Belly Dance Classes at the San Francisco Dance Center (events » arts) Monday, January 7, 2008 - 6:00 PM Monica's Middle Eastern belly dance classes start again next week at the San Francisco Dance Center--
Monday, January 7, 2008 and Thursday, January 10, 2008.

Please read on for location and times, fees, and information about the classes and the instructor.
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**Class location and times:
All classes are held at the San Francisco Dance Center, located at 26 - 7th Street (at Market). We are in studio 4 on the 5th floor.
All classes are ongoing with open enrollment--students may begin at any time.

~~Beginner 1: Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 PM--this is a fundamentals class for folks with little to no experience
~~Beginner 2/Intermediate 1: Mondays 6 to 7 PM--a class for improving on and deepening the basics
~~Intermediate 2/Advanced 1: Mondays 7:05 to 8:10 PM (instructor approval only)--finding your own dance expression and focus

**Class fees:
Single class/drop-in: $15
5-class card: $62 (=$12.40 per class, expires after 7 weeks)
10-class card: $110 (=$11 per class, expires after 12 weeks)

More detailed information about the classes can be found at www.monicaraqs.com/classes.html

**Student show:
We will have another student show in May. Monday night students are welcome and encouraged to dance, and all students, friends, and families are welcome to attend. Details soon at the studio!

**About Monica's classes:
Monica’s classes combine Western-style breakdowns of core movements, combinations and choreographies with Eastern-style ‘dance alongs’ to a variety of songs, from classical Egyptian standards to modern Middle Eastern pop. Rhythm recognition, musical interpretation, folkloric styles, modern solo belly dancing, safe technique, and finger cymbals are also emphasized. Classes are fun, challenging, and non-competitive. Skills learned in class are applicable to many belly dance styles. All ages, sizes and genders are always welcome.

Monica has an extensive performance history that includes improvisational solo work and award-winning choreographed troupe experience. Her dance style is based on both vintage American belly dance and Egyptian raqs sharqi, with a foundation of solid folkloric roots from various regions. She has taught at the SFDC since 2003.

See you in the studio!

Monica
415-289-6670
www.monicaraqs.com

(SF) Polyphony and Counterpoint: Balazo Gallery (Monica, Cheb i Sabbah, Brass Liberation Orchestra, and more!) (events » nightlife) Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 7:30 PM Saturday, April 26th

Break the Silence Mural and Arts Project invites you to

Polyphony and Counterpoint: A Celebration of Radical Humanism Party and Fundraiser

Saturday, April 26th, 7:30-midnight
At BALAZO Gallery 18, 2183 Mission Street (at 18th)
$10, $20, $50, $500 (no one turned away)

Cash bar and food !!

With:

DJ: Cheb I Sabbah
DJ Sandina
Brass Liberation Orchestra
Belly Dancing by Monica
Presidential Candidate -the Prez in a Fez - Khalil Bendib
Poetry
Spoken Word

And an auction for art, gourmet dinners, weekend in Mendocino….AND MORE....

What:

* FUNDRAISER for POLYPHONY/COUNTERPOINT

Polyphony/Counterpoint is a new collaborative community mural on the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Birzeit, Occupied Palestine

* BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR LOCAL red diaper ARIES ARTIST ACTIVISTS who are STILL GOING!!

Miranda Bergman and Susan Greene

This event also supports:

* A public art project in the town of Bi’lin, which has been resisting the Apartheid wall for years.
* The Aamer family of Mas’ha, Palestine who live surrounded by the Apartied Wall.
* The local Nakbah Committee who is organzing a concert and cultural festival for May 10 in commemoration of 60 years of the Nakba.

For more info call: 415-271-0576
breakthesilencearts.typepad.com/

Sahra Saeeda Intensive in San Francisco--May 9, 10, 11 (events » arts) Friday, May 9, 2008 - 6:00 PM Sahra Saeeda will be in San Francisco May 9, 10 and 11 to bring
us an exciting and informative 20 hour weekend intensive course on the
Folkloric Dance Zones of Egypt.

www.sahrasaeeda.com/JtE.html...hor-49575

$250 for full weekend, teaching notebook, Map of folkloric Zones, new
"Journey through Egypt" DVD, music CD and Certificate upon completion of 20 hours.
Please note: In order to receive the Certificate you must complete all 20 hours.
No exceptions.

The course includes Nubia, Ghawazee, Saidi, Cairo (Awalem, Hassaballah,
Shamadan), Suez, Delta, Bedouin and pan-Egypt (History, Moulid, Tanura, Melaya Luff, Zar).

Based on years of research in Egypt Sahra (Master's Degree in Dance
Ethnology, UCLA) has presented portions of this intensive for graduate level
anthropology students, dancers and teachers worldwide. Now presented in full intensity
for the first time.

Limited Enrollment. Sign up Now!

Register by sending $250 non-refundable, but transferable, check to

The Aswan Dancers
829 Elizabeth St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(You may send $100 non-refundable deposit now and balance by April 1.)

Schedule:
Friday, May 9 - 6 pm - 10 pm (doors open at 5:30)
Saturday, May 10 - 10 am - 6:30 pm (doors open 9:30 am - + 1 hour lunch break)
Saturday night: 7:30 pm - 9 pm + party follows -
Sunday, May 11 - 10 am - 6:30 pm (doors open 9:30 am - + 1 hour lunch break)
Sunday, May 11 - 8:30 pm - ? Optional event - Dancers' Showcase and Live
music with the Georges Lammam Ensemble at local restaurant

Location and Parking: 829 Elizabeth St. San Francisco, CA 94114.
Parking is not too bad for San Francisco. Street parking, no meters.
Close to several MUNI lines

Accommodations: Let us know if you need to find a hotel and we will do some
research.

Please bring: Gallabia - you will be wearing it to try out movement, so it
should not be tight.

Two head scarves - soft cotton is best - one should be at least 32" x 32",
the other should be at least 60" x 30"

Additional optional: rectangular or triangle headscarf with beaded edge or
beaded tassels on ends. These are to be worn as
headscarves and not used for a veil for dancing.

Dance shoes - any color or type

Otherwise, wear comfortable clothing in which you can both dance and sit
comfortably.

Remember: This is an all-inclusive course on the Folkloric Dance Zones of
Egypt and is not just a dance class.

Due to the nature of the workshop there is limited enrollment.

Don't miss out on this "Cheaper than going to Egypt" workshop.

Thanks, and hope to see you at Sahra's event.

Sincerely,

Amina Goodyear
and
Monica Berini

Annual Spring Student Showcase (events » arts) Sunday, June 1, 2008 - 3:45 PM Join us Sunday, June 1st from 3:45 to 5:00 PM for an afternoon of Middle Eastern inspired belly dance!

Monica and her intermediate and advanced students will perform group and solo dances, and we will also feature two wonderful local professional soloists, Jasmine (www.jasminedance.com) and Ahava (www.ahavadance.com).

Admission is $5, or $3 with a potluck dish to share. Drinks provided.
There will be a vending area with music CDs, finger cymbals, and dance accessories, as well.

Location: San Francisco Dance Center, 26--7th Street, 5th Floor
More information: 415-289-6670 or www.monicaraqs.com

San Francisco Belly Dance Student Showcase & Holiday Party (events » arts) Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 7:15 PM Join Monica, her students, and professional guest dancers Jasmine and Naiya for a night of Middle Eastern inspired belly dance!

*Food*Drink*Dance*Shopping*Community*Good Times*

Wednesday, December 12th, 2008
Doors at 7:15, show at 7:30
$5 + a dish to share (beverages provided)
10 and under free

San Francisco Dance Center
26 - 7th Street at Market, 5th floor

More info: 415-289-6670
www.monicaraqs.com

San Francisco Belly Dance Classes (events » arts) Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 7:30 PM Middle Eastern Belly Dance
Ongoing classes at the San Francisco Dance Center

26 -- 7th Street (at Market)
Studio 4, 5th Floor
MUNI -- 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 21, 71, F, J, K, L, M
BART -- Civic Center Station

Beginner I (Fundamentals): Thursdays 7:30 to 8:30 PM
Beginner II/Intermediate I: Mondays 6 to 7 PM
Intermediate II/Advanced I: Mondays 7:05 to 8:10 PM (no drop ins)

Drop in $15
5-class card $62 (expires after 7 weeks, non-transferable and non-refundable)
10-class card $110 (expires after 12 weeks, non-transferable and non-refundable)

Learn the fundamentals of this beautiful dance form in a fun, safe and non-competitive environment!
Monica’s classes include breakdowns of core movements, combinations and choreographies as well as 'dance alongs’ to a variety of songs, from classical Egyptian standards to modern Middle Eastern hits. Rhythm recognition, musical interpretation, folkloric styles and belly dance roots, modern solo raqs sharqi/bellydance, safe technique, and finger cymbals are also emphasized.

All ages, sizes and genders are always welcome. Monica has studied Middle Eastern and North African dances for over seventeen years in San Francisco, New York, and Cairo. She has extensive professional solo and award-winning troupe performance experience, and has taught at the SF Dance Center since 2003.

Student performance opportunities are available several times a year (our next student show will be in December).

More information at www.monicaraqs.com or by calling 415-289-6670.

Shareen El Safy Workshop in San Francisco (events » arts) Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 10:15 AM Oriental Dance Instructor Shareen El Safy returns to the Bay Area! This is a great opportunity to study with a master instructor who has worked in Cairo, and studied and taught Egyptian belly dance and folkloric technique with some of the best, and to some of the best.

The San Francisco/Lines Dance Center is convenient to BART, MUNI and most major SF bus lines. There are parking lots nearby, and street parking is free on Sundays.

Fees:
$45 by November 1
$50 by November 20
$55 at the door

Payments can be made by check, money order, or online though paypal.
Payment information: www.monicaraqs.com/shareen_2009.html

This workshop is recommended for intermediate, advanced and professional dancers.

More information about Shareen: www.shareenelsafy.com

Complete information and a link to pay online can be found at www.monicaraqs.com/shareen_2009.html