Preparing for Performance

Tuesdays 7:30-9:30 (2 hours) with Mirah.       Studio: Minneapolis-Chapel (Mpls-CP)

6-week session runs 6/9 - 7/21 (no class 7/14), Student Showcase Performance date pending confirmation

Develop or enhance the performance skills involved in creating your own dance performances!  Some topics include:

·          Selecting your music

·          Identifying and selecting different styles of music and dance (including different varieties of Middle Eastern, contemporary, and fusion dance and music) and “parts” of the music

·          Instrumentation, rhythm, and musicality in your dance

·          Staging a performance—as a soloist or creating a group choreography

·          Entrances, Exits, and graceful traveling steps

·          Structuring your performance

·          Improvisation vs. choreography

·          The role of props and fusion techniques

·          Costuming and make up for different performance situations

·          Combatting stage fright and working with an audience

·          Polishing your performance—arms, facial expressions, and other finishing touches

Suitable for levels 2 and up, a minimum of one session of Level 2 is recommended. This class is for you if you:

·          Are interested in preparing for your first solo performance.

·          You want to enhance your group performance skills or create a duet.

·          You  aren’t sure you’re ready to perform, but want to work on these skills to build confidence, grace, and better understand the dance, music, and components of dance performance.

Polishing Performance Skills

Thursdays 7:30-9:30 (2 hours) with Mirah.       Studio: Inver Grove Fred Astaire

6-week session runs 6/11 - 7/23 (no class 7/2), Student Showcase Performance date pending confirmation

Work on polishing your performance skills to create dynamic performances. Get personal attention, peer feedback and develop your own performance piece. This class is appropriate for those who have taken “Preparing for Performance” AND for dancers taking their first performance class. Some topics:

·          Selecting and understanding your music, and identifying musical styles, origins, and uses

·          Instrumentation, rhythm, and musicality in your dance

·          Structuring and staging your performance

·          Tips for creating compelling chorography and improvisation

·          Seamlessly integrating props and or different styles and techniques into a performance

·          Costuming and makeup: ideas, tips and resources for different performance situations

·          Understanding a brief history of belly dance—abroad and in the U.S.

·          Polishing your performance—arms, facial expressions, anti-stage fright techniques and more

Suitable for levels 2 and up, a minimum of one session of Level 2 is recommended.

·          Are interested in preparing for your first solo performance.

·          You have been performing solo a couple of years but want to improve presentation and performance skills or try a new style.

·          You want to enhance your group performance skills or create a duet.

Developing as a Solo Performer:

Creating Compelling Stage Performances and Sound Practices

Tuesdays 7:30-9:30 (2 hours) with Mirah.       Studio: Minneapolis-Chapel (Mpls-CP)

6-week session runs 7/28 - 9/8 (no class 8/11), Student Showcase Performance date pending confirmation

In this six-week intensive course, you will continue to build your performance capability with skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed both on and off stage. Develop your own performance set and have the opportunity to perform it. Appropriate for tribal fusion style dancers as well as American cabaret and Arabic style belly dancers. Some topics include:

·          History and context of Middle Eastern dance, and American belly dance and fusion forms

·          WOW factor—techniques to make your dances pop!

·          Dramatic intent—using slow movements, expression, and pauses effectively

·          Elements of surprise—juxtaposing movements and changes for texture and impact

·          Structuring shows—restaurant, theatrical, special events

·          Creating an audition or showcase piece

·          Staging and choreography—considerations for solo and groups

·          Instrumentation, rhythm, and musicality in your dance

·          Exploring different styles: elements of different styles, when to mix, and when to choose

·          Gigging, teaching, producing, forming a troupe and more—critical business, ethical, professionalism, and safety issues and tips, plus setting your own dance goals

·          Practical tips on lighting, makeup, props, costuming, and more to help you be your best

This class is most suitable for advanced and advanced-intermediate dancers. A minimum of Level 2+ is required, Level 3 and up recommended. This class is for you if you:

·          Are a solo performer looking to take your performances to the next level, dancing longer sets, more complex music, and/or with greater polish and professionalism.

·          Are interested in expanding your style and performance repertoire and “branching out.”

·          Are interested in the business of belly dance or even forming a group.

·          Want personal feedback on your performance skills and goals.

 Please note: to ensure individual attention, coaching, and a high-quality experience this class is limited to 8 students. Advanced registration is strongly recommended.

***Click here for registration form***

6-week Full session

$85