Monday Classes at Little Tree Studios in Avondale Estates

Belly Dance classes with Kira of the Cross-Cultural Dance Company

Learn the graceful movement of one of the oldest dances. Belly Dance is for all shapes and sizes. Build confidence and self esteem while having fun.

Belly Dance Basics - A great class for beginners to learn basic moves and for those wanting to brush up on technique.

Tribal Basics - ATS style combinations used for improvisational Tribal belly dance, great for building choreography as well.

Monday classes in Avondale Estates at Little Tree Studios
and Tuesday and Thursday classes in Sandy Springs at Hammond Park
as well as Mini- workshops in December

Fees: $60 for 6 classes
$100 for 12 classes
$12 drop in

For full a schedule and more information please visit
KiraDancing.com

Kira is also available for private lessons in Belly Dance, Tribal Belly Dance as well as props (veil, fan, fire, sword, veil-fan and more)!

~Kira~
404.664.6222
KiraDancing.com
CrossCulturalDance.com

Sign up for the Kira and CCDC Newsletter

Shimmy-a-thon 2009 - Q&A with Aziza Nawal

Q & A with Aziza Nawal
for Shimy-a-thon September 12th & 13th, 2009

Aziza Nawal is a multi-award winning performer of Oriental Dance. In addition to regular and guest appearances in restaurants and stage shows throughout the U.S., Aziza Nawal has appeared on national and international television including a live variety show filmed in Istanbul, Turkey. Recently she was featured on IAMED’s Belly Dance O’ Rama nationally distributed performance video. Aziza Nawal currently offers

I've had the pleasure of taking multiple workshops from Aziza and have always come away with great combinations and smooth transitions that make the moves flow beautifully. When Aziza takes the stage you will be drawn in by her crisp technique, impeccable timing and amazing stage presence; she is always a show stopper. - Kira Lang

Q) Have you always wanted to be a dancer?
A) I have always wanted to be a performer of sorts - I loved putting on little shows for an imaginary audience when I was a kid. I had day dreams of being all sorts of things - a clown, a magician, rock star and a dancer.

Q) Did you have any previous dance experience before Belly Dance?
A) Not really although I was a part of a performance art ensemble during one semester of college where I performed an avante guard modern dance duet inside of a lycra sack.

Q) How/when did you become interested in Middle Eastern Dance?
A) I've always been fascinated with it - since I was a kid. Watching those old Arabian Nights themed movies was intriguing and mysterious. In 1994 I took my first husband to the Imperial Fez. Remembering a Middle Eastern dance group I had seen at a festival a couple of years prior, I wanted to check out the 'live belly dance shows' the advertisement touted. After that I was hooked.

Q) How did you choose your dance name, or was it chosen for you?
A) It was chosen for me. When I landed my first regular restaurant gig, I attempted to use my mother's name - Delilah - but it didn't feel right. I tried making up some interesting name from science fiction but that didn't seem to work either. One of my teachers who helped me get into restaurants had a double first name - Layla Katrina - the owners thought it had a nice ring to it so they suggested I do the same and suggested two names 'Aziza' and 'Nawal' - since there are many 'Azizas' it seemed fitting to have two names.

Q) Who/what had the biggest impact on your early education?
A) I have been fortunate to have many great teachers but the earliest and biggest impact was from Zhaleh Fereshteh. Being so down to earth and possessing a clear teaching style, she helped me command a wealth of technique that I use in every performance (especially my drum solos) and in teaching my classes. Other influences include Cassandra, Hadia, Aziz and Raqia Hassan.

Q) What was the dance community like when you began and how has it changed?
A) I do think that with the internet, we are much more connected dancers in other states and abroad. Atlanta's dance community has grown in numbers tremendously. I am proud that several of us have gotten some national recognition - Ramona's book, Gina and I on IAMED's video, Amani Jabril performing at the International Dance Conference in Toronto - a trend I hope continues.

Q) How did you know when you were ready to start teaching?
A) I was urged to teach years ago but I wasn't ready. I took my knowledge for granted and thought anyone could pick up these movements as I did. I saw my students having fun but not really learning anything and becoming frustrated. I couple of years later I tried it again only this time I taught a group of my friends - their feedback and openness gave me the confidence to start teaching more group classes.

Q) What do you find most rewarding about teaching?
A) Seeing a student smile when she relaxes in class and finally 'gets' that move. Seeing the joy in their eyes when they share their dance with others at a show.

Q) Are instruction videos helpful or harmful to new students and why?
A) I think new students can benefit greatly from instructional videos. I am a firm believer in group classes for really perfecting technique and artistry, but a video can introduce someone to the dance and give them some confidence to pursue it further by taking a class at a studio, or provide a supplement like a summer reading project.

Q) Do you have any words of wisdom for beginning dancers?
A) Take a lot of classes. Practice, practice, practice.

Q) As a professional do you still take oriental dance classes?
A) Yes absolutely. Workshops primarily but I also take classes with Zi'ah of Awalim. I have primarily focused on Modern Egyptian and Greco/Turkish Cabaret over the years so I find it a nice challenge in learning ATS and Tribal Fusion. I also seek out classes and/or videos of folkloric dances I'd like to learn.

Q) What advice would you give up and coming instructors?
A) Practice, practice, practice. Never stop taking classes.

Q) How important to you is understanding the music and culture that 'belly dance' sprung from?
A) Extremely important. The music and culture of the region is so essential. Modern Egyptian, American cabaret, ATS, tribal fusion and most certainly folk dances, require studying the music/rhythym/culture of the region which brings a richness to the performance art. Knowing what the lyrics mean before performing to a song is very important - you don't have to speak the language to find out a song's meaning - there are plenty of resources out there.

Q) What is your specialty and what made you decide to specialize in it?
A) Performing to a drum solo is probably what I'm best known for and could be considered my specialty. I am a diehard fan of 'arena rock' - when the drums start to play it inspires me to make interesting movements as if I were that flashy drummer pounding out a rhythm extravaganza while the crowd roars for more. Okay I may never perform for thousands of fans at Madison Square Gardens but it's fun to imagine being a Rock Star.

Q) What style(s) of dance do you perform and what do you most enjoy about the style(s)?
A) I primarily perform Modern Egyptian and Greco/Turkish Cabaret. I love the delicate elegance of Modern Egyptian style and the demand it requires of 'feeling' the music it accompanies - whether its identifying the nuances in the orchestration or portraying the passion of the lyrics appropriately. Greco/Turkish cabaret provides an outlet for exuberance and flash - plus all the great props and multi-part routines!

Q) How do you prepare yourself for dance competition?
A)Picking out the music is hardest. Then it's time to choreograph - but not too much because I want the judges to experience a bit of spontaneity. I then make sure my costume says what I want it to. I usually have to buy a new one and then perform in it a few times at local shows where I can 'work out' my routine. Once I arrive to the competition I keep one thing in mind - that I am only competing with myself.

Q) How does competing in dance competitions improve your dance overall?
A) It has made me take a closer look at what I am doing as a dance artist. You can't wing it. Improvisation has its merits but there needs to be structure to a dance work just like a painting or a poem. Many competitions give you judges feedback which has been very helpful. There is also a feeling of accomplishment - even if I don't place - that I created something and put it to the test.

Q) Do you have plans for future competitions?
A) I don't know. Before I got engaged I was planning to do at least two or three. Wedding plans took precedence over preparing for a competition and now I am at a point where it isn't as important to me. Plus I have filled my life with so many other responsibilities and projects. Perhaps in 2011 when I have some free time :)

Q) Do you still get nervous before you perform and do you do anything that helps alleviate nervousness?
A)Yes. I just breathe and say an affirmation right before I go on.

Q) Do you have a memorable performance experience you would like to share with us?
A) Back when the Bellydance Superstars began touring for the first time, they made a policy of inviting a local instructor or troupe at each stop to perform in the show in order to encourage support among teachers and students. I was fortunate enough to get a call from Miles Copeland who invited me to perform when the show came to the Variety playhouse in Atlanta. I was thrilled! It seemed like the ENTIRE Atlanta belly dance community was in attendance plus those in surrounding areas - 600+ peers - was I nervous? Hell yes. I did a drum solo, part way through my head band started to slide off - I removed it with my index finger, twirled it around and flung it toward the floor where it landed right on the beat! The crowd gave me the warmest reception and thunderous applause at the end - it's the closest I've gotten to being a rock star.

Q) Where do you see your career heading in the future?
A) My focus is to strive to improve my teaching abilities, and continue the study of this dance and all of its aspects in an effort to become a master level instructor so I can in turn share my knowledge with students for years to come. I am studying ATS so I can perform more often in a troupe environment. I am also going to express myself as a fine artist - I am hoping to put my Bachelor's Degree in art to good use by beginning few projects in the visual arts arena.

Aziza Nawal
azizaraks.net
404-247-9861
azizanawal@gmail.com

Aziza Nawal will be performing in the Gala Show Saturday evening as well as teaching, "New Combinations for Middle Eastern Rhythms" Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM
• Shimmy-a-thon 2009

Workshop Registration - You can take one, two, three or all four fabulous workshops. If you are registered to help us raise funds, there is a discount for the workshops.

Dancer Registration - It's not just for dancers!
Hurry, only TWO weeks left until Shimmy-a-thon 2009! Anyone and everyone can register to fund raise. Show and shimmy contest participation is optional. Just remember troupes participating in the show need to have each member register.

Belly Dance for a great cause, Belly Dance for breath!
ShimmyAthon.com

Irama show >

Asian Fusion and Veil FanWorkshops with Kira of CCDC - Dec 6

Asian Fusion and Veil FanWorkshops
with Kira of the Cross-Cultural Dance Company
KiraDancing.Com

December 6, 2008, 10am – 3pm
All Levels Welcome

10am-12pm, Asian Fusion Combos
Asian Fusion - Learn combination inspired by the court dances of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, Classic dances of Thailand, traditional Bukharan dances of Uzbekistan and other Central and East Asian cultures.

1-3pm, Fan Veil Technique and Combos
Fun and Striking, the Veil Fan adds color and extension to your dance. Learn single and double veil fan technique as well as combos you can use in your dance performances. Students must have veil fans for this workshop, there will be a limited number for sale at the workshop.*

Workshop Location:
Hammond Park Gymnasium
705 Hammond Drive (at Glenridge)
Atlanta GA 30328
404-252-6310 (office)

For more information contact
Kira@KiraDancing.com
or call 404.664.6222
and leave a message

Pre-register by December 1st:
$25 per workshop
$40 for both workshops
Check or MO to Kira Lang
931 Monroe Dr Ste 102 PMB 182
Atlanta GA 30308
or PayPal:Kira@KiraDancing.com

Pay at the door:
$30 per workshop
$50 for both workshops
Cash or check to City of Sandy Springs

*Veil-Fans will be $45 a pair
for workshop attendees only

ID&M Presents TECHNORGANIC at the RedLight Cafe

Monday, December 8th 2008

Irama Dance And Music Presents:

*TECHNORGANIC--Where Unorthodox Electronic Music meets the sinuous organic grace of Dance.

Feast your eyes upon the elegance of talented performing artists:

Kira Lang --of the Cross Cultural Dance Company. Multi-talented Oriental Dance Pro, Poi Maven, and Master of Whatever Else Suits Her Fancy.

Pork Chop-- Hot-shot Hula Hoop Extraordinaire

V--Bellydancer and Interpretive Dance Aficionado


...All performing unscripted routines to live improv music by

Ethno-tech trio--- GALE

and

Avant-electro overlord---- THE SUBLIMINATOR!

~ ~ ~
Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm
Admission $12
At: The Red Light Cafe
553 Amsterdam Ave.
Atlanta, Ga 30306
404-874-7828

www.myspace.com/iramadanceandmusicfest

New sessions start January 6th & 8th

Learn to Belly Dance in a fun and inclusive environment!

Hammond Park Recreational Center
705 Hammond Dr
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Women of all ages, sizes and abilities are learning to belly dance! This ancient dance has enchanted audiences for ages. Both classic styles and modern fusion dances are performed throughout the world today. You can obtain the serpentine grace, isolated movements and shimmying hips of a belly dancer! This art form promotes confidence, flexibility and grace with a focus on fun.

Belly Dance is a great way to supplement your exercise program and when practiced consistently it can help you get in shape.

Belly Dance Basics, Thursdays, 7-8pm

In the basic belly dance class you will learn the basic moves used in all forms of belly dance. We will break down of each move, drill for a cardio workout and learn a short combination to take home and practice.

Tribal Combos for Improv, Tuesdays, 7-8pm

In the Tribal Combo class you will learn basic moves and combination used by local and international dance troupes. This includes a break down of moves and combos, practicing cues and transitions for each move. Basic Belly dance experience is recommended for this class.

Kira is the director of the Cross-Cultural Dance Company and performs and teaches Belly Dance, Fire performance arts and World Dance.

Please see KiraDancing.com for more information about classes

Schedule:

Tuesdays {Jan 6th - Feb 10th}
7 pm - Tribal Combos for Improv
8 pm - Choreography

Thursdays {Jan 8th-Feb 12th}
7 pm - Belly Dance Basics Choreography
8 pm - Choreography/Practice

Guedra workshop Saturday March 1st

Guedra workshop
with Jendayi

Sponsored by Kira Lang
www.kiradancing.com/Guedra

Saturday, March 1st, 2008
12:30-4:30
$45
~
In this 4 hour workshop Jendayi will teach the hand movements, chants, clapping sequences, practice and we will perform an actual Guedra.
~
She will also discuss
costuming, headdress, the use of Frankincense and Myrrh and bless all the women in attendance.
~
Workshop loaction:
Hammond Park Community Center
705 Hammond Dr.
Sandy Springs GA 30328
~
Sponsored by Kira Lang
Kira Dancing.com

Please mail check or money order
payable to Kira Lang to:
Kira Lang
931 Monroe Dr, Ste 102
PMB 182
Atlanta, GA 30308

or send payment via PayPal to Kira@KiraDancing.com

Questions? Please contact Kira: Kira@KiraDancing.com

Raks al Assaya Workshop with Majda Anwar of Awalim, Feb 2nd!

Raks al Assaya Workshop with Majda Anwar of Awalim
Sponsored by Kira Lang
KiraDancing.com

After seeing Majda on stage with her sister several years ago I thought to myself; if she dances like a pro now she will be amazing in a few years. Well, now is your chance to learn a classic Raks form from this amazing teacher, performer and choreographer!

The Saiidi cane workshop includes historical and cultural learnings of Raqs al Saiidi plus a short Oriental routine including folkloric steps as well as sassy, modern combinations.

Total for Workshop is $60.
Price will increase $5 after January 31st,
payable at the door, if space is available.
Space is limited due to swinging canes. :)

Saturday, February 2nd, 12:30-4:30pm

Hammond Park Gymnasium
705 Hammond Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

For more information about the workshop please see:
www.kiradancing.com/Cane.html

If you have any questions please contact Kira@KiraDancing.com

Majida Anwar is a performer, teacher and choreographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been belly dancing since the age of 5 through her Jordanian family and is a member of the Awalim Dance Company, the Southeast's premier tribal dance company. www.majidaanwar.com/

Nov 27 - Dec 18

Poi Classes with Kira
KiraDancing. com
Tuesdays, 8-9 pm, Nov 27 - Dec 18

Pre-registration is recommended!
Class size is limited
$50 for 4 classes

Nov 27th - Make Poi & Basic Swings
Dec 4th - Turns & Weaves
Dec 11th - Flowers & Butterflies
Dec 18th - More tricks & Turns

More info:
www.kiradanc ing.com/poi. html

To Preregister:
you may send your $50 payment directly through PayPal to
Kira@KiraDancing. com
or
send check or Money Order (payable to the City of Sandy Springs) to
Kira Lang
931 Monroe Dr Ste 102
PMB 182
Atlanta, GA 30308

KiraDancing. com

Chinese Sleeve Dancing workshop, July 22nd /Atlanta GA

Chinese Sleeve Dancing
workshop with
Yolanda Campbell
Sunday, July 22nd / 11am-3pm

Hammond Park Community Center
705 Hammond Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
near the intersection of 285 & 400

Yolanda will be teaching Chinese sleeve dancing,
which dates back to the Tang dynasty (A.D.
618-907) The workshop will cover history and
basic dance moves as well as a complete
choreography.

If you've ever wanted to add a little Asian
fusion to your dance, you would really enjoy this
class. I've found these moves useful with silk
scarves, ribbon dancing, long silk veiled fans as
well as the long sleeve dancing.

Yolanda Campbell researches, teaches, and
performs Chinese dance, (both Classical and Folk
style) she has studied with the Atlanta Chinese
Dance Company and Dance Mandara Troupe.

Pre register $25
or $30 at the door space permitting

To pre register -

with Check or Money Order mail to:
Kira Lang
931 Monroe Dr Ste 102
PMB 182
Atlanta GA 30308

with PayPal:
Kira@KiraDancing.com

For more information about Yolanda Campbell
and this workshop please go to
www.KiraDancing.com