Class Descriptions

Our classes are run at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre located at 163 Water Street, second floor. The Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre is on a bus route, and there's parking behind the building on weekends and after 6:00 pm on weekdays.

Students are expected to register and pay for workshops and classes in advance. Students can pay for classes in one of three ways:

   1. Online via PayPal

   2. Sending a cheque or money order to The Neighbourhood Strays, PO Box 29046, St. John's, NL A1B 2D6

   3. In person during pre-arranged times at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre with cash, cheque, or money order.

Students can pay for their class on the first day of classes, but we can not guarantee a spot for students who do this.

For drop-in classes, no pre-registration is required unless specified for the class, and students may pay when they arrive.
We recommend that you start with our Beginners class, even if you have previous bellydance experience, so that you are familiar with our style and terminology. If you start by enrolling in Beginners, but subsequently do not find it challenging enough, you are welcome to speak with your instructor about moving up to a higher level.

Please wear a long, loose-fitting skirt and a scarf or other piece of material that can be tied at the hips. If you do not have these items, please wear whatever you are comfortable to move in. You are not required to show your belly! Most of us dance in bare feet, but if you prefer, you may wear socks or light slippers.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at 738-0931 or email us if you have any questions.

Beginners

In Beginners, you will learn the fundamental techniques and movement of bellydancing, including proper body posturing and stance, and isolation of muscle groups. In addition to learning many of the basic movements of bellydancing, beginners will also learn a choreographed dance.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Intermediates

We offer two different Intermediate classes. We alternate these sessions, and they can be taken in any order. It in not necessary to take Intermediates I before Intermediates II.

Intermediates I (Veils)

Intermediates I (Veils) further develops the movements learned in the Beginners class and teaches students to put them together into combinations and mini-choreographies. The class also focuses on facial and body expression while dancing. During the class, students will be introduced to the use of veils, and they will learn specific veil movements and how to incorporate them into dance. Students will also be taught a new choreography using a veil.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Intermediates I will require students to provide veils. These are not needed for the first class, and correct veil fitting will be discussed in class.

Intermediates II (Zills)

Intermediates II (Zills) focuses on combining movements and introduces students to the use of zills (finger cymbals) while dancing. Students will learn a new choreography involving these props. You must have taken Beginners to register for this class.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Later classes for Intermediates II (Zills) will require a set of zills. These are available for purchase from your instructor for $20.

Advanced

Advanced classes cover improvisational techniques and advanced movements. The exact curriculum of these classes alters depending on the needs of students interested in taking it. You must have taken at least the Beginners class to register for Advanced.

Advanced Improvisation

Advanced Improvisation, though listed as an "advanced" class, is open to everyone who has taken at least one session of Beginners. The goal of this class is to help you to turn all the movements and techniques you learn in class into actual dancing, and to simply enjoy dancing! The class will focus on getting the most out of the movements you already know and using them in individual and group improvisation exercises. Students who register for this class must be comfortable (or have a willingness to become comfortable) soloing for about 30 seconds.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Advanced Movements

Advanced Movements focuses on building muscle strength and flexibility for refining existing techniques and learning more challenging bellydance movements.

Classes run for 5 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $60.

Advanced Your First Solo

Advanced Your First Solo will focus on the development of a solo for each participant, from the selection of music to the final finished product. Since this class will be in a workshop format, the size will be limited to a small number of students, and the class has an open end date. The class time will be decided by the students and instructor, and the class will take place in our practice studio on Torbay Road.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120, with an additional $12 per class if the instructor and students decide to continue longer than 10 weeks.

Specialty Classes

Special topics classes are run as demand and space allows. The prerequisites for these classes depend on the class offered.

Back to Basics

Back to Basics is designed for more advanced students and students who have studied different styles of bellydance before. This class rediscovers some of the basic movements and transitions of bellydance with a strong emphasis on body mechanics, muscle movement and development, and an increased sense of body awareness. We will also learn a new choreography which incorporates these movements.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Bellydance for Relaxation

Bellydance for Relaxation is oriented more toward the healing and relaxing power of bellydancing. It focuses on improving your ability to change from one movement to the next and helping you to overcome any challenges with balance, flexibility, and posture.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Egyptian Cabaret

This class explores some of the differences between Gypsy bellydance and traditional Egyptian Cabaret style. You'll be trading in your coins for sequins, exploring new bellydance music, and learning new moves, all while in heels!

Prerequisite: Beginners or some bellydance experience.

Please note: This class is not recommended for people with low back, knee, or ankle injuries. High heels are required.

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Introduction to ATS

American Tribal Style Bellydance is a structured improv style with an emphasis on women working together in order to create an ephermal dance. This introduction will cover the basic moves of ATS, as well as cues and transitions. In no time, students will be able to dance entire songs together as a group with only a gesture or a turn of the head to indicate a transition.

Classes run for 5 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $60.

Boot Camp

Bellydance Boot Camp

Bellydance Boot Camp is stepping it up a notch! Get in shape using your bellydance moves to improve your cardio, muscle strength, and flexibility. This class is great for people wanting to add something exciting and different to their fitness regime. If you are bored with your regular exercise routine, this class is for you!

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Bellydance Boot Camp - Learning Layers (formerly Andrea's Boot Camp)

Bellydance Boot Camp - Learning Layers is the boot camp that was inspired by Andrea's participation in the Suhaila Salimpour workshop in Toronto. Learning Layers incorporates many new ways to whip you into bellydance shape and to improve your bellydance technique!

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.

Multi-Level Workshops & Drop-In Classes

Multi-Level Workshops

Multi-Level Workshops are truly designed for all levels of dancers, from the very beginner to the more advanced. Most workshops (unless noted) will focus primarily on dance movements, understanding music and culture, and isolations. These workshops are perfect for those who are unable to dedicate the time to a 10-week class or have taken all the other classes but wish to keep learning. Since each workshop is not dependent on the one before it, you may come and go as your schedule permits. However, we will have a workshop limit of fifteen people.

Workshops offered have included:

American Tribal Style

Bedroom Bellydance

Beginners

Club Dancing

Costuming

Dancing with Drums

Goddess Bellydance

Improvisation

Intermediates

Layering
Undulations

Zills

The duration and cost of workshops vary, according to what is being taught and what materials are used.

Drop-In Classes

Drop-In Classes are also designed for all levels. Though they are ongoing, the content is not cumulative, thus you can drop in to any class in any order. Pre-registration is only necessary when materials are being provided. Please pay at the beginning of class.

Most drop-in classes are one hour in duration and $12 per class, but the cost may vary depending on materials.

Children's Classes

We will only schedule another Children's Class if we have 5 or more students. If you would be interested in these classes, please contact us and we will try to accommodate you. The Children's Classes will be conducted by several members of the troupe. It is our goal to have at least one troupe member for every 3 - 4 children.

Children's Classes are recommended for children ages 8 - 12. We would conduct an informational session for the parents or guardians at the beginning of the first class to let them know what their child will be learning and to answer any questions they might have. We also recommend that parents/guardians read "Should Young Girls Bellydance?"

Classes run for 10 weeks, with one hour of class per week. The cost is $120.