Iona's 2012 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 Belly Dance classes in the New Orleans area, a la Classic Oriental, Cabaret, & Folkloric styles. The basics of belly dance technique lend themselves to all styles of belly dance, including Tribal. (Iona does not teach ATS drills/cues.)

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

CLASSES LISTED BELOW

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

Thanks Chriss and Patrick! It was a blast!

Belly Dance, Open Level--Beginners Plus

MONDAYS, 6:00-7:00PM at Tulane University, **DIBOLL COMPLEX, STUDIO B** *FREE Demo TBA*

Session I: February 6-March 5 (no class on Feb 20--Lundi Gras)

Session II: March 19-April 23 (No class on April 9--Break)

Belly Dance: Open Level, Moves 'n' Grooves **5-Week Sessions I & II
Belly Dance drills of basics and beyond for those who need to shimmy into the new week!
This class will focus on balance, posture, and grace while attaining and drilling a variety of belly dance movements including hip shimmies, torso undulations, figure eights, slides, isolations, and more. Class will end putting some grooves to music!

Single session Price--$40 Tulane Members/ $50 Nonmembers

**Please register at the Reily Rec Center in the membership office.**

DIBOLL COMPLEX LOCATION: across from Reily Ctr on flr 1 (parking flr 2+) http://tulane.edu/tulane/about/maps/diboll-complex.cfm

Belly Dance for Health

THURSDAYS, 6:00-7:00PM DROP IN: S15 at Studio at Namaste of Metairie, 4413 Chastant, Metairie, LA
Shimmy into the New Year with our first Session!!! January 12- February 16

Classes will focus on a variety of hip work, including shimmies, figure eights, drops/lifts, and rolls. Belly Dance basics including posture, balance, and isolation of movement will be reviewed. A fun workout for the end of the day, for the beginner belly dancer and beyond. Tummies of all sizes welcome, women ages 16-99. :) $65 Session or $15 drop-in. *Up to 14 participants.* Visit www.namastemetairie.com for studio info.

2012 Classes held at Namaste of Metairie, formerly Tapas Yoga Studio.

Welcome new owners Christine & Carlos!!!

Belly Dancing, Beginner Class

SATURDAYS, 12PM at Tulane University, **DIBOLL COMPLEX, STUDIO B** *FREE Demo January 21 at 12PM!*

5 Week Session I: January 28-March 3 (no class February 18 due to Mardi Gras) 5 Week Session II: March 24-April 28 (no class April 7--Spring Break) Diboll Mind & Body Studio-B, 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. 5 Week Session Prices--$40 Tulane Members/ $50 Nonmembers

**Please register at the Reily Rec Center in the membership office.**

DIBOLL COMPLEX LOCATION: across from Reily Ctr on flr 1 (parking flr 2+) http://tulane.edu/tulane/about/maps/diboll-complex.cfm

Belly Dancing, Intermediate Class

SATURDAYS, 1PM at Tulane University, **DIBOLL COMPLEX, STUDIO B**

*FREE Demo January 21 at 1PM!*

5 Week Session I: January 28-March 3 (no class February 18 due to Mardi Gras) 5 Week Session II: March 24-April 28 (no class April 7--Spring Break) Diboll Mind & Body Studio-B, Tulane U, New Orleans, LA* Technique geared for students with belly dance training beyond beginner. The class will focus on layering technique, troubleshooting/coaching, and may incorporate a choreography. 5 Week Sessions: Price--$40 Tulane Members/$50 Nonmembers

**Please register at the Reily Rec Center in the membership ofice.**

DIBOLL COMPLEX LOCATION: across from Reily Ctr on flr 1 (parking flr 2+) http://tulane.edu/tulane/about/maps/diboll-complex.cfm

Special Event and Private Lessons

For the individual or for your special group event, including Red Hat socials, bachelorette parties, birthdays celebrations, 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/TROUPE 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. Students in the intermediate class are invited to participate in troupe performances but are not required.

ADVANCED/TROUPE and SPECIALTY CLASSES address technique suited to 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 are designed specifically to culminate in troupe performance.

OPEN/MIXED LEVEL: practice with a variety of moves for beginners plus. Focus is less on learning specific choreography & more on honing technique, while expanding range and flexibility in a workout. Geared to accommodate dancers of all levels.

What to wear: for any class level, wear clothes that allow free movement, like gym or dance wear. 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 browse clothing shops for dance wear. Visit Kruz and Pharoah's Cave for local shopping!

IONA's classes Studio Addresses/Phone Numbers

Diboll Mind and Body Studio: Reily Student Recreational Center is located at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. (504) 314-2079 Michelle Mirpuri or (504) 865-5431

Namaste of Metairie Studio is located at 4413 Chastant Street, Metairie, LA 70006, near the intersection of Transcontinental and West Esplanade Avenues. Owner-- Christine Gacharna www.namastemetairie.com

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

Iona's Troupe, The Beledi Jewels

Iona & the Beledi Jewels performed at Shimmy Showcase 2011 in New Orleans in November. Everyone did a great job! Amaya and Onca O'Leary were our guest artists. Merci, y'all!

The Beledi Jewels performed at Chickie Wah Wah in New Orleans at a Halloween Hafla. Fun costumes and evening in October 2011! Thanks, Shannon Wolfe of Hip-ocrisy!

"Halloween Hafla" Jewels: Amanda B, Amanda M, Britta, Jie (Jill), & Kelly

Amanda "Harlequin" & Iona Pirate Wench Boots!!! Argh...

VIDEO: At the Baton Rouge Spring Student Showcase, Iona and core troupe members dance to Ten to Twelve, with choreography by Rachel George adapted by Iona. (This followed the full troupe cane dance by the dancers listed below.)

Beledi Jewels 2011: Arabise, Britta, Andrea, Kelly, Amanda M, Amanda B, Iona

VIDEO: Iona with candle tray at the Baton Rouge student showcase.

Below: Iona and the Beledi Jewels 2010 perform at the Healing Arts International Festival, New Orleans, (Amanda M, Francesca, Iona, Holly, Kelly); the post performance boogie with audience members!

Below: Iona and the Beledi Jewels, performed veil and drum dances at a benefit for the Battered Women's Shelter of Baton Rouge, LA in 2010.