As part of the "journey" through all the different types of Middle Eastern dance,
Desert Journey School of Dance provides a wide variety of classes for you to choose from: American Tribal Style (ATS), ATS Fusion, Egyptian (Traditional),
Ethnic/Folkloric, Cabaret (Traditional and Lebonese), and Urban Tribal.
We also offer several Technique and Prop classes and Specialized classes designed
to increase your dance knowledge and abilities.
For information on current and future classes,
VIEW THE SCHEDULE
or contact the teacher for more information.
 

AMERICAN TRIBAL STYLE

American Tribal Style (ATS) Volumes 1-4
In this class, students will learn the structure and proper execution of cued, improvisational dancing of American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance created by Carolena Nericcio.  In this style of dancing, students will learn to dance as a group, read cues from other dancers and begin to create tribal formations.  ATS (Beginning Volumes) are designed to introduce students to the basic movements, cues, and improvisational dance, introduce the use of finger cymbals, as well as breakdown the vocabulary.  Whether you have no ATS experience, or you have a basic background in ATS, this class is for everyone.
PRE-REQUISITES: None
TAUGHT BY: Kairo

American Tribal Style (ATS) Volumes 4-7
ATS Volumes 4-7 (advanced levels) are designed to teach students more advanced ATS movements, cues, and improvisational dance of American Tribal Style Belly Dance.  With each level designed to take you further, you will gain additional knowledge and information about the sisterhood in this tribal dance.
PRE-REQUISITES: ATS Volumes 1-3 (see Kairo for advancement recommendations)
TAUGHT BY: Kairo
 

ATS FUSION STYLE

Beginning ATS Fusion
The Beginning Tribal Fusion class incorporates some of the improvisational dancing of American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance with alternative fusion.  In this style of dancing, students will learn to dance as a group, read cues from other dancers and begin to create tribal formations.  Beginning  ATS Fusion is designed to introduce students to the basic movements, cues, and improvisational dance while incorporating non-traditional movement.
PRE-REQUISITES: None
TAUGHT BY: Wendy
 

EGYPTIAN (TRADITIONAL) STYLE

Beginning Bellies 1-3
Beginning Bellies classes are low-impact classes designed to introduce students to the basic movements and posture of Traditional Egytptian Belly Dance.  Beginning Bellies 1 is the first class offered and is recommended for those that have no dance experience and/or minimal aerobic activity.  All beginners may start at either Beginning 1 or 2.  Beginning Bellies 2 is faster-paced and you learn additional moves not taught in Beginning 1.  Beginning 3 is a new step in the Beginning Bellies series and will introduce you to some arm movements along with choreography to provide extra practice to lead you to the Intermediate level.
PRE-REQUISITES: None
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda, Naomi, Shaelani

Intermediate Bellies 1-3
Intermediate Bellies is a continued introduction to Belly dance designed to teach more of the basic movements, as well as using movements from previous classes in new ways.  Students will learn a variety of new moves and incorporate more of the beginning movements into a structured class.  Each level of Intermediate Bellies adds new understanding; the higher the level, the harder the class.  It is recommended that students start with Intermediate 1 or 2 after graduating from Beginning Bellies and continue from there.  Intermediate 1 teaches the Beginning Bellies movements in "reverse".  Intermediate 2 continues by teaching basic layering as well as movements in "reverse".  Intermediate 3 adds more intensity by teaching formation work along with an introduction to layering techniques, and prepares students for Advanced and Performing level classes.
PRE-REQUISITES: One Beginning Bellies class is required.
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda, Naomi, Shaelani

Advanced Bellies 1-3
Advanced Bellies is an extension of belly dance, designed to teach more difficult moves and combinations.  These classes teach a variety of moves students can use in performances, both in a group performance and in solo work, as well as introduces a variety of musical ideas to advance students as belly dancers.  The Advanced Bellies 3 class incorporates the use of veil technique into the choreography.  One Veil Technique class is recommended prior to taking this third class.
PRE-REQUISITES: One Beginning Bellies Class and One Intermediate Bellies class is required. One Veil Technique class is recommended for Advanced Bellies 3.
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda, Shaelani
 

CABARET (EGYPTIAN & LEBONESE) STYLE

Beginning Cabaret
Beginning Cabaret is a low-impact classes designed to introduce students to the basic movements and posture of Cabaret Belly Dance.  Beginning Cabaret is the first class offered and is recommended for those that have no dance experience and/or minimal aerobic activity. 
PRE-REQUISITES: None
TAUGHT BY:  Fvorboda, Naomi, Shaelani
 

URBAN TRIBAL STYLE

Beginning Urban Tribal 1-3
Beginning Urban Tribal classes are designed to introduce students to the basics of Urban Tribal style belly dance.  Urban Tribal is a tribal fusion dance incorporating non-traditional movements and music, more angular and muscular dancing, as well as other dance styles such as alternative, hip-hop, and modern dance.
PRE-REQUISITES: None
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda

Intermediate Urban Tribal 1-3
Intermediate Urban Tribal is a continuation of the Urban Tribal/Tribal Fusion style designed to teach a variety of new moves and incorporate more of the beginning movements into a structured choreography.  Intermediate Urban Tribal introduces you to Floorwork and back extensions to prepare you for mre intensity in future tribal fusion classes.
PRE-REQUISITES: One Beginning Urban Tribal class is required.
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda

Advanced Urban Tribal 1-3
Advanced Urban Tribal class incorporates some of the harder movements and finishing touches of the Urban Tribal style.  Students learn techniques and structure which can be used in solo and group performances.  Advanced Urban Tribal increases strength and flexibility as moves are better defined and techniques become more complex..
PRE-REQUISITES: One Beginning Urban Tribal Class and One Intermediate Urban Tribal class is required.
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda

Several Technique classes are offered to increase knowledge and skill in Belly Dance.  Students can pick and choose which classes they would like to learn, or learn them all.
   FLOORWORK & SWORD
The Floorwork and Sword Technique class is designed to introduce students to the basics of sword balancing and floor work in conjunction with beginning and intermediate belly dance movements.  This is a medium-level class with some high-level leg exercises.  This class can be easily adjusted for personal fitness levels and floorwork is not required.  Some swords will be available for students to practice with, however bringing your own sword to class is preferred.
   SKIRT
Skirt Technique teaches students the flow of skirts dances from Tradition Egyptian and Tribal style, as well as some Spanish flare.  The complete dance choreography teaches students combinations, direction sense, spins, and proper handling of skirts while dancing.
   VEIL
Veils are an extension of the body.  Students will learn proper use of veils and proper veil technique from the delicate movements used with silk veils to the more aggressive handling of heavy veils.  Veil work is a high-intensity arm and shoulder work-out.  A few practive veils will be available for students, however bringing your own veil is preferred.  Older veils will be available for students to borrow during class, however it is recommended that students purchase their own veils for home practice.  Veils will be available for purchase.
   ZILL/FINGER CYMBALS
The Zill Technique class is designed to introduce students to the basics of using finger cymbals with belly dance movements.  This is a beginning level class to start using basic zill rhythms along with dance choreography.  Some zills will be available for students to borrow during class, but it is highly recommended that students purchase their own zills for home practice.  Zills will be available for purchase.
PRE-REQUISITES: One Beginning Bellies Class and One Intermediate Bellies class is required for all Technique classes.
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda

Specialized classes have been developed to teach students more details about belly dancing, different styles, movement breakdown, etc.  Students can pick and choose which classes they would like to learn, or learn them all.
   BELLY BURN
Want an aerobic workout that challenges your body and mind?  Belly Burn is designed to keep you moving while training your mind with new techniques and combinations.  This class puts basic belly dance moves to fast-paced music to get your blood pumpin and body movin'!  This class is for any fitness level--stick with the basics for a healthy workout, or upgrade the steps for more advanced combinations.  (Taught also by Naomi)
   'BODA BOOT CAMP
Increasing your strength and endurance is what this class is all about.  Let 'Boda help you find muscles you didn't know you had in this 'physical training'-type class.  Beginners to Body Builders welcome!  This is a multi-level class that you decide what level to take it! ("Body by Boda" shirts coming soon! *wink*)
   CHOREOGRAPHY & IMPROVISATION
Students will be taught the basics of choregraphy development.  We listen to a variety of sounds and discuss what movements would fit.  We discuss how to balance out body work and dance structure, and eliminate repetition.  Students will be taught flow from one dance to another and how to keep each movement within the style and story you are trying to portray.
   ISOLATION & SKILLS
These classes breaks down basic belly dance into more defined and exact movements, as well as introduces new moves and combinations.  This class teaches a lot of body mechanics, muscle understanding, and brain training, discussing how the body and mind work and learn in dance.  Students will be taught which areas of the body control which moves and learning the difference between skeletal and muscular movement.  There is no dance choreography for this class.
   STYLES & HISTORY
The Styles and History teaches students about Folkloric dance, Amercian Tribal style, Traditional Egyptian, Urban Tribal, and the fusion styles, along with the history of Belly Dance and how it began.  This specialized class is a brief introduction of each style.
PRE-REQUISITES: One Beginning Bellies class required; One Intermediate class recommended.
TAUGHT BY: Fvorboda
 

OTHER BELLY DANCE CLASSES INCLUDE Intermediate and Advanced levels of Cabaret, Intermediate and Advanced Tribal Fusion (ATS), Cabaret and Drum Improvisation, Ethnofusion, and several Workshop opportunities!

Got questions?  Want to request a class?  Send us an email!