Ready to join belly dancing classes Long Island?

PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19, all group classes have moved online. You can find them HERE

Kirah loves helping others grow and develop through movement and dance. She believes in small learning environments where you can gain individual attention, relax and have a good time, gain knowledge and skills in a safe way, and explore your own expression. 

Each person's journey is different but many students have discovered the potential advantages of learning bellydance including: 
  • Increased body awareness & movement ability
  • Increased self confidence & belief in abilities
  • Dance skill
  • Self expression
  • Cultural awareness & knowledge
  • Connection through community & new friendships  
  • Relaxation/something for themselves
  • Something fun to show off to friends and family 

Sound like you? Awesome! We would love to get to know you. Classes have a mix of personality types (from super shy to outgoing) and dance experience. Check out the class descriptions below to see where you fit, or contact Kirah. 

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Class Information

Descriptions

Intro to Bellydance
If you have always wanted to give belly dance a try, this is the class for you. Geared towards absolute beginners, this class will go over foundations of bellydance (and dance movement) from the very beginning. 

Offered as a class trial format, intro to belly dance is offered as a 1 -2 class series so students can see if the style & instructor is a good fit. 

If not on the schedule, I recommend Level I
Level I
Welcome to your bellydance journey! Level I is geared towards beginner students (and more advance students who want a refresh). 

Students can expect to learn foundational movements, movement names, simple combinations, arm frames and be introduced to dance games, need to know music and history

Full Level I graduation requirements coming soon. 

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Level II
Level II is a transition period between Level I and Level III and can gain get experience from joining either class level.  Level II students understand common foundational movements but may need polishing.

Students can expect to learn:
  • more advanced foundational movements
  • transitioning between movements
  • Introduction to finger cymbals
  • Introduction to arm flow,
  • introduction to choreographies, and group performance opportunities (optional) 
  • Introduction to  anatomy 
  • Introduction to rhythms 

Full Level II graduation requirements coming soon. 
Level III
Level III is for the Intermediate student and commonly where dancers begin to feel the transition from activity to passion/art. Level III students have a firm grasp of foundational movements and an understanding of Level I & II concepts.

Level III students can expect to learn:
  • Movement layers - body & finger cymbals
  • More complex combinations
  • Arm flow
  • More complex group choreography
  • Exercises in self expression & musicality 
  • Muscle based anatomy
  • Continued Rhythm education

Full Level III graduation requirements coming soon
Level IV/V
Currently Kirah does not offer Level IV/V group classes. These levels are geared towards the semi-professional and early professional dancer, extreme hobbyist, and/or students who have mastered Level III content. 

For IV/V content please keep an eye out for special workshops (such as a performance skills workshop) or contact Kirah for private lessons
SPECIAL TOPICS
Special Topics is an ongoing class to cover topics that are important, of interest, or may not fit into a regular class schedule. Examples of Special Topics classes include:
  • Prop technique (veil, fan veil, sword, wings, cane etc)
  • Prop choreographies
  • Floorwork
  • Expanded improv

In the class schedule you will see level markers next to each focus. The levels are similar but unrelated to class level and can be thought of as follows:
  • Level I - totally new to prop/concept
  • Level II - basic knowledge about prop/concept, limited ability to layer dance movement, limited exposure, may need technique review
  • Level III - feel comfortable with foundations of prop/concept, several previous exposures, limited to no technique review needed, ready for more advanced application.
  • Level IV - very comfortable with prop/concept usage and can integrate into dance in at an advanced level
  • Level V -  extremely comfortable with prop/concept, can use in an improv setting,  looking for high level information/ideas to improve creativity/usage. 

There are no requirements/testing between levels but Level III - V classes will not cover basics, technique breakdowns etc.  
WORKSHOPS
Kirah will offer several workshop opportunities through out the year. These are one day classes that focus on a single theme/concept outside of a series.  Examples include:
  • Performance Skills
  • Stagecraft
  • 5 part set
  • Dancing with live music
Please check the focus section under the class on the schedule for more information on what is being offered. 

Policies & Details

Policies:
  • All classes must have 3 students pre-registered to run
  • Pre-registration ends 1 week prior to class series start
  • Classes are limited to 9 students, unless otherwise noted
  • Drop-ins are $25/class $45/two classes (does not apply to workshops).
    • Please note: If dropping into a choreography class, class will not breakdown previously covered material
  • All class sales are final sale, but are transferable to another student
What to bring/expect:
  • Door will be unlocked 10-15 minutes before class time
  • Most classes are taught barefoot but it is not required
  • Bring Water
  • Wear comfortable clothes where you can move around freely. Most students wear dance/yoga pants and a tank/tee. 
  • Willingness to learn & try new things
  • We try to create a welcoming and fun atmosphere, a good attitude is always appreciated. 

Location

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held at:
Take a Bow Playhouse
1530 Old Country Rd, Plainview, NY
Please note: We use the Studio B entrance which is on the right side of the building. The front entrance will be locked.

Class Schedule

Due to Covid -19 all classes have been moved online. Please check out the ONLINE CLASSES page to see current offerings.

Looking for individualized instruction? 

If you are looking for more individualized instruction, have a hectic schedule, live far away, need choreography help or just want some one-on one time, explore the Private Lesson Page. 
© 2018 by Kirah
Photographs Provided by The Dancer's Eye,Michael Baxter & Pixievision.