“Live On-line Classes are Here!”
by Leyla Najma · 38 Comments
I know this is a long time coming and we (Daniel) have been working very hard on getting everything ready so we can make the classes as easy as possible for everybody. They are starting up next week on two different days; Tuesday the 25th and Thursday the 27th. These will be permanent days for the classes and you will have a chance to drop in a class or sign up for the 4 week series. There will be two different time frames for each day; 11:00am and 7:00pm Mountain Time. Adding to this I must say it was really interesting trying to figure out the classes in advance so that they would make sense. The class preparation took me awhile before I finalized what I was going to teach but I believe that the classes will be what everybody is hoping for. These “live” online classes are a dream come true for both Daniel and we are both thrilled that they are finally here!
Tuesday will be the type of drilling and dance class that I teach my students. We will go over hip work first with a variety of combinations, layering, accenting and pauses. I have taken the class into 4 weeks so that each class fits with the next one. The 4th class will be a review of the former 3 weeks so that questions can be answered in a way that makes it easier to demonstrate movements and explain any grey areas.
Thursday will be focused on the problems of small spaces in different venues like restaurants, parties and small dance floors. I will go over leg extensions, turns, sweeps and traveling steps that actually work in small spaces. I call these combinations, turns and extensions “In Place” movements. I’ll talk about working in close proximity with customers and how to work in all directions especially if you have tables all around you. Usage of space can make a difference in tips and making people feel more comfortable with your dance. This will also be a 4 week series with the 4th class being a review class for any questions.
You can drop into the classes at your leisure or you can sign up for the 4 weeks. We are leaving the choice up to you so this makes it easier for you to decide what you want to do.
So if the next question you may have is, “How do I sign up”? Here’s the link: Learn Belly Dancing From Home, and if you have any questions feel free to email me Leyla@leyla-najma.com or call me 505-459-8015.
Floralia Belly Dance Festival for the Goddess
by Leyla Najma · 1 Comment
I keep thinking to myself that Floralia is months down the road and looking at my calendar today…..wow…..it’s just around the corner! This is a very exciting Dance Festival for me because it is produced by a very special friend of mine Selena Kareena of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Selena is one of the most down to earth belly dancers I know and this Festival really tells a lot about her and her giving heart. The story of Floralia is as follows; The Floralia, also known as the “Florifertum,” was an ancient Roman festival dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers and vegetation. Floralia symbolizes the renewal of the cycle of life, marked with dancing, drinking, and flowers. So be assured there will be plenty of dancing, eating, laughing and enjoying the change of seasons.
You can put on your dancing shoes or come bare foot and enjoy live music by James Yousif of Andaluse Entertainment. This year Selena personally invited dancers that she felt have unique and different qualities that offer a change for dancers from the normal workshop venue. I am honored to be one of those instructors who Selena has personally invited this year along with Farasha of Las Vegas, Saz’hrah of El Paso, Raksanna of Chicago, Helena Vlahos of Phoenix, Nadia Yousif (James Yousif’s wife) from Albuquerque. One thing for sure, with the caliber of teachers at Floralia, I will be taking classes myself besides being an instructor.
A little info on my workshop class:
I am so excited because the class I am teaching on Sunday is my favorite kind…….. a mix of my restaurant secrets and tips on how to work a room especially those spaces that are small, confining and suggestions on how to handle those occasional grumpy diners. You will be learning combinations that work best for restaurant dancing and a different kind of layering with sharp and soft hip combinations. There is a mind set that is required for restaurant performing because we are closer in proximity to customers and we can unintentionally invade their space. So there are a few dos and don’ts I will be sharing with dancers who are ready to venture into restaurant dancing. Plus the little secret I’ll be letting you in on will be my techniques for getting good tips from customers that are easy and rewarding to say the least! All in all it will be a very exciting 4 days!
The best part of all will be making new friends and meeting dancers from all over the US. So I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at Floralia and doing what we all do best which is having fun, laughing and of course dancing! Information to remember; Floralia Belly Dance Festival for the Goddess is April 29th-May 2nd, 2010 in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
For more information on Floralia watch the video interview I did with Selena and then visit the links. If you’re interested in attending get in touch with Selena at the number below.
Selena Kareena 575-743-2048
