Enjoy the health and fitness benefits of dance while experiencing the music and culture of the Middle East! Read the course descriptions below to learn which course is right for you. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first taste of the music and movements of Middle Eastern dance, or an advanced student hoping to refine your technique and dig deeper into Middle Eastern music and culture, Nisaa has a class to meet your needs!
What makes Nisaa's classes different from the rest?
Structured - Each of Nisaa's courses follows a structured curriculum with specific learning objectives. Each week's lesson builds upon the last, with new material added at a gradual pace to allow you time to develop confidence in your new knowledge and skills.
Comprehensive - Nisaa's courses not only provide you with a thorough, detailed breakdown of the core technique appropriate to each proficiency level, but also build your knowledge of Middle Eastern music (including rhythms, instrumentation, and more) and your awareness of the cultural context of the dance.
Cultural - Above all, in Nisaa's courses, you'll learn that Middle Eastern dance is much more than just a set of movements. Nisaa brings years of study and experience with Middle Eastern cultures to every lesson and introduces you to the people, places, and history behind the dance. It's not just a dance class - it's a cultural experience!
Course Descriptions
Regular Session Classes
Level 1
This twelve-week course is a basic introduction to the history and technique of Egyptian raqs sharqi, known in the West as belly dance. The course is designed to provide you with a basic mastery of fundamental movements and to introduce you to the cultural context of the dance.
This course is geared toward absolute beginners, although it is also a good refresher for students who need a review of basic technique. Level 1 students who are interested in continuing their studies generally go on to attend at least one semester of Level 1a before advancing to Level 2.
Prerequisites for Level 1:
None
Level 1a - Drills and Practice
This course serves as a bridge between Level 1 and Level 2. The focus is on practicing and refining Level 1 skills. The course also introduces technique and concepts that are part of the Level 2 course.
This course is primarily geared toward students who are interested in eventually joining Level 2, but moving on to Level 2 is not a requirement. After completing Level 1, students generally spend at least one semester in this course before advancing to Level 2.
Prerequisites for Level 1a:
Prior enrollment in Level 1 OR instructor permission
Level 2
This twelve-week course in Egyptian raqs sharqi (belly dance) is designed to build upon your basic mastery of fundamental movements and to enhance your ability to interpret Middle Eastern music. This course focuses heavily on Middle Eastern rhythms and on musical interpretation. The course introduces Middle Eastern dance props, including finger cymbals and veil. In addition, the course introduces related dance styles, including raqs baladi and raqs sa’idi.
This course is geared toward students who would like more in-depth instruction with a focus on Middle Eastern musical interpretation. Level 2 students who are interested in continuing their studies generally go on to attend at least one semester of Level 2a before advancing to Level 3. Although performance is not a requirement, Level 2 students have the option of performing in the annual recital and other student events.
Prerequisites for Level 2:
Level 1 (or equivalent) AND instructor permission
Proficiency in Level 1 skill set (contact Nisaa for a detailed description)
Level 2a - Drills and Practice
This course serves as a bridge between Level 2 and Level 3. The focus is on practicing and refining Level 2 skills. The course also introduces technique and concepts that are part of the Level 3 course.
This course is primarily geared toward students who are interested in eventually joining Level 3, but moving on to Level 3 is not a requirement. After completing Level 2, students generally spend at least one semester in this course before advancing to Level 3.
Prerequisites for Level 2a:
Prior enrollment in Level 2 OR instructor permission
Proficiency in Level 1 skill set (contact Nisaa for a detailed description)
Level 3
This twelve-week course is designed to provide you with more challenging, in-depth instruction in Middle Eastern dance, including both Egyptian raqs sharqi (belly dance) and various folkloric styles. The course includes work with Middle Eastern dance props, including finger cymbals, veil, and cane.
This is a challenging course geared toward intermediate to advanced students who are serious about Middle Eastern dance. This course demands a high level of commitment (students at this level are expected to spend significant time outside of class in practice). Students must obtain permission to enroll in this class. Although performance is not a requirement, Level 3 students have the option of performing in the annual recital and other student events.
Prerequisites for Level 3:
Instructor permission
Proficiency in Level 2 skill set (contact Nisaa for a detailed description)
Commitment to regular attendance
Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 2)
This course is designed for students who are enrolled in the regular Level 2 class during the spring session and who have volunteered to perform in the spring recital. Students will work on learning and refining choreography and will receive guidance on performing skills and costuming. Level 2 students who wish to perform in the recital are required to enroll in this class.
Be sure to read Nisaa's performance policy for students here, and check out Nisaa's performance costuming guidelines for students here.
Prerequisites for Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 2):
Concurrent enrollment in Level 2 AND instructor permission
Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 2a)
This course is designed for students who are enrolled in the regular Level 2a class during the spring session and who have volunteered to perform in the spring recital. Students will work on learning and refining choreography and will receive guidance on performing skills and costuming. Level 2a students who wish to perform in the recital are required to enroll in this class.
Be sure to read Nisaa's performance policy for students here, and check out Nisaa's performance costuming guidelines for students here.
Prerequisites for Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 2a):
Concurrent enrollment in Level 2a AND instructor permission
Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 3)
This course is designed for students who are enrolled in the regular Level 3 class during the spring session and who have volunteered to perform in the spring recital. Students will work on learning and refining choreography and will receive guidance on performing skills and costuming. Level 3 students who wish to perform in the recital are required to enroll in this class.
Be sure to read Nisaa's performance policy for students here, and check out Nisaa's performance costuming guidelines for students here.
Prerequisites for Spring Recital Preparation Class (Level 3):
Concurrent enrollment in Level 3 AND instructor permission
Level 1 Inter-Session Drills Class
This four-week course provides a review of the basics of Level 1 technique. The class is geared toward students who have completed one 12-week semester of Nisaa's Level 1 course (or equivalent).
Level 1a Inter-Session Drills Class
This four-week course offers more challenging drills and combinations to students who already have a strong foundation in Level 1 technique. The class is geared toward students who have completed at least one 12-week semester of Nisaa's Level 1a course (or equivalent). It's also a good choice for Level 2 students who would like a refresher.
Level 2 Inter-Session Drills Class
This four-week course provides a review of the basics of Level 2 technique. The class is geared toward students who have completed one 12-week semester of Nisaa's Level 2 course (or equivalent).
Level 2a Inter-Session Drills Class
This four-week course offers more challenging drills and combinations to students who already have a strong foundation in Level 2 technique. The class is geared toward students who have completed at least one 12-week semester of Nisaa's Level 2a course (or equivalent). It's also a good choice for Level 3 students who would like a refresher.
Level 3 Inter-Session Drills Class
This four-week course provides a review of the basics of Level 3 technique. The class is geared toward students who have completed one 12-week semester of Nisaa's Level 3 course (or equivalent).
Spring Recital Preparation Classes
Inter-Session Drills Classes
