Bellydance

News!!!  The Bellydance Society got alot of great publicity at our last Blackpool trip to Raqs Britannia (largest bellydance festival in Europe!)...here is a link to a radio station that posted up a video of us! ?http://ballroomradiouk.blogspot.com/2009/06/raqs-britannia-belly-dance-weekend.html

Hello All!  Welcome to our homepage and thanks for visiting us! We hope u'll find the info u need on our website- if not, please email Iman (President & Coach) at imankhonji@hotmail.co.uk or Danthy (Secretary & Treasurer) at saintmorgana@yahoo.com and we will do our best to help you!

Lessons will resume in week 2 of the start of the academic year. Please see below for details. We will hold a stall at Fresher's Fayre (Wednesday, 30^th September 2009) so you can sign up for lessons and our other activities. We will also be holding additional sign up sessions on October 8th for non-freshers, former members and anyone who missed the chance at Fresher's Fayre- everyone is welcome! (Even if you are a non-university student!) Email us for further details!

For this coming year 2009-2010 we will be holding 2 lessons per week for a total of 8 weeks per term (durng all 3 terms). Lessons are during term-time only and are taught in the University of Reading SportsPark Yoga Studio which is on the Whiteknight's Campus.

The Bellydance Society also has other activities which include: trips to bellydance festivals around the UK. For the past 2 years we've been regular road-trippers at Raqs Britannia in Blackpool which hosts the largest bellydance festival in Europe. We represented the University of Reading by performing live on stage in 3 groups, took part in workshops and watched the Bellydance Superstars perform live on stage at the Winter Gardens Opera House. We also hold screenings of famous bellydance performances, drumming workshops, invite guest teachers to hold workshops, bellydance parties, henna nights, costume embroidery workshops, socials and hopefully this year also a trip to Cairo in Egypt!!

It is never too late to join - anyone can join at any time of the year.

In third term we hold a range of workshops that introduce our students to various types of bellydance: African bellydance, Egyptian cabaret, Egyptian Shaabi (Egyptian pop), Baladi, Saaidi, Egyptian fusion, modern Egyptian, how to dance with zills, how to dance with isis wings, how to dance with a stick, how to dance a drum solo, how to dance with a veil, improvisation techniques and many many more!

 

MEET THE COMMITEE!

Who is the President and Coach?

You will be taught by Iman, who is from the Middle East and has been dancing ever since she can remember. Iman has been teaching formally for approx. 9 years and has performed around the Berkshire area for 4 years. She is the Founder of the bellydance society and has been President and Coach of the Bellydance Society for 4 years now.

Iman believes that it is in every man and woman to bellydance and it is her passion to teach this art to anyone who shares the same passion or wants to uncover a curiosity about this popular form of dance. She travels back to the Middle East regularly to build on her bellydance skills and purchases bellydance equipment and clothing for the Bellydance Society.

All bellydance choreographies taught within the Bellydance Society are choreographed by Iman. Should you wish to use them in a public performance outside of the Bellydance Society, consent must be sought from Iman and must be accredited to Iman appropriately.

Who is the Secretary/Treasurer?

Danthy joined the Bellydance Society as one of Iman's first bellydance students in the Society when it was first founded by Iman 4 years ago. Her first bellydance lesson started with curiousity, enthusiasm and no previous practice or knowledge of the art of bellydance. Four years later at this present day Danthy is an intermediate/advanced level bellydancer and the Society is very proud of her. She voluntarily joined the committee in the Society's second year as Secretary and has proved an absolutely invaluable committee member ever since.

Who is the Social Representative?

Rayya joined the society 2 years ago and is now proudly helping us bounce into our fourth year! Rayya is British, with Iraqi family roots and her joyous energy and love for bellydance has helped the society stay in the student and public eye both on and off campus! Rayya began her first bellydance lesson with a good idea of what bellydance was however had not had the chance or the courage to pursue the dance. She started dancing in lessons as a beginner and now, within such a short space of time is already at intermediate/advanced level. Watch out for Rayya!

 

BUFF UP YOUR CV AND VOLUNTEER WITH US!

The Bellydance Society is always open to more committee members- as Iman, Danthy and Rayya are currently all final year students they are always willing to accept a helping hand on whatever occasion! If you fancy buffing up your CV- why not drop us an email to see if we have a job for u (whatever role or duration you're looking for!)

 

WE'RE ON FACEBOOK!

Check out our facebook group (www.facebook.com): University of Reading Bellydance Society. We have loads of photos and videos posted up and you get the latest events/lesson updates there - please join! (Please note: available only to University of Reading facebook network members). Alternatively, drop us an email or drop into one of our lessons/events if you have any questions.

 

DO NOT FORGET!!! FRESHER'S FAYRE to sign up for lessons!! WE WILL ALSO will be holding additional sign up sessions for non-freshers and former members!!! October 8th! Place and time to be confirmed! (Email us!)

Remember: ANYONE can join!! You don't have to dance to be in our society.

SHAKE IT UP!
Iman xxx
University of Reading Bellydance Society President & Coach

Events Calendar 

First Term
Every Monday for 8 weeks (starting Mon Oct. 12th)	Bellydance Lesson (Beginners) Shaabi (Egyptian pop) choreography and Veil Dance choreography	TIME: 8pm-9pm PRICE: see PRICE LIST PLACE: YOGA Studio, University of Reading SportsPark (on Whiteknights campus)
Every Monday for 8 weeks (starting Mon Oct. 12th)	Bellydance Lesson (Intermediate/advanced) Drum Solo choreography and Veil Dance Choreography	TIME: 9pm-10pm PRICE: see PRICE LIST PLACE: YOGA Studio, University of Reading SportsPark (on Whiteknights campus)
Thursday 8th October	Bellydance Bazaar (market) & Sign up session for intermediate/advanced class and sign up session for social at La Fontana	TIME: 7-9pm PLACE: BELLYDANCE BAZAAR (market): Sale of bellydance coin and jingley belts, special bellydance veils, bellydance society merchandise (hoodies, t-shirts), jewelery and more! Cheaper than highstreet prices. ***ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A SPECIAL BELLYDANCE VEIL TO TAKE PART IN LESSONS.***
To be confirmed	Social at La Fontana	TIME: 8pm til late PLACE: La Fontana, Caversham, Reading, RG1 8AN Egyptian/Mediterranean food with LIVE bellydance! Transport: Carpooling from SportsPark carpark.
To be confirmed	Drumming Workshops	PRICE: FREE PLACE: Palmer Building, Whiteknights Campus
Possibly week 8 of term (to be confirmed)	Student Union Performance	We can all party together and also have the chance to perform together. Reading University Student Union Time: approx 9pm-2am (to be confirmed) PRICE: (standard union night ticket price…will try to get us onto the guest list though!)
Second Term
Every Monday for 8 weeks (starting week 2 of second term)	Bellydance Lessons (Beginners) Drum solo choreography and Veil Dance choreography	TIME: 8pm-9pm PRICE: see PRICE LIST PLACE: YOGA Studio, University of Reading SportsPark (on Whiteknights campus)
Every Monday for 8 weeks (starting in week 2 of second term)	Bellydance Lessons (Intermediate/advanced) Shaabi (Egyptian Pop) choreography and Veil Dance choreography	TIME: 9pm-10pm PRICE: see PRICE LIST PLACE: YOGA Studio, University of Reading SportsPark (on Whiteknights campus)
To be confirmed	FIRST EVER University of Reading Dance Festival!	The Bellydance Society will be hosting this event... those who wish to perform will be able to in groups. We will be performing choreographies we have learned in class. All other dance/creative societies and sports clubs are invited to participate!
Third Term
	Quieter than first two terms as it's exam period, but will cook up some relaxing socials, workshops & a party!	JUNE/JULY/AUGUST: TRIP TO CAIRO IN EGYPT!!! Details to be confirmed!

 

********BELLYDANCE LESSON DESCRIPTIONS 2009-2010********

Who is the Coach?

You will be taught by Iman, who is from the Middle East and has been dancing ever since she can remember. Iman has been teaching formally for approx. 9 years and has performed around the Berkshire area for 4 years. She has been Founder, President and Coach of the Bellydance Society for 4 years now.

All bellydance choreographies taught within the Bellydance Society are choreographed by Iman. Should you wish to use them in a public performance outside of the Bellydance Society, consent must be sought from Iman and must be accredited to Iman appropriately.

 

Term 1

Beginners

Shaabi (Egyptian pop) Choreography and Veil dance Choreography.
Level: This class is suitable for complete beginners (never bellydanced before) or if you've already been introduced to dance and wish to brush up further on your knowledge. If you are unsure which level you are, please don't be shy to tell Iman what you've already learned and she will put you into the most suitable level class.

Lesson outline: You will be learning a solid array of bellydance movements (technique) during each lesson to a wide variety of popular and upbeat bellydance tunes (various hip movements, upper body movements, traveling movements, arm positions and movements as well as 2 different kinds of shimmies).

You will be introduced to how to dance with a veil and learn a full veil dance choreography to "Ta'ala Oullak" by Bashir Abdel Aal. Special Bellydance veils are sold by the Bellydance Society at a discount. They must be the correct dimensions and material. They can be purchased at the Bellydance Bazaar or at any time from Iman (President & Coach of the Bellydance Society).

You will also learn a simple but fun shaabi (Egyptian pop) choreography to "Elbortokal" by Egyptian pop singer Saad, that we will work on during each lesson.

Should you wish to do so, you will have the chance to perform these choreographies at University of Reading's first ever Dance Festival that will be hosted by the Bellydance Society.

Intermediate/Advanced

Drum Solo choreography and Veil dance choreography
Level: This class is suitable for intermediate/advanced level dancers. You must have a good basic knowledge and execution of a wide range of bellydance movements. If you are unsure which level you are, please don't be shy to tell Iman what you've already learned and she will put you into the most suitable class.

Lesson outline: In this class we will first refresh our memories with the most important bellydance movements that you will be using during the 8 weeks of lessons to a wide variety of popular and upbeat bellydance tunes.

You will be introduced to how to dance with a veil and learn a full veil dance choreography to "Darigh Nur" by Mario Kirlis. Special Bellydance veils are sold by the Bellydance Society at a discount. They must be the correct dimensions and material. They can be purchased at the Bellydance Bazaar or at any time from Iman (President & Coach of the Bellydance Society).

You will also learn a fun and technically challenging drum solo choreography to "Tablet Bassem" by Lebanese pop artists Amany and Basem Yazbeck, that we will work on during each lesson.

Should you wish to do so, you will have the chance to perform these choreographies at University of Reading's first ever Dance Festival that will be hosted by the Bellydance Society.

Term 2

Beginners

Drum solo choreography and Veil choreography.
Level: This class is suitable for complete beginners (never bellydanced before) or if you've already been introduced to dance and wish to brush up further on your knowledge. If you are unsure which level you are, please don't be shy to tell Iman what you've already learned and she will put you into the most suitable level class.

Lesson outline: Every lesson, we will work on the drum solo choreography, starting with a simple choreography ("Wuh Ya Booy" by Hossam ramzy) and hopefully finishing with something slightly more complex by the end of the 8 weeks! You are encouraged to add your own attitude to the dance- this will come to you naturally when you feel comfortable with the choreography and can alter it to suit your own style. Each movement is taken step by step without any pressure so you needn't worry if this is your first time confronting a drum solo.

You will learn to distinguish different rhythms from each other, how to dance to each one and will also have a chance to do some drumming during class if you wish to give it a go!

We will continue dancing with the veil and learn a new and slightly more complex veil choreography than in first term "Darigh Nur" by Mario Kirlis. All movements will be broken down and explained step by step. Special Bellydance veils are sold by the Bellydance Society at a discount. They must be the correct dimensions and material. They can be purchased at the Bellydance Bazaar or at any time from Iman (President & Coach of the Bellydance Society).

Should you wish to do so, you will have the chance to perform these choreographies at University of Reading's first ever Dance Festival that will be hosted by the Bellydance Society.

Intermediate/Advanced

Shaabi (Egyptian Pop) choreography and Veil Choreography.
Level: This class is suitable for intermediate/advanced level dancers. You must have a good basic knowledge and execution of a wide range of bellydance movements. If you are unsure which level you are, please don't be shy to tell Iman what you've already learned and she will put you into the most suitable class.

Lesson outline: You will learn a cheeky and fun Shaabi (Egyptian Pop) choreography "Basbousa" by Lebanese pop artists Amany and Basem Yazbeck. This choreography is Iman's favourite of the year as it's very lively and expressive, incorporating fast and slow movements and a wide range of bellydance technniques- definitely a not to miss!!!

We will also continue dancing with the veil and adding a light and easy new veil dance choreography to our bellydance portfolio! The dance is "Ta'ala Oullak" by Bashir Abdel Aal. Special Bellydance veils are sold by the Bellydance Society at a discount. They must be the correct dimensions and material. They can be purchased at the Bellydance Bazaar or at any time from Iman (President & Coach of the Bellydance Society).

Term 3

As it is exam time, we will continue with lessons (same dates and times as first and second terms). Many students are not able to attend every week due to exam commitments and this is fully supported by the Bellydance Society which is why we will be offering workshops (themed lessons e.g. African Bellydance, Stick Dance, How to play and dance with finger cymbals etc.) rather than learning the same choreography each week.

 

*******PRICE LIST 2009-2010*******

MEMBERSHIP FEE (for each academic year i.e. all 3 terms):

Students: £6.00 only

Non-Students: £8.00

This fee will give you special rates and discounts for classes, merchandise and free entry to many social events and workshops we hold. It also allows you to block book bellydance lessons which works out half price than drop in sessions.

MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: FOR LESSONS WE ACCEPT BLOCK BOOKINGS ONLY. IF YOU DO A DROP IN CLASS (WITHOUT HAVING BLOCK BOOKED AN 8 WEEK COURSE) THEN YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE NON-MEMBER FEE (£5.00 per hour) AT THE DOOR EVEN IF YOU ARE A MEMBER.

Should you choose to do a drop-in class we cannot guarantee there will be a space in the class. All block-booked members are guaranteed a space in every class.

8 WEEK BELLYDANCE COURSE (one hour per week for 8 weeks in one term)

Members: £20.00 (works out at only £2.50 per lesson) (BLOCK BOOKING ONLY)
Non-members: £30.00 (works out at £3.75 per lesson) (BLOCK BOOKING ONLY)
(BECOME A MEMBER AND SAVE £10.00!!! and enjoy the membership benefits and discounts!)

DRUMMING WORKSHOPS FREE FOR MEMBERS!

COSTUME/VEIL EMBROIDERY WORKSHOPS FREE ENTRY FOR MEMBERS!

SCREENING NIGHTS FREE ENTRY FOR MEMBERS!

SPECIAL BELLYDANCE VEILS Each £15.00 (usually £20) You will get a discount if you buy a belt and a veil on the same day.

BELLYDANCE STICKS Each £5.00 ONLY

FINGER CYMBALS Each pair £6.00 (£5.00 for members)

BELLYDANCE SOCIETY HOODIES Black with gold writing and logo. Available in all sizes. £17.50 each.

BELLYDANCE SOCIETY T-SHIRTS (new!) Turquoise material with silver writing and logo £12 AND/OR white material with gold logo and writing £12

HENNA TUBES (ready to use) £3.00 each (£2.00 for members)

BELLYDANCE BELTS FROM EGYPT (many sizes, colours and styles available!) Starting from £10.00 (members get a discount, contact Society President Iman for more details at imankhonji@hotmail.co.uk or ask at the bellydance lessons)

COSTUME ORDERS Speak to Society President Iman (imankhonji@hotmail.co.uk) for more details on pricing, availability and catalogues. The Bellydance Society will be ordering costumes this year for our big Dance Festival Performances. The costumes will be sold off at half price after the event to Bellydance Society Members.

BELLYDANCE CDS (with music tracks of the choreographies we will learn) £1 for members, £3 for non-members

BELLYDANCE ACCESSORIES Earrings, Necklaces, Bellypiercings, Bindis, Anklets, Rings, Bracelets, Toe rings etc. Contact Society President Iman (imankhonji@hotmail.co.uk) or the fabulous Society Secretary Danthy (saintmorgana@yahoo.com) for more details on prices, styles and availability.

We hope to see you soon! Thanks for visiting! Any questions? Email imankhonji@hotmail.co.uk or saintmorgana@yahoo.com