What is "Bellydance"?
According to the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (IAMED): The dance form we call "belly dancing" is derived from traditional women's dances of the Middle East and North Africa. Women have always belly danced, at parties, at family gatherings, and during rites of passage. A woman's social dancing eventually evolved into belly dancing as entertainment ("Dans Oryantal" in Turkish and "Raqs Sharqi" in Arabic). Although the history of belly dancing is murky prior to the late 1800s, many experts believe its roots go back to the temple rites of India. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dance is that it is intended to entertain men. Because segregation of the sexes was common in the part of the world that produced belly dancing, men often were not allowed to be present. (http://www.bellydance.org)
Mesmerize Bellydance & Shimmy Retreats
Amira Star of Mesmerize is available to dance at your hafla, workshop, and event.
Another Rakn St Patty's Day Hafla March 13th from 7:30-10:30 at Valleywood Golf Club
Shimmy Tecumseh 09 was a FANTASTIC SUCCESS! Thank you to all my wonderful instructors and dancers! You Rak'd!
Shimmy Tecumseh 2010 is being planned now! Register early to get your spot in the Welcome Hafla line up. Register before Jan 1 for this years price! $295 until Jan 1, 2010, $350 after that. Payment plans are available
AVA FLEMING IS COMING TO TOLEDO!!!!
Save the Date! March 25-27th 2011! Two days of workshops, a welcome hafla and a Fantastic Showcase featuring the AMAZING Ava Fleming! Can you tell I am excited???? Contact Amira for details!!!!!
Looking for a special gift for your dancer? Send her to My Sultry Valentine on February 13th in Ann Arbor! A fun Belly-Burlesque Fusion Choreo to make your Valentine's Day one to remember! See flyer for details
Rakn T-Town Workshop Weekend with Maria!!! November 12-13th 2010. Mark Your Calendars!
For the first time in Toledo, Maria of San Jose! Join us in welcoming Maria with a Friday night Hafla. Sign up to perform. Saturday will feature four hours of incredible workshops with Maria followed by a gala show with our special guest of honor. Performer applications are being taken for the gala show. Email Amira
Bellydance for Fun & Fitness
Amira holds weekly classes to lose weight and tone up utilizing bellydance moves and combinations. Check the calendar for class times and locations.
***NEW CLASSES STARTING Feb 20, 2010 IN PERRYSBURG AT HAI!!!! Sign up for BellyFit from 10-11 or Saucy Combos from 11:15-12:15. See you there:)
The Healing Arts Institute is hosting our Bellydance classes on Saturday mornings again starting February 20th, email for a registration form
Want a great workout but don't have the time to come to class? Try these DVDs from my friend Hemalayaa!
