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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 |
| Springtime 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. Affordable 4 class sessions. To Register: Either telephone Frederick County Parks and Recreation to register or register on-line at their web-site - see link below FCPR 540-665-5678 Fee: $33 per child; $23 per additional child in family Location: EXEV Activity # Day(s) Date(s) Time Scheduled Springtime Sessions Activity # 2201-BB March 24,31, April 14 & 21 (no class April 7) $33 Activity # 2201-CC Sign up sister same household using this activity #, same dates as above $23 Activity #2201-DD April 28, May 5,12,19 $33 Activity # 2201-EE Sign up sister same household using this activity #, same dates as above $23 NEW- SIGN UP FOR BOTH SESSIONS AND SAVE! Activity #2201-ZZ 3/24-5/19 Special 8 classes - $61 To sign up sister same household use activity #2201CC and/or #2201EE Frederick County Parks & Recreation page: Genie Dance! |
| Letter to Parents |