"Belly dancing" became known by the original gypsies out of Northern India. As a result of their travels across many territories and regions, they picked up different styles of dance, instruments and music throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa & beyond from many different cultures. Today, there are different styles of belly dance. I have learned a little of each: Egyptian Cabaret, Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Uzbekistan and Tribal Infusion.
You’ll be taught the basic movements of belly dance and how to use them in different combinations. Most importantly you’ll connect with your body, your own Inner divine Fire, inner Goddess, and raw fininie nature. To support this, we connect with the beautiful, powerful grounding energy of Mother Earth. We'll begin with a simple guided meditation, a short warm up, some stretching, technique, then off to creative, outer expression of our wild, authentic nature. Explore your own flow so that you can eventually use these movements in any combination that comes natural to your body. Become more confident and feel empowered in your own skin that can be carried throughout your everyday life!
All you need is a body and desire to move!
Any age from 18 & up are welcome.
No prior experience necessary. Whether you’re completely new to the dance or experienced, this workshop is designed to ignite and inspire you. Come move, dance, sweat & have fun!
When: Saturday May 11th at 10:30AM - 11:45AM
$18/person
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, anything from Yoga attire to flair flowy skirts that won't restrict you.
Bring water & a small towel.
If you own a coin skirt, great! If not, a few will be available to try.
Meet Melania! Belly Dancer & Teacher
Melania (Melanie) started her first official Middle Eastern Dance class in 1997, learning the basics of Egyptian Cabaret. However, she was a free spirited little performer at the young age of 4 yrs, performing in-front of her family & practicing in-front of a mirror. She was inspired by the Arabic and Middle Eastern music played from an old record her mother gave her from the time she used to dance called "Dark Eyes & Oriental Moods". Melania would admire the images on the record cover and imagine what it would be like to be a Belly Dancer. Little did she know she would find that inspiration again at the age of 20 & learn that some of the movements she played with as a little girl were actual belly dancing techniques!
From there, she performed her first duo performance in 1997 at the Marrakesh Restaurant in Parsippany, NJ. The following year was her first solo performance at the same place. Melania practiced with different teachers of different styles throughout her adult life, learning Egyptian, Uzbekistan, Turkish, Tribal Infusion and some Indian. Melania featured in many events, shows, and drum circles including many performances with a live band, 'Gypsy Funk Squad'. She was in a Belly dance troupe in 2010 called "Allimah Sumra".
Belly dancing became not only a fun form of self artistic expression but also a part of her personal healing journey. She taught her first belly dance class in 2016.
She also frequently attends drum circles throughout the year where she feels most comfortable expressing her heart art. She quotes, “It’s gone from a more personal secluded /or shielded expression to a now more open one, inviting others in to experience it with me. This openness blossomed over time as I have, spiritually, emotionally and physically.”