Dance, girl, dance

My girl friends in West Seattle know I've returned to belly dance class, since I tried to recruit them (any one of them - this was their chance!) to join me in a class - or three. I am actually taking 3 different classes from 3 different instructors on 3 different nights. A sure-fire way to get a good workout, and also find the best teacher.

Noor, my Monday night teacher, is pictured above on the far right. I took this picture of her troupe, Fleurs d'Egypte, performing at The Great Bellydance Show at the NW Folklife Festival last night. I was in the very front row.


A dancer performed with "Isis wings". It was a beautiful dance.

Tamalyn Dallal performed.


Nalini, of Russia, was a special guest.
The finale, performed by Troupe Raks Awalim of Portland, included sword dancing, a candelabra, and two sets of Isis wings.
When searching for a belly dance class I discovered there are actually three different belly dance classes being held in West Seattle. It’s been a few years since I danced, but it’s time to get back to some sort of regular exercise and I have not managed to get fired up over yoga for some reason. I think those downward facing dog poses are just too much for my rheumatoid arms, still, so I am not real motivated.

My friend Connie, from dog therapy visits at Lifecare Center, has joined me at the Monday night class with Noor. My friend Kate, whom I met on a tour of Daystar Retirement Village, was going to bring a friend to the Wednesday night class, but was a no-show this last week (first class) so I will have to check with her and see what happened because it is not too late to join! My friend Chloe, who I met in belly dance class about 5 years ago, is moving back to West Seattle (from Queen Anne) and may join me in the Hiawatha class at the end of June.

Leslie Rosen, the Wednesday class, is the best instructor. I look forward to advancing my skills with additional training in future months.

Egyptian Bellydance
Monday nights at 8 PM – session started 5/21
($60 for 6 classes)
Noor http://www.raksalnoor.com/html/instruction.htm
At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Delridge http://youngstownarts.org/contact_us/driving_directions

Beginning Bellydance Toolbox
Wednesday nights at 6 PM – session started 5/23
($60 for 6 classes)
Leslie Rosen http://www.leslierosen.com/html/index.html
At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Delridge http://youngstownarts.org/contact_us/driving_directions

Middle Eastern Dance
Thursday nights - beginners at 6:30, intermediate at 7:30 (this class is mid-session. A new session begins June 21st )
($60 for 10 classes)
Sian of The Babylonian Ensemble (hosts of MedFest) http://www.babylonianensemble.com/
At Hiawatha Community Center in Admiral District http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/Hiawatha.htm