Kiyaana's Blog

Bellydance Holiday Hafla at Byblos 2018

We're back at Byblos in Gainesville, VA on Sunday, December 2 with a great line-up of dancers for the annual Bellydance Holiday Hafla. Call Byblos to make a reservation. We always pack the place! ph. 571-445-3716

Bellydance Music for Practicing

New students often ask where to find music to practice what they have learned in class. Here are some quick links to albums with helpful tracks for students:

50 All Time Greatest Belly Dance Hits
Esmerim
Tablatastic

I struggled with how to title this because all Middle Eastern music can somehow inform you as a dancer, help you learn to listen carefully, and be a tool for "making the music visible." However, sometimes we want to work on specific technique so that the movement flows more easily from our bodies. We gravitate towards specific songs when we want to perfect a travel step, drill a hip pattern, or rev up those shimmies. You can easily find songs, even playlists you YouTube, Spotify, etc. Here are some songs I use in class that you can download to create your own playlists.

Medium tempo
(travel steps, technique drills)
Ya Mnaanaa
Electric Bedouin
Eshtaktillak
Underworld
Oriental Lament
Men Elaila Maak
Daran Akh Daran

Fast tempo (quick drills)
Shouf Il Banat
Ya Ba_Aeen El Hawa Mix
Oyoun Sandra

Slow/Medium tempo (smooth & connected movements or steps)
Love Night (remix of Leylet Hob)
In the Fairground
Gardens of Delight
1001 Ya Leil
Huwaida

Slow tempo (very controlled, slinky movements)
Mazewalking
Aayouch

Shimmy Drills
Stamina
The Captivation
Egyptian Drummer
Ashan battootah
Habbi

Rhythms (one great source: Guy Schalom's Tablatastic album)
Maqsoum
Malfouf
Masmoudi Sogheir
Masmoudi Kebir
Chifte-Telli 8:4
Saeedi 4/4

Upbeat pop songs
Current recommendations will be outdated very quickly, so I recommend searching YouTube and/or Spotify for "arab pop music 2019."

Free Bellydance Fitness Class Oct 13, 2018

 

SIGN UP HERE to reserve your spot in the class. Space is limited.


Yep, I'm offering another FREE class on Oct 13! If you've been curious about my bellydance fitness class at Bodyworks, here's your chance to check it out. Join me on Saturday, Oct 14 at 1 pm.

Space is limited, so sign up here to save your spot in this free class.

Please arrive by 12:45 pm to sign in at the desk. Bodyworks has very convenient parking - right by the door! They have there own parking spaces on the corner of Amelia & Sophia streets. The entrance is back there, too. 

Bring your hipscarf or borrow one from instructor Amy "Kiyaana." Wear work-out clothing such as leggings or yoga pants and a close-fitting top. Dance shoes are optional; some students wear ballet or other dance slippers, others are barefoot.

My regular Bellydance Fitness class meets every Tuesday at Bodyworks in Downtown Fredericksburg. It is always free for members, $10 for non-members. Drop in any night!

New Session Begins July 23

After a short break, Monday night bellydance classes at Dance Fxbg return Monday, July 23. This session runs through August 27. The session rate for all six classes is $72, but you can drop in for $15 per class. Classes will be focusing on technique, combinations, and special topics.
7 pm - Intermediate/Advanced (ask for permission to join this class)
8 pm - Beginners/Advanced Beginners  - perfect for anyone starting from scratch or looking to refine the basics

New Students Sign Up Here