Aziza teaches classes for all levels of dancers, from beginners to advanced. Aziza Fadwa’s depth and breadth of belly dance experience is unparalleled in the Triangle area. She has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for nearly that long. While teaching belly dance as an art form, Aziza also teaches good body mechanics and alignment; these are critical for elegant presentation and protecting the body from injury. She teaches at the Carrboro Arts Center, the Page-Walker Arts and History Center in Cary, and has drop-in classes at the Ninth Street Dance Studio in Durham.

Beginner Classes: Choreography, Winter 2008

Beginner classes will focus on the traditional Egyptian style steps (Raks Sharki) including shimmies and hip work for drum solos. Each class will include a warm-up with isolations, different movements and a cool down period. Please wear comfortable, loose clothing which can include: leotards, tank tops, shorts, or broom skirts. It's always fun to have a scarf or something to wear around your hips. I dance barefoot, but some students prefer to wear soft low heeled shoes similar to ballet slippers. This is a 12 week course which is divided into 2 parts. Students wishing to take the entire course will need to register for both Session 1 and Session 2. But students can register for either Session 1 or Session 2. Please call each class site for registration and directions.

Intermediate Classes: Winter 2008

In order to continue the progression to solo dancing, these classes will focus on teaching transitions and more complex combinations for the Egyptian style Belly Dancing (Raks Sharki). These classes are designed for the student who have completed a year of Beginner classes or have had similar experience. Zils (finger cymbals) will be taught. Zils and a practice veil are required for class. This is a 12 week course which is divided into 2 parts. Students wish to take the entire course will need to register for both Session 1 and Session 2. But students can register for either Session 1 or Session 2.

Beginner Classes: Taqsim and Veil, Summer 2008

Beginner classes will focus on the tradition Egyptian style steps (Raks Sharki) for the slower, more sensual music of Egyptian Taqsim in June. August classes will concentrate on teaching veil movements for both the slower taqsim music and faster Balady music. Each class will include a warm-up with isolation, different movements and a cool down period. Please wear comfortable, loose clothing which can include: leotards, tank tops, shorts or broom skirts. It’s always fun to have a scarf to wear around your hips. I dance barefoot, but some students prefer to wear soft shoes similar to ballet slippers. Students can register for the Taqsim or veil classes or both sessions.

Intermediate Classes, Summer 2008

In order to continue the progression to solo dancing, these classes will focus on teaching transitions and more complex combinations for the Egyptian style (Raks Sharki) Taqsim and Veil. These classes are designed for students who have completed at least a year of Beginner classes or have had similar experience. Zils (finger cymbals) will be taught. Zils and a practice veil are required for class. Taqsim movements and combinations will be taught in the June classes, while Veil technique and combinations will be taught in the August classes. Students can register for either the Taqsim or veil classes or both sessions.

Drop-In Classes: Basics and Beyond

Come learn the art of classical Egyptian belly dance! Aziza Fadwa teaches mix and match combinations, customizable for any dance level. All steps for the combinations will be taught during the workshop, so no previous belly dance experience is required! Each mini-workshop focuses on a different element; drop-ins are welcome. All together, this sequence of classes will provide the student with a dance vocabulary suitable for any Middle Eastern music. Aziza balances demonstrations and group instruction with one-on-one attention. Please come 15 minutes early to class to register.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are an excellent way to polish techniques, advance personal style, or work on presentation. For more information or to schedule a lesson, contact Aziza.