Class Descriptions:
Yoga
The word "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj,"
meaning to "bind, join, attach and yoke." Yoga, in its
original sense, is the joining or union of the individual self
with
the higher self. Through the practice of yoga, we combine postures
and breathing exercises that lead us toward harmony, balance and
well-being. In the process, we reduce stress and acquire strength
and flexibility as we develop the physical, emotional, and spiritual
aspect of our being. Wear comfortable clothing.
Relaxing Yoga
To relax and destress before the long work week try Kiri's Relaxing Yoga class on Sunday afternoons at 5 p.m. The class is great for all levels and takes you slowly through the postures to get a really deep stretch. Slow sustained breathing helps you feel both relaxed and energized.
Belly Dance I
Learn basic technique including shoulder and hip
shimmies, hip drops and lifts, snake hips and figure-eights, as
well as basic
dance posture and placement. Wear comfortable clothing and slippers/dance
shoes or bare feet.
Saturday Belly Dance I
Learn basic technique
including shoulder and hip shimmies and circles, hip drops and
lifts, snake
hips and
figure-eights, as well as basic dance posture and
placement. Simple choreography and combination moves are also
explored in this class. Wear comfortable clothing and
slippers/dance shoes or bare feet.
Belly Dance II
Students continue to build on the Cabaret/Egyptian technique and
begin to combine movements for an improvisational style. New belly
dance students who feel comfortable with a faster pace may also
enjoy this class.
Belly Dance III
Building on the dance skills learned in basic and
intermediate classes, students take their dancing to the next
level, with more
challenging moves, increased layering, and improvisation. BDII
students who feel comfortable with a faster pace may also enjoy
this class.
Tribal Style Bellydance
American Tribal Style Belly Dance is a fusion style inspired by traditional belly dance movements blended with stylistic influences from India, Asia, Africa, Spain, and the Middle East. The movements are strong and sensual, and showcase the beauty of the dancers. This dance is unique in that is it performed as a “tribe” using improvisational cues to lead and follow one another. We will start learning the basic movements and work our way up to dancing successfully as a group. All ages, shapes, sizes and experience levels are encouraged.
Classes start Aug. 7, 2007. For more information, contact the teacher, Michelle, at shellyyakshi@yahoo.com or call (267) 226-8820.
Body Conditioning
This 45-minute class focuses on toning and strengthening the
major muscle groups including, arms, legs, abs and glutes, using
a
variety of weights, resistance bands, and calisthenics. The
class emphasizes proper technique to ensure a safe and effective
workout.
Cardio Toning
This 45-minute class includes 20 to 25 minutes of
cardiovascular conditioning through a combination of step and/or
low impact aerobics. It is followed by 20 minutes of upper body
toning using hand weights and resistance bands, which target abs
and arms.
Drumming Class
Learn the basics of Middle Eastern drumming with
Bill Koutsouros of the group Animus.
Any goblet-shaped drum will do or bring your zils. A very limited
number of drums are available -- contact Bill at billk@animusmusic.com.
NEW: Open Studio for Dancers and Drummers
On Thursdays at 8:40 p.m., Bill Koutsouros hosts an Open Studio for Dancers and Drummers at Studio 1831. Geared for beginner and intermediate drummers and belly dancers, this is a unique opportunity for lovers of these arts to practice dancing and drumming together on a regular basis. Bill "I-don't-believe-he-has-only-ten-fingers!!!" Koutsouros of the band Animus will lead the drummers and also include out taqsims for dancers' delight.
Cost is $15 for drummers and $5 for dancers.
Join us! The more people, the more fun! Questions? Want to get on the e-mail list? Contact billk@animusmusic.com.
Salsa
Catch Latin Fever! Learn the basics of Salsa Dancing. No partner
required; just show up and have fun. Dance shoes or other shoes
with smooth, non-stick soles are recommended. Participants do not need a partner to join the class.
Teacher George Dennis focuses on the "Salsa ON 2" or New York style, as well as body isolation and styling.
Pilates
Pilates is a unique system of body conditioning developed
by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. The Pilates Method focuses
on creating strength and stability in the "core" abdominal
area. It also focuses on a mindful approach to, enhancing flexibility,
increasing coordination, and improving skeletal alignment, and
strengthening the muscles without creating bulk. Previously practiced
almost exclusively by dancers and professional atheletes, the Pilates
Method has recently gained national recognition as a safe and effective
means of achieving a strong, balanced physique.
Yogalates
This East-West fusion of Yoga and
Pilates creates a perfect blend of the ancient and
modern.
Aikido
Learn a martial art that teaches confidence, speed and poise in
a non-competitive aerobic workout.You can learn more about Aikido
on Becky Davidson's Web site here.
For more information about classes, please contact Becky Davidson
at 215-985-0225 or via e-mail at bdmusicus@yahoo.com
|
Instructors
Valerie Rushmere -- Valerie has been teaching and performing
throughout the Philadelphia area for more than 20 years. In addition
to extensive study of yoga and fitness, she has studied
Middle Eastern dance in New York and in Egypt and performed regularly
internationally. She's a regular performer at The Casablanca in Wilmington,
Del., The
Marrakesh
in Philadelphia, Pa., and Caesar's in Atlantic City, NJ. Valerie has
taught dance and fitness at numerous locations, including the University
of the Arts and, currently, at Temple
University. She has been certified as a personal trainer and fitness
instructor by AAAI and AFAA. She also is choreographer and creative
director for The Shake Charmers Dance Company. For more on her background, click
here.
Jeannine McKnight -- A member of the Shake
Charmers Dance Company, Jeannine has performed at several
local Middle Eastern restaurants, including the Fez, Pyramids,
Marrakesh, and Persian Grill. Other professional venues include
the Atrium Dance Studio and nightclubs such as Shampoo, Posh,
and Egypt. Private performances range from nursing homes to baby
showers.
Kiri teaches Yoga and Relaxing Yoga at Studio 1831. She also is a belly dance and hoop dance performer.
George Dennis teaches Salsa at Studio 1831. One of the most sought-after male dancers in the area, George instructs and choreographs partner and group routines to children, teens and adults. He is known for his smooth style, intricate patterns, footwork, and charisma. Although Salsa is his first love, George has trained in Ballroom and Belly Dance.
Rena teaches Belly Dance II at
Studio 1831 and has has been
studying and performing Middle
Eastern Dance since 2002.
She performs regularly at Konak Turkish Restaurant with Roger Mgrdichian
and Joe Tayoun and has appeared on Philly’s Action News, World
Café Live,
Caesar’s Atlantic City, Drexel University's Mandell Theater and Nacional
Latin Night Club in Chicago. Rena also performs at haflas, special
events and is a singer.
Brittany teaches Yoga, Yogalates, and Pilates at
Studio 1831.
Becky Davidson, a 6th degree black belt, has been
teaching Aikido in the Philadelphia area for more than 20 years.
You can learn more about Aikido on her Web site here.
|