Karida's School of Orientale Dance
1432 Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL.


Bellydance classes, led by Karida Zahava,
a professional dancer and instructor with 28 years of experience!

Class descriptions: Printable Class Description Flyer Intro to BELLYDANCE This class focuses on posture, a variety of basic foundation movements and combinations for Middle Eastern Dance. This is an optional class for those who just want a taste of Bellydance without the long-term commitment. (Counts as one session of Level One for continuing students but is not a required course) $35/New students; $30/Continuing students BELLYDANCE, Level 1 (Beginning) is geared towards the new bellydance student. This class focuses on posture, a combinations of variety of basic foundation movements common to all forms of Middle Eastern Dance, and concludes with a short choreography. THE primary starting class for all new students looking towards a continued study of dance, it focuses on vital underlying technique fundamentals from the very first day, and builds on those skills each week, progressing steadily towards recognition and correct execution of many of the most commonly used movements and steps for all styles of bellydance. $65/New students; $60/Continuing students CABARET BELLYDANCE, Level 2 (Intermediate) Forstudents who wish to specialize as Egyptian-style or Amercian-style soloists. Classes begin with technique and step-combinations, and progress to choreographies. These classes often utilize veils and other props, so see our newsletter for current prop list. (Prerequisite: at least 3 sessions of Bellydance Level 1) $65/Students new to level or style; $60/Continuing students TURKISH STYLE BELLYDANCE, Level 2 (Intermediate "Gypsy") The energetic and passionate dance as done by the Romany dancers of Turkey, both in the pure ethnic setting and the cabaret or restaurant. Warmups will be done with finger cymbals to teach basic zil technique, and students may also need skirts, tambourines or other props, so see our newsletter for current prop list. (Prerequisite: completion of at least 3 sessions of Bellydance Level 1) $65/Students new to level or style; $60/Continuing students BELEDI, Level 2 (Intermediate Group) Focuses on ethno-historic styles and includes techniques of interaction for group performances. Students will learn a variety of ethnic style movements and choreographies, and frequently includes use of zils, canes, baskets, swords, and/or other props, so see our newsletter for current prop list. (Prerequisite: completion of at least 3 sessions of Level 1) $65/Students new to level or style; $60/Continuing students BOLLYWOOD is the dance of the movie musicals of India, where fabulously large choreographed production numbers are a regular feature. This is a highly aerobic dance form, and fuses East-Indian movements into a modern context and style. Each semester begins with basic movement drills, and progresses to a solo or group choreography. (Prerequisites: 1-2 semesters of Level 1 or other dance experience, good knees, and a sense of humor.) $65/Students new to Bollywood; $60/Continuing students Intro to BOLLYWOOD is the dance of the movie musicals of India, and fuses East-Indian movements into a modern context and style. This is a highly aerobic dance form. The choreographies taught in this class are shorter, partial choreographies for those who just want a taste of the form. (Prerequisites: 1-2 semesters of Level 1 or other dance experience; good knees, and a sense of humor.) $35/Students new to Bollywood; $30/Continuing students CABARET, Level 3, For students who wish to specialize as Egyptian-style or Amercian-style soloists. Classes work on more complex and challenging choreographies. These classes often utilize veils and other props, so see out newsletter for current prop list. (Prerequisite: at least 3 sessions of CABARET Level 2) $60/Continuing students TURKISH/RROMANY, Level 3 The energetic and passionate dance as done by the Rom (gypsy) dancers of Turkey, both in the pure ethnic setting and the cabaret or restaurant. At this level our choreographies become more complex, and techniques more physically demanding (may include floor-work). Instructor: Karida. (Prerequisite: completion of at least 3 sessions of TURKISH Level 2 and proficiency with zils) $60/Continuing students BELEDI, Level 3 Ethno-historic style (and some "fusion" by request) choreographies that teach complex interaction for dynamic group performances. Classes may include use of zils, swords, canes, candles and/or other props, so see our newsletter for current prop list. (Prerequisite: completion of at least 3 sessions of BELEDI Level 2) $60/Continuing students Additional Offerings: Bridal Shower In the Harem Looking for something for “the girls” to do to celebrate the marriage of your favorite bride-to-be? Here’s the chance to giggle with your girlfriends and treat the bride to an event she’ll remember! Includes a 50 minute class, a free gift for the honoree, light refreshments, and a performance by Karida. Also a great idea for those “Big O” birthdays! Available by advance appointment, weekend bookings welcome. $70/groups up to 6 persons; $12 each addl person. The following are available as Private Lessons, Semi-Private Lessons, or Small Group workshops or weekly sessions by advance arrangement. ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE The social dances of the late 16th - early 17th Century, as documented by Playford and his contemporaries, plus SCA-member-created dances in the period style. Two dances will be taught each week, and if time allows also a review of the dances from the previous session. No prior dance experience is needed. Private lesson:$20. Semi-private lesson:$25. Groups of 3 or more: $12/per person per night or $30 each for 4 week commitment. TURKISH STYLE BELLYDANCE, Level 4 The energetic and passionate improvisational dance as done by the Rom (gypsy) dancers of Turkey, both in the pure ethnic setting and the cabaret or restaurant. (Prerequisite: Turkish Level 3 and knowledge of basic zill technique) Private lesson:$20. Semi-private lesson:$25. Groups of 3 or more: $12/per person per night or $30 each for 4 week commitment. BELEDI, Level 4 For students who are ready for the challenges that this level demands. Lessons will be on a variety of ethnic-style and group interaction choreographies for groups of 4 or more, and may include use of swords, candles and/or other props. Classes will also include discussions of improving technique and presentation, plus costuming, makeup, etc. . Groups of 3 or more: $12/per person per night or $30 each for 4 week commitment. CABARET, Level 4 For students who are ready for the challenges that this level demands. Taught as private lessons by appointment, sessions may include discussions of improving stage presentation, improvisational performance, costuming, makeup, etc. plus available choreographies. Level 4 students are expected to begin creating their own written choreography to be presented at studio recitals. Private lesson:$20. Semi-private lesson:$25. Groups of 3 or more: $12/per person per night or $30 each for 4 week commitment.

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