RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR A BETTER LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT ISIS DANCE

 

Although these classes are mainly self-directed, we do have a few suggestions to help you on your way.

  1. When first starting classes DO go to a few Greek or Arabic restaurants and check out the dancers, start immersing yourself in the culture.
  2. DO take each Level - 2 to 4 times or even until you have learned all the choreographies (sometimes 5) for each level. Lots of repetition is necessary to acquire the coordination to make your movements smooth and effortless.
  3. DO stay in the same Level if you are feeling challenged or do not have time for extra review, or have trouble remembering the choreography.
  4. DO take the same level from different instructors. This makes the repeat more interesting and often shows a different approach to movements.
  5. DO review movements & steps at home. It takes a long time and much repetition to train your body to move in a different way. We do provide a syllabus of steps and movements in each level.
  6. Participation in the STUDENT/ TEACHER RECITALS is YOUR CHOICE, if you are dancing: DO have the choreographies memorized to the best of your ability. All choreo’s are written out and the music and videos of past performances are available for purchase.
    There have been requests for private instruction before the shows but we are often not available then. Private classes cost $50.00 per hr. plus studio rental @ $20.00per hr.
  7. DO participate in as many of the recitals as you can, especially if you wish to move up to the higher levels.
  8. DO expect to wear some kind of costume for the recitals. For the Levels 1 & 2 this can be very basic. A long ankle length skirt or harem pant, a hip scarf, and a tank top or bra-bodice decorated in a middle-eastern style.                                                                                       
  9. When signing up for recitals (about 2-3weeks) before end of classes DO consider EXTRA rehearsal time, YOUR desire to perform and your availability.
  1. If you perform DO wear your costume during rehearsal week to “test drive” it. This is to insure that things remain in place while dancing and allows for last minute changes if necessary.
  1. When moving up to Level 3, DO make sure you have basic traveling skills while playing zills & have fairly good upper and lower body isolation skills. At this level longer choreographies need to be memorized, quicker step changes and movements are required. Layering of 2 or 3 movements e.g. arms, hips & feet or shimmies layered over hip or traveling movements are mastered. Recognizing different rhythmic changes in the music, some improvisation, a strong interest in the culture are all required at this level.
  1. For Level 4 we impose some restrictions. We DO require a lot of commitment and strong dance skills. This is mainly a CHOREOGRAPHY class. Both Folkloric and classical Egyptian choreo’s are taught to create a repertoire for performances in the recitals but also outside the recital milieu. Dancers are chosen from this level to participate in various fundraising events and other occasions where Isis Dance Studio is represented. Costuming is up to professional standards and a variety of specific styles are required for both the folkloric and cabaret dances. You must also have good memory skills and play zills as you move effortlessly. Specifically the sword dance requires good isolation of hips and torso while balancing, also floor work with balancing is required. If you are not up to these challenges and skills then we suggest you continue to enjoy Level 3.