12 Mar, 2010
Award-winning Belly Dancer Cris Provides Fun For Tourists
Posted by: Beach Reporter In: beaches| california| events
What are you doing on your next Santa Barbara vacation? If taking a belly dance class is part of the equation, you are not alone. People travel long distances to learn techniques from the best in their fields, and Cris in Santa Barbara is one such talent who has taught others from around the globe how to belly dance. For $20 you can ride a boat in the bay, watch a movie with popcorn & soda, pay a fee for several wine samplings in Central Coast wine country, or drop in for a course in belly dancing taught by an expert. In addition to teaching you the ropes, she’ll provide you with smiles as you get in shape while visiting this popular beach destination.
You would not question the beauty of Cris, whose closet of dance costumes will put most wardrobes to shame. When you look at her photos from competitions, gigs, and stage performances, you become even more mesmerized with her flowing, dark hair, warm smile, and colorful fabrics that dance under the spotlight on a stage.
There’s belly dancing, and then there’s BELLY DANCER Cris, who offers entry level to advanced courses, teaching how to express yourself to the sound and beat of the music.
Belly dance is a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise suitable for all ages, and is a good exercise for the prevention of osteoporosis in older people. Many of the moves involve isolations, which improves flexibility of the torso. Dancing with the veil can help build strength in the upper-body, arm and shoulders. Playing the zills trains fingers to work independently and builds strength. The legs and long muscles of the back are strengthened by hip movements.
New belly dance classes with Cris! Basimah -see bellydanceland.com for details & to register:
- New beginner and intermediate belly dance classes with Cris! Basimah starting March 31, at 5:45pm and 7pm, at the Gustafson Dance Studio. Register by March 26 and get a free class!
Cris Basimah! Belly Dance Teacher invites you to the beautiful world of middle eastern dance in a fun, supportive, and relaxed environment!
Class Location: Gustafson Dance Studio (Gail Towbes Center for Dance building), 2285 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, California 93105
Fee and Registration: 8-week session - $110; 4-class session - $65; Drop-in - $20/class
Upcoming Session: March 31 - May 19, 2010 - Beginner class: 5:45 - 6:45 pm; Intermediate class: 7 - 8 p.m.
Contact: Call (805) 685-0058, bellydanceland.com
Taqsim (standing and floor work)- This beginner class will introduce the sultry and slow moves performed during a Taqsim, the performance section that is usually improvised by both dancer and musician. Students will learn isolation and undulation techniques for both standing and floor work, as well as a new Middle Eastern rhythm, Chiftitelli, commonly played on Taqsim performances. Finger cymbals (zills or segat) are required. Coin hip scarves will be available for sale in class.
Intermediate “Cabaret Solo” series - Taqsim and Drum Solo - While also working as a group, there will be focus on the slow and melodical Taqsim as well as the fast and percurssive-oriented drum solo. The sword prop will be incorporated into our Taqsim to explore isolations and undulations while learning to balance the sword on your head.
This class intends to help the student develop solo techniques such as stage presence, expression, musicality and dance composition (choreography). Sword and Finger cymbals (zills or segat) are required. Coin hip scarves will be available for sale in class.
