Afro-Brazilian Dance
Movements describing the different Orixas work your whole body from head to toe, making you feel strong and energized! Be ready to sweat and dance with your whole body & spirit. Most people go barefoot for this class, some wear a soft dance slipper or jazz shoe.

Afro-Latino Sexy Grooves
Afro Latino Sexy Groove is a unique cultural dance experience. Joey L. Dowdy’s creative choreography and contemporary dance fusion allows you to be free, have fun, and feel totally festive. This dynamic blend of African dance - an aggressive, stimulating, charismatic and rhythmic force - combined with the sensual touch of Latin dance's hip-shaking and pulsating rhythms truly works you out. In addition, Joey often includes accents of Jazz Dance, Hip- Hop, and today’s popular dance craze sensation, Reggaeton. This hot dance mix served together along side Joey’s infectious energy is a sure winner. You will definitely leave this class feeling sexy, lean, & dancing like a machine; shouting Fuego! Fuego!! Open to all levels. Students should go barefoot or wear a flat dance shoe. This class includes live percussion - please be kind enough to bring a 2$ donation for the drummer!

ATS - American Tribal Style Bellydance
A contemporary style of bellydance that started in San Francisco, American Tribal Style belly dance (ATS) is a modern fusion style, created from a combination of traditional Egyptian raqs sharki (also known as bellydance), folkloric dances of the Middle East and North Africa, and Flamenco influences. 'American' refers to the modern influence and adaptation of these ancient dance forms. 'Tribal' refers to the layered costuming and the idea of a group presenting something as one entity, as the format is based on group improvisation: the dancers follow cues given by the leader, who is always changing so that it becomes a truly communal experience. Dancers from all over the world who know this style can dance together with no rehearsal and appear choreographed!

In Heather's class you will learn American Tribal Bellydance basics in both the Fat Chance Bellydance and the Gypsy Caravan formats of American Tribal Style. Movements will be drilled and worked with in formations. Fast moves will be drilled with finger cymbals (aka zil, zills, sagat).
We will stage a short performance at the end of each class using what you've learned up until that point.
By the end of this 6 week session, you will have a greater understanding of ATS and the 2 formats, improve your zill playing, and leading
won't seem so scary!
Drop-ins are welcome, however, please have some basic knowledge of ATS.

Bellydance
Bellydance (also known as middle eastern dance, arabic dance, raqs sharqi, and oriental dance --see article at bottom of this page)is an ancient art form from the middle-east and North Africa that has grown into a modern global phenomenon! Our expert teachers Aubre, DeVilla, Fahtiem, Helena Vlahos, Jenna, Kamala, Princess Farhana, Nasila, and Zahra Zuhair will show you that it involves a lot more than just the belly. We have classes 6 days a week that range from our Intro to Bellydance Series to Advanced/Professional Level. Private lessons are available, too!

Bellydance students practice veil technique at DanceGarden, by J. Akpobome

Bellydance Boot Camp
Come Start Your Weekend Off with a BANG!
Drilling the Basics with DeVilla! In this Boot camp we will refine and drill all the basics.
With emphasis on Good Posture, proper Technique and some basic footwork to get us MOVING!
What's the best way to start the weekend? With a Shimmy and a smile! See You at Dance Garden LA!

Bellydance Breakdown
Learn basic bellydance technique from the ground up, then refine the moves with drills and light combinations. Focus will be on proper posture, muscle use, simple foot patterns, and basic rhythms.

Bellydance Choreography
These classes focus on learning a complete dance routine set to different pieces of music suitable for bellydance. The teacher will continue with one dance, or choreography, for a number of weeks, and then move on to another. Students who wish to find out when a particular teacher will begin a new choreography may email the instructor to inquire. Students are permitted to drop in to the classes after the first one if they wish, but as the choreographies are progressive, the student must understand that steps or combinations from the first class, although normally reviewed, may not be broken down & explained as they were in the first class.

In Nasila's Saturday Choreography class you will learn charming choreographies based on modern raqs sharqi and Egyptian folklore, including melaya luff, an oriental mergence (or egyptian style entrance piece), raqs-al-assaya/cane, beledi, shaabi and drum solo. Learn about musical structure, and both classical and contemporary musicians and dancers, while studying complex choreographies that will enhance your knoweldge of and feel for the dance. From ooey-gooey beledi to intricate footwork and quick transitions, these choreographies help build a dancer's vocabulary and confidence while instilling a sense of eastern musicality. Each week will review some technique and combinations and put them to music, building them over time into a full choreography complete with notes and staging tips. Some performance opportunies available. Not recommended for new beginners. Contact nasila@laraqs.com for info.

Bellyquake
Jayna Kouzouyan's creation combines the addicting rush of a cardio workout with the sweet nuances that only Bellydance can provide. Let Bellydance technique slink up on you without you even knowing it! Jayna's Bellyquake class combines cardio and dance combos that will put a smile on your face and tone on your tush!

Bollywood Dancing
Bollywood dancing is generally classified as dancing to the soundtracks from East Indian movies, however it is much more than that. With the recent arrivals of big music directors such as AR Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire fame, the songs now have a story of their own. Combining traditional and western-influenced dance moves to these soundtracks generally equals Bollywood dancing. The articulation and specificty of hands, legs, arms and chest, make Bollywood dancing a unique & energetic form of dance that everyone can enjoy.
The class is open to all levels and includes a coordinated dance to either ONE song or a medley of songs. All levels are welcome and the pace is set by class response. On average it takes 6 to 8 weeks to learn one dance, beginning with basic moves, advancing to complex moves and then adding facial expressions. Loose clothing and either comfotable shoes, bare feet or socks are advised, but it really depends on what you are comfortable in dancing in. Be prepared to sweat. Bollywood dancing has a knack of making you exercise muscles that you never knew existed, but in a fun and easy way. Working out has never been this easy!!

Brazilian SAMBA
Our energetic samba class offers a mixture of traditional & modern cabaret styles, oftern infused with the flavors of axe dance, which came from afro-brazilian folk dance. Samba is an upbeat and fun way to stay fit & healthy. You will learn both technique and samba choreography from Irani, a Brasil native!

FOLK FUSION BELLYDANCE
Bellydance Folk Fusion combines traditional Arab Folk Dance with modern bellydance. Learn cultural and historical relevance while gaining great techniques for your dancing and getting a wonderful workout. Topic focus (ex: Saiidi, Shikhat) changes on a 6 week rotation.

HOOPDANCE
Hoopadelic hoopdance is holistic ecstatic-dance-fitness with a hoop! This unique movement frees the body from the complexities of the mind and leads to a high-vibrational physical and spiritual experience. The meditative art of hoopdance incorporates spiraling movements, touch and response techniques, intention, flow, and an elevated state of kundalini and water energies through organic ecstatic movement all achieved by spinning a Hoopadelic dancehoop. Catherine teaches a type of series called "Hoop in Expansion" or HIE. All three class types, described below, are intense low-impact cardiovascular workouts that focus on strength building, muscle toning and dance form. Try Hoopadelic classes in lieu of run of the mill fitness routines. Yes, these are THE hoopdance classes you've looking for!

Level 1 H.I.E. is for beginners who seek foundation building. This class is designed to sow the seeds of hooping and cultivate a palette of moves on and off the body. This course will provide tools for creating a solid foundation of fundamental movements to break through "beginners' barrier". One-on-one guidance is given to introduce the body-mind-hoop(er) relationship. This class will propel even the most novice of hoopers deeper into unlocking the movement artist within!
Level 2 H.I.E is for advanced beginners who have a grasp of hooping on the core and basic off-body moves. This class completes the introductory palette of movements. The fulfillment of level 2 allows the hooper to flow deeper into hoopdancing with progressively complex movements in preparation for advanced classes and workshops.
Open Level H.I.E. is for hoop enthusiasts of all levels to come as you are and advance within your skill level with each consecutive class! Catering to your needs, this multilevel hoopdance class will cover H.I.E. curriculum from levels 1, 2 & 3. The benefit of this class is that you will always get exactly what you need, at your pace, in a diverse class environment that is cohesive, productive yet challenging and most importantly highly inspiring and incredibly fun! .

KUNDALINI YOGA
"Kundalini Yoga classes are a dynamic blend of postures, pranayam, mantra, music and meditation, which teach you the art of relaxation, self-healing and elevation. Balancing body and mind enables you to experience the clarity and beauty of your soul. No previous experience in yoga is required for you to achieve results with your very first class." --Yogi Bhajan
These yoga classes utilize physical exercise, music, mantra, and meditation that is guaranteed to expand your consciousness while making your physical body function at its peak capacity. Kundalini Yoga is unbelievably compatible with Belly Dancing; this uplifting navel-centered class will give you the energy you need to endure, along with increased lung capacity to handle your heart-pumping dance routines with grace, and will tone and strengthen your arms so moving them around in the air won't seem so challenging...and they'll look better, too! You’ll feel energized and relaxed at the same time! Bring a yoga mat, a blanket or cushion if needed, and your friends. Nancy's classes always include long GONG relaxation periods which heal and transform you on a cellular level.

PERSIAN DANCE.
All of the magic, technique, and artistry that create the legend of the Silk Road, is offered to everyone at Dance Garden Studios. Classes focus on Persian classical and folkloric styles (Azari, Qashqai, Bandari, Kurdi, Gilaki); and regional dances of Tajikistan. Languid and lyrical movements, swirling arabesques of form inspired by Persian decorative art and poetry. Strong emphasis on arms, finger gestures and neck. The connection of dance and ritual devotion such as "The Art of Turning" are also explored.

PILATES is a full body workout focusing on core strength & spinal stabilization. Through a series of exercises performed on a mat, practitioners experience increased flexibility, flatter stomachs, stronger backs, improved posture, and rehabilitation from past injuries. Pilates is beneficial for all bodies and every fitness level. Please bring your own mat, and wear comfortable workout clothes you can move easily in.

Salsa Class at DanceGarden by J. Akpobome

PRE/Post NATAL YOGA
Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman's life. It is a time for nurturing, slowing down and learning to meditate, while being in the company of other mothers. This unique Yoga class provides a safe, simple and effective exercise program designed to strengthen and relax your rapidly changing body, preparing you for a conscious childbirth. Join other pregnant women & mothers as you strengthen your physical body with yoga, and bring clarity and fearlessness to your mind through meditation, and free yourself with dance. Kundalini Yoga and Meditation, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, is the cornerstone of our experience, which goes far beyond the physical realm of mere movement. This yoga helps mothers-to-be discover a deeper sense of peace and harmony within, lifting blocks of fear, doubt and old conditioning out of pregnancy, birth, child-rearing and all aspects life. Developing a meditative mind, she brings this stability to her birth experience, as well as to her family and home. Our goal... creating a more peaceful world through strong and conscious mothers. Come share with other women in community, as you strengthen your body, relax your mind, and to trust in your own power and strength. All women at any stage in their pregnancy are welcome. Please bring yoga mat. Other yoga props such as blankets, meditation pillows, etc welcome but not mandatory.

¡SALSA!.This non-stop action cardio class consists of basic technique, footwork and individual shines and sexy combinations with loads of Jennie's signature Cuban style influenced by the LA Salsa scene. You will get a workout, but while having so much fun that you won't even notice! Bring tennis shoes/jazz sneakers and/or dance heels -- whichever you have.

SAMBA
Our energetic samba class offers a mixture of traditional & modern cabaret styles, oftern infused with the flavors of axe dance, which came from afro-brazilian folk dance. Samba is an upbeat and fun way to stay fit & healthy. You will learn both technique and samba choreography from Andrea, who is educated in the Afro-Brazilian dance roots of modern Carnival style.

Shoop's Sweat Shop
Improve your muscle memory while you sweat in this up tempo belly dance workout
class. We will begin with varied tempo drills in the basics, working our way up to
adding level changes and foot patterns. The finale shimmy drill is packed with
layers and will leave you shining for the rest of the day!
This class is ongoing and open to all levels.

Silk & Soul: Dances of Uzbekistan
As in bygone times, today's Uzbek dancer invites us to share in the hospitality of the moment, to open our hearts and senses to the joy of living, and to join in her celebration of the feminine. Her artful and sensuous expressions summon catharsis, awaken archetypes and enliven the spirit. This 2,000 year-old classic/theatrical dance tradition of the Silk Road has traded influences with India, China, Persia and Arabia and its aesthetic elements can be traced all the way from Japan to Eastern Europe.

Carolyn’s beginning/intermediate class will help students experience AUTHENTIC embodiment of style as opposed to IMITATION of technique. The initial sessions will focus on the gentle and lyrical Ferghana style—one of the 3 styles of Uzbek dance—and be responsive to student needs. Each lesson will include a standardized warm-up followed by instruction in foundational technique: hands, arms, head, posture, footwork, turns, movement quality and musicality. Dance combinations and basic choreography will blend technique with performance skills—the “soul” of Uzbek dance. Traditional and contemporary Central Asian vocal and instrumental pieces will accompany elegant, rhythmic and poetic movement vocabulary.

Dancers must wear shoes—character shoes are appropriate, but students may wear ballet or jazz slippers to get started. Dance skirts recommended and hair should be secure for turns. For more information: www.gulistandance.com

Tribal Fundamentals:
This 4-week class will cover all the basic moves and cues of American Tribal Style belly dance (see above under ATS). This is the starting place for either tribal group improvisation (ATS) or tribal fusion belly dance. You will learn both slow and fast steps along with the visual cues used for leading and following. By the end of the class, you'll have all the building blocks for more advanced exploration, whether you plan to solo or dance with a troupe.

Tribal Fusion Bellydance
Tribal Fusion Bellydance is on the cutting-edge of the modern movement that is creating new styles rooted in the aesthetic of American Tribal Style (ATS) Bellydance. Heather Shoopman's class is designed to strengthen your technique and expand your dance vocabulary. Be prepared to sweat as you learn drills and combos to an eclectic music mix! Drills are geared toward ultimate muscle control through repetition, layering moves and dancing at different tempos. Combinations are drawn from many dance forms including ATS (American Tribal Style), Oriental Dance (Bellydance), classical Indian dance and hip-hop. Come be inspired!

Sherri Wheatley's class focuses on the fundamentals of tribal fusion bellydance as evolved from a strong ATS (American Tribal Style) foundation. Strong emphasis is placed on strength and flexibility training as well as developing and maintaining a correct and efficient dance posture. Learning how to count music and stay on beat as well as dancing with basic zill (finger cymbals) patterns will also be covered. We will explore traditional improv-driven movement as well as more modern fusion techniques, combinations and choreography. Strong emphasis on sharpening technique with regard to pops, locks, shimmies and spot turns. We will also learn how to develop and maintain the muscle control needed to execute extremely slow and sinuous movement. Mixed level, no prior dance experience required.

Tribal Improvisation:
This mixed-level class gives you the opportunity to build on the basics of tribal belly dance. You will learn some advanced variations, layering and combos as well as get practice leading and following with a partner and in a group. Students should have some knowledge of the basic tribal steps (taxim, body wave, hip bump, arabic, egyptian, 3/4 shimmy, etc.) and ATS cues. Completing 'Tribal Fundamentals' course is highly recommended.

Uzbek Dance
As in bygone times, today's Uzbek dancer invites us to share in the hospitality of the moment, to open our hearts and senses to the joy of living, and to join in her celebration of the feminine. Her artful and sensuous expressions summon catharsis, awaken archetypes and enliven the spirit. This 2,000 year-old classic/theatrical dance tradition of the Silk Road has traded influences with India, China, Persia and Arabia and its aesthetic elements can be traced all the way from Japan to Eastern Europe.

Carolyn’s beginning/intermediate class will help students experience AUTHENTIC embodiment of style as opposed to IMITATION of technique. The initial sessions will focus on the gentle and lyrical Ferghana style—one of the 3 styles of Uzbek dance—and be responsive to student needs. Each lesson will include a standardized warm-up followed by instruction in foundational technique: hands, arms, head, posture, footwork, turns, movement quality and musicality. Dance combinations and basic choreography will blend technique with performance skills—the “soul” of Uzbek dance. Traditional and contemporary Central Asian vocal and instrumental pieces will accompany elegant, rhythmic and poetic movement vocabulary.

Dancers must wear shoes—character shoes are appropriate, but students may wear ballet or jazz slippers to get started. Dance skirts recommended and hair should be secure for turns. For more information: www.gulistandance.com Yoga (Kundalini Style)
"Kundalini Yoga classes are a dynamic blend of postures, pranayam, mantra, music and meditation, which teach you the art of relaxation, self-healing and elevation. Balancing body and mind enables you to experience the clarity and beauty of your soul. No previous experience in yoga is required for you to achieve results with your very first class." --Yogi Bhajan
This yoga class utilizes physical exercise, music, mantra, and meditation that is guaranteed to expand your consciousness while making your physical body function at its peak capacity. Kundalini Yoga is unbelievably compatible with Belly Dancing; this uplifting navel-centered class will give you the energy you need to endure, along with increased lung capacity to handle your heart-pumping dance routines with grace, and will tone and strengthen your arms so moving them around in the air won't seem so challenging...and they'll look better, too! You’ll feel energized and relaxed at the same time! Bring a yoga mat, a blanket or cushion if needed, and your friends. Nancy's classes always include long GONG relaxation periods which heal and transform you on a cellular level.

Zumba
What is Zumba? Zumba is a latin inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music and dance movements, which create a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system. Using fast and slow rhythms, it integrates some of the basic principles of aerobic, interval and resistence training to maximize caloric output,
cardiovascular benefits, and total body toning.
IT’S FUN: “Exercise in Disguise” ... you don’t feel like you are working out
IT’S DIFFERENT: the music, the moves, the feel...no other class like it
IT’S EASY: anyone can join in - it’s easy to follow
IT’S EFFECTIVE: cardio-based, to get you moving and help achieve fitness goals.

In short, a fun, dance-based aerobic workout that blends Latin dance steps with the hottest rhythms to keep you moving! Zumba is a high energy,dance cardio class that incorporates the world rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia, samba, reggaeton, dancehall, latin hip-hop, and afro-Latin dance. Designed for all fitness levels.
Athletic shoes, like sneakers, recommended.

....please feel free to call or write us with any questions!

about us contact/location special events & news class schedule prices/registration class descriptions our teachers

www.DanceGardenLA.com
in Atwater Village, Los Angeles

DanceGardenLA, LLC
3407 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles 90039

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Bellydance or Belly dance goes by many different names: raks sharki, dans oryantal, arabic dance, mideastern folk dance, danse orientale, middle-eastern dance, egyptian dance, near eastern dance, and many more. Jenna explains her choice to use the sometimes frowned-upon term 'bellydance' in the short article below, originally published in the on-line magazine, "The Hip Circle".

The "B" Word
by Jenna

The article below is based on a post in the NYC pro bellydancers' discussion group, The Star Alliance ("BellydancePro"); Jenna responds to a suggestion to avoid use of the term "bellydance," as this term ignores the cultural origins of our dance form.
Although I completely respect & appreciate the reasoning & efforts of those who prefer not to use the term 'bellydance', and in fact, share the ultimate goal of achieving respect for what we do, I prefer to take a different route.
I feel that the name is simply a bunch of letters that people use to describe a concept, and it's the concept that needs changing, rather than the bunch of letters. I take my cue from some members of the gay community, which has experienced much progress in their public perception of late. Many have publicly embraced terms such as 'gay' and 'queer' (formerly derogatory & loaded with negative connotations) and taken them as their own.
This is my preferred method - I'd rather go out into the world calling myself a bellydancer (with pride!) and change how some might THINK about that title by presenting myself professionally & with self-respect; instead of changing the title.
There are plenty of dancers out there with the lofty, self-descriptions such as "Middle Eastern Dance Artist" and the like, who do NOT put on the kind of performance we would consider as an appropriate representation of our dance, to say the least; and who do NOT educate themselves on the roots & cultures of the Middle East, Mediterranean & North Africa (the fact that our dance pulls from traditions from many regions is another reason I'm not crazy about 'middle-eastern dance' as a term for what we do). Now, what if the audience sees said overly-sexualized 'middle-eastern' dancer, and associates THAT with the cultures/people of the middle-east?? Yikes!
Of course, there are plenty who use such terms and DO represent us positively, and, again, their contributions are VITAL!
Not everyone recognizes this term, however, and I would rather get the 17-year old who is enthusiastic about 'bellydancing' after seeing the latest culturally-confused hip-hop video into my class & share my technical & cultural knowledge with her than have her walk by my 'Middle-Eastern Dance' class, unaware of what she has passed up.
A rose by any other name still smells as sweet ...