announcements

  • Classes will be held on Wednesdays @ 6:30-7:25pm for 6 weeks:

    • Session A – September 13/20/27, October 11/18/25 (no class October 04)
    • Session B – November 01/08/15/22/29, December 06
    • Session C – January 10/17/24/31, February 07/14
    • Session D – March 06/13/20/27, April 03/10

  • Your instructor is Vanessa Matthews

    • Email: vanessa@magpiemovement.com
    • Text: 709-693-9259

  • Class Location:

    • Lynn Panting Dance, 30 Harvey Road, St. John’s NL
    • Please press the buzzer and wait to be admitted.
    • Be considerate, and hold the door for your classmates.
    • Shoes off downstairs.
    • Head up to Studio 2 (down the hallway, across from the kitchen)

curriculum

Your teacher may vary the lessons plan according to the skill and interest of the dancers in class. This list is simply a guide of goals.

Class #1:

  • Posture (weight fwd vs back)
  • Flex vs Point Feet
  • Arm Position: Low 2nd
  • Walking “Casual” vs “Dancer”
  • Stage facing angles (DSR vs DSL)
  • Foot Position: Bevel (“Showgirl”)
  • Hip Bump (“Ghawazee Shimmy Prep”)
  • Hip Lift
  • Hip Drop

Class #2:

  • Review Class #1
  • Parallel vs Turnout
  • Hip Drop with variations
    • Drop Kick
    • Drop Knee
  • Chest Lift and Drop
  • Chest Slide L and R
  • Chest ‘+’ sign
  • Chest Diamond
  • Combo:
    • 1 – hip drop
    • 2 – hip drop kick
    • 3 – hip drop
    • 4 – hip drop knee
    • 5 – replace toe to bevel
    • 6 – chest lift
    • 7 – chest drop
    • 8 – heel kick back

Class #3:

  • Pivot Turn (aka Paddle Turn)
  • Spotting

Class #4:

  • TBA

Class #5:

  • TBA

Class #6:

  • TBA

This is a list of suggested readings that would supplement your studies each week. These are optional and not reviewed in classes.

If you want to read a fun fiction novel, try “Snake Hips: Belly Dancing and How I Found True Love” by Anne Thomas Soffee.

This is a playlist of some examples of belly dance, and a variety of styles, dancers, and eras. Enjoy!

Here’s a running playlist of some music you’ll hear used in class. Your teacher may use other music of course, but this should get you started!