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Zulaika's School of

Middle Eastern Dance

"Zulaika is a masterful and experienced teacher, building from a foundation of warm-ups and strengthening exercises specific to the dance to fun and challenging combinations. She always has a smile on her face and she works very hard to explain the specifics of a movement if we are struggling to get our bodies to do what we want them to do. She has so much experience teaching and performing but brings excitement and enthusiasm to each class. We are very lucky to have her in Seattle!" Deborah

"I've been taking belly dance lessons for over 6 years and I've never enjoyed it more than this year with ZULAIKA. She's a wonderful teacher and makes class a lot of fun. Every class is an exciting adventure--there is always something special. We are so lucky to have her here in the Seattle area as a teacher. See's the one to watch..." Lynn

"Because of Zulaika's wide range of Middle-Eastern dance styles, you'll come away with the knowledge of dances other than just Egyptian cabaret. Zulaika explains specific moves for different dances in a way that everyone really "gets it." This class is excellent for both beginners and advanced dancers." Janis

 

Zulaika is available for dance workshops, private lessons, and coaching.

Contact Zulaika for information and fees: 425-652-6994 or email Zulaika

Belly Dance, or Oriental Dance, is a beautiful feminine art form that develops a strong flexible body,
self-confidence, and emotional well-being. The dance that allows a woman to become comfortable with her body — no matter
her size, shape, or her age.

The Benefits of Belly Dance include:

  • Acceptance of all body types
  • Builds a positive body image
  • Improves posture and flexibility
  • Increased overall physical strength
  • Low impact cardio workout
  • Stress release
  • Builds self confidence
  • Rediscover sensuality
  • Connection with other women
  • Creative
  • A joyous form of self expression

Take a class...
the dance is joyful,
the music captivating.

Articles about the dance:

An Introduction to Belly Dance:
Belly Dance (Raqs Sharqi is Arabic for “Dance of the East” or “Oriental Dance”) is a term for a beautiful feminine dance form from the Middle East. Its movements are thousands of years old.. Click Here to Download (PDF Format)

What are the different Belly Dance Styles:
There are three main styles; folkloric, classical, and contemporary...Click Here to Download (PDF Format)

An Introduction to Middle Eastern Music:
...Simon Shaheen, a contemporary virtuoso on the violin and oud, tells first time listeners to “Think with your voice when you listen to Arab music. It has a linear quality like the voice...
Click Here to Download (PDF Format)

Belly Dance FAQ's for Beginners:
Answers to your questions from what to wear to what to expect... Click Here to Download (PDF Format)

Special Events

Workshop: Veil Choreography
Bellevue Studio, Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 6:30-8:30 PM - $25
Intermediate - Advanced Students: Zulaika will teach a veil dance choreography to a classic Arabic piece, and with an emphasis on musicality. Bring a veil. Choreography notes and music will be provided. To register, see class schedule bellow.

Layali Banat - A Women's Party, FREE
Wednesday, January 4th, 6:30-8:30 PM
South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way, Bellevue
An evening of hospitality, entertainment, & festivity. Bring a snack to share and non-alcoholic beverage of your choice. Enjoy a video history of belly dance, performance, and lesson. Min. age is 13. FFI: SBCC @ 425-452-4240

Layali Banat Flyer (PDF)

 

Belly Dance Classes - 2 locations in Bellevue, WA

Bellevue Studio (BS)
12015 NE 8th St., Suite #3
Bellevue, WA 98005
Plenty of free parking, easy access from I-405.

Location: Directions

South Bellevue Community Center (SBCC)
14509 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA 98006

Location: Directions

Winter Class Schedule:

Class Schedule: Click Here to Download (PDF Format)

Notice: Missed classes cannot be carried over to the next session. No refunds after the first week of the session.

Questions? Contact Zulaika
Class Day & Time Class/Session
Special Workshop: Veil Choreography (BS)

Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 6:30-8:30 PM - $25

Intermediate - Advanced Students: Zulaika will teach a veil dance choreography to a classic Arabic piece, and with an emphasis on musicality. Bring a veil. Choreography notes and music will be provided.

Intermediate Level (BS)

Morning Class


Tuesdays, 9:30-11AM - $18/class, $120/session
8 week session: January 3 - February 21

Intermediate - Advanced Intermediate: Learn advanced movements, variations, combinations, and layering techniques, and how to tailor movements to different rhythms and instruments. This class will also include developing skills in finger cymbals, musical interpretation and improvisation. Hear and dance the music! Bring zills and veil.

Intermediate Level (BS)

Evening Class


Tuesdays, 6:30-8 PM - $18/class, $120/session
8 week session: January 3 - February 21

Intermediate - Advanced Intermediate: Learn advanced movements, variations, combinations, and layering techniques, and how to tailor movements to different rhythms and instruments. This class will also include developing skills in finger cymbals, musical interpretation and improvisation. Hear and dance the music! Bring zills and veil.

Session/Class

Zills & Drills
Intemediate - Advanced Level (BS)


Tuesdays, 8-9 PM - $12/class, $80/session
8 week session: January 3 - February 21

Intermediate-Advance Level class that stresses playing finger cymbals with dance combinations. (finger cymbal experience required)

Class/Session

Beginners (SBCC)


Wednesdays, 5:30-6:20 PM - $60/Res, $72/Non
6 week session: January 18 - February 22

Beginner - Advanced Beginner: Learn basic movements, variations, and combinations. This class will also include learning finger cymbals patterns. Zills are available to use or purchase.

Register online at: MyParksandRecreation.com,
in person, or by phone at:
(425) 452-4240

Zills & Drills
Advanced Beginner - Intermediate Level (SBCC)


Wednesdays, 6:30-7 PM - $36/Res, $43/Non
6 week session: January 18 - February 22

Advance Beginners - Intermediate Level class that stresses playing finger cymbals with dance combinations. (some finger cymbal experience required)

Register online at: MyParksandRecreation.com,
in person, or by phone at:
(425) 452-4240

Intermediate Level (SBCC)


Wednesdays, 7:10-8:00 PM - $72/Res, $86/Non
6 week session: January 18 - February 22

Intermediate - Advanced Intermediate: Learn advanced movements, variations, combinations, and layering techniques, and how to tailor movements to different rhythms and instruments. This class will also include developing skills in finger cymbals, musical interpretation and improvisation. Hear and dance the music! Bring zills and veil.

Register online at: MyParksandRecreation.com,
in person, or by phone at:
(425) 452-4240

Performance Class (SBCC)


Wednesdays, 8:00-8:50 PM - $72/Res, $86/Non
6 week session: January 18 - February 22

Intermediate - Advanced: Take your dance to another level! Students will explore topics such as musical interpretation, improvisation, entrances, choreography, different dance rhythms, drum solos, veil work, and other skills necessary for solo and group performances. Bring zills and veil. (Formerly Veils of the Nile)

Register online at: MyParksandRecreation.com,
in person, or by phone at:
(425) 452-4240

Private Lessons

$50/hour. Contact Zulaika to arrange day, time, and location. (Group rates for 2 or more dancers also available.)

Zulaika will work with you to help you reach your dancing goals: for all level dancers from beginner to professional.

Zulaika's performance videos

Zulaika's study of Middle Eastern dance — from Raqs Sharqi to traditional folkloric styles — spans
over 30 years. In addition to Cassandra Shore, she has studied with, and continues to study with, master teachers nationally and
internationally. The beauty of this dance form is there is always more to learn and inspire you!

Zulaika's passion is teaching this joyous, expressive art form because of the the pleasure it brings to others.
She brings her in-depth training and teaching experience from The Cassandra School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Though she began teaching dance through Minnesota Community Education programs in 1985, it is her experience,
first as a student (1982-2007) and then as a teacher (1997–2007), under Cassandra Shore that inspires her today.
As a teacher at the Cassandra School, Zulaika taught students from beginner through professional levels and specialty topic classes.
She continues to follow the teaching syllabus developed by Cassandra. Zulaika brings to her students articulate instruction,
strong dance technique, along with the expressive, emotive qualities of the dance.

Zulaika Raqs

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