classes for everyone
beginner to advance
We believe that every dancer is unique, with different abilities, learning styles, and motivations for dancing. The ultimate goal of classes with Magpie Movement is to spark a passion for dance in whichever stylization you would like to embrace. We want to help dancers not only understand the body and fundamental vocabulary and repertory, but also to cultivate a deeper understanding of body movement and technique. We wish to inspire creativity and to spark a desire to better yourself through movement, with an eagerness to push your own limits and reach your goals in dance.
contemporary and fusion
belly dance
Belly dance combines grace, fluidity, and serpentine movements that emanates from the torso, rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses on isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in patterns and shapes, weaving together the entire body. You’ve probably seen belly rolls, arm undulations, hip figure 8s, and shimmies!
With belly dance becoming more popular in countries around the world, we see the adaptation of a structured dance class and curriculum, and a fusion of technical aspects from ballet and modern dance. More dancers experiment with cross-over movements and inspirations paired with electronica, neo-classical, and other non-traditional music, and presented with a sleeker pared-down costumed look.
Magpie Movement acknowledges that the term “belly dance” is problematic as it is a colonial term that is used as a catch-all phrase to describe the rich and varied dances of Middle Eastern, North African, Helenic, and Turkish (MENAHT) regions. We understand that it is also the term most widely understood in the English language and as such may use it for clarity from time to time. As a fusion dance studio, we use different terms to describe our style including Fusion Dance, Transcultural/Transnational Fusion, and Contemporary Fusion Belly Dance. As we grow, learn, and evolve these labels will continue to evolve with us.
benefits
Fundamentals is where you start your belly dance journey. You’ll learn explore essential movements and technique in a light-hearted class. You’ll learn a new short combination each week to show off your new skills, and work through body posture & arm positioning, isolations of the chest & hips, undulations, figure 8s & shimmies, music, context & stylization.
We often see intermediate and senior dancers join Fundamentals as a way to come “back to the basics” and develop or refine some essential technique as needed – you can always learn more!
Pre-Requisite: none, brand new dancers welcome.
Schedule: 55 mins per class, once per week for 6 weeks.
Drop ins may be available, please email hello@magpiemovement.com in advance.
Level 1 is a beginner level series that expands on the technique from Fundamentals with new shapes and movements, as well as beginning to layer your skills. Work on refinement, isolation, strength, clarity, and endurance as you drill-drill-drill. Classes are cumulative, and you may work on a short choreography or relevant combinations at the teacher’s discretion and the goals of the dancers in class.
Pre-Requisite: BD Fundamentals
Drop ins may be available, please email hello@magpiemovement.com in advance.
Level 2 is an intermediate series that expands on technique from Level 1 with further refinement, complex layering, and agility. Work on refinement, clarity, strength, and endurance. Classes are cumulative, and you’ll work on a short choreography that incorporates a rectangular silk dance veil.
Level 2 series can be taken in any order.
Pre-Requisite: BD Level 1
Schedule: 55 mins per class, once per week for 6 weeks.
Drop ins may be available, please email hello@magpiemovement.com in advance.
Level 2 is an intermediate series that expands on technique from Level 1 with further refinement, complex layering, and agility. Work on refinement, clarity, strength, and endurance. Classes are cumulative, and you’ll work on a short choreography that incorporates finger cymbals (aka zills, sagat, etc).
Level 2 series can be taken in any order.
Pre-Requisite: BD Level 1
Schedule: 55 mins per class, once per week for 6 weeks.
Drop ins may be available, please email hello@magpiemovement.com in advance.