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Originally Designed Handmade Bellydance Costumes and Accessories

The Magic of Improv Workshop

There are no current classes scheduled

Recently, a first of its kind Belly dance Improvisational workshop was held in NYC. It made a big impression on a lot of the students, because of the need for self expression rather than always having to follow choreographed steps; and because many realize their limitations when it’s time to dance solo. Understanding the music is essential for the improvisational dancer and improvisation is deeply rooted in Belly dance!

Most of what is taught today is choreography, which is one very important aspect in the arsenal in teaching Belly dance. However, I like to think of technique, choreography and improvisation; three very important elements for teaching Belly dance as a kind of tripod basis.

Because the proof of the pudding is when the dancer is ready to face the music alone on that stage. With improvisational skills she will be able to feed from the music and allow it to guide her. She will also have technique for structure & strength and the memory of choreographic steps to complete her as a dancer.

The Magic of Improv workshop aims to give the dancer in solo performances a foundation and help build improvisational skills such as listening and understanding music, and to be able to think for herself and allow the music rather than the choreography to move her.

Noora has had the great opportunity to hone her skills as an improvisational dancer working with Arabic/Egyptian musicians for over 20 years during the famous “Elegant Egyptian Era” at Club Ibis, Darvish, Cedars of Lebanon and internationally.

“Life has been a fascinating and interesting journey being a part of this dance. I have been like a bird in flight with spread wings soaring through peaks and valleys and I am thankful for every encounter and contribution”…Noora

Testimonial From Jennifer

It's Jennifer from the workshop. I had a great time with you and your students were very pleasant to dance with. I think your a wonderful teacher and I wish you were closer so I can attend your classes. It's hard for me to go to Queens from Staten Island. You're just what I've been seeking in a teacher, you're a natural. I loved the Improv and wish we could do more workshops including Improv. turns and entrances are so important. I loved the way you moved your chest up and down in different patterns, things we overlook. You were relaxed when you danced and had a move or pause for every piece of music.....you can't learn that in a regular class. I wish I could have absorbed more...even your drum solos weren't the norm. So many people stand in place during a drum solo. I wanted to start doing more steps in my drum solo. I've taken various lessons and workshops with many teachers, and basically they teach choreography and have you memorize it. This becomes stressful at times, I always feel like my moves don't look like the teachers (we all have different body shapes) so therefore I become discouraged.

I started watching some video's and doing some dancing to live music at clubs. I realized that's what I really want to do, dance to live music or at least feel the music. I loved the choreography you started us off with, it still had the live feeling and I've never put those moves to those songs before. I liked your vision and what you felt for those songs.

I definitely learned from you that less is more and also that Improv does have a beginning and leads up to something. Like when we were just swaying, then steps, then arms, etc., that was great. That can be a life saver in a club. I repeat no one teaches this. Please definitely repeat this workshop, if you want to add other things fine but definitely keep it improv style. I like working with hands and framing the face, there is always some floor-work to cover but you have it down, you can see what we all need. You wouldn't believe how many people seek guidance in improv. Sorry to go on but you made a big impression.

One other thing. I only dance because I love the music and how it makes me feel. I'm not looking to be the next Fifi. I only started dancing to lose weight. I lost 120lbs and belly dancing helped. I recently gained 20 back and was depressed and didn't want to attend workshops or dance classes. So when my friend canceled on me I decided to go anyway and throw myself back in the game. You and the girls were very nice and I'm glad I came. I'm usually more confident and less rusty but your workshop kick started me again. Thank you again and keep me on the list and informed. Hope to see you soon.

Warmest Regards,

Jennifer L.

Testimonial from Kristin

I thought your workshop was amazing! It was a good opportunity for me to see other dancers in a learning environment and to dance with those of various levels of experience. Even though I was embarrassed, I liked being put on the spot during the improv section. It forced me to listen and feel the music and predict my next step at the same time. I liked the group dancing improv the best (towards the end of the workshop.) Dancing improv in the workshop also made me realize my limitations in my dancing (which there are a lot) and the areas on which I need to work. I think, if you did a workshop that just went over moves after moves without incorporating it into the dance, I would not have taken away the same important lessons as I did tonight. I cannot wait for you next workshop!

Kristin

Originally Designed Handmade Bellydance Costumes and Accessories

The Magic of Improv Workshop