or baggy clothing.  Yoga wear or leggings and tank tops work well in class.  Bare feet are recommended, but dance slippers, jazz shoes or dance sneakers will also work (no street/athletic shoes please).  Hip scarves are available to borrow in class, and information on purchasing scarves is available in class.  

Payment and Attendance Policy:

Students may sign up and pay online, or pay at the door via check or cash. New students are required to sign up for a full month of classes, and classes are non-refundable.  Current students may pay on a student account to cover classes.  Class payments are non-refundable and expire six months after purchase.