Class Schedule Winter/Spring 2024

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Location: Atlanta Fusion Studios, 5522 New Peachtree Road Suite 111, Chamblee, GA, United States, 30341

Absolute Beginner Belly Dance Tuesdays @ 5:30pm
Ongoing
Have you ever seen a belly dancer and thought, how on earth does she move that way? Join Aziza Nawal to learn all the basics of belly dance. This class is perfect for those with no dance or belly dance experience to learn the basics of bellydance and get a great workout in! No experience required and drop ins welcome.

Belly Dance Foundations Tuesdays @ 6:30pm
Ongoing
This class focuses Middle Eastern Dance fundamentals and is suitable for most levels including novice beginners with some previous experience in belly dance. Each class will include a warm up and stretch followed by focused instruction on key movements used in belly dance to improve technique and boost confidence. Please bring a yoga mat or towel.

NEW Starting February 20 – Finger Cymbal Technique Tuesdays @ 7:30pm
This class will focus on technique, rhythm and movement while playing finger cymbals. Beginners are welcome! There will be some finger cymbals available to borrow in class, however, you are encouraged to purchase your own.

Previous class offerings:

Hardcore Belly Dance Technique

Aziza Nawal’s next Hardcore class session keeps you moving! Prepare to sweat as this class is packed with drills, combos. Get a work out and improve your performance skills with technique founded in the Belly Dance Evolution style.

More info and Registraion

Perform with Banat Nawal

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Already enrolled in dance classes and want to take it to the next level? Want to be a part of a commmunity of like minded individuals with a passion for music and movement? Want to show off for your friends? Whatever motivates you, consider performing with my student troupe Banat Nawal.

Banat Nawal
Aziza Nawal and Banat Nawal at 7 Stages Theatre

Banat Nawal consists of any level student of Aziza Nawal who possesses a working knowledge of Middle Eastern dance essentials, regularly attends class, rehearsals and participates in selected performances with the group. 

Being a part of this troupe is dependent on your commitment to rehearsals and class. Performance opportunities include festivals and studio sponsored shows.

Below are new choreography classes beginning April 2, 2024 and lasting 8 weeks – the show will be in June (TBA).

Absolute Beginner Choreo @ 5:30pm: This is a full package experience on your journey in belly dance. You will learn the technique and step combination for a wonderful choreography that will be performed at the sudio anniversary show happening in June. You will get tips on how to create your own costume, as well as makeup tips for the stage. Attendance in all classes and rehearsals is required to be eligible to perform.

Sword Chroeograpy @ 7:30pm: In this class you will learn how to use the sword in performance of this sultry and sleek choreography to be performed at the sudio anniversary show happening in June. This is a mixed level class that will also incorporate finger cymbals in warm ups. If you do not own a sword or finger cymbals, there will be some available for you to borrow in class. Attendance in all classes and rehearsals is required to be eligible to perform.

Finger Cymbals and Raqs Sharki

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What are Finger Cymbals?

Finger Cymbals have been an integral part of a Raqs Sharki (belly dance) performance for decades and perhaps longer.

Known as Sagat in Egypt and Zills in Turkey, these magnificent percussion instruments provide a unique musical accompaniment for a dancer. They can be used with live music, recorded music and even acapella. For American dancers, the use of finger cymbals was a requirement when this dance was featured in the night clubs in places like New York and San Francisco where there was a major influx of Middle Eastern, Greek, and Armenian cultures during the 60’s and 70’s. This even carried through to the 80’s and beyond.

How can I learn to play?

There are a number of class offerings available thru March 2024 at Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance Studios – my class is on Tuesdays at 7:30pm and Majda Anwar teaches a class on Sundays – check out atlantafusionbellydance.com for more information.

If you are not in the Atlanta area – there are likely class offerings in your area or you can look into classes online.

Where can I purchase Finger Cymbals?

I have a few recommendations for great finger cymbals. It is important to get good quality cymbals that will provide a clear sound, have the right dimension and weight for your hands. Below are vendors that I have personally bought from over the years.

Turquoise International – I use the Size B Oriental – 2 ½” but there are many other options and a varity of sizes.

Saroyan Cymbals – a plethora of options here. Very high quality! I have used Afghani style, Saroyan Pro, and Arabesque II. These are fairly expensive but worth it!

Suhaila Cymbals – these are actually made by Turquoise International specially for Suhaila. They come in 3 sizes.

How long will it take to learn?

First, be patient. It will take as long as it takes. There is no formula for how long it will take to get good at playing finger cymbals. The same can be said for learning Raqs Sharki (belly dance). It takes dedication and a lot of practice – focus on the journey rather than the destination.