SUMMER CLASSES AT MAC

Besides the classes that Samra will be teaching in Mt. Airy, NC and in August at Surry Community College in Dobson, NC, these classes are available at MOVING ARTS CENTER,
Woodlawn, VA (centrally located between Hillsville and Galax)


SUMMER FITNESS DANCE at Moving Arts Center, Woodlawn, VA)
276-236-4533 samra40@netzero.net www.movingartscenter.weebly.com

Regular Classes will start on week July 7, depending on the night of the class. Also, there are some intensive camps mixing dance with other art forms and culture. Weekly classes $30 per month (4 classes) or $10 per class. Group and family rates available.

MONDAY NIGHTS: Alternating. Beginning Salsa and Other Latin Dances (assistant instructorinvited)
TUESDAY NIGHTS- Dance exercise/Belly Fitness for ages 14 –mature adults 6:30 Dances from Around the World 7:45-8:45

THURSDAY NIGHTS- Belly Dance: Children: 5:45 , Beginners: 6:00, Advanced: 7:15
SATURDAY: July 26th. Donna Mehalko’s workshop: Dance Performance for Holidays and Luau, and African Belly Dance Fusion (At Southwest Virginia Training Center and SHOW) Register early to reserve your spot in the show.

SUMMER INTENSIVE CAMPS:

FOR ALL THE CAMPS,PAID PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY JULY 5 - Minimum 6 students required for each camp. Registration on the first day of event is possible if space remains. Class sizes will be limited. Short break on the hour. Snacks are permitted during the break. Because of diet and health concerns, each person brings own.

BELLY DANCE FITNESS FOR TEENS: July 14-17, July 19 (rehearsal and performance at a local venue) 6:00-8:00. Basic technique and a full choreography will be taught. $60 Includes notes and a CD. COIN hip scarf will be ordered for PRE-REGISTERED students at a discount.

DANCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Egypt, Hawaii and Gypsy Inspired Ages: 7-12 ( or younger with instructor’s approval)
10:00-12:00 - $70 includes ALL SUPPLIES: TOTE BAG to be Decorated by students, practice CD with music used in class, and a written outline of the course. Performance opportunity at the conclusion. July 21-25

BELLY DANCE FITNESS OR DANCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR ADULTS (Sampler): Latin, Hawaiian and Turkish Gypsy(Rom). Mini- Basic Routines for each style. July 28-August 1. 6:30-8:30 $60

HOW WAS BALI 2008

How Was Bali?
Lotus Dance Retreat has come and gone and everyone unable to go is asking how was it?
Bali as always was enchanting. This year our retreat spent 3 nights at the Batukaru Mountain Resort, and 6 nights at Pelangi Bali Resort on the Beach. This gave the opportunity for the participants to have more diverse experiences. Although we all loved the beach, the shops and other tourism activities, we were all sad to leave the mountain resort. It was 3 days in paradise. It is located right in the heart of a tropical forest in the mountains, in a very personal setting with comfortable accomodations, wonderful food, and entertainment brought each evening just for our group. We enjoyed A Balinese show, a night of Drumming and Dancing under the Stars, and on our first night after our yummy welcoming meal, we were entertained by our talented host, Richard, to his melodious singing accompanied by his guitar. If you go to Bali, be sure to stay at this magnificent, yet affordable place on top of the world.

Check it out: http://www.balimountainretreat.com/
Our participants this year were from Norway, Ukraine, USA and Guam. Our instructors were Siri, Samra and Barbara.Barbara Donahue was a guest instructor. Due to the sudden illness of one of our planned core instructors she taught more classes and did a great job filling those slots at the last minute!
We had a real wonderful time, whether we were in classes, or dancing at the two shows we presented at Pelangi Bali, exploring the natural beauty of Bali, going for massages, elephant riding, or doing what we do universally: shop.
While staying at the beach we counted to Yani, our travel representative to take care of all of our needs. From carrying her laptop around to offer emergency internet services, to taking photos and videos when we forgot or got too busy to do it, and just about anything that we needed. If you plan to visit Bali for any reason, I strongly recommend her to take care of your travel needs. She becomes a member of your family and takes great care of everyone during their stay.

Check out http://www.balitraveling.com/.
We hope to see you at a Lotus Dance Retreat in the future. Probably the next retreat will be closer to the USA to accomodate those who wish to participate but are unable to make the journey to the other side of the earth. It is certain, however that the Lotus will resurface somewhere soon, so keep your eyes open for announcements. Until then...

HOLLY

Sharing a Personal Loss
For those of you who met our Holly, or those around the world who kindly listened to endless stories about her cute deeds, I regret to say that she passed away on January 30th.
Holly was our family dog, and despite her intimidating size of 125 lbs, she was the kindest and most loving animal that we ever knew. We are grief striken and we feel that in addition to being a member of our family, Holly was a member of the community as she took the role of being our hostess by greeting everyone who came to the door with the "toy of the day".
She was a dancer at heart, liked many kinds of music, and swayed her hips as she walked in a way that I hope to copy and add into a choregraphy as a loving tribute to her.
Holly will be in our hearts forever.

Loss to Dance Community

A Great Loss to our Dance Community
Our dance community in Virginia has lost a beautiful and generous member. Amira passed away on Jan 31st after a longtime battle with a severe illness. She will be missed and remembered for her generous heart, her commitment and support for the art of Middle Eastern dance, and all art forms with which she was deeply involved.
Her accomplishments and achievements are countless. I will always remember her for her words of encouragement when I was a klutsy beginner, and her words of praise when I persevered in my pursuit of this art. Amira had a great heart that can only be measured in greatness by comparison with her boundless creativity and her desire to share her courageous and optimistic spirit.
Amira will live in our memories and our hearts.
With Love,
Samra

WORKSHOPS IN SW VIRGINIA AT A GLANCE

In Southwestern Virginia:
At Moving Arts Center:
Classes are now ongoing in these subjects. Students can join anytime until late spring when classes may be offered at different levels. There will be a recital in early Summer when students who wish to perform may do so. Check out these classes: Salsa, Belly Dance for Children and Adults, Creative Dance, Popular Dance, Mother and Toddler, Shimmyrobics and World Dance Exercise.
February 16
YOGA workshop by Tran Shipman. Tran is from China and later Vietnam and has resided in the USA for many years. She works as a legal secretary besides teaching Yoga at Carroll Wellness Center and various locations when invited. 10:00-12:00. Fees $15 until Feb 9, afterwards $20.
FREE DANCE EXERCISE WORKSHOP with Samra 1:00-2:00 for invididuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and is considered a "Cancer Survivor". To register call or email to register. Limit 10 persons.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER WORKSHOP (child 8 and above) - World Dance Exercise. Great time spent together having fun and getting fit. 2:00-3:00pm Special one time fee. $15 for BOTH if registered by Feb 12

MARCH 8
Full day of Workshops and Performance At the Southwest Virginia Training Center:
ARMS, WALKS, HIPS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS with Alexandria from Beckley, WV. Alexandria is the Best Kept Secret in West Virginia where she has had an accomplished career as a teacher and performer for over 30 years. She has performed and taugh through out the Southeast. Her performances are always remembered for her exuberance, expressive arms, complex footwork and intricate hip patterns. She will share as much as she can in 2 hrs.Don't miss the opportunity to study with someone who has developed a unique and joyful style.
Registration at 9:30 Class 10:00-12:00
12:00-1:15 Lunch and preparation Show. (Pack your lunch or you may order lunch at arrival from one of the local small or fast food restaurants)
1:15-2:00. Show by participants for the Residents and Staff of Southwest Virginia Training Center. This delightful audience looks forward to our performance each year and it is a rewarding experience for us all
2:30-4:40. WINGS OF ISIS Choreography with Samra. This is brand new Choregraphy to Nebidity Manain and contains various segments that can be easily changed by the dancer to make it "her own". PARTICIPANTS DO NOT HAVE TO BRING WINGS, but they must bring 2 veils, safety pins and either 2 small wooden dowels or plastic venetian blinds pull (found at any department store where they sell blinds). I really recommend this.
FIRST 30 MINUTE OF THE WORKSHOP will be spent learning HOW to make your own wings. Anyone who has an iron, needle and thread and bit of patience can make their own wings. Samra will show how she has made all her wings!!!

MARCH 18-APRIL 8 - Samra will be teaching in Bali, then going to Hawaii to expand her knowledge of Hula and the Hawaiiaan Culture.

APRIL 19, 20 - SAMRA returns to Danville!!!! This time for a full weekend to include:
Double Veil 102 - Participation in her introductory Double Veil workshop is not necessary. But this workshop will focus on moving from a double veil move to another in smooth transitions and combinations. The sketch of a double veil choreography will be presented, so dancers can create their own double veil dance from beginning to end and include double veil moves as one veil, entering the veils and dancing between them, separating, forming designs, joining then, and covering up IN STILE all possible mishaps that can happen due to wind, fans, and other unpredicatable surprises. Samra will share her several orginal tricks to get inside the veil. (2 hrs) (Saturday 6:30-8:30)
SHIMMY- Samra has produced 4 instruction DVDs with Shimmy as the topic! She will take you through a Shimmy Tour of the Body, from head to toes, and introduce you to various types of shimmies, besides the basic 3/4, 4/4 and 2/4 Shimmies,Egyptian Shimmies, and Muscle Shimmies, plus Felahi, Hagallah, Ghawazee, Brazilian, Flamenco, Tunisian, Roman (not Gypsy),Algerian, and more. If you are a bit sore gluts and thighs the next day, you have done "good". Bonus:Toned gluts and thighs for the rest of your life if you practice regularly :-) 10:00-1:00
Afternoon - Showtime!!!! Shalimar (Donna) is arranging a beautiful place in Danville for the partipants to show their best as a benefit for a local charity. Star polishing that dance, and searching your wardrobe for your look for the occasion.

DANCE IN BALI DETAILED SCHEDULE

Below is a Daily Time Plan for the Lotus Retreat in Bali.

For more information visit:
www.iarasamra.artshost.com
www.freewebs.com/magedansen
www.1001natt.com

or write to samra40@netzero.net

Companions and family members (non-dancers) are welcome. There are still spaces, but we recommend that you book as soon as possible. Local residents should inquire about individual classes if space is available.
Thanks, Samra
************
Saturday 22nd – arrival , free airport pick up, check in at hotel. Orientation meeting in the dance room at the hotel.

8 pm Dinner (hotel guests get 10% off menu prices) with Bellydance Show where teachers and participants perform.

Sunday, 23rd March
8 – 9 Breakfast at the hotel
9.30-10am Pick up in Mini Buses from Hotel
10am Sightseeing – Travel to Mengwi Water Palace, drive through Rice Paddies
4.30-5pm Arrive at Batukaru Mountain Retreat
Refreshments on arrival. Settle In
6.30 -7pm Dinner.

Monday, 24th March
8 – 9am Breakfast
9 -10am Orientation at Batukaru Mountain Retreat. (Book massages etc.)
10am -12 Shaabi Technique (Iman)
12 – 1pm Lunch
1 - 2.30pm Left Side (Choreography Technique) Right Side (Improvisation Technique (Samra)
2.30 - 3pm Afternoon Tea
3 - 4.30pm Balinese Dance Workshop (local Balinese instructor)
6.30 - 8pm Traditional Balinese Dinner
8.30pm Traditional Balinese Dance Performance – Joged Bumbung

Tuesday, 25th March
8 – 9am Breakfast
9 - 10am Bellydance Bazaar – shopping in the onsite bellystore for those interested
10am -12 Shaabi Choreography (Iman)
12 – 1pm Lunch
1 - 2.30pm Sword workshop (Iman)
2.30 - 3pm Afternoon Tea
3 - 4.30pm Zills Workshop (Iman)
4.30 - 5.30pm Bellydance Bazaar
6.30 - 8pm Dinner
8.30pm Dancing Under the Stars with drummer (feel free to join in with your zills)

Wednesday 26th March
8 - 9am Breakfast.
9.30-10am Depart Batukaru Montain Retreat. Sightseeing visit Balian Beach or Tanah Lot.
Arrival at Pelangi hotel. After settling in at the hotel we all go out to for dinner at one of the nice restaurants at faboulous Jimbaran Beach for superfresh seafood or vegetarian.

Thursday 27th
8 – 10 Breakfast
10 – 12 Double Veil (Samra)
12 – 1pm Lunch
1 – 2.30 Saiidi Technique (Siri)
3 – 4.30 Saiidi choreography (Siri)

Friday 28th
8 – 10 Breakfast
Morning free to do whatever you like – go shopping, join a cooking class, snorkeling, shopping or just laze by the pool.3 – 4.30pm Shimmy technique-preparation for the drum solo choreography on Saturday (Siri)
5 – 7pm Firedance (Samra)

Saturday 29th
8 – 10 Breakfast
10 – 12 Drum solo choreography (Siri)
12 – 1pm Lunch
1 – 2.30 Taste of Turkey. (Samra)
3 – 4pm Bellydance for beginners - optional class for companions and anybody else interested,15$. (Siri)
The afternoon free. Those who are going to perform in Sunday’s show, might want to spend some time rehearsing for this.

Sunday 30th
8 – 10 Breakfast
All day free, Those who are going to perform in Sunday’s show, might want to spend some time rehearsing for this.
8pm SHOWTIME. Afterwards we all eat and drink and sing and be merry – or sad that it’s all over.

Monday 31st
8 – 10 Breakfast, goodbyes. Free transfer to airport for those who are flying out this day.

BELLLY DANCE IN BALI: Lotus Dance Retreat

BELLY DANCE IN BALI
LOTUS DANCE RETREAT 2008
ABOUT THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Teachers:

SAMRA
SIRI
IMAN
REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED NOW

LOTUS DANCE RETREAT 2008
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN OUR SECOND ANNUAL LOTUS DANCE RETREAT FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.MARCH 22-30



ABOUT THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE
BALI is more than a resort island. It is one of the most magical places on earth, and its people genuinely warm and welcoming. The island's natural beauty and amazing colors, as well as the low costs and fabulous shopping opportunities, will make you want to come back again and again. Tourists DO NOT need advance Visa to enter Bali if their passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Money matters: The cost of the Lotus Dance Retreat 2008 experienceis 895$ and includes everything listed below. Bring your non-dancing friend, husband, mother..., companion price is 595$ including everything listed below except dance classes• Free pick up at airport • 9 nights of accomodation, starting from 22 March. 6 nights incl• breakfast at 4 star Pelangi Bali Hotel (3 nights, with full meals, at a fabolous mountain resort (Batukaru Mountain Retreat in the heart of the island• 21 hours of classes (read about instructors and their classes below) plus Balinese Dance workshop• Balinese dance performance, dancers + gamelan orchestra• Temple sightseeing (on our way to the mountain resort)• Free massage or SPA voucher• Two dance shows, opening and closing gala, opportunity for all participants to perform (bring your best costume, ladies) a faboulous opportunity to meet new friends from around the world, sharing your passion for the dance.* Dance with candles by the beach
Want to extend your stay? Talk to our local representative Yani , e-mail: info@balitraveling.com who is extremely knowledgable and helpful. You will also find a lot of useful information on www.lonelyplanet.com or just type "Bali" on any search engine. Bali, and the rest of South East Asia, is an easy and incredibly inexpensive destination for travellers)
Sending a deposit as soon as possible will reserve your spot. Contact one of retreat teachers for instructions.



About the Teachers: SAMRA
SAMRA, of Brazilian origin but living and working in the USA, considers dancing a form of communication and a way to experience other cultures. After many years of intensive study she is a performer of dances from Latin America, Middle East, Polynesia, Turkey, and other parts of the world. She has also studied with masters of North African, Armenian, Balinese, and Central Asian dances. Her interpretive dances include fire, sword, balancing, and other exquisite dances. Samra is a popular performer at cultural and traditional events such as weddings, birthdays, banquets and festivals. She teaches dance workshops regularly across the USA and around the world. She has produced several dance instruction DVDs and has written for academic and artistic publications. Samra won an Excellence in Education award for her educational program to integrate all arts with academics. In Bali, Samra will teach dancing with fire, taste of Turkey, double veil, and left side right side of brain-dancing. Contact me to sign up!samra40@netzero.net 1-276-236-4533 www.samrasexpressions.com



SIRI
SIRI YDSTIE is a professional belly dancer and instructor based in Oslo , Norway. She runs Oslo Bellydance Studio, with four branches. Her style is Egyptian raqs sharqi, having studied with the world famous Raqia Hassan of Cairo as well as with other Egyptian stars. In addition to regular classes in her own dance studios, Siri also teaches weekend workshops during festivals and similar events in Norway and around the world. She is also in charge of the Noorwegian teacher training and certification program for bellydance instructors. Siri is also a much sought after performer, doing both private events such as weddings and birthday parties, as well as bellydance festivals and other cultural events. Siri, and her good helpers at Oslo Bellydance Studio, organize “1001 Nights” - Oslo Bellydance Festival, an annual event that has been drawing crowds since 2001. Siri has produced one instructional bellydance DVD for beginners, and two DVDs of choreographies for intermediate to advanced students. She will be teaching a drumsolo choreography, saiidi technique and choreography (both choreographies available on DVDs). Contact me to sign up!
www.oslomagedans.com

IMAN
IMAN HAUST is a professional Egyptian bellydancer, living and working in Norway. She started her dancing career at the age of 14 in her native Egypt, performing as a soloist in the local dance ensemble, one of many troops following the Mahmoud Reda tradition. At the age of 22 and 23 she won first prize in the Egyptian contest for soloists of such troops, and was sent to Morocco and Tunisia to compete on an international level. In 2003 Iman moved to Norway, where she now runs two bellydance schools on the outskirts of thecapitol Oslo. She is also a much sought after performer, both in local events such as weddings and birthday parties, as well as in international festivals. Her main influences have been Mahomoud Reda, Farida Fahmy, Nagua Fuad, Dina and Fifi Abdou, and her dance style has been described as similar to that of Egyptian bellydance legend Soheir Zaki. In addition to the dance, Iman also teaches her students about the culture of her native Egypt, and is known to be a very warm and generous instructor. Iman will be teaching the following workshops: Sword-dance , Shaaby (Egyptian pop) technique and choreography, zagat. (zils)
www.magedansen.no


REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED NOW
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

DVD CLARIFICATION

DVDs Clarification
In response to various inquiries from dancer friends around the world:Some of you may have seen a "Belly Dance Total Workout For Body Shaping" with Samra for sale at various venues. To make a long story short, I am NOT the person on the cover and it is not a Total Workout For Body Shaping DVD. Instead, this version is an excerpt remastered by a distributor of an instructional video that I authored and produced independently using rhythms by the fabulous Uncle Mafufo. It introduces 6 rhythms, 14 combinations and 8 special types of shimmies, plus short clips of drum performances on stage. The original DVD is entitled "101 Shimmies Vol 2" by Samra and is available at my website www.samrasexpressions.com and also at Amazon.com and Create Space E-Store.
Next week I (Samra) will be releasing SHIMMYROBICS, which is more of a workout DVD, containining 1 hr of basic instruction for beginners followed by a 50 min workout using 5 combinations in repetitions to progressively speeding tempo to the great music of Sayed Balaha, courtesy of Balaha Records USA. It also contains a warm-up and cool-down. This Shimmyrobics DVD will also be available directly from me, Barnes and Noble and perhaps Ebay at a later date, or any vendor who wishes to carry them.
I will soon be completing "101 Shimmies Vol 3" to conclude the series, which will be a Drum Choreography to "Clap Happy" by Uncle Mafufo, and will use material from 101 Shimmies Vol 1 and 2.I just wanted inform everyone of what is original, and that the Total Body Shaping claim of the "Belly Dance" DVD used by that distributor was not my idea and is practically beyond my control, as is the photo of the beautiful young model on the cover :-(
Thanks for your support and for helping me spread the word. I will be glad to answer questions privately upon request.

Delight of Turkey

DELIGHT OF TURKEY
This was my second trip to Turkey within 16 months. I went last year as part of Eva Cernik's group and I loved Turkey so much that I had to return soon and see another part of the country that I didn't have time to see last year since I couldn't partcipate in the full month tour.
This year I went with a regular tourist group, but one that gave lots of "optional" tour time, so rather than participating in the optional tours, I followed my own agenda and interests. The great advantage of this arrangement was that it was very affordable, and gave me the security of arranged hotels and a comfortable bus to take me from city to city and some guided tours to amazing historical sites.
The genuine friendliness and welcoming nature of the Turkish people never cease to amaze me. I could go on and on with daily stories of people who would stop what they were doing to help me - a stranger who couldn't even speak their language! Very refreshing and touching in these days when everyone seems to be rushing and too busy for each other. Besides this wonderful experience of human care and concern, there were many highligts from this trip, some of which I will list:
1)The Hellenistic and Roman ruins. Ephesus is awesome. Turkey's ancient history is underappreciated, in my opinion. Our guide pointed out that the Turks themselves are not very good in promoting their richness of history and geographical features, and I totally agree. I personally was not aware of the antiquity of the history of what is now Turkey, neither was I aware of the variety of climate, geographical formations and immense ethnological diversity of the country. In my case I had always been fascinated by the ancient cultures of Egypt, China and India, and somehow didn't realize that the history of Turkey goes as far back into the past. We were fortunate to visit the revered Ataturk's Mausoleum on Nov 14th, the anniversary of his death, and share this commemoration with hundreds of thousands of Turks. Our group felt emotional and patriotic even without a drop of Turkish blood in our veins. Totally beautiful and powerful.
2) The food! Wow. I love Turkish food. Even those little "pit" stops can have the most amazing lentil soups, shish kabobs, and yogurt! Try goat mild yogurt with poppy seeds!. And the pastries... A delight for the tastebuds. I soon got used to cucumber and tomatoes with yogurt for breakfast and miss it already. And did I mention the PASTRIES???
3) And of course, music and dance. Read Below.




MUSIC AND DANCE EXPERIENCES
MUSIC AND DANCEThese were the magnets that drew me to Turkey to begin with. Dance has been my motivation for traveling for several decades, and this time was no different. This time I was focused in exploring, observing and learning. I did not attend the 5 star clubs as we did last year, so I didn't see any of the super famous dancers, because I had other plans for this trip.
In my quest to hear Turkish Arabesk music in its natural environment, I searched obscure night spots, all alone, often spending a fortune on taxis, but I was able to actually see it performed live in the manner described in the "books": smoky bars, some people drinking Raki, and a melancholic and melodic singer's voice on the microphone. My most authentic setting was in a little club in Instanbul, populated by only a few customers (it was a Thursday night). A group of young men invited me to dance Halay with them, so we made a friendship of sorts and I was brave enough to dance with them during other renditions. I made a lot of notes about how people react to Turkish Arabesk music, which was the purpose of my personal research. Being in that smoky environment, surrounded by the deep raspy sound of the lovely female singer was my perfect welcome to Turkey.
At each town and city along the way, I managed to find a night spot where I could go and listen to live music, and invariably I got "adopted" by a group of people with whom I danced or just sat together and listened to music. Even when language was a barrier, we smiled and gestured a lot and managed to have a great time. I danced a lot to all kinds of music genres from karsilama (social style) to folkloric, to pop, and the patrons, often much younger than I were always delighted to show me moves, and delighted and surprised when I showed them some moves of my own. I learned SO MUCH from these encounters.
As for formal lesson, I had the great honor of taking a private lesson with Reyhan Tuzsuz in Romany dance. Since this is the only style she teaches, this experience was like getting water from an original spring, totally untouched by fusion. She is a bundle of warmth, enthusiasm, and pride of her heritage and background. I had the lesson in a small studio in her house, in her own neighborhood (which is vanishing because the government is demolishing the houses gradually to make room for other construction projects), and met her beautiful family. This lesson was arranged by one of her students, Jennet, an American young lady studying dance and Turkish language there. Jennet plans to bring Reyhan and her husband (an accomplished violinist) on a tour in the US next year. Keep your eyes open and if they come near you, make every effort to attend. She teaches by the "follow me" method, so you should know what to expect. But she repeats the movements and gestures often enough that you will be able to learn considerably. If I can learn under these conditions, everyone can :-). Just observing her expressions and demeanor while she dances, how all those movements we learn in workshops come together from someone who grew up doing them is totally worth the time and money. This lesson was definetely one of the main highlights of the trip for me, and one to which I had looked forward to for months and was not disappointed.

DOUBLE VEIL WORKSHOP by SAMRA

November 17, 2007

Women's Wellness & Fitness Center
690 Jonestown Road Winston-Salem, NC 1:00-4:00 pm
$40 early registration paid or postmarked between October 19th and November 1
$50 after November 1 or at the door if spaces are available Limit to 30 participants.

Bonus INTRODUCTION TO FOUNDATIONS OF DANCING WITH WINGS OF ISIS
No refunds unless workshop is cancelled, but substitution is possible with previous approval by Saphira (Teresa Dickerson).

Workshop information:The registration form is in Classes and Workshops page on this website (see main menu above or link at bottom of this page). For more information about the workshop and individual questions contact SAMRA at 276-236-4533, email stephip1234@yahoo.com or visit www.samrasexpressions.com (see Samra’s Happenings)

To reserve your space:Send payment and completed registration form to name address below.

Teresa DickersonThree Graces EntertainmentP.O. Box 176Lewisville, NC 27023

What to bring: At least 2 veils, preferably semi-circular, around 3 yards in length. Fabric according to individual preference: silk, organza, chiffon, etc. Bring 2 wooden dowels, ribbon and safety pins to improvise wings if you do not own a set.

What will be covered:
Properties of various materials and how each veil reacts in relation to movement intensity
Many different styles of veil wraps, and how to unwrap while dancing gracefully
Entrances and exits using veil
Veil combinations that may be used with single or double veils
Moderate floor work to enhance performance with veils
Simple and tricky ways to get between two veils and out again (including a Samra’s exclusive)
Using veils to enhance dynamics: lyrical and fluid, strong and dramatic, sassy and sweet!
Fun with multiple veils ( more than 2)
Introduction to Wings of Isis: Posture, Basics, Dynamics and Flow of the Body and Wings

Late Summer and Fall Events

So much is happening! I hope that you can join us at one or more of these events. I am always happy to see old friends, make new ones and dance together with those who share our passion!

I am listing the events below by LOCATION.


Contact Samra: http://www.samrasexpressions.com/ or email: samra40@netzero.net
276-236-4533 or leave message at 276-233-9211
If you are a musician, dancer or performing artist of another culture, contact Samra!

Payment by check to: Iara Kendrick, 1186 Blue Ridge School Rd, Fancy Gap. VA, 24328 or Pay-Pal to samra40@netzero.net
Please, download registration form at the website above and submit it with payment, or via email. (Ask about available discounts)CALENDAR OF CLASSES AND EVENTS

In Mt Airy, NC: Beginners Belly Dance : 6:45-7:45; Intermediates 7:45-8:45 at Reeves Community Center on MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS: 5:30-6:30 Beginners Belly Dance at Pro-Health Fitness Center
Starting in Fall: Lunch time exercise. Mondays 12:00-1:00 PM

In Dobson, NC. Surry Community College: Tuesdays 7:00-9:00 Beginners Belly Dance
WEDNESDAYS 7:00-9:00 Intermediate Belly Dance

At the CONSERVATORY OF DANCE AND THEATER on 119 W. Grayson St. Galax, VA

(entrance in the back by the parking lot)


AUGUST – DECEMBER 2007

Summer and Fall Schedule: Traditional Middle Eastern Belly Dance (Raks Sharqi) 6 week sessions. BEGINS JULY 12 (ongoing and begins each 6 weeks) $50 each both $75
THURSDAYS: 6:45-7:45 - Beginners (Introduction to Technique, Isolations, Toning)
7:45-8:45 - Combinations, Choreography, Introduction to Props

New session each 6 weeks

TUESDAYS 5:00-5:45 - WORLD DANCE SAMPLER FOR ALL AGES: Hawaiian, Tahitian, African, Brazilian, Classical Persian (Similar to the exercise class, but focus will be less on exercise and more on proper technique—only 2 styles per class, rotating) $25 per month

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS: Private lessons by appointment in: Free style Latin/Brazilian (no partner), Polynesian, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Beginning Persian, and North African. $30 per hr. ($20 for each additional consecutive hour - Packages available)

LUNCHTIME MONTHLY CLASSES:
Tuesdays: 12:00-12:45 PM - ShimmyRobics (Shimmy into Shape) $25 per month
Thursday: 12:00-12:45 PM - World Dancercise ( Hawaiian, Tahitian, African, Brazilian, Bhangra, Persian) $25 per month. ($40 if doing both)

Special DanceCamp for Youth - Middle Eastern Dance Intensive
August 6-10, 10:00am-12:00
Each day will begin with a warm-up and end with a cool down. All classes will contain cultural information about the dances.

Day 1 – Posture, Alignment, Isolations, Rhythmic Walks, Basic steps and arm positions
Day 2 - Muscular control of movements, Shimmies of hip and shoulders, Start choregraphy to a POP Arabic song.
Day 3 - Steps and Turns, Drill of previous material, Introduction to dance with scarf, Middle of choreography
Day 4 - A Lebanese Folk Dance to warm-up, Review all of the above and complete the choreography
Day 5 - Review all material and refine the choreography. Presentation of Certificates.

Performance of the choreography will be presented at a place TBA. (optional)

SPECIAL SATURDAYS WITH SAMRA

MINI- WORKSHOP SERIES ON SATURDAYS - 2:00-4:00. Please, see dates and topics. Each workshop $30 at the door, $25 if paid no later than 2 weeks prior. Teachers submitting advanced registration with 6 students in one transaction receives complimentary pass. Purchase 4 workshops for a total of $80!!!! Pre-registration recommended. Notes provided. Bring water, and lots of positive energy!
All wokshops include warm-up, cool down and a fun interactive activity to reinforce the topic.

HAFLAS OR SHOW AFTER EACH WORKSHOP

8/4/07 - “MOVE WITH RHYTHM” - 12:00-2:00 Combinations to 8 popular Middle Eastern Song Rhythms: Beledi, Maksum, Saidi, Masmoudi, Ayub, Malfuf, Felahi and Karachi.

9/8/07 - “ADD RHYTHM TO YOUR MOVES” - Fear-Free Finger Cymbals Fiddling. Combinations to various style of music and for making your own music. Your finger cymbals and you will become best friends and dance partners! Guaranteed FUN.

10/13/07 - Samra sponsors KATAYOUN (not part of the series: $40, $45 or $50 depending on registration date. Enroll soon. Space limited. Show slots almost full. Show $8.00

Workshop: 10:30-1:30 Persian Classical and Social Dance

Egyptian Raqs Sharki, Beledi, Saidi.

TRADITIONAL SHOW AT THE HISTORICAL REX THEATER 3:00-4:30

12/01/07 - Samra sponsors PAMELA BEAMON: Ballet and Jazz Especially for Belly Dancers (not part of the series) $25 by Nov 15, $30 afterwards or at the door if spaces available 10:30-12:30

2:00-4:00 - Samra presents "Dancing from the Right side and the Left side of the Brain" : Drills to learn to improvise and to create a choreography (part of the 4 workshop series)

DINNER SHOW: " CELEBRATION OF LIFE" will feature participants in the workshop, and dancers above 50.

1/5/07 - Balancing Props: Sword, fire, and the KITCHEN SINK (last workshop of the series)

SAMRA AT OTHER SITES:

8/18/07 - ALEXANDRIA sponsors Samra in Beckley, WV: Pop Turkish Combinations to include Bounce. The warm up will include styles of Turkish Dances that influence social dancing: Folkloric, Chifteteli, Karsilama (Rom). 10:30-1:00

9/29/07 - OZMA sponsors Samra in Bristol, VA. “MOVE WITH RHYTHM” - 12:00-2:00 Combinations to 8 popular Middle Eastern Song Rhythms: Beledi, Maksum, Saidi, Masmoudi, Ayub, Malfuf, Felahi and Karachi. Also, a short Drum Solo Choreography. 11:00-2:00

11/1/07-11/14/07 - SAMRA IN TURKEY, Yeah!!!!

11/17/07 - SAPHIRA sponsors Samra in Winston-Salem, NC. Double Veils Plus. Combinations to different fabrics, music and styles using double veils. Entering and exiting double veils, including SAMRA's signature technique of getting between 2 veils. Using multiple veils up to 7 and dancing out of them (not just removing them) will be included if time permits.

1:00-4:00

MARCH 22-30 Lotus Dance Retreat in Bali, Indonesia!!!! Samra, Siri, Joyce. The TRIO.

SAMRA'S Summer Schedule

CALENDAR OF CLASSES AND EVENTS

JULY

Summer Schedule: Traditional Middle Eastern Belly Dance (Raks Sharqi) 6 week sessions. BEGINS JULY 12 (ongoing and begins each 6 weeks) $50 each both $75
Thursdays: 6:45-7:45 - Beginners (Introduction to Technique, Isolations, Toning)
7:45-8:45 - Combinations, Choreography, Introduction to Props

AUGUST – DECEMBER 2007

THURSDAY EVENINGS: Same Schedule as above.

TUESDAYS 5:00-5:45 - WORLD DANCE SAMPLER FOR ALL AGES: Hawaiian, Tahitian, African, Brazilian, Classical Persian (Similar to the exercise class, but focus will be less on exercise and more on proper technique—only 2 styles per class, rotating) $25 per month

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS: Private lessons by appointment in: Free style Latin/Brazilian (no partner), Polynesian, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Beginning Persian, and North African. $30 per hr. ($20 for each additional consecutive hour - Packages available)

LUNCHTIME MONTHLY CLASSES:
Tuesdays: 12:00-12:45 PM - ShimmyRobics (Shimmy into Shape) $25 per month
Thursday: 12:00-12:45 PM - World Dancercise ( Hawaiian, Tahitian, African, Brazilian, Bhangra, Persian) $25 per month. ($40 if doing both)

Special DanceCamp for Youth - Middle Eastern Dance Intensive
August 6-10, 10:00am-12:00
$100 includes: 10 hrs instruction, Music Cd, hip scarf and dance scarf if registered no later than 2 weeks before. $80 for late registration without the extras.

Each day will begin with a warm-up and end with a cool down. All classes will contain cultural information about the dances.

Day 1 – Posture, Alignment, Isolations, Rhythmic Walks, Basic steps and arm positions
Day 2 - Muscular control of movements, Shimmies of hip and shoulders, Start choregraphy to a POP Arabic song.
Day 3 - Steps and Turns, Drill of previous material, Introduction to dance with scarf, Middle of choreography
Day 4 - A Lebanese Folk Dance to warm-up, Review all of the above and complete the choreography
Day 5 - Review all material and refine the choreography. Presentation of Certificates.

Performance of the choreography will be presented at a place TBA. (optional)

SPECIAL SATURDAYS WITH SAMRA

MINI- WORKSHOP SERIES ON SATURDAYS - 2:00-4:00. Please, see dates and topics. Each workshop $30 at the door, $25 if paid no later than 2 weeks prior. Teachers submitting advanced registration with 6 students in one transaction receives complimentary pass. Purchase 4 workshops for a total of $80!!!! Pre-registration recommended. Notes provided. Bring water, and lots of positive energy!
All wokshops include warm-up, cool down and a fun interactive activity to reinforce the topic.

8/4/07 - “SHAKE IT WITH RHYTHM” - Combinations to 8 popular Middle Eastern Song Rhythms: Beledi, Maksum, Saidi, Masmoudi, Ayub, Malfuf, Felahi and Karachi.

9/8/07 - “ADD RHYTHM TO YOUR SHAKE” - Fear-Free Finger Cymbals Fiddling. Combinations to various style of music and for making your own music. Your finger cymbals and you will become best friends and dance partners! Guaranteed FUN.

TO BE CONTINUED WITH MORE EXCITING EVENTS AND GUEST INSTRUCTORS!!!! Keep checking for updates.