About
Currently as of end of March and due to the current "Corona virus pandemic and the "shelter in place" orders, I am now offering virtual classes on line. This has been working quite well so far.
I am offering some free classes as well to sample. In addition, I am offering stretch classes. I do add some stretching to the end of my dance classes when times allows or upon request if a private session.
However, you must contact me directly via email or text with your full name in order to register for a free online class. You also must set up a free Zoom.us account. I can then keep you apprised as to my schedule of free offerings and paid group class offerings as well. Once you express interest for the free class or pay for a class, I will send you the appropriate invite, links, etc. to enter the class. I do want to speak via telephone, before taking on any new students. I like to get a little background and basic health status, injuries, etc. I want all classes to be as secure as possible.
After your free sample class, my prices vary depending on length of time. Prices for 1 student range from $45 & up. Each friend you add to join your private class is an additional $10, which will allow you all to then split the total, creating a bigger savings with each added student.
I will also be getting some group classes going for far less than you would other wise pay. In some instances, depending on your current financial status, classes may be as low as $5.
Contact me at [email protected] if you want to try a free class. Please provide your phone # in your email so I can contact you.
Once we are out of danger and all orders lifted, I will offer private and semi-private lessons once again in my very nicely decorated home dance studio with laminated wood floors.
At that time, classes can be at my space or yours. There is an additional charge if I travel to you, however. My private classes are typically 1.5 hours instead of the usual 1 hour, but I do offer 1 hour classes as well. More can be accomplished and you will get a better workout as well if you schedule 1.5 hour classes.
I love Middle Eastern dance and music. The movements are so natural for a woman while being low impact, easy on the joints and organs, and help one gain strength, balance, and flexibility. This is the most natural and sensual form of dance a women can do. A form of exercise that you can grow old with as well.
I love sharing this dance for both it's artistry and the healthy lifestyle it encourages. Building muscles where you want them and strengthening the core for better postural alignment helps to protect you from injury. Unlike many other styles of dance, this can be practiced and even performed into ones 80's. You don't have to give it up upon retirement. Like swimming, you can enjoy it for a lifetime. Great for preventing falls later in life. Women often fall and break hips. I'd rather shake hips than break hips.
I have been teaching since 1998 and actively dancing since 1995. I started using my martial arts studio to teach classes on Sundays and rented many studios to hold my own classes. I also taught adult ed classes for beginners and intermediate at Tequesta Trace in Weston and Summer Youth College at Palm Beach Community College. I have taught classes at numerous private dance studios over the years as well, Evolution Dance, MJM Dance, AAA Dance Studio, Elite International Dance, Lady of America, Westin Athletic Club, Dancers Dream, University Center for Performing Arts, Goddess Store & Studio, Yello and many more.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to talk to the student about what they hope to accomplish. Some may just be looking for a fun form of exercise; some may want to learn a routine to perform for an upcoming event (I teach choreography, whether you want something new or to learn one already composed); others want to try a new dance style; and others may want gain self-confidence so they feel comfortable dancing in public, etc. I can accommodate, whatever your needs are for this style of dance.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been certified as an ISSA personal trainer and in fitness nutrition. I am not currently certified and don't work as a personal trainer. I am a life long learner and like to know as much as I can with regards to health and fitness.
I was a gymnast for years growing up and I also have a back ground in baton twirling. Therefore, I did use to perform fire baton, using my skills learned as a kid.
I have been certified in Zumba in the past. However, since not teaching those classes I let it lapse. due the the expense of retaining it. I am working on continuing my Yoga Fit certifications online, in light of current events.
I have always liked to incorporate fitness and stretching into my dance classes whenever possible and as time allows. I also encourage healthy eating habits to sustain the energy you need for your classes and everyday life.
When training or practicing any form of exercise, it is important to be sure you are getting the proper micronutrients in your diet. You will likely start to crave healthier food choices once you start classes.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$45/1 hr or $50/1.5 hr (1 student)
$50/1 hr or $60/1.5 hr (2 students)
$60/hr or $70/1 hr (3 students)
$70/hr or $80/1 hr (4 students)
$90 total for a 1.5 hour, privately scheduled, small, group class of 5-6 students)
These prices are for teaching at my home studio in Hollywood once the Pandemic is over. These prices also pertain to my virtual online classes. Please email me to inquire or schedule your cllass today. Physical location about 1 mile from I-95 & Sheridan St. in Hollywood.
If I come to you there will be an additional fee of $15-$40 depending on location, # of students and how many items I need to bring to conduct class, depends on your request at time of scheduling.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at the encouragement of my teacher at the time, Maja, back in 1998. She also encouraged me to start performing and got me my first gig dancing in a restauarant. I took my first class with Kamila via adult education at Piper High School back in 1995. I was hooked from the start and never stopped dancing and added classes as soon as more became available.
I have also studied with Aziza of Montreal, Virginia, Bozenka, Dahlal, Hanan, Samay, Ilsa originally from MED Miami, Jillina of and Suhaila Salimpour (Ca), Jihan Jamal, Myriam Eli and many more over the years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages, 5-80. I have taught group classes for adults, adults and teens combined, teenagers and children 5-7 years. I also taught belly dance and Polynesian to kids age 8-14 at the Palm Beach Summer Youth College. These were rather large classes at the college and a variety of ages and abilities, most with no dance background.
I have taught adults in senior group classes at Sunrise Senior Center, the City of Ft. Lauderdale and most recently classes at Environmental Cultural Center in Inverarry.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently went to the Asian Culture Festival at the Fruit & Orchid park in Homestead. They had a variety of art, crafts, food, and entertainment. I mostly enjoyed the lush green landscaping and dance on the mainstage. They had Iranian dances and I knew some of the performers. They also had Indian dance, Thai dance and Japanese Taiko drumming. I was too late to see the belly dancer but highly recommend that you go in the future if possible. I also enjoyed the Ft. Lauderdale Polynesian Festival the week before. Saw lots of dance, poi, drumming and fire knife dancing. Another one to check out next year if you can.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If I were a student, I would look for a teacher who is willing to consider my needs and abilities and is able to modify what and how they teach to suit how I learn. Some learn by seeing and others but counting and calling out cues. If you are getting private lessons this is so important.
When in a group class teachers often have to default to the majority of students while having the good sense to watch students and see who needs more personalized assistance by going over and correcting or explaining something in a way that student understands. Realize that you will not get everything on the first try. It only gets easier and with each class you will improve if you practice on your own as well. This is very important.
I try to avoid teachers who just want to dance for themselves while ignoring the needs of students and those who have a Diva personality or are unwilling to modify teaching methods to better help students learn.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
You want to discuss any health issues or injuries you may have. Are you in proper health to pursue dance classes and do you want something that includes fitness and cardio or just technique and combos? What do you hope to accomplish? Is the teacher available to offer consistent classes so you can meet your goals and needs? What will the classes consist of and any special requests you might have like "I want to learn a choreography to perform at my friends birthday party" can you teach me a dance or do you have something already that you can teach and I can perform?
Also how long they have been teaching and what levels do they teach? If you start with a teacher who has limited knowledge or teaching abilities and only teaches beginners, you should know this. Students may already have the basics down really well and want to improve technique and learn combos. In that case, you need the right teacher. You may want to know if she teaches various props in case that is something you want to explore. If you want fitness included in your class that should be brought up as well. You may want to ask who they studied with and what styles they teach if you are looking for something more specific such as tribal fusion, for example.