Etoile ~ Middle Eastern Dance Artist, Coach, Instructor, and Artistic Director
Class Descriptions
Etoile offers classes of every level and most styles of bellydance from basic to advanced. Below are some classes Etoile teaches from time to time or on a regular basis.
Not sure what kind of bellydance level you may be at? Schedule an evaluation or drop in and observe the classes Etoile has to offer!
Dance ~ Fitness ~ Choreography ~ Performing ~ Coaching
Basic Level
This is the level for the absolute beginner - never had a dance class, never danced formally anywhere. You want to move, you want to be feminine, you want to 'give it a try' or work at a slower pace....this class is for you. These sessions typically run short and go directly into the beginning level class.*
*most locations basic and level I are the same class.
Beginning Level (Level I)
This fun class covers basic steps and moves and breaks down the proper technique in an easy-to-follow structure. You’ll learn a bit about the music and culture too. Once you’ve got some basics under control, you continue to develop more advanced dance skills. Some combination exercises will be introduced at this level.
This continuing level from the Level I class will introduce you to choreography, combos, and layering techniques. More in-depth drills and skills are introduced in this level and various bellydance props are explored. Students at this level are encouraged to participate in the student performing groups - it is not a requirement, but it is nice to show family and friends your dance progression!
Beginning Level (Level II)
2010 - present
2010 - present
Intermediate Level (Level III)
This class uses the basics you’ve already developed and provides a fun and challenging adventure into more advanced skills and moves. You’ll learn how to do more subtle and more complex moves, as well as how to use the music for both improv and choreographed dances. Add zills, veil, cane, sword and other props, as well as a deeper understanding of the culture and the music, and you’ve got a fun and exciting class you can really sink your shimmy into.
Advanced Level and Performance Skills (Level IV)
This class include advanced techniques, skills, and movements as well as performance techniques. With an emphasis on musicality, it will help you refine and develop the skills you’ll need for group or solo performance in any situation. You’ll learn more about music interpretation, cultural context, group and audience interaction. This class also includes development of choreography and improv skills.
Dynamic Drills and Combos
Ready to break out your bellydance skills and put it to good use?
Dynamic Dills and Combos will do just that! This will take it up a notch where not only will you work up a sweat and strengthen your skills, but you will also put what you drill in class some cool combos and help build your skills in building your own chroreography or improv skills!
Each week you will be challenged on specific drills and it will be applied to a combo you will learn in class. Different styles and execution of bellydance techniques from cabaret to tribal fusion styles will be explored.This class is geared for the dancer who has a good understanding of basic bellydance vocabulary.
Rising Stars Skills, Drills, and Concepts
Are you a dancer who is ready to dance solos on stage or showcases? Thinking of teaching dance as a primary or secondary career? Stuck in a rut? If you are ready to bridge over from the intermediate level and join the ranks of a true professional, Rising Stars Skill, Drills, and Concepts is for you! Geared towards the established dancer with solid understanding of bellydance vocabulary, not only will you be challenged with your knowledge of bellydance skill and drills, but you will embrace the concepts that sets the student from the 'performer' apart! In this class, you will also explore other dance concepts, historical highlights, musicality, choreographing skills, teaching skills, constructive learning skills, and more....
Barre Fitness for Bellydancers
This specialty class is a ballet class focused on strenthening the dancer for endurance, stability, strength, poise, and grace. These are all elements found in stage level bellydance in particular to cabaret styles of bellydance. Dancers in this class will focus on body positioning, balance, and grace and apply it to a Middle Eastern standard of cabaret dance.
Kids Bellydance
This class is especially formatted for kids. In the Middle East, everyone dances, from kids to grandparents! This class gives kids a class of their own... fun and energetic and a great way to engage the imagination and their developing motor skills. All moves are taught within a family style cultural context and costuming is age-appropriate. Students in the Children's classes are part of the 'Lil Raq Stars - a student performing group of kids that dance for fun!
Most classes are geared for children ages 8-14, but for younger kids, please see Etoile for evaluation and proper placement.
Choreography Class Series -
Want to learn a choreography to perform with our groups? Here are a couple of classes frequently offered...
New Choreography Class
Each series builds an entire choreography. Various styles and genres are explored in this class from cabaret to folkloric to fusion and improvisational.
This is a fixed-time series, so contact us to find out which dance we're working on and when the series is starting. You'll want to get in at the beginning for best results.
Retro-Choreography Class
If you missed the previous choreographies, here's a chance to pick it up, or refresh what you've already learned. Review and renew the choreographies used by the performance groups. These are fixed series classes, so contact us to find out which dance we're working on and when the series is starting.
Private Sessions, Coaching, and Consultations -
Want more individual personal attention? A private session may be just for you...
Private and Semi-private sessions:
Don't have the time to make regular classes? Feeling a bit shy to go to a general class?
A private session may be the solution for you! These are more specialized custom-tailored sessions that move at your own pace. These sessions are held at the privacy of your own home or at the studio (as per availability*). Semi-private classes allow you and a friend or two to take custom classes together. Semi-private sessions are limited to four people.
Coaching and Consultations:
Do you need help creating/developing a choreography or just one on one practice honing on drills, skills, behind the scenes management, or combos? This session is for you if you need help in developing your creative mind!