Bellydance Basics Class 5 Notes

Hello Ladies!
Here's a quick recap of what we covered in our fifth class of the six-week series.

Taxeem (aka Down-to-up Figure 8's): You can think of this as the reverse of the Maya movement we did previously. The Taxeem starts with the hip down, slide out, lift up and pulling in. Covering both sides to draw an infinity sign.

Goosh Step: Let's take the Taxeem and add some foot work! If we start with the right foot and right hip, the right foot steps flat and knee bends to get low (count 1), left foot steps on the ball (count 2), right foot steps on the ball (count 3), then the left foot steps on the ball (count 4). With each step that same side hip completes that side of the figure 8.

Back-to-front Figure 8: Now taking the figure 8 on the horizontal place, start with the right hip back, draw a curved line up to the right front corner. Take the left hip and slide the hip back to the back left corner, draw a curved line up to the left front corner. Slide the right hip back to the back right corner... so on, and so forth. Remember to keep the knees soft and your arms and shoulders unaffected by the hip movements.

X-Step: Starting with the left foot and left hip, step on the ball of the left foot (putting your weight on it) and press the left hip out (your torso should be in line with your back foot); this is count 1. Slide the hip diagonally back to the back right corner; now your weight is on your right foot with knee bent; this is count 2. Twist the right hip forward with the right foot coming on to the ball of the foot and slide the left foot back; this is starting over again but now on the right foot. Slide the hips diagonally back to the back left corner; now your weight is on your left foot with knee bent. Continue again on the left side. Keep going and start to speed up the pace.


There was a question about where I buy bellydance stuff. There are a few places in town, and whenever there are workshops or festivals there are usually people selling bellydance wear. However, if you're looking for a one stop shop or you just want to browse there are two places that I frequent:
http://www.dahlal.com
http://www.bellydancestore.com

If you're looking for a good second-hand costume, there is:
Bhuz - This is a swap meet. All transactions are at your own risk. I sell my costumes here and have bought second-hand wears here too!

Qamar Bazaar - She's here in Austin!


The fun is almost over... Next week is our last class for the series, but it doesn't have to end! There are many teachers in town. Here's a quick list:

Stacey Lizette - Mondays 7-8 at Tapestry Dance (South). Tuesdays 6-6:50, 7-8, 8:15-9:30 at Nia Space (South Central).

Maribel - Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:30 at Flamencura (North Central).

Bahaia - Tuesdays 5:45 - 6:45 at the Carver Museum (Central). Sundays 5:45-6:45 at Arthur Murray Studio (Northwest)

Najla - Sundays 4-5, 5-6:30 at Tarrytown Dance (Central).

Check out each instructor's website and contact them prior to the class to confirm time, location, and rates.


Of course I have new class material ready for you for the next series, which starts March 9th .... same time... same place:
Wednesdays, March 9 - April 27, 2011 (8 weeks)
7:30 - 8:45 PM at Flamencura Dance Studio
7113 Burnet Rd. # 111, Austin, Texas 78757 (Behind Dallas Nite Club)
Cost of 8 classes: $96 / $84 if registered by February 18

Registration and details are available here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/instruction/index.shtml
Note that this is an 8-week series, and we will be working on a full dance routine!

See you all next week!
Lily