Only really of interest if you want classes or to book me for a workshop :)


New Term. This week all the drop in classes start back at the usual times and places – South Street in Reading, Viables, Oakridge and Central Basingstoke. If you would like a reminder then go to the “Quick class finder” on my web site. Saturdays at the Sports Centre in Basingstoke doesn’t start back til mid February but now is the time to pre-booked on 01256 326331. If you are not sure of which class to join then either email me or come along to any of the beginner drop in sessions – you are sure to have a warm welcome.

Kick Start. I’ve had a few emails from people who want to use Bellydance as part of their plans to get fit or lose weight this January. I’ve just added a new page on my web site that has some tips to help you use bellydance to help your fitness: “Fitness and Bellydance”. I have a special offer for this week for anyone with 10 or more weeks of learning behind them and who wants to get moving this January. I’m going to run two additional sessions of Drills and Thrills - one on Tuesday 6th, 7.15pm at South Street in Reading, and the other on Wednesday 7th, 8pm at Oakridge Hall for All in Basingstoke. The regular weekly session of Drills and Thrills, which is held at Viables each week on a Thursday at 8.30pm, will also run as normal. I’m offering everyone who makes it to the Tuesday or Wednesday the chance to do the Thursday class for free. So for under £5 you get two sessions to get you started to a ‘fitter you’ in 2009. Of course while you are out you can also choose to join the class before or after if you really want to get moving!

New Years resolutions. After the success of our Midsummer Madness event when we took time to assess our levels and set aims for the rest of the year I’m going to run a similar class on the 7th at Oakridge at 8.45pm. We will look at different parts of our skill set and see how we can improve our overall dancing by focusing on one or two key objectives. I will bring along information about events, books and web sites to help provide the tools you need and we can also talk as a group about supporting others. This session is open to dancers of all levels and from all classes.

The right class for you. I would also like to remind people at this time of year to check their own level to see if they should be moving up or if they are taking the wrong class for their needs. I have more details on this on my web site under “Beyond the Basics”. It also has some notes about learning styles that is expanded on in the article I wrote for Taqasim magazine. I try to offer something for everyone, fitness, choreography and technique, Tribal Fusion and beginner sessions, but if none of the classes suit your needs please let me know and I’ll suggest someone else local who can provide for you.

Dates for your Diary: Our next Day of Dance is all set for the 31st of January. Teachers include Pamela, Lisa and Theresa plus lots of the Mersin teachers. The workshop schedule is very exciting covering everything from ATS to Burlesque and loads in-between. All the details are on this web page: “Our Events” or you can pick up a flyer in class. At lunchtime we have the very popular Premiere Performance Platform where dancers perform for the first time. If you would like a slot in either that event, or the evening show then please let me know.

Performance Troupe. Ever wanted to perform? Nashida Abla is my student performance troupe and is for dancers with at least a year of classes behind them and who are regulars in at least one of my classes. We meet twice a month at Oakridge, focus totally on Choreography and currently have a few vacancies, so if you would like to be considered please email me or let me know at your next class.

Tribal Sessions. Tribal style is the fusion of Bellydance with other dance styles resulting in a very exciting improvisation style for all levels of dancer. I run a session twice a month at Oakridge and these are open to anyone of any level who has done my “introduction to Tribal” workshop or session. The next chance to catch this is on the 14th and 28th of January at 8pm at Oakridge, and its followed by the chance to put your learning into practice and join the regulars for some group improvisation. If you think Tribal might be your kind of style, or if you just want to improve your general dance skills come along and join us.

Fitness Class. As mentioned above I run a regular session of Drills and Thrills on a Thursday evening at Viables from 8.30pm. As well as working hard we are also a very chatty group who encourage and support each other. Its drop in so everyone is welcome anytime.

On-Line community. If you are interested in chatting on line to your classmates or other local dancers then why not join our Ning group. I chose Ning above groups like FaceBook and MySpace because of the higher level of privacy and the lack of search functions, which mean its not about getting in touch with old friends or making new ones, just chatting to those you know through class.

Workshops. I'm going to be teaching near Plymouth in January and Sussex in February - email me direct for more details.

If you have any questions on these topics or anything else I’m always on email and I’m happy to help. – Lots of love, Sara

www.letsbellydance.co.uk