Anniversary
GardenParty!!
Sunday May 4, 4pm:
Happy Anniversary to us!! Come celebrate a year
of dancing and fun at DanceGarden. Performances by DanceGarden
teachers, students and more! Lotus Henna will be in house offering beautiful
henna designs for a small fee.
Best part? It's free! Please bring a dish or beverage to share! :)
ARTWATER
Music & Art Festival!
Saturday April
26, 2-10pm
Come out and stroll our friendly village enjoying our galleries,
stages with dance & music performances, chalk art and more fun activities
for adults and kids both! This annual event celebrates the art and artists
of our community, and benefits a charity each year. Performances by DanceGarden
teachers & students including the following*:
3:25 – Princess Farhana (Bellydance Teacher), Ghazella (Zahra's
professional Bellydance Company)
5:20– Jenna’s Jewels (Bellydance Students),
Irani & the Sambarinas
6:45– Yesenia & Paul – Salsa Demo & Free Lesson
8:40 -- Jenna (Bellydance Teacher) and Bloom Bellydance (Jenna's professional
bellydance company)
*Schedule
subject to change
The festival will be on Glendale Blvd. between Larga and Madera street,
withthe stage at the Larga end of festival, and chalk artists at Madera.
There will be 40 vendor booths of local artists, food and beverage - featuring
New Belgium Beer!
Plus, creative areas in which festival attendees can create art!!
Yesenia will be back in action next Thursday April 10th at 7:30-- bring your dancing shoes, and a partner if you've got one, or just your shoes if you don't! Either way, she'll have you dancing in no time.
PERFORMANCE
taXim
LIVE MUSIC & Bellydance Showcase
Friday April 4 at Studio Iqaat
Jenna
& Zahra of DanceGarden host this bi-monthly performance with loads
of bellydancing and other special treats in nearby Eagle Rock!
Click here for all the details: taXim
Saturday April 5, 2008. 10-12 am
WHEN THE HIP HITS THE FAN!
Become a FAN-tastic dancer while you add a new dimension to your belly dancing. Princess Farhana will teach you how to dance with fans, whether they are smaller hand-fans, ruffled Mulan fans ( also known as “veil fans”) or Sally Rand-style mega-plume extravaganzas.
Included: hand and arm positions; dramatic poses; flutters, snaps; double and single fan manipulations, Asian-influenced, Flamenco-influenced and “conceal-and-reveal” burlesque-type moves all easily adapted for fusion with Oriental dance. We’ll drill slow taxsim movements and turn combinations perfect for fan-fusion dancing.
Also included: tips on constructing and caring for fans and written class notes. Bring along a fan or two of any size. There will be pairs of feather fans and veil fans available for purchase.
This class is open to all levels.
35$ at the door, 30$ advance registration -- Register here!
Glamorous
Makeup for Stage with Jamie-Leigh Devilla
3 Sundays in April 6th, 13th
2:30-4pm
& April 20th evening
Learn
makeup techniques to look your best from an in-demand professional make-up
artist. The series culminates in a photo shoot on the 20th so you can
capture your new look in glamour shots! Students will need to bring their
make up kit and a brush kit. Brushes are a necessity!
Email Jamie-Leigh if you
have any questions.
THIS SPECIAL WORKSHOP IS PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY:
DanceGarden
Dance Passports/Cards may not be used for these classes.
75$
before April 1, 80$ afterwards
Register at DanceGarden, by phone or on-line
here!
BADARO will cover Irani's Samba class two Saturdays
March
22 and March 29 -- 5:30 pm
Director and choreographer of Viver Brasil,
Luis Badaro is our special guest teacher for the next 2 Saturdays. He'll
be teaching a regular class on Fridays starting in May (scroll down for
details) but this will hold you over until then! :) Come on in and have
some fun!
Easter Sunday (Mar 23) -- Tribal Bellydance is ON!
3:30-4:45pm
American Tribal Style Bellydance
for Beginners
with
Diana Goodwin of Alamkara
LEARN TO BELLYDANCE!
Intro
to Bellydance with
Jenna
Tuesdays March 25- May 13, 2008. 6:15-7:15pm. 8 sessions for
$100 includes FREE coin hip scarf! Email
us for information, or register online
here to
secure your spot! This is the perfect class if you want to get into bellydancing
and learn all the moves from the beginning.You may also register in the
studio or by phone -- until it fills up!
Paul Barris
As our own talented Yesenia Adame has been snatched up for the month to host 'Wild on E', her dance partner, Paul, has graciously agreed to come and teach for these 3 nights (We took his class this past Thursday and had a blast! Wow!) Paul has been dancing for 17 years and currently teaches, performs, and choreographs all over the world. His accomplishments include placing first in the 2000 British Open Championships (revered as the "Super Bowl" of dance championships), and also represented the U.S. in Latvia at the National 10 Dance Championships in 2000, placing first there as well. Don't miss him! You will really feel like you are dancing.....!
Salsa class is every Thursday at 7:30 PM
Fahtiem
Sunday March 9, 2008. 2 -4 pm.This
workshop is hosted by LARaqs. Please visit LARaqs
for more information & registration.
DanceGarden Class Cards or Passports may not be used for these classes.
Tamra-henna
: : Oriental vs. Beledi
Sunday February 24 2008. 2 pm. Learn
the differences between these two distinct styles of Egyptian dance.This
workshop is hosted by LARaqs. Please visit LARaqs
for more information & registration.
DanceGarden
Class Cards or Dance Passports may not be used for these classes.
Yesenia Adame teaches
every Thursday at 7:30 pm
But
this Thursday is Valentine's Day! What better way to celebrate with your
partner or meet someone new? This special class will let those who come
with a partner stay together, and singles will rotate partners frequently.
Happy Valentines Day!
Yesenia Adame teaches
SALSA SATURDAY February 2, 4:30-5:30pm
In
place of Irani's class, we are delighted to present our awesome Salsa
instructor, Yesenia this SATURDAY ONLY! You can usually
only catch Yesenia at 7:30 on Thursdays. The
class wll start with a shine (solo dancing) warm up. You may bring a partner,
but you don't need one, since we will rotate and this will be a fun way
of meeting new people who are into salsa as well! The gentlemen will learn
how to be a great lead and the ladies will be able to follow their every
move! Wear comfortable clothes and heels (for the ladies) with a back
strap. If you wish to be a bit more comfortable and are just learning
sneakers with not too much grip on the bottom will do also. Same goes
for the gentlmen, shoes with not too much grip on the bottom. Teens and
adults welcome!
PERFORMANCE
taXim
LIVE MUSIC & Bellydance Showcase
Friday February 1st at Studio Iqaat
Jenna
& Zahra of DanceGarden host this bi-monthly performance with loads
of bellydancing and other special treats in nearby Eagle Rock!
Click here for all the details: taXim
Live middle-eastern music by: Michael Cox, Gorkem Somer, Donovan Lerman and Elias Thomas!
Taji
Marlena
Najah
Amar
Heather Shoopman
& The Saharan Sirens!!!
SPECIAL
GUEST:
Princess Farhana!
Bellydance
meets Bollywood with
Heather Shoopman
Sundays February 3,10, & 17 2008.
3:15-4:15 pm.
Learn a complete Indian fusion choreography with the Tribal Fusion champ
herself. Get your groove on to Panjabi MC while learning exciting new
moves from the ancient Bharatnatyam and the modern Bollywood and Bhangra
dance forms! The beautiful shapes and mudras of Indian dance will be drilled
and fused with basic bellydance. You will also be challenged with exciting
tribal fusion combos. We will discuss dissecting the dance into sections
that can be cued and used in an improvisational format.
All registrants will be given a copy of the song and written choreography
notes. You will also have a chance to film the dance on the last day!
A great opportunity to add to your repertoire. All skill levels welcome!
Pants rather than skirts are recommended for the class.
THIS SPECIAL WORKSHOP IS PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY:
3 sessions for $40: register
online here
DanceGarden Dance Passports may not be used for these classes.
**Plus, Heather will be performing this dance at taXim on February 1 (click here for details on our bi-monthly bellydance showcase)
¡Salsa! with
Yesenia Adame
Every Thursday, 7:30 pm.
This
class wll start with a shine (solo dancing) warm up. You may bring a partner,
but you don't need one, since we will rotate and this will be a fun way
of meeting new people who are into salsa as well! The gentlemen will learn
how to be a great lead and the ladies will be able to follow their every
move! Wear comfortable clothes and heels (for the ladies) with a back
strap. If you wish to be a bit more comfortable and are just learning
sneakers with not too much grip on the bottom will do also. Same goes
for the gentlmen, shoes with not too much grip on the bottom. Teens and
adults welcome!
LEARN TO BELLYDANCE!
Intro
to Bellydance with
Zahra
Saturdays January 12- March 1, 2007. 11am -12pm.
8 sessions for $100 includes coin hip scarf! Email
us for information, or register online
here to secure your spot!
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER -- YOU CANNOT JOIN THIS CLASS AFTER THE 2ND SESSION. PLEASE REGISTER ON OR BEFORE 1/19/08 TO GET STARTED WITH ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS IN BELLYDANCE!
Saturday JAN 19th ONLY!! 4:30 pm . Luiz Badaró is a critically acclaimed co-artistic director and co-founder of Viver Brasil Dance Company. Born in Salvador, Bahia, he is a master dancer, choreographer and percussionist who has been choreographing and performing for over thirty years in Brazil, Europe, Africa and the United States. Badaró began his arts career under the direction of Mestre King at SESC-Bahia (Serviço Social do Cómercio) and was among the first generation of dancers to perform at the SESC/SENAC Arena in the late 1970s. He has performed with the Paris-based Circus Archaos throughout Europe and with many of Brazil’s premier ensembles including Viva Bahia and Olodumarê.
Now residing in Los Angeles, CA, Badaró was nominated for a Lester Horton Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design in 2000 and 2003; in 2003, 2004, and 2005 for music and dance. Badaró’s exalted choreography is inspired by both the traditional and contemporary worlds of Afro-Brazilian culture which he infuses into the training of the company. A 2006 recipient of an Irvine Dance in California, Creation to Performance Grant funded by the James Irvine Foundation and Dance/USA, he is a faculty member at Dance Arts Academy in Los Angeles and a staff musician at Santa Monica College.
Read more about Samba here.
<--DanceGarden Instructor Irani with her Sambarinas performing at taXim
Photo by Shawn Bashary
Tribal Fusion 'Shoop' Style with
Heather Shoopman
Every Monday starting January 7, 9:15 - 10:30pm.
Get your Tribal Fusion Bellydance inspiration from the Champion and People's
Choice of 2007's Bellydancer of the Universe competition. This advanced
beginner/intermediate level class is designed to strengthen your technique
and further 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, Oriental
Dance, classical Indian and hip-hop. Come be inspired!
Princess
Farhana teaches bellydance at DanceGarden!
Starting Wednesday January 16, 6:15 - 7:15pm
We
are delighted to add Farhana to our list of awesome dance instructors.
She'll be teaching this mixed level bellydance class every Wednesday.
The class will include Egyptian as well as other styles of belly dance
technique including shimmies and layering, abdominal work, beautiful hands
and arms, combinations, improvisation, veils and finger cymbals.Advanced
beginner and intermediate students are welcome, however, the class is
not meant for basic beginners. Try one of our intro classes if you are
a first time bellydancer! See our full schedule here.
Photo by Don Spiro
Just an hour later to give you a little more time!
Chakra
Dance with
Heather Shoopman
3:15-4:15
pm each Sunday in January (6, 13, 20, 27).
4 sessions for $40 register online here
This moving meditation exercise was a success in NYC's dance community.
We are pleased to have Heather guide you through the experience here in
L.A.! Read a review of Heather's Chakra Dance workshop here.
Drop-ins
are allowed except on the 27th, but for the greatest benefit, taking each
class in the series is highly recommended. See a class
description here
LEARN TO BELLYDANCE!
Intro
to Bellydance with
Jenna
Tuesdays January 8- February 26, 2008. 6:15-7:15pm. 8 sessions
for $100 includes coin hip scarf! Email
us for information, or register online
here to
secure your spot!
Can't make Tuesdays? Scroll down for our Saturday Intro to Bellydance -- same course, different day!
ZAHRA'S BACK ON SATURDAYS!
Bellydance choreography with
Zahra
Every Saturday
Starting January 5, 12:30 -1:45pm. Intermediate/Advanced level
15$ per class, or use your class card. For 20$ total,
you can take Jenna's 2pm right afterwards for our lowest price of all!
DanceGarden will be closed from Friday Dec. 21 through Friday January 4th. Classes resume Saturday January 5 2008.
DanceGarden
Winter Fiesta!
Sunday December 16 4pm:
It's a GardenParty!!! Music, Dancing & FUN!Performances
by DanceGarden teachers, students and .......maybe even you!?!?!
Featuring Jenna's Jewels, Irani's samba class, Sherri & her Tribal
Fusion Class, Amar, Diana Goodwin and Alamkara! PLUS, a live DJ set from
our favorite spinner of middle-eastern fusion hits, Petrol Bomb Samosa!
Lotus Henna
will provide henna tatoos for adults (10$ and up) and kids too! (5$
& up).
Best part? It's free! Please bring a dish or beverage to share! :)
DanceGarden is closed from Wed. Nov. 21 through Sat.Nov. 24 – Classes Resume with Tribal at 3:30 Sunday Nov 25
Tuesdays 6:15 - 7:15pm. We just can't get enough of Irani's fun & funky style - so in addition to her Saturday class at 4:30, we now offer samba on Tuesdays too! BONUS! You can combine the samba class with bellydance at 7:30pm for our 20$ back-to-back special! See our schedule here. Read more about Samba here.
<--Instructor Irani with her Sambarinas performing at taXim
Photo by Shawn Bashary
Our
very talented Sherri has been signed on
to tour with the Bellydance Superstars! Luckily, she will be continuing
her classes at DanceGarden up until our Winter Break, so don't miss the
chance to study with Sherri before she becomes an international sensation!
Sherri teachesTribal
Fusion Bellydance with Tuesdays
9:15-10:30 pm
Remember,
you can combine this class with Jenna's bellydance class at 7:30pm for
our 20$ back-to-back special! See our schedule here.
Read more about Sherri's style of tribal fusion bellydance here.
DanceGarden's Grand Opening Fiesta was featured in the premiere issue of Belly Dance: A Raqs Sharqi Magazine To see the article, click here.
Diana!
Direct from Cairo
Saturday November 17,
7pm: We are honored to have Diana back in L.A. to
star in this very special performance at DanceGarden. Also starring Gulistan
Dance Theatre, Jenna, Kajmir & Oneida of Oregon, Neena Nour of Arizona,
Camila and MORE!
Sunday November 4
More info on our Events Page , 15$ or drop in and use your class card!
NEW
CLASS
Around
the World in 60 minutes
Every
Wednesday 6:15 - 7:15pm
A serious workout that's *seriously fun!* You'll keep your heart rate
up which is crucial for weight loss, as well as get a little taste of
Greek, Indian, Latin, Swing, Azerbaijani, Hawaiian Hula, Irish, Brazilian,
and Middle-Eastern style dances. This aerobic class will keep your interest,
keep you challenged, and is also designed so that even new dancers can
follow along. Bring your sneakers and be ready to sweat!
DanceGarden's Grand Opening Fiesta was featured in the premiere issue of Belly Dance: A Raqs Sharqi Magazine To see the article, click here.
American
Tribal Style Bellydance for Beginners
with
Diana Goodwin of Alamkara
Every Sunday
3:30-4:45pm
Read
more about ATS (American Tribal Style)
here.
ROOTS
Remembering Our Origins
& Traditions Series
Balancing Props
- North African Style
Learn technique, stylings and choreography for the Egyptian
Shemadan or Candleabra dance often used in Egyptian wedding processions
AND Tunisian Shaabi!
You do not need the props for the class. Use of the props will be explained, but are not necessary to learn the dances!
Saturdays Oct 20 through
Nov 10; 12:30 - 1:45pm
A 4-week intensive with Zahra Zuhair
Four Sundays: September 9, 16, 23, & 30th 2007. 2-3:15pm. Heather will review the basic tribal vocabulary adding new dimensions and introducing techniques for leading and following in "ATS" groups! 15$ per class or use your class card. Email us or call for information.
DanceGarden will be closed Monday for Labor Day but open ALL weekend -- all classes are ON Saturday Sept. 1 and Drum Class is on for September 2!
Intro
to Bellydance with
Jenna
Tuesdays August 21- October 8, 2007. 6:15-7:15pm. 8 sessions
for $100 includes coin hip scarf! Email
us for information, or register online
here.
Sunday August 26, 2007. 2-3:30pm. This workshop, followed by a 'hafla' or dance performance party, is hosted by LARaqs. Please visit LARaqs for more information & registration.
FARRAH
A childhood spent as a competitive figure skater ingrained Farrah with
the discipline for perfection of technique, hours of rehearsal-time and
rigorous physical training. Her middle-eastern dance training began with
Mesmera, and continued in NY with Nourhan
Sharif and Dalia Carella. Farrah is a certified AAFA Group
Exercise Instructor and has completed her Anusara Yoga Pre Natal Teacher
Training. As an instructor, she hopes to share her love of this unique
and ancient art form with women of all ages.
GöRKEM
performs a wide range of music from Eastern Europe,
Middle East and Northern Africa on tabla & riqq. Born in Istanbul, Gorkem
Somer’s interest in music begun when he was only 5. As a teen, he
focused on percussion, and after becoming a student of Souhail Kaspar, he
realized that playing doumbek was his passion. A member of Kan Zaman, the
highly accomplished classical Arabic music ensemble of Southern California,
Görkem also enjoys playing for belly dancers, and gives dumbek lessons
focusing on belly dancing rhythms. 
SHERRI
has
been a student of dance since the age of five. Her diverse experience
ranges from ballet and gymnastics to jazz & modern. Her passion fro
Middle Eastern dance began in 1999 in San Diego when she started studying
with Heather Stants of Urban Tribal Dance Co. Her work with Atash Maya
Dance Collective helped develop her distinguishable repertoire as a tribal
fusion soloist.
ROXXANNE
