Dances of 1001 Nights™ with Katayoun
The beautiful Art of Middle Eastern Dance teaches grace, flexibility, strength, and coordination which provide many health benefits. Proper technique promotes a healthy posture and muscle conditioning that engages the entire body. It is also a mental activity that reduces stress and nurtures the mind. Middle Eastern dance students of all ages, abilities, sizes and shapes enjoy many opportunities to enrich their lives through social, artistic and cultural adventures.
The sophisticated concepts and techniques derived from Egyptian and Persian arts is the element which sets this program apart. This is a comprehensive yet specialized program that develops from basic exercises to authentic movements, rhythms and combinations. Each class offers a different focus. (Current Class Schedule)
Katayoun performing Egyptian Folkloric dance. Photo by J. Oosthuizen
Katayoun, master instructor and professional performer is available to lead dance workshops throughout the region. Workshops with Katayoun can be arranged for your school or group in Exclusive, Specialty and Intensive topics. In addition, Katayoun teaches age-appropriate classes for children and teens.
Class Descriptions
Middle Eastern Dance Technique & Drills (Ages 13 +)
Improve your skills, maintain fitness, and expand your movement vocabulary while polishing technique with artistry. Each class begins with the fundamentals and progresses to more advanced concepts based on student ability. Drill activities include choreographed sequences and dynamic combinations with infinite variations! Ballet slippers or other flexible dance shoe is highly recommended.
Belly Dance Fitness
Get in shape and have fun! Katayoun leads a total body workout with authentic belly dance movements designed to improve flexibility, strength, and coordination, while promoting a healthy posture. Suitable for all levels and body types.
Persian Dance Fitness
Improve strength, flexibility and a healthy posture with graceful and fluid movements. Each class begins with a moving meditation of the classical postures and positions of Persian dance. Following the technique exercises, steps and combinations are added and stylized for lyrical classical, expressive social and spirited folkloric styles in the context of traditional as well as modern Persian pop music.
Katayoun performing Classical Egyptian dance. Photo by Ben Benoit.
Egyptian Dance Technique & Performance (Ages 17 +)
Develop a strong movement vocabulary while preparing to perform as a soloist on stage with artistry, musicality, and confidence. You will be expected to participate in improvisational dance activities using the concepts of each lesson. Although strict choreography is not taught, choreographic sequences, step variations and essential stage dynamics for the soloist will be explored. Developing your own unique style while capturing the authentic flavor of the dance and music is an integral focus of the course. Bring a veil. Ballet slippers or other flexible dance shoe is highly recommended.
Persian Dance Technique & Performance (Ages 17 +)
Persian dance styles are characterized by upper body fluidity, intricate floor patterns and expressive movements. Practice and improve Persian technique while developing solo performance skills in capturing the essence of Persian dance on stage. Structured improvisation and choreographic sequences are an integral part of the course. Ballet slippers or other flexible dance shoe required.
Katayoun performing Persian Dance Medley. Photo by J. Oosthuizen
NEW!
Middle Eastern Dance, Music, and Cultural Studies
Curriculum-based Exploration
The curriculum program is geared for Mosaïque members dedicated to the study of Middle Eastern Dance as an art form, including individuals who aspire to a professional level, and those currently performing or teaching Middle Eastern or other belly dance styles. The program aims to help students develop all of their talents by tapping into their mental, creative, artistic and physical potential, for the purpose of personal advancement, artistic enrichment and professional development. More info