Registration for:

Aalim School of Middle Eastern Dance

Summer 2008

Print this registration page and mail with a check, payable to

Aalim School of Dance

Complete the form through to the signature line, which will print on page 2. BE SURE TO READ ALL POLICIES, even if you are a returning student as information may change.

(Trouble printing this page? Click here for .pdf version.)

Mail to: Aalim School of Middle Eastern Dance

Attention: Classes

P.O. Box 19342

Minneapolis, MN 55419

For what class would you like to register?

* For Level 1 classes, first time beginners should plan to take the full session, due to the cummulative nature of the class. You may purchase a full session or a 10-class gypsy card, if you plan to attend other classes this session in addition to the main level 1 class for which you are registering. If you are a returning belly dance student (taking any class--including Level 1 or higher) you may select any payment option including 5-class gypsy card, 10-class gypsy card, full session, or single drop-in classes.

Waiver statement: "I hereby state that I am a student of the Aalim School of Dance, LLC., and as such participate in the taking of dance instruction and related physical activities. I warrant that I am physically able to participate in such activities; however, I recognize the risks of injury inherent in such physical activities and I am participating in said activities and am doing so at my sole risk and hereby freely and voluntarily release, discharge, waive and relinquish on behalf of myself or any person claiming on my behalf, any and all claims actions or causes of action whatsoever, including acts of negligence, whether occurring during class or away from class time as it relates to class activities, for personal injury, property damage, costs, liabilities or expenses (including attorney’s fees and court costs) against Aalim School of Dance, it’s organizers and staff, dance instructors, and assigns acting on their behalf, arising directly or indirectly from my participation in any such aforementioned activities."

Please print legibly

School Policies and Other Important Information

Regular summer session 1 and ongoing classes begins the week of June 9, 2008. Specialty or workshop class session dates may vary. Summer session 2 classes begin in late July or early August, but start dates may vary. Regular summer session run through September 12, 2008 unless otherwise noted in specialty class schedules.

Please make checks payable to Aalim School of Dance.

Aalim School of Middle Eastern Dance, LLC,, its appointed instructors and substitutes, and the studios assume no responsibility for injury, theft or loss of property incurred during the classes, workshops, performances or other participation in class or related activity. All students are required to sign a waiver statement, and all students acknowledge that participation is at the student's own risk and that the above parties are not liable for injury, theft, or loss of property. 

Adult students of all ages are welcome. Students between the ages of 16 and 18 must have a release and permission form signed by a parent or legal guardian on file for each class session. Students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

No refunds will be made after start of the session. No exceptions.

Because of the cumulative nature of the beginner curriculum, registration for first-time beginners is for the full session only. Missed classes can be made up by attending another Beginner class within the same session only.

Individual classes can be purchased the day of class, space permitting, for returning students. The single class rate is $12.00 per class. 

Make up classes must be taken within the same session. Only gypsy cards can cross sessions.

In the event that the instructor is unable to teach a class, a reasonable attempt will be made to find a substitute teach for the class. If a class must be cancelled due to instructor emergency or inclement weather, we will attempt to contact you first by email, and then by telephone, per the information provided on your registration form. Please be sure this information is legible, accurate, and up-to-date.

Classes are taught at two different studios in the Salem Square Center, and two different studios in the Minneapolis CPA building. Be sure to check the studio designation for your class.

Register early - for the comfort and enjoyment of all students, enrollment is limited.

*What is a gypsy card?

Gypsy cards are designed especially for the continuing belly dance students to allow you the flexibility to register for a class session but to try out different classes or accommodate a busy schedule while still getting a price break over the single class price ($12.00). Gypsy cards are good for three months from the date of purchase or the first date of the new session for which you are registering (whichever is later). Gypsy cards can be used for any regular belly dance class at either Aalim School location.

Due to the cumulative nature of the beginner material class, first time students must register for a full Level 1 session. If you miss a class, you may attend another class during the same session as a make up class.

A special 10-class gypsy card is available to students who would like to register for a full session but also like the flexibility to take more than one class each week or to roll extra classes into the next session (only gypsy cards can cross sessions--if you register for the full session, you must take your makeup classes within the same session.) This card is also good for 4-1/2 months from the date of purchase.

**What is a workshop card? Local workshops (across schools) are typically priced anywhere from $20-$45 for a 2-3 hour workshop with a regional instructor. For students who wish to take more than one workshop through out the year, we're offering special price break over the single workshop classes. These punch cards are good for one full year from the date of purchase and can be used toward any of the Aalim School 2-hour Workshops Class series. Workshop classes will be held monthly, and the Aalim School may add additional classes as appropriate.

Class Descriptions

Level 1 (Foundations): These classes are geared toward beginners and those working to master Level 1 technique. No prior dance experience. The class will focus on the building blocks of Middle Eastern dance. We'll break down basic movements, work on muscle isolations, introduce dance conditioning, and dance combinations. Most students will need to take Level 1 more than once (or a Beginner class followed by one or more sessions of Advanced Beginner or Mixed Level class) to master the basics and be ready to move on to higher level classes.

Level 2: Students should have prior exposure to Middle Eastern dance (completion of at two or more sessions of Level 1 or any combination of Beginner or Advanced Beginner classes is typically recommended.) There will be a review of Level 1 technique, but then we will move into new material, focusing on on technique mastery, new techniques, variations and combinations. Some specialty techniques are also introduced at this level.

Level 3: For dancers who have mastered the fundamental tools of the dance and basic zill patterns introduced in levels 1 and 2. In this class, we will introduce new finger cymbal patterns, new technique variations, with increasing focus on layered movements, combinations, style, presentation, and improvisational skill development. Some specialty techniques are also introduced.

Advanced: (Recommended level 3+ or 4 and up): This class we will continue to build on the technique, skills, and styles developed in previous levels (including new finger cymbal patterns, new technique variations, more complex combinations, and increasing attention to layered movements.) However, there will also be more focus on exploring and developing your individual dance style. We will focus on creating dynamic combinations, exploring different styles of belly dance and movement stylizations, musicality and rhythm, presentation, and improvisational skill development. Among the specialty areas we will explore over sessions: balance techniques (sword, pot, tray, etc.), floor work, urban balady, tribal style, and more. The class is taught as a mixed level class for upper level students--instructor feedback, focus and variations are tailored to the students at different levels.

Driving Directions to Inver Grove Heights Studios

Salem Square Center 5300 S. Robert Trail Suite 550, Inver Grove Heights

Studio IGH-FA: Suite 550

Studio IGH-RS: Suite 200

From Eastbound 494 take the South Robert Street exit. At the top of the exit ramp, do not turn, but continue straight ahead. Turn left at the first parking lot entrance. The studios are located in a row of storefronts adjacent to the parking lot.

From Westbound 494 take the Highway 110 exit and the South Robert Street exit. Turn right (south) onto S. Robert Street. Take a left at the first light. Turn left at the first parking lot entrance. The studios are located in a row of storefronts adjacent to the parking lot.

Driving Directions to Minneapolis Studios

Center for Performing Arts 3754 Pleasant Ave. S., Minneapolis

Studio Mpls-CP: Chapel Room on the 2nd Floor

Studio Mpls-SR: Sun Room on the 1st Floor

Studio Mpls-107: Room 107 on the 1st Floor