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 Samia Savell |
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Whether you were shaking your tail feather at Dancefest!, out fishing to stock up your freezer, or enjoying some time outdoors, Labor Day weekend was many people's last chance for a summer blast.
The change in the seasons seems to come as a surprise to me every year. I practically choked on the word "fall" the other day, when I was talking to a friend of mine about the impending change: cooler weather, shorter days, rain. Lots of rain.
There is a bright side, however. Fall is when belly dance classes and events pick up again after a summer hiatus. Maybe you took one of the belly dance workshops at Dancefest!, or maybe you've always wanted to try it. Either way, there are plenty of upcoming opportunities to learn something new or hone your skills.
Perhaps the biggest bright spot is the annual workshop hosted by Daughters of the New Moon. This year's workshop is scheduled for Sept. 29-30 at the American Legion Hall in Auke Bay. Guest instructor Saqra Raybuck of Kent, Wash., will teach two choreographed routines as well as technique and performance workshops. She also will be available to teach private lessons on Oct. 1-2, for individuals or groups.
I joined several other Juneau dancers at Saqra's workshop in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, a few years ago, and enjoyed every minute of it. She breaks down the mechanics of movements and rhythms in a very user-friendly way that is easy for all levels, but integrates enough layering into her dances that even more experienced dancers are challenged.
Her quirky sense of humor keeps the mood light, but she also makes her students work, which is something I always appreciate, especially when the opportunities to learn from professional dancers are few and far between and can be expensive.
If you're interested in attending or getting more information, go to the workshops tab at www.daughtersofthenewmoon.com for more information.
There also are several classes being offered around town, both in tribal and cabaret-style belly dance. Maren Thomas will teach beginning and intermediate tribal style belly dance classes on Saturdays beginning Sept. 8. Contact the downtown JRC for more information at 586-5773.
Beginning Sept. 25, I will teach a class based on tribal style belly dance Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. at Pavitt Health and Fitness. "BellyFit" combines dance with stretching, strength and toning exercises. It is an upbeat way to combine dance and body conditioning. Call 789-5556 for more information.
For American cabaret-style belly dance classes, contact Lori Weed at seaspryte97@yahoo.com for more on the beginning belly dance class she will help teach on Tuesdays from Sept. 18 through Nov. 13.
And if you're over 50 or would like to lie about your age, Katiyja (Kathleen Gamble) and Latifa (Susan Oldacres) will teach "Beginning Bellydance for Goddesses-Over 50, over the speed limit, or just looking over the top of the hill!" Additional information on this class is posted on the Daughters of the New Moon Web site.
Surely at least one of these classes fits your schedule or your style? This fall is the time to get back into the shimmy of things, or try belly dance for the first time.
