Synergy RaD Class Schedule and Descriptions
At Synergy Rhythm and Dance we offer two types of classes:
- dedicated sessions — pay one fee and commit to a full set of classes with a unified theme
- drop-in classes — come to class whenever you can, pay as you go
Current Class Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday
Impulse Tap Ensemble |
Wednesday
Hand Drumming with Middle Eastern Rhythms Bellydance Circuits Beginner Bellydance Level 3 Bellydance |
Thursday Level 2 Bellydance Synergy Sirens |
To learn more about each of our classes, see the descriptions below. Find out about our teachers on our Instructor page and register for classes by mail or online. Class fees are outlined on the class registration page. Have a question? Check out our Class FAQ page, and if you do not find the answer there, email us at sahira@synergyrad.com
Drop-In Class Descriptions
BellyFit with Aliah
This 60-minute class uses basic belly dance moves in a great low-impact cardio workout. You will be moving, sweating, burning fat, building strength, and gaining flexibility!
Highlights include lots of shimmies and level changes, all sorts of dance moves to work your core, and beautiful arm and hand positions to strengthen your arms! Each class starts with a warm-up to get your blood flowing and finishes with a cooldown and stretching.
Please note: this is not a technique class--our focus is fitness! No prior experience necessary.
Wear comfortable clothes and you might want to bring a yoga mat. Oh yes, bring water too, because you WILL sweat!
Click here to purchase a drop-in class card.
Dedicated Session Descriptions
Level 2 Bellydance: Cabaret Technique with Aliah
Level 2 classes are for students with bellydance experience. We focus on improving bellydance technique, adding new and more complex movement vocabulary, and learning choreography. Every session has a unique focusing, including: Veil, Zills, Tribal Fusion, Folkloric, and Drum Solo. Prior to entering level 2, students should have comfort, mastery, and grace with level 1 moves. Students should complete and master each of the three types of sessions of level 1 before moving on to level 2. Since every level 2 session is unique, students are welcome to continue taking level 2 classes as long as they wish.
Cabaret technique will focus on shimmies (including 3/4 shimmies), undulations, arm movements, traveling & transitions.
Registration Fee: $85 through January 25, $95 thereafter
Winter 2012 Session: Thursdays, 6:30-7:45pm, February 2 - March 22
About Bellydance
Sessions with Sahira Zedare: Learn bellydance in a supportive, empowering, and fun environment. Bellydance
moves are accessible to all sorts of body types, and regardless of age, size,
or ethnicity, women dance this form beautifully. We welcome new dancers and
women who have dance training (including classical, modern, ballroom, and others).
We incorporate stretching and strength exercises, learn movements and Middle
Eastern rhythms, and have fun together! Sahira Zedare has over 25 years of training and performance
experience in a variety of dance styles, and is certified in bellydance instruction
by internationally-renowned dancers Hadia and Tamalyn Dallal. If you would like to learn
more, please read her article Why I Teach
Bellydance and what
Sahira's students have to say.
Beginner Bellydance with Sahira Zedare
Explore the basics of Middle Eastern dance! This is an introductory class and no previous dance experience is required. Students are encouraged to repeat the level 1 course many times, to practice the fundamentals and to learn new aspects of the dance. Three distinct level 1 sessions are offered on a rotating basis: veil, zills (finger cymbals), and tribal style. This course is likely to fill up, so register early to save your spot!
Winter 2012: Beginner Bellydance Tribal Style: Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:30pm, February 1 - March 21
Please Note: Students are required to register for Beginner Bellydance through the HCE website.
Bellydance Level 3 Session with Sahira Zedare
Level 3 is a technique-only class for advanced dancers. We focus on precision, style, endurance, and complex layering. Level 3 is for students who have completed at least one full year of level 2 classes (or permission of the instructor). That is, students should have taken and mastered all styles of Level 2 in order to have a complete foundation in technique and performance quality prior to joining level 3. Level 3 will have a maximum enrollment of 8 students, including the Synergy Sirens. Additional spots are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Registration Fee: $70
Winter 2012:
Wednesday evenings 7:40-8:40pm, February 1 - March 21
Bellydance Technique Circuits, Mini-Session with Sahira Zedare
This January mini-session is designed to keep you on your bellydance toes over the break between our regular sessions. This is a "nearly all-levels" bellydance session. As long as students have completed one beginner session, they are welcome in this class. Each 75-minute class will require students to rotate through circuits, using repetition to improve (and sustain) bellydance technique. More advanced students will be required to incorporate layers, levels, and strong arms/hands. Class size is limited; first-come, first-served.
Registration Fee: $35 if paid by December 31.
This class is fully registered.
January 2012: Wednesdays, January 11 - 25, 6:30-7:45pm
Hand Drumming Middle Eastern Rhythms with Sahira Zedare
Following some successful drumming mini-workshops, we are very excited to offer this 6-week session for beginner hand drummers. We will work on making strong and clear drum strokes, and playing a variety of Middle Eastern rhythms. Students will also learn transitions between the most common Middle Eastern rhythms. This session requires at least 5 registrants in order to run.
We have a few drums for students to share, but you are best served if you bring your own drum. The primary drum for this technique is the doumbek (also called Egyptian tabla). You may also bring a djembe (African) or a frame drum; just keep in mind that you need to be able to make both a low tone and a high tone on your drum. Very affordable small "starter" drums can be found in Bloomington at Crossroads.
If you are interested in purchasing your own doumbek, I can recommend the Rhythm Fusion online store, where I purchased my first doumbek. I have never dealt with them, but X8 Drums also carries doumbeks. Some reputable brand names are Remo and Toca. Please note: do not purchase a drum with a metal frame around the head, because that requires a different playing style than what we will use in this class. Feel free to ask me questions about this.
Registration Fee: $60 if paid by January 4, $70 thereafter
Register with PayPal or by sending a check payable to SynergyRaD
Winter 2012: Wednesdays, January 11 - February 15, 5:15-6:15pm