ShimmyFit! Instructor Training - Mosaïque Center for Language & Cultural Arts

ShimmyFit Instructor Training!

Offered exclusively by Mosaique

Dance and fitness professionals, as well as new and experienced belly dance teachers, are invited to begin or enhance their teaching journey with the ShimmyFit format! If you enjoy sharing the beauty, joy and empowerment of Middle Eastern dance with others, consider becoming a ShimmyFit Certified Instructor.

Benefits of training:

Learn to create your own unique program
Simplify your lesson planning
Expand your repertoire
Enjoy a longer career

Learn more about the ShimmyFit format.

Overview

While new teachers will gain the knowledge, practice and confidence you need to embark on your teaching journey, experienced instructors will have a new format to add to your methodology. The ShimmyFit format will not only enhance your teaching, it will simplify it!

ShimmyFit Instructor Training teaches you how to:

Structure a single class and full session of progressive classes from start to finish
Organize and present your teaching material
Select, organize and compile music suited for instruction
Improve your communication skills
Evaluate your students
Accommodate various abilities and skills levels
Avoid teacher burn-out and HAVE FUN ALL THE TIME!

Mosaique’s ShimmyFit Instructor Training offers organizations the opportunity to create a strong sustainable belly dance program, and instructors a longer career. ShimmyFit instructors can advance through three levels of training and learn about a wide range of dance styles, opening vast sources of inspiration for you and your students. ShimmyFit is easily modified for various levels of ability and intensity. The format can be used to create fun beginner classes as well as challenging classes for the advanced dancer.

In addition to the training courses, ShimmyFit Instructor Workshops help instructors learn how to incorporate their special skills, such as use of props (veil, cane, finger cymbals), floorwork, drum solo, etc., into their classes. The instructor training program offers the tools and resources you need to start and maintain a dynamic program so you and your students continue to thrive!

The ShimmyFit format and Instructor Training program were created by dancer, educator, and Mosaique founder, Katayoun Hutson. Drawing from her expertise in Middle Eastern dance and her extensive teaching experience, she offers a rare and valuable perspective in her role as a mentor, educator and community leader.

Training & Certification

In the training courses, you will learn how to use the ShimmyFit format to teach your own belly dance program. Each 4-hour course includes lecture/discussion, practical, teacher’s guide and final exam/evaluation. In order to receive the certification credential for each level, you will be required to demonstrate your teaching skills using the course content during the final exam and evaluation portion.

Benefits of Certification:

Credibility and marketability as a qualified instructor
Referrals for teaching opportunities
Ongoing support through mentoring and networking with Katayoun and other certified instructors

Courses

ShimmyFit I (Basics) – *Qualified Instructor*

This course teaches you the foundation and formula to teach a ShimmyFit belly dance class. You will learn how to break down movements and steps to six basic rhythms (Ayoub, Balady, Maqsoum, Persian 6/8, Saidi, and Wahda Kabira/Chiftitelli). You will learn how to teach combinations for a full routine, and how to create your first ShimmyFit class. In addition, you will learn to recognize common alignment mistakes and how to correct for aesthetic and safety reasons. You will learn to demonstrate these adjustments and help your students to self-correct.
Certification: One-year ShimmyFit Basics
Prerequisite for certification: 5 years progressive Middle Eastern dance training, or 5 years other dance training plus 2 years of Middle Eastern dance, or completion of a Middle Eastern/belly dance curriculum/certificate program (ie, Mosaique, Suhaila Format, Sahra’s JTE, etc.)
Prerequisite to audit: none.

ShimmyFit II (Communication) – *Confident Instructor*

This is a highly interactive and fun course! This course teaches you how to communicate more effectively with your class, both verbally and non-verbally. Because students watch and mimic every move you make, during this course you will learn how to connect your movements with your words for more effective instruction. This course also helps you understand what your students may be saying (or not saying) through their movements and body language. You will learn about different learning styles and how to modify your approach to reach more learner types. In addition, you will practice and explore descriptive vocabulary to name movements and combinations while imparting cultural knowledge. Drawing from your own experience and listening to other instructors, you will learn how to use the nuances of language and non-verbal communication to create a motivating and fun experience for your students.
Prerequisite: ShimmyFit Basics Certificate
Certification: One-year ShimmyFit Communication

ShimmyFit III (Dynamics) – *Dynamic Instructor*

This course teaches you how to create variations of the basics for different performance and regional styles as well as various levels of ability and intensity. You will learn movements and steps for 4 dynamic rhythms (Fellahi, Khaleejy, Masmoudi and 3/4 time). You will learn how to create fun drills that are interesting and challenging, yet easy for students to follow. You will learn how to keep your focus on your students and recognize when and how to modify your lesson for different skill levels or to accommodate students with injuries. In order to maintain your certification, you must continue your Middle Eastern/belly dance training with at least eight hours of advanced level, intensive or specialty instruction per year, which may include ShimmyFit Instructor Workshops.
Prerequisite: ShimmyFit Communication Certificate
Certification: ShimmyFit Dynamics

Space is limited to four certification students and four audit students per training date. Audit spaces will open when certificate spaces are filled, or two days prior to training date, whichever comes first.

Training courses are available for scheduling beginning in 2012 throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Check the current class schedule for an upcoming training course. If you would like to host a training course in your area, contact Katayoun.