www.medance.co.nz/index.htmlBelly dance news from Medance Middle Eastern Dance Schoolenangela@medance.co.nz(c) 2007 Medance Limited2012-01-16T11:46:32+13:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:51:54 +1300angela@medance.co.nzBlog2012-01-16T11:46:32+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/0f356373d337f89aed0d52d8c4837d66-151.html#unique-entry-id-151www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/0f356373d337f89aed0d52d8c4837d66-151.html#unique-entry-id-151
In the meantime, I am working on updating this web site, so check back soon to see what I have created over the holidays :-)

Looking forward to dancing with you again in 2012!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-09-20T14:33:24+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/6a61fc5fe5bcaaa4ce0fbf42f56eb11c-150.html#unique-entry-id-150www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/6a61fc5fe5bcaaa4ce0fbf42f56eb11c-150.html#unique-entry-id-150
We are still buzzing from the show, and will be gathering together again with our volunteers for a dinner to celebrate on 30 September, if you have not received an invitation, please email me if you would like to join us.

We are studying the art of improvisation in class this term, and making steady progress with its many different facets, so I am looking forward to the next few weeks as we start to put it all together.

Registration for the Basic and Skills classes in Term 5 2011 are now open.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-08-09T10:44:40+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/4041187e033fedc5fb3f2c343e547111-149.html#unique-entry-id-149www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/4041187e033fedc5fb3f2c343e547111-149.html#unique-entry-id-149
The best news of the day came in the form of a student question "So what is our next project??!" watch this space!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-08-05T10:09:03+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/02847d1bcb5ec6d133b4162ba36fe54e-148.html#unique-entry-id-148www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/02847d1bcb5ec6d133b4162ba36fe54e-148.html#unique-entry-id-148
]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-07-15T16:29:27+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/2c89f32c7f027d4257cff23b6aa272d6-147.html#unique-entry-id-147www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/2c89f32c7f027d4257cff23b6aa272d6-147.html#unique-entry-id-147This show will take a walk back in time, ambling through the many varied paths of the Golden Age of belly dance, right through to its modern interpretations, with a few stops of interest along the way! Request your tickets here!

]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-06-03T10:15:31+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/7765f7f72873b8c7881f7d32084d6b4a-146.html#unique-entry-id-146www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/7765f7f72873b8c7881f7d32084d6b4a-146.html#unique-entry-id-146So our group choreographies are now taking shape, just a couple more to learn then we get into the refinement process. The solos are now really getting interesting :-) and the show is starting to take shape. We have decided that we will use the time tonight to discuss the show rather than hold the usual Medance Belly Dance Party, and I have changed Wednesday 3 August to a show rehearsal, as I am sure that most of us will want to use this time for last minute checks before the show on 6 August at the Rose Theatre, in Belmont.

Registrations for Term 3 are now open, but will close after June 15. As we are in rehearsal and show preparation, unfortunately new students will have to wait until August to join a class. Sorry if this is inconvenient for anyone, but I hope you will come along to the show, be newly inspired and ready to start dancing on Wednesday 10 August for Term 4 2011!

The Medance students were proud to take part in Bellyquake! a Christchurch Fundraiser on Sunday May 29, new friendships were formed, and a whole lot of wonderful performances were enjoyed, plus we helped raise some much needed funds to support our Christchurch friends! Well done to everyone involved in this event.
]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-05-01T16:40:38+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/56e020ba36933fabfdaec4934952d5a3-145.html#unique-entry-id-145www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/56e020ba36933fabfdaec4934952d5a3-145.html#unique-entry-id-145The Medanz Festival in Tauranga is over for another year, next year the festival is off to Dunedin, so start saving your pennies now girls. This Medanz Festival was enjoyed by 7 Medance students, who have all come back buzzing with excitement about costumes, new choreographies, new moves and styles plus a whole lot more inspiration from watching the performances at the show and the hafla - great fun was had!

Speaking of new choreographies, May has a whole bunch of choreographies being taught in class, with lots of time to practise them and get them polished for performance, at the Medance Belly Dance Party on Friday June 3 at 7.30pm, as well as our show coming up in August - more info. on that later.

The Medance Skills Class will also be participating in Bellyquake! a Christchurch Fundraiser, happening on Sunday 29 May at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, shows are at 2pm and 7pm - come along and watch some spectacular dancing from dancers all around the Auckland area (plus Tauranga).

World Belly Dance Day is Saturday 14 May, so make sure you do a little shimmy on the day, a little dancing can make the whole world smile! There are a couple of belly dance shows on in Auckland on 14 May, in Orewa (workshops too) and Kohimarama, so contact me if you would like details to pre-purchase tickets.

With such a busy time just now in the world, remember to take time out to replenish your own energies, and take the time to value those people that are most important in your life. :-)

]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-04-01T14:22:01+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/f66f6152d8ab2cb62877cab3e21c7454-144.html#unique-entry-id-144www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/f66f6152d8ab2cb62877cab3e21c7454-144.html#unique-entry-id-144Well we had a fantastic time at the Medance Belly Dance Party on Wednesday night! Our special guests for the evening Louise and Windblown Tribal danced up a storm, and thank you so much ladies for coming to join our party. Jan of Windows of the East and Louise of Durriya Belly Dance Costumes also had tables full of goodies to purchase, and I think a deal or two was completed on the night!

Thank you too to Michaela's students who also joined us for the full evening, and to those students who came along to enjoy the Free Introduction to Belly Dance Class - what a blast, it was my great pleasure to dance with you, and get the evening off to a truly great start!

Keep an eye on the classes page and this blog for our next Free class later in the year!

Its time now to register for Term 2 2011. Space is still available in the Basics class on Wednesdays at 5.45pm, the Skills class is almost at capacity, and of course the Solo Development class is full for this year.

We have a very special Video evening coming up on 13 April, details of the location and time will be sent to all students registered for class, and I am looking forward to sharing some of my belly dance video library with you on this evening, if you have any special requests, please let me know in advance so I can plan to include this for you.

Also it is still not too late to book a workshop or two at the MEDANZ Festival in Tauranga 15-18 April, the show is on the Saturday night, and a Hafla with belly dance performances on the Sunday, so if you are in the area, do come and join in the fun.

I will be teaching 3 workshops in Tauranga this year:

The Music Workshop (Lecture) - Saturday 1-3pm
Rhythms and Creative Combinations Workshop - Monday 8.30-10.30am
Saiidi/cane Workshop - Monday 3.15-5.15pm

Registration and payment for the MEDANZ Festival Workshops should be directed to MEDANZ Inc.

See you in class sometime soon....

]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-03-11T10:00:26+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/a10b0e112ed39b0532c9a4211f020f3c-143.html#unique-entry-id-143www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/a10b0e112ed39b0532c9a4211f020f3c-143.html#unique-entry-id-143Well the start of this year has flown by, and all classes are now starting to put some hard work into learning their choreography for the Medance Belly Dance party on 30 March at 7.30pm. For catering purposes registration for this party is requested, the party is free to all Medance students, with a small cover charge of $5 applying to all guests. Come along and bring your friends to this casual dance evening.

If your friends have ever said to you, "Can you teach me how to do that?" then send them along to our FREE Medance Introduction Class to give it a try! Immediately prior to the Medance Belly Dance Party at 6.30pm on 30 March 2011, come along and give it a go.

We will be performing at the Cairo to Cape Town Festival in Browns Bay (on the green) this Saturday at 11am, come along and support us and have a great fun day out! I look forward to seeing you there.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-02-09T10:50:44+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/cf659ab4b149b9e0051c3e508f34b5d5-142.html#unique-entry-id-142www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/cf659ab4b149b9e0051c3e508f34b5d5-142.html#unique-entry-id-142We all had a wonderful start to the dance year last week, and we have lots of exciting dance engagements ahead.

The solo development class have agreed to meet for fortnightly classes after the Wednesday Skills lesson, in preparation for the Medance show at the beginning of August. These classes will commence next Wednesday 16 February 2011. Venue is the Crosslands Lounge in Takapuna.

The Skills class will also be preparing for a short performance at the Cairo to Capetown Festival in Browns Bay, Saturday 12 March, 11am on the green! Please come and support us and have a wonderfully entertaining day in this fun festival at the beach.

The next Medance Belly Dance Party will be on Wednesday 30 March 2011 at 7.30pm, and you are welcome to join the Medance students for the evening for some display dancing with audience participation. Register here for catering purposes please.

Immediately prior to the Medance Belly Dance party at 6.30pm is a FREE Introduction to Belly Dance class, so if you have ever wanted to learn to belly dance, or know someone who would like to learn, come along and find out about the basics! Registration for this class is simple, just register your interest here.

Looking forward to another great term of dancing with you in February/March 2011.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2011-01-14T19:27:30+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/063d5841ae1b754959a704992297e69d-141.html#unique-entry-id-141www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/063d5841ae1b754959a704992297e69d-141.html#unique-entry-id-141I have now opened registrations for Term 1 2011.

I have given lots of consideration over the break on how best to serve my students in the coming year of dance. To this end I am again offering the Solo Development Course, however classes will be held fortnightly on Friday evenings. I hope this will provide students with the opportunity to progress at a steady pace, with sufficient support from me to make these projects truly worthwhile.

On the alternating weeks I am pleased to offer an Advanced Level Dance class for those looking for a little more of a challenge.

Please register your interest in these classes here, and as soon as I have sufficient numbers I will be happy to confirm a start date and location to you by email.

The Belly Dance Basics class is back from Wednesday 2 February, starting at 5.45pm, a great time for class, at the end of the working day, dance away your troubles, then head home for a wonderfully relaxing evening.

The Belly Dance Skills class will then start at 7.15pm from Wednesday 2 February. This term we will be looking into the folkloric Saiidi style of dance with Canes - high energy and lots of fun!

Register here for either of these two classes, numbers will be limited, particularly in the Skills Class!

The first Medance Belly Dance Party will be held at the end of Term 1, Wednesday 30 March at 7.30PM. Attendance is FREE for all Medance students, and invited guests are most welcome at $5 per guest.

If you have never tried belly dance before, or would like to try out a class with me before committing to a term, you are invited to attend the Medance Belly Dance Introduction Class on Wednesday 30 March at 6.30PM. This FREE class introduces the basics of belly dance to anyone interested, so come and have some fun with me in a guided short dance class, immediately followed by the Medance Belly Dance Party. Stay and watch the more experienced dancers as a Medance guest ($5 each) or pre-purchase your Membership/Term Pass and join the party for FREE.
Registration for either of these events can be completed here.

I have brand new prices for the Membership Cards and will be launching the new Monthly and Term passes this year! Check out the details of these fantastic deals here!

As always I am very much looking forward to dancing with you all this year, and keep an eye out on the Workshops page for some exciting announcements coming soon!



]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-11-30T09:57:16+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/4dd09c78ccc4ac7187083d6db18879a0-140.html#unique-entry-id-140www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/4dd09c78ccc4ac7187083d6db18879a0-140.html#unique-entry-id-140Thank you ladies and gent for a fantastic 2010. We have had a number of highs and lows this year, but we are still dancing and having fun. I am very much looking forward to launching into 2011's syllabus with some exciting new learning concepts and brand new choreographies.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent Glen Eden Teacher/Student Show. I hope you all had a great evening, it was great to catch up with some of the other dancers around Auckland, and it was really great to be back on the stage again, putting those costumes to good use :-)

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year, and I look forward to seeing you all again at the beginning of February.

Keep an eye on the web site in January, when I will open the registrations up for Term 1 2011.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-10-19T20:49:53+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/8045628d528686414aab209823970b00-139.html#unique-entry-id-139www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/8045628d528686414aab209823970b00-139.html#unique-entry-id-139The lead up to Christmas is always busy, so here is a list of some belly dance events coming up in the silly season, by date order:

Monday 25 October - Tais Workshop - Shimmies - in Sunnynook
30 & 31 October - Dance Your Myth Workshops in Titirangi
30 October - Swap N Shop - ask me for details of this event if you are interested in swapping out some belly dance costume items!
Sunday 31 October - Hafla-ween: Carnevil in Sunnynook, details from Windblown Tribal, Louise & Sarah
November 6 - Magic Carpet Show, Glen Eden Playhouse, details with Suezy of Cinch Dance Unlimited
November 6 - Tais End of Year Show
November 7 - Workshops in Sunnynook with Pip from Christchurch/Wellington, details with Tais
Friday 19 November - Perfect your Technique! workshop in Takapuna with Angela Mott, details here
Sunday 21 November - Teacher Student Show Middle Eastern Magic, 6pm, Glen Eden Playhouse - ask me for details and tickets
December 4 - The Unveiling, Teacher & Student show with Phoenix Bellydance, Candice
Wednesday 8 December - Medance Belly Dance Party - full details at the bottom of the Classes page
]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-10-19T20:46:51+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/5f2477c8ac8fca60cf2e15bf59beb02e-138.html#unique-entry-id-138www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/5f2477c8ac8fca60cf2e15bf59beb02e-138.html#unique-entry-id-138Friday 19 November 7-9pm in Takapuna.

Check out the workshop page for the details on this not to be missed workshop! Registration is essential!There are now only 6 spaces left in this workshop, and counting....]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-10-09T13:22:26+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/fa48d15828439b12ab0dee17d5342581-137.html#unique-entry-id-137www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/fa48d15828439b12ab0dee17d5342581-137.html#unique-entry-id-137Register online now to secure you place in either the Belly Dance Basics or Skills class in Term 4!

Some places are still available in the Basics class, at the new time of 5.30pm on Wednesdays, followed by the Skills class at 7.30pm.

So looking forward to dancing with you again this term!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-10-09T13:15:42+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/855e0bea4480cbdd591fef6061976606-136.html#unique-entry-id-136www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/855e0bea4480cbdd591fef6061976606-136.html#unique-entry-id-136Yes that is right, I said:
***FREE ENTRY***
I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, entry to the Medance Belly Dance Party will be FREE to all Medance Members with a current Membership Card (including Monthly and Term Pass holders).

Guests and supporters are also welcome to the Medance Belly Dance Party, a $5 fee per guest will apply (payment by Eftpos please).

Please register here if you will be attending a Medance Belly Dance Party, and if you are bringing guests, please indicate your additional numbers in the comments box.

Put these dates in your diary for 2011 :
Wednesday 30 March, 1 June, 3 August,
Friday 30 September, Wednesday 30 November
Dates of the Medance Belly Dance Parties are also listed on the Term Dates page throughout the year]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-10-09T12:55:47+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/07f89f529d501bc0d4a87b6c8ca8feb8-135.html#unique-entry-id-135www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/07f89f529d501bc0d4a87b6c8ca8feb8-135.html#unique-entry-id-135I am pleased to be able to offer greater flexibility in Medance Memberships from the beginning of 2011. The new Monthly and Term Passes will be available from Wednesday 2 February. These passes offer discounted tuition fees and 25% discount on workshops during the lifetime of the memberships.

The existing Medance Membership Cards are still available, and remain valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
All memberships are non-transferrable and the Monthly and Term Passes are non-refundable.

So now you can choose the membership that best suits your budget and lifestyle!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-09-08T16:40:45+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/4cc2a166ba5bf3e1fcd7f45b6f1aba77-134.html#unique-entry-id-134www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/4cc2a166ba5bf3e1fcd7f45b6f1aba77-134.html#unique-entry-id-134I will be teaching in Takapuna on Wednesday evenings in Term 4, with the Basics class starting at 5.30pm followed by the Skills class at 7.30pm.

We will be preparing for some end of year performances during Term 4 in the Skills class, so we will be polishing our performance skills, as well as revising some old favourites!

Register here to secure your place in this class!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-08-26T15:44:39+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/dccb0a535567bf142584d3ec69f91ca3-133.html#unique-entry-id-133www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/dccb0a535567bf142584d3ec69f91ca3-133.html#unique-entry-id-133Congratulations to everyone who has turned up for class so far this term! With some crazy weather, really bitterly cold nights, and astoundingly wet conditions, we have hopefully been through the worst of winter! A big thank you to everyone who stayed at home if you were sick or fighting one of those winter bugs, we really appreciate you not sharing :-)

I am looking forward to the second round of workshops on 4 September, a Drum Solo Choreography, followed by a Wings Choreograph for skilled dancers (3 years plus). Please register here for these workshops to secure your place!

I am planning now for Term 4 and early 2011, so if you are interested in studying something specific over this time frame, please do let me know.

I am very much enjoying teaching my wonderful students right now and am looking forward to preparing some challenging and fun stuff for the months ahead.

Happy shimmies!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-07-21T11:48:43+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/b4bdf86f5b5ae709abe72c0ff93d1382-132.html#unique-entry-id-132www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/b4bdf86f5b5ae709abe72c0ff93d1382-132.html#unique-entry-id-132Welcome back to the new term, I hope everyone enjoyed the break.

We have so much new stuff happening this term, I am so excited!

Classes have changed slightly, with a longer class time, allowing us to really get into the groove and enjoy dancing, also allowing for some guided improvisation time in almost every class, and allow your dance to become one with the music.

I have some fresh new choreographies this term, plus we will be revisiting some old favourites, with a particularly exciting zill project happening in the Skills class starting tonight!

Remember to book into the Saturday afternoon workshops. These workshops are intended to extend your class work, as well as compliment it, and promise to be a whole lot of fun!

I am very much looking forward to dancing with you again this term!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-06-11T16:34:11+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/723e7f2b12f7ad57d0db69aca1710ab0-131.html#unique-entry-id-131www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/723e7f2b12f7ad57d0db69aca1710ab0-131.html#unique-entry-id-131Due to the newly extended lesson times for Term 3 2010, I have had to increase the fees applicable for each class. Fortunately I am still able to offer the same % discounts on all the Membership Cards, along with the 50% discount for Silver and Gold Medance Membership Card holders on special workshops offered during the life of the membership.

This price increase will be effective from 1 July 2010.

I have also introduced some discounts for multiple prepaid workshops in Term 3 for my Casual students and all Bronze Medance Membership Card holders, refer to the bottom of the Workshops page for details.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-06-11T10:52:17+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/9e151d7bc97a1a36b31b0f8e51d0019d-129.html#unique-entry-id-129www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/9e151d7bc97a1a36b31b0f8e51d0019d-129.html#unique-entry-id-129I have slightly changed the class structure for Term 3 2010 to better suit the needs of my current students. The winter months always puts pressure on class attendance due to weather and sickness (my beautiful students, their children and husbands alike :-D). I have detailed on the Classes page the entry requirements for each class, and the topics we will be studying. If you are not sure where you fit in, please email or call me to discuss which class would best meet your needs in Term 3.

For the Advanced (Level 4) ladies, our Tuesday classes will be reduced to one class from 8pm for Term 3, and I have designed some regular Saturday workshops that I hope will challenge you and other dancers from the wider Auckland region to keep your skills polished, as well as presenting you with new material to work on in your own time. Further details of these workshops are available on the Workshops page.

I look forward to dancing with you and teaching you some new choreographies in Term 3 2010.

Happy shimmies!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-04-19T15:07:06+12:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/46ac42e3ebfe144bf44e472899b70d93-126.html#unique-entry-id-126www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/46ac42e3ebfe144bf44e472899b70d93-126.html#unique-entry-id-126A big welcome back to all of my regular students, and a very warm welcome to all of my new students this term. The Level 3 and 4 girls will be performing in Vicki's show on May 15, if you are interested in attending this event, please let me know and I will put you in touch with Vicki for tickets.

The new choreographies are being refined, however, we are starting Term 2 with a large dose of Tribal (and the Malfuf rhythm in Level 1&2). Based on the American Tribal Style of belly dance, this group improvisational dance is easy to pick up and is lots of fun to learn. Once the basics have been mastered, the whole group play follow the leader, taking turns to lead and follow, this dance style is so beautiful to participate in, and watch.

Level 3 will be looking at Spanish Fusion to start their term, along with the Nawari rhythm, we do like to mix things up :-)

The Level 4 choreography class will be using a variety of combinations to develop new choreographies for group displays and performance, very much looking forward to this challenge - lets work on your spacial awareness ladies!

Don't forget to register for the dance workshops in Term 2, Wings Technique on Saturday 29 May at 2pm, and Dynamic Duos on Saturday 26 June (partner not required).

Looking forward to dancing with you again in Term 2!
]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-03-31T10:55:01+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/3822da3309fcfa2f6f2d25105bca772f-125.html#unique-entry-id-125www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/3822da3309fcfa2f6f2d25105bca772f-125.html#unique-entry-id-125To make things truly equal for all the students who attend my Tuesday and Wednesday night classes in Takapuna, I have decided to change the day of the end of term parties in terms 2 and 4 to Wednesday night, Term 3's party remains on Tuesday. Dates are as follows:

Term 2 Medance Belly Dance Party - Wednesday 30 June 2010 at 7.30pm - this party replaces the usual Level 1&2 and Level 3 class this on this night. Tuesday nights Intro. & Level 1 and Level 4 classes will continue into week 11 of this term.

Term 3 Medance Belly Dance Party - Tuesday 21 September 2010 at 7.30pm - there will be the usual Intro & Level 1 class at 6.15pm, but no Level 4 class on this evening. Wednesday night classes for Week 10 remain unchanged as in Term 1.

Term 4 Medance Belly Dance Party - Wednesday 8 December 2010, 7.30pm - this party replaces the Level 1, 2 & 3 classes in week 9 of Term 4. Tuesday classes remain unchanged.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-03-29T14:15:27+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/cc996e33500f5a44f7149fde7bb530e7-124.html#unique-entry-id-124www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/cc996e33500f5a44f7149fde7bb530e7-124.html#unique-entry-id-124Thank you to all my wonderful students for making Term 1 so much fun. I hope you all enjoy the party tomorrow evening.

Registrations are now open for Term 2 2010. The class timetable remains the same as this term, plus Term 2 is 11 weeks long, so I have chosen to make the choreographies this term suitably challenging!

I wish you all a wonderful Easter Break, and I hope to see a number of you in Tauranga the following weekend at the MEDANZ Festival, for lots of workshops, performances and drumming - bring it on!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-02-18T18:35:36+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/48aad01be439416d90e60718076add2a-122.html#unique-entry-id-122www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/48aad01be439416d90e60718076add2a-122.html#unique-entry-id-122I have created 3 IMix playlists at the bottom of the Resources page that will take you through to the ITunes web site, to play the samples and purchase them online. The first of the IMix playlists is the music I have used to choreography all of the Term 1 dances to. The second playlist is intended for my beginners to practice their new dance moves to, and the last IMix is for the more experienced dance student to get their teeth into. Enjoy.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-02-17T14:56:04+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/baebfc3be81554c7719242a093ee22d1-121.html#unique-entry-id-121www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/baebfc3be81554c7719242a093ee22d1-121.html#unique-entry-id-121Wow, we have quite a number of exciting events happening in and around Auckland right now, I thought I would list a few for you to consider attending:

This coming weekend, the Attar workshops at Tapac are on, door sales for workshops are available I understand, so if you have some free time, why not get along, more info here: http://www.attar.org.nz/

Medance Veil Workshop and Layered Shimmies are on 6 and 27 March, details are here Please note the Layered Shimmies workshop time has changed from 2pm to 1.30pm, just 1/2 and hour earlier.

HaNZon Sunday Drum Club starts 14 March, check the blog entry for 1 Feb 2010 for details.

Vicki will be teaching a 2 hour Bollywood inspired dance workshop in the Stanmore Bay Community Hall, Waiora Road on Saturday 13 March at 2pm, cost is $25.00 per student. Contact me or Vicki for further details

Earlybird discounts for the Akaroa Workshops with Devi Mamak & April Erzetich in June 2010 closes at the end of this month, so if you are planning to attend, contact Tracy & Margy with payment as soon as you can. Details are published here: ATS Workshops

And of course the MEDANZ Festival in Tauranga April 8-11 2010 is fast approaching. Accommodation, workshops, T-shirts, show and hafla tickets should all be prepurchased, and if you are not already a member of MEDANZ, you should join before the festival to be eligible for the Members Discount on workshops. Festival details can be found on their web site here.

I hope you are enjoying being back dancing as much as I am enjoying dancing with you and teaching you my new choreographies! Happy shimmies ladies :-}]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-02-09T11:29:15+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/c24323830598caf981d145808a11b4e8-120.html#unique-entry-id-120www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/c24323830598caf981d145808a11b4e8-120.html#unique-entry-id-120Yes, Term 1 has finally arrived, looking forward to dancing with you all again tonight!]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-02-01T18:50:32+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/8bf140ea64a77ae28b7304dd721dd010-119.html#unique-entry-id-119www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/8bf140ea64a77ae28b7304dd721dd010-119.html#unique-entry-id-119I have added to the Class page the various pieces of music we will be learning choreographies to at the start of Term 1. Each piece is available for download from Itunes at NZ$1.79. I will be posting some Imix links on the resources page shortly, which will include these tracks.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-02-01T17:54:27+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/14330d5ebeb783e34badf010f532c05d-118.html#unique-entry-id-118www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/14330d5ebeb783e34badf010f532c05d-118.html#unique-entry-id-118Sunday Drum Club

Six week hand drumming course with a
Middle Eastern influence

Craig from the HaNZon Percussion Ensemble will introduce you to;

Basic techniques,
How to read a drumming chart
Single finger and split finger styles
Middle Eastern Rhythms with
2 beat cycles – Ayub / Karatchi / Malfuf / Kaligi
4 beat cycles – Maqsum / Saiidi / Heavy Saiidi / Baladi
6 and 8 beat cycles – Cifte teli / Debeke / Chobi
Rhythm ornamentation
Drum “rolls”
Basic frame drumming
Trance drumming
Drumming for a Belly Dancer
Drum solos
Ensemble Compositions.

Bookings are essential as numbers and space are limited
To register or for more information
Phone 021 233 6659 or email drumbeatznz@yahoo.co.nz

$50.00 for 6 weeks or $15.00 per class cash only
A limited number of drums are available for hire for $5.00 per session

Point Chevalier Community Centre, Annex Room,
18 Huia Road, Point Chevalier,
Auckland 1246.
Sundays 2pm – 4pm

Sun 14 March
Sun 21 March
Sun 28 March
Sun 04 April Easter
Sun 11 April No class – will be at MEDANZ
Sun 18 April
Sun 25 April Anzac Day

Hanzon 
Percussion ensemble 
Craig: 021 233 6659
drumbeatznz@yahoo.co.nz
PERCUSSION FOR ALL OCCASIONS ]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2010-01-27T10:56:20+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/1205b8dd6b526d620fe6fc0e6901fd67-117.html#unique-entry-id-117www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/1205b8dd6b526d620fe6fc0e6901fd67-117.html#unique-entry-id-117Angela will be teaching Beginners Belly Dance classes at City Dance (above McDonald's) in Queen Street, starting Monday 8 February at 7.30pm!

Class fees are to be paid directly to City Dance, see their web site for details: City Dance Web Site

NOTE: Medance Membership cards may not be used to pay for these classes.]]>angela@medance.co.nzBlog2009-12-29T15:49:30+13:00www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/2b546012d6599bf7da85a8267ba610d6-116.html#unique-entry-id-116www.medance.co.nz/belly-dance/blog_files/2b546012d6599bf7da85a8267ba610d6-116.html#unique-entry-id-116A new year, and a new decade allows me to introduce some changes to my dance curriculum. Details of the new classes for 2010 are here, and you can register online here. Classes will still run according to the high school terms, and within each term I have included some subject focus and rhythm blocks so that you will know what we plan to study each term.

The Introduction & Level 1 class has been merged and extended to the full term of 8 weeks and will be suitable for those who are have previously completed the Introductory class as well as complete beginners. I have also developed some brand new and funky beginners choreographies to be taught in this class, so if you are new to belly dance, or you don't think you are quite ready for Levels 1 & 2 yet, even if you would just like to refresh the basics, then this is the ideal class for you.

The Level 1 & 2 class has changed to Wednesdays at 6.30pm and takes you to the next step up. We will learn one choreography a term in a different style, sometimes incorporating a veil or cane, increase our skills with our zills/segat, and drill those all important basics movements, and more.

Level 3 also on Wednesday takes you to performance level. Complex movements, rhythm recognition and appropriate zill patterning, challenging choreographies using all kinds of belly dance styles and props, a class for the student with more than 3 years study under her belt!

Level 4, performance training and improvisational skills. This class is split into two different hours to ensure that each student can get maximum benefit from the extensive course content. The first hour will concentrate on technique, complex combinations and improvisation (approximately 20 mins every week - including full dance sets) The second hour will include a Level 4 choreography as well as solo development for each student. Level 4 students may choose to take the first class only or both classes per term. The Choreography/Solo Development class is only open to students taking the Level 4 Technique/Improvisation class.

I have quite a number of new workshops planned for the coming year, as well as some fun restaurant nights, and am introducing a Medance Belly Dance Party and performance night on the last Tuesday of each Term, so that every student can dress up in their best belly dancing costume, watch some dancing, show off what they have been learning during the term, and enjoy some improvisational dance time :-) The first Medance belly dance party will be held on Tuesday 30 March 2010, starting at 7.30pm. All Medance students are welcome, please register here if you will be attending. The final week of the Introduction & Level 1 class will also go ahead on this date.

I am very much looking forward to teaching and dancing with all of my students again in 2010. I look forward to welcoming lots of new students to belly dance, and watching all of my students grow with confidence in their dance, and every aspect of their lives.

Let the dancing begin!]]>