Iona's 2010 Belly Dance Classes       

    "The ancient art of Belly Dance is specially suited for the female physique, no matter how big or small. As Belly Dance has evolved, more and more women dance for health, for positive self image, for intimating the dynamics of one’s unique femininity and form, and most of all, for a fun workout. Incorporating both slow and quick moves, Belly Dance provides the means to increase flexibility and strength as well as to improve balance and comfort in one’s own skin."    --Iona-- 

Iona teaches Oriental & Folkloric style Belly Dance classes in the New Orleans area.      

*Watch Iona give a lesson demonstration on Good Morning New Orleans with Chriss Knight. (shot live at Tapas Yoga & Movement Studio, May 2010)   Each segment is approximately 2.5 minutes.
Belly Dance 101--Part 1/4      Belly Dance 101--part 2/4       Belly Dance 101--Part 3/4          

         Thanks Chriss and Patrick! It was a blast!

Scroll down for troupe pictures, class descriptions and studio addresses/#s.   

Belly Dance for Health: Fall Drills and Zils!

Thursdays, 6-6:50PM   6-Week Session from August 12-September 16, 2010 

at Tapas Yoga & Movement Studio, 4413 Chastant, Metairie, LA

This 6 week session will focus on drilling isolated Belly Dance movements, both fast and slow. It will also include an introduction to using finger cymbals or zils. Fun for the beginner belly dancer and beyond. As always, tummies of all sizes welcome, women ages 16-99. :) $65/session and $15 drop-in.  *Student Zils will be available for purchase or for loan during class time.  *CLASS LIMITED TO 16 participants.*    Visit Tapas Yoga to preregister and for studio info.

Belly Dance for Health: Summer Circles

Thursdays, 6-6:50PM   6-Week Session from June 3-July 8, 2010 **ENDED**

 at Tapas Yoga & Movement Studio, 4413 Chastant, Metairie, LA

This 6 week session will focus on isolated movements of rolls and circles. Challenging but fun slow moves to beat the summer time heat. Though geared for the beginner belly dancer, all levels are welcome to participate. As always, tummies of all sizes welcome, women ages 16-99. :) $65/session and $15 drop-in.             Visit Tapas Yoga to preregister and for studio information. 

Belly Dancing, Beginner  

Saturdays, time-TBA at Tulane University         *SESSION Resumes in FALL*

9 Week Session TBA--Sept-Nov                                                                                 * Tulane holidays--TBA                                                                                         Reily Student Recreation Center, Tulane U, New Orleans, LA*                      Technique geared for brand new beginner and returning beginner students. Emphasis on posture and basics like hip circles, shimmies, and undulations.              9 Week Session Price--$70 Tulane Members/ $90 Nonmembers       

Belly Dancing, Intermediate   

Saturdays, time-TBA at Tulane University          *SESSION Resumes in FALL*

9 Week Session TBA--Sept-Nov                                                                                 * Tulane holidays--TBA                                                                                        Reily Student Recreation Center, Tulane U, New Orleans, LA* Technique geared for students with previous belly dance training...The class will focus on layering technique, troubleshooting/coaching, and will incorporate a choreography.            9 Week Session: Price--$70 Tulane Members/$90 Nonmembers 

Special Event and Private Lessons

For the individual or for your special group event, like Red Hat socials, bachelorette parties, birthdays, reunions, etc.; please see Booking Options for details.

"Thanks so much for the wonderful lesson. We all had an amazing time!"--Shalini

 Class Content and Format

BEGINNER LEVEL Lessons include:
Focusing warm-up
Technique: body isolations, shimmies, travel steps, dancer poise, undulations, and more; emphasis is placed on proper posture, centering/balance, and the technique.
Coordination of movements to belly dance music
Yoga-style cool down

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL lessons generally have the same format as the Beginner Level but with the addition of more challenging movements, layering of movements, choreography, trouble shooting/coaching, and practice with dance props.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED SPECIALTY CLASSES address technique for specific dance styles or props, like zils, sword, cane, etc, and are intended for dancers who already have a basic foundation of belly dance technique beyond beginner; teacher consent may be required if lessons culminate in public performance.

What to wear: for any class level, wear clothes that allow free movement, like gym or dancewear. A hip scarf is also suggested. Totally optional: midriffs to show off your belly, whether it's big or small; comfy dance shoes such as lyric or hermes sandals which can be helpful for those with sensitive tootsies, but bare feet do just fine! Props are required for specialty classes. Check out the Links page to brouse clothing shops for dance wear. See Kruz and Pharoah's Cave for local shopping!

Below: Iona with members of her troupe, Beledi Jewels, perform veil and drum dances at a benefit for the Battered Women's Shelter of Baton Rouge, LA.

    

              IONA                  Amanda                       Kelly                     Julie

IONA's classes Studio Addresses/Phone Numbers

*Reily Student Recreational Center is located at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. (504)314-2079 Michelle Mirpuri or (504) 865-5431

*Tapas Yoga & Movement Studio is located at 4413 Chastant Street, Metairie, LA 70006, near the intersection of Transcontinental and West Esplanade Avenues. Owner Jen @ (504) 302-9264

*Crescent Lotus Dance Studio  is located at 3143 Calhoun off Claiborne Ave in Uptown New Orleans, LA. Owner Kryss @ 504-382-5199.

Go to Links for additional studios and teachers in the New Orleans/ S.E. LA area.