OMEDS Bellydance Classes

This page gives an outline of what will be covered in each of our classes in a term, and we hope that it will help you to decide which class is right for you. If you still aren't sure which class you should be in after reading this, please get in touch with us (secretary@omeds.org.uk) and we will be happy to advise you.

Beginners

In this class we will teach the basic movements and posture which are the foundation of Middle Eastern dance, as well as a few simple combinations. It is suitable for those with no previous experience, but those of you who have attended the Beginners class previously are welcome to join it again to practice and improve your style. The beginners class will cover the same core techniques each term, and we recommend that you keep attending the beginners class until you are completely comfortable with all of them.

Improvers

This class is the next level after Beginners, and is suitable for students who have attended at least one term of OMEDS beginners classes. We will look at combining movements, moving smoothly from one move to another, and improving technique. The improvers class will also often include learning a choreography, which students will have the chance to perform if they wish. Many students choose to attend both beginners and improvers classes for a while, in order to continue to perfect their basic technique.

Intermediates

In the intermediate class, we will concentrate on more advanced movements and performance technique (although there is no obligation to perform). The class will include both improvisation and choreography, as well as practice in creating one's own choreographies. Musical interpretation will be the theme of this term's classes as students will learn to identify and dance to a range of rhythms and musical styles--slow and fast, traditional and modern, Khaleegi, Lebanese, Egyptian and Turkish. This class is suitable for those who have been taking regular Middle Eastern dance classes for over two years.

American Tribal Style (ATS)

Tribal belly dance borrows heavily from Indian Khatak, Flamenco and Romany tradition. It is an improvisational dance form, in which dancers follow cues from a leader to create unique choreographies. It has a wonderful earthy feel and is a great way to learn how to dance with a group. It was developed by the FatChanceBellyDance troupe in America, and as such is not an authentic Middle Eastern dance form although the movements and costuming have a ‘traditional’ feel. The OMEDS class teaches American Tribal Style dance as taught by FatChanceBellyDance, however there are also other styles of tribal bellydance known collectively as 'Improvisational Tribal Style'.

Our tribal classes are suitable for anybody who has attended at least one term of OMEDS beginners classes.

Interested in attending our classes? See our term dates and timetable for more information.