Iona's 2009 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.      For ATS training in the GNO area, contact the women of n.o.madic or Indudala Tribe.

 Scroll down for more detailed class descriptions and studio addresses/#s.

Beginner Belly Dance: Belly Basics with a Beat   

Thursdays, 6-6:50PM   6-Week Session from January 8-February 12, 2009  

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

This 6-week session will focus on slow and fast beginner moves to a fun drum choreography. Get ready to shake, shimmy, and roll! Though instruction will be geared to the beginner belly dancer, all levels are welcome to participate. This class provides a good stretch and fun workout to wind down at the end of the day. $12/class walk-in, or less with purchase of session/class card.                         Go to Tapas Yoga for more information about pricing and discount cards.

Belly Dancing, Beginner   

Saturdays, 1-2PM at Tulane University              *FREE INTRO January 17*

9 Week Session January 24-April 25

*NO Class: Feb 21, March 21 & 28, and April 4                                                       Reily Student Recreation Center, Tulane U, New Orleans, LA*                      Technique geared for brand new beginner and returning beginner students.            9 Week Session Price--$70 Tulane Members/ $90 Nonmembers       

Belly Dancing, Intermediate   

Saturdays, 2-3PM at Tulane University              *FREE INTRO January 17*

9 Week Session January 24-April 25

*NO Class: Feb 21, March 21 & 28, and April 4                                                       Reily Student Recreation Center, Tulane U, New Orleans, LA*                      Technique geared for students with at least 2 sessions of class technique under her belly...The class will focus on layering technique, troubleshooting/coaching, and may incorporate a choreography.                                                                             9 Week Session: Price--$70 Tulane Members/$90 Nonmembers        

Belly Dancing, Open Level

Saturdays, 11AM-12PM at Tulane University        *SESSION HAS ENDED*

6 Week Session from June 21-July 26.                                                                 Reily Student Recreation Center, Tulane U, New Orleans, LA*                              Open to all level dancers for a fun workout and review of basic technique.               6 Week Session: Price--$40 Tulane Members/$55 Nonmembers 

Special Event and Private Lessons

For the individual or your special group; please see Booking Options for details.

 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 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!

IONA's 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. (504) 302-9264

*Crescent Lotus Dance Studio is located 1 block off Claiborne Ave., in the same strip mall as Buds Broiler, at 3143 Calhoun St., New Orleans, LA (504) 382-5199; the studio entrance is located behind the building in the back parking lot.

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