Learn to belly dance with Monica

Monica's deep understanding of the history of the dance really come through in her teaching.
She doesn't just teach the 'hows' but the 'whys' and the 'whens', too. Natalia M., student




San Francisco Class Schedule
Class descriptions
Class fees and registration
Class announcements, changes, and updates
What to expect when you come to class
Observing Classes
Private lessons and professional coaching
**Updated*Music suggestions for belly dance practice and listening


CLASS UPDATES
No upcoming class cancellations.
For those who like to plan ahead, please note there will be a 'Spring Break' the week of March 12, 2012.
See you in the studio!


San Francisco Classes
Day Time Level
Tuesday 6:00 -- 7:00PM Beginner I: Fundamentals
Monday 6:00 -- 7:00PM Beginner II / Intermediate I
Monday 7:05 -- 8:10PM Intermediate II / Advanced I
Instructor approval only.

All classes are held at the San Francisco Dance Center.
26--7th Street (at Market)
5th floor, Studio 4
BART: Civic Center Station
MUNI: F, J, K, L, M, N, 5, 6, 7, 9, 19, 21, 66, 71

Monica makes learning fun. She's always energetic
and makes everyone feel positive. M.L., student

Class descriptions

Beginner I: Belly dance basics and fundamentals
Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:00
Designed for those new to Middle Eastern belly dance and those returning after a break, this class will provide a basic understanding of Egyptian belly dance movement, posture, technique, and music fundamental to many styles.
 No pre-requisites
This is an open enrollment class that runs in a five week cycle (alternating between a stronger focus on fast and slow movements and songs).
Review is built in to each weeks class, so learners may begin at any time.


Along with technique and movement practice and combinations, each class includes a full body warm-up, a focus on dance posture, shimmy drills, conceptual and informational dance context as appropriate, a dance-along and cool down stretches. We learn and play finger cymbals every two to three classes.
Each class will both introduce new information and review movements and concepts presented in the previous class.
New students: Please arrive ten minutes before class starts to register.

Advanced Beginner and Intermediate I
Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
This class focuses on strengthening, refining and improving existing technique and expanding learner knowledge of movements, rhythms and common songs. This class is great for learners and improvers commited to regular attendance, and more experienced dancers who want to check out Monica's teaching style or attend on a drop-in basis.
Pre-requisites: A minimum of four months of consistent basics class or equivalent, or instructor approval.
This is an ongoing class. The structure of this class includes a full body warm-up, posture review, and shimmy drills. Each class will focus on one or two movements that will be broken down and put into a larger combination, with a focus on refinement for improving as dancers. Most classes will include finger cymbals. Occasionally we will work with different versions of a particular song, key concepts in belly dance, various props (including veil and cane), specific rhythms, focused improvisational skills, or with choreography. All classes will include an improvised dance along.

Students in this class will have an opportunity to perform in student shows.

High-intermediate & Advanced I
Mondays from 7:05 to 8:10 PM
This class allows the more experienced student to begin finding her or his own style and voice through Middle Eastern Dance. This class works best for experienced students who are commited to regular attendance.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval only. Please, no new drop-ins for this class.
The structure of this class includes a full body warm-up and extended shimmy drills. Classes will focus on strong technique, both choreography and improvisation, performance skills, putting emotion behind the movement, distinguishing between styles, learning about the larger bellydance community and events, and ethics in belly dancing. All classes will include an improvised dance along, and many classes will include an opportunity for students to dance for classmates.

Students in this class will have an opportunity to perform in student shows as well as with Monica's student performance group.



Monica is the bomb! She makes dancing fun even for clumsy people with no previous experience. Sirah L., student

Class Fees
Single class/drop-in: $15
5-class card: $62 ($12 per class, expires after 7 weeks)
10-class card: $110 ($11 per class, expires after 12 weeks)
All class cards are non-transferrable and non-refundable.

See below to pre-register and pay with your credit or debit card, or you may pay with cash or a check before class.
Please note we are unable to process credit cards at the studio--cash or checks only please!

Purchase a single class: $15.00

Purchase a five class card: $62.00 (to be used within 7 weeks from the date of purchase)

Purchase a ten class card: $110.00 (to be used in 12 weeks from the date of purchase)

Please email monica@monicaraqs.com for more information.





Coaching and Private Lessons
Coaching is available for dancers from intermediate through professional levels.
Monica has experience working with dancers and troupes one on one as they prepare for performances and competitions.
Coaching can be held in a home studio or professional studio in San Francisco or the east bay.
Class time is tailored to your needs, goals, and focus. You can benefit from Monica's vast experience in the belly dance world, including years and years of experience as a working soloist in a variety of venues, ongoing professional shows with live music, and award winning troupe choreography and performance. Monica has nearly 20 years in the belly dance business, and is well-respected as a teacher and dancer by her colleagues and her own teachers and mentors. She is skilled in bringing out the best in what experienced dancers from a variety of belly dance styles already have, along with opening up new ideas and movements, and would love the chance to work with you!

Please contact Monica for more information and a coaching package.
References available.

Coaching and private lesson fee: $50 per hour, plus studio fees (if any).

Original choreography can also be created for soloists and groups.
Please contact Monica for a current rate sheet and for more details on what is offered.

Details about classes
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow me to see your legs. Leggings, sweats, tights, or jazz/yoga/stretch pants and a fitted tee-shirt, tank top, or leotard are excellent choices. Bare feet, socks or dance slippers of some sort are fine. Bring a scarf to tie around your hips.

After a while, you will be asked to bring other props, including finger cymbals and veils (I will have sets that beginnners can borrow available). I will give you a list of places you can obtain these items, and may have some of them for sale myself. Various items can be made by you as well, if you are so (sew?!) inclined! ;) Middle Eastern dance does not require huge expenses while you are learning!

I am really tall/short/fat/skinny/outgoing/shy...
Great! Middle Eastern Dance, while quite individual and theatrical in it's modern presentation, is rooted in *folk* steps from dances of the Middle East and North Africa. To admittedly oversimplify, this means *folks*--all folks--can do it as a hobby. It is really fun, and chances are good you will find your own niche within the many movements, genres, styles and personalities that make up Middle Eastern dance in the 21st Century! To become a professional dancer takes many years of hard work and sacrifice and is not for everyone, of course, but that should not stop anyone from enjoying class and becoming the best dancer they can be. Monica teaches in the context of both respecting yourself and respecting the dance, and believes there is room for everyone.

I look forward to meeting you. Still have questions? Give me a call at 415-289-6670, or drop a line to monica@monicaraqs.com.

Can I observe a class?
I do not allow observers in my beginning classes for two reasons.
1) Over the years several beginners have expressed discomfort when observers are in class. I agree that it can change the dynamics, and have chosen to respect their wishes.
2) I do allow for drop-in students (meaning you can take a single class without a financial or long-term commitment), and believe that the best way to find out if you like the dance form and/or my teaching style is to try it out!

Arrangements to observe part of an intermediate or advanced class can be made. Please inquire ahead of time if interested.
But again, I strongly believe that the best way to check out a class is to try it for yourself.


Monica teaching. Photo courtesy of Alonzo King Lines Dance Center.


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