Class Descriptions

Babylonia Tribal Format – An FCBD inspired format, devised by Solange, designed for group performance. Technique may be incorporated into choreography or used in improvisation/follow the leader exercises. This term the focus will be on fast techniques. Focusing on technique and skills used in dancing the Babylonia Tribal Format to both fast and slow tempos. The earlier class will be learning a choreography to be performed at our annual Amethyst Family Halloween Show. The later class will learn a choreography, ‘Thread by thread, the tapestry is complete’.

Barre Fitness – Claire is a qualified instructor through The Barre Clinic. These classes are modeled on the traditional structure of a ballet class – with barre work first, centre second and finishing with floor barre – and incorporating elements of dance, ballet and Pilates, your body will be taken on a safe and thorough journey. During our class you are warmed up during the barre repertoire, completing kicks, jumps and cardio later in the class when your body is warm and ready. We have options to modify or advance every exercise for any level of fitness and also options to modify for injury or pregnancy. Barre will work you hard, make you sweat and burn and leave you feeling fabulous! Each class features an elegant yet energetic combination of movements that enhance flexibility, improve balance, and challenge the core. No prior Pilates experience or dance training required.

Beginners – The Beginner’s course is suitable for dancers who have never tried belly dance, or other dance forms, before, whilst also being available to those with experience who would like to revisit their base techniques. Each week will focus on the mechanics of fundamental belly dance technique, gradually building moves into a choreography. Learning a choreography is a rewarding way to put your new skills into practice and, when permitted, the studio holds an end of term Hafla (party) giving all students the opportunity to join their teacher and class in performing the piece they have worked on. There is no pressure to perform!!!

Beginners Technique (videos) –A collection of 8 short videos, breaking down the foundation moves of belly dance. This may be partnered with your Zoom classes, or used in your own time to practice at home.

Dancer Conditioning – This is a great class for anyone after body conditioning and fitness. This class is also ideal for the dancer wanting to take their practice to the next level, or perfect their technique for stage. Hayley has a wealth of experience in performance and dance. In this class she will be directing focus towards the dancer’s feet, balletic arms and flexibility. Open level

Gothic Fusion – Intermediate to advanced level of dance. Prior experience in belly dance technique is required. A modern fusion style of belly dance, drawing of Gothic esthetics, expression, style, music and culture.

Khaleeji – Khaleegy or Khaliji or Khaleeji is a mixture of modern style and traditional folkloric dance from the Persian Gulf countries of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Khaleeji means “Gulf”. The Khaleeji dance incorporates very distinctive footwork, shimmies only involving the hands and the shoulders, head slides and circles, chest drops, specialized finger snapping and distinctive hair flips. Dancers wear long and loose dresses known as Thobes.

Loosen-up – This class is predominantly for online students, via Zoom. If you would like to attend but prefer to learn in the studio, contact Claire to see if this is possible. Classes will vary in content and style, each lesson focusing on a particular technique and putting it into a combination. Classes run for 40 min.

Mini Shimmy – Mini Shimmy is a class dedicated to children of Primary School age. Learning the foundations of belly dance steps and putting the moves into a fun choreography.

Progressive Beginners – This class is designed for the dancer who has some experience in belly dance, but is not yet ready for Intermediate level. The foundation techniques are revised and new, more challenging techniques are introduced. Choreography in this level begins to introduce formation work and a wider variety of dance props.

Saturday Technique – Each week this class will explore different areas of belly dance technique, breaking down the mechanics and how they can be implemented into your dance practice. The technique visited will then be put into practice, using unique combinations of moves. Instructors will vary from week to week and belly dance genres will also vary. Open level *Zoom option available.T

Temple Fusion –Inspired by the various Indian Temple Dances, this fusion dance will combine posture and gestures of Temple Dance with belly dance. Calling the dancer to build strength and poise, generating a calm intention with each move and may be used as a moving meditation in your own dance practice. The Temple Fusion improvisation format has been devised by Claire, this choreography will be inspired by these combinations Music TBA. *Zoom option available

Technique Drills Videos – A collection of short drill classes designed for you to work on your isolation and dance technique to enhance your regular dance practice. Technique is relevant to all styles of belly dance. Taught by Lorralei.

Voi – Claire introduced Voi to Belly Dance Amethyst in 2011, as her debut to teaching. The prop involves attaching a standard sized silk veil to a length of ball chain, this is then attached the one of the dancer’s hands and used as per a belly dance veil and also incorporating poi spinning techniques.