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For years, parents have asked me to start a dance class for girls. About 10 years ago, I started Genie Dance Classes (originally called Aladdin Dance), teaching dances I have learned from my 25 years of studying Middle Eastern Dance. The emphasis of Genie Dance is to have fun while learning about dance movement, rhythms and different instruments. The class encourages girls to have good posture, poise and self- assurance. Included in my lessons are cultural and historical information. Girls keep a dance notebook that will include pictures of costumes and maps which they can color. Throughout the Middle East, Central Asia and N. Africa, children participate in the dances of the tribal villages. Dancing and music are a fundamental part of the life of these people. Children learn to dance as toddlers, mostly by imitating their parents (most often their mothers). In most of these countries, women have been segregated from the lives of men. They are often left to entertain themselves. Until fairly recently, most homes were without television and even radios. Women and children entertained themselves with live music and dancing. There are many dances from the Middle East, Central Asia and Northern Africa that are suitable for young girls to perform. I believe children’s dance movements should be child appropriate. While there are some sensuous movements in Middle Eastern dance, many more movements can be described as cute, joyful, demure, and athletic. These are the type dance movements that I teach to young girls. Costuming should also be “child appropriate.” An ethnic, covered look is practical and fun for young girls. Opaque harem pants, long full skirts, Gypsy style blouses, vest tops, turbans, scarves, bracelets and necklaces can be combined to make a dance costume both colorful and providing ample coverage. We will work on making costumes from items we find around the house or in Grandma’s closet! Often we work on dancing to a beledi rhythm (Dun Dun tek a tek, Dun tek a tek) while playing the tambourine. Choreographed dances as well as the art of improvisation are presented. Girls will need a tambourine with a head (preferably goatskin, wooden frame) if they wish to practice at home. We may also incorporate the use of small veils in our dances, which will also be made available. Happy Dancing, Miramar |
| Fall 2010 Wednesdays at Evendale Elementary, Rt. 522 S., Winchester, VA Classes sponsored by Frederick County Parks and Recreation: 540-665-5678 Instructor: Miramar The emphasis of Genie Dance is to have fun while learning about dance movement, rhythms, and cultures of the world, especially Egypt, Turkey and Morocco. This age appropriate class encourages participants to have good posture, poise and self assurance. Genie Dance classes are fun , stress-free classes for girls ages 5-9 that teaches the joys of music, dance and exercise. Participants will learn basic dance skills such as traveling steps and spinning and how to dance with props such as veils and tambourines. Cultural information is also included about Turkey and Egypt and the relation to Genie Dancing. Please bring a large towel or mat for gentle yoga stretches. Several sessions available. Special rates apply a second household member! For all sessions: Fee: $37 for first registrant; $27 for additional household member ages 5-9 Day(s): W Time: 6-6:50 p.m. Location: EVES Activity #2201-B, first registrant Activity #2201-R, additional household member Date(s): 9/15-10/6 Activity #2201-E, first registrant Activity #2201-RR, additional household member Date(s): 10/20-11/10 Activity #2201-F, first registrant Activity #2201-SS, additional household member Date(s): 12/1-12/22 Register for classes through FCPR 540-665-5678 or visit Webpage: Frederick County Parks & Recreation Youth Classes |
| Letter to Parents |