Dear Dancers

Happy new year ladies! Let’s celebrate by belly dancing every day! We are looking forward to a very busy schedule at VDP Studios. We have classes, performances and workshops with local and guest teachers planned all the way through to the Solstice Parade in June. It’s all being worked on by our web master as we breath and dance. We also are planning our next 10 day Visionary Belly Dance Retreat in Hawaii for January 2008 . The details and registration will be open in February 2007 with a easy time payment plan so you all can make a dream reality in your life! So much fun!

We are trying to get saturday classes happening, so we are offering a bunch of new workshops on the schedule. They are taught by different instructors; starting in January and going through March. Some will include really cool DVD and video discount perks.

A workshop is a longer style class. If you have a long commute, it’s well worth the savings on gas. They are great for more in depth study of particular aspects of the dance. Tell your friends. A saturday or sunday intensive belly dance workshop maybe just the hook they need to fall in love with belly dance as much as you!

Delilah’s Belly Dance Workshop Classroom Series Saturday 10:30-1:30 (usually) Three-hour workshops in which each participant will have an opportunity to buy a corresponding 3-hour DVD for half price! You can work out with the DVD over and over again. It’s like having Delilah at home!

Cost: $50 for each three-hour classroom course

EXTRA PERK Don’t forget! Sign up before the end of January for any four of the ten Saturday Belly Dance Workshop series and as a reward you will receive your choice of any DVD or video for free. Our way of saying, "Thank you" for your support and we are glad you are enjoying the dance!

Go to the Bellydance Workshop Page

Continue down this page for weekly class series details

Go to our calendar-at-a-glance for broad view

Weight Belts

Rent or Buy a Belt

If you do not have a weight belt we have plenty for sale here. If you want to give it a try before you buy one, or you accidentally leave yours at home, we have a limited amount to rent for $5 per class (keep in mind they are heavy so we cannot provide each student with one. First come first serve.

If you want to make an appointment to come in and have a free weight belt demonstration before class or on a different day and time, call (206) 632-1906. One of us will be glad to spend time with you: Erik, Laura Rose, or Delilah.

The Class History

The summer of 2003 the first Power Belly Course was offered for 4 weeks before Delilah went on her 40 Days and 40 Nights East Coast Tour. Dancers loved it with or without weight belts, but for those who used weight belts, the results were amazing! We saw waistlines manifest. Dancers lost weight, inches, and got incredibly strong. So, we are going to do it again. Now we are proud to announce that the Power Belly Class is one of our most popular classes we offer. Jeannette, who attends both Tuesday and Thursday class gets the award for 'Most Enthusiastic'! She told me the other day that she has not missed one class since that summer in 2003!

When we opened VDP Studio in 2004 we added the element of live music by Erik Brown; percussion, bass, migwiz, didgeridoo and found sounds as accompaniment to our courses. The live element gives us an added dimension to the total feeling of involvement in the dance. This is also the goal of Power Belly–– to move from the gut! We strive to engage the dancer emotionally through the discovery of the power in her belly!

Tuesday Power Belly 2008

Summer School Tuesdays (10 Classes)

We are happy to announce that "Power Belly" is our most popular class! Guided by Delilah with live music by Erik Brown.

Summer School
Time: 6:30-7:30
Dates: July 1,8,15, 22, 29 Aug 5,12,19, 26
Sept 1

Cost per 10 class session: $140 day of class
$130 with 3 day advance registration
or single drop in $18, Cash $20 Check

Rental weight belts available $5

Special Perk Sign up for both Tuesday and Thursday Summer School and receive a Free Instructional DVD $50 Value!

Thursday Power Belly 2008

Summer School Thursdays (10 Classes)

We are happy to announce that "Power Belly" is our most popular class! Guided by Delilah with live music by Erik Brown.

Summer School
Time: 6:30-7:30
Dates: July 3,10,17, 24, 31 Aug 7, 14, 21, 28,
Sept 4

Cost per 10 class session: $140 day of class
$130 with 3 day advance registration
or single drop in $18 cash, $20 Check

Rent weight belts available $5

Special Perk Sign up for both Tuesday and Thursday Summer School and receive a Free Instructional DVD $50 Value!

2008 - Happy New Year!
2 Special Power Belly Holiday Burns!
2 hours each class!

Tuesday, Jan 8th and/or Thursday, Jan 10th
6:15 - 8:15 PM

$25 each in advance
$30 at the door
Delilah and live music accompaniment by Erik Brown with Special Guest Sallah Ali on Violin.

Lots of belly work, stretching, and sweat!

See you Tuesday, Feb 5th and/or Thursday Feb 7th for the next regular 2008 Power Belly Series.

Coming Soon! • Seattle Join Delilah for the

Complete Power Belly Workshop Training.

For dancers in and out of town. There are hotels close by for out-of-town dancers that we can recommend. Enjoy the Seattle Belly Dance Night Life!
[more information]

For good basic alignment, review Delilah's Student Notebook

Day Time Belly Dance Smorgasbord

TUESDAY Morning classes with a mix of top Seattle belly dance instructors—Delilah, Dahlia Moon and/or Laura Rose and others

Time:10 AM - 11:15

We have been offering Tuesday 10 am classes called Smorgasbord because of the rotation of instructors. Delilah, Dahlia Moon, and Laura Rose . . . They have become quite popular so we will continue them through the fall.

Tuesday Dates: Back in Spring!

$15 drop in

New series begins: TBA

6 classes 75 min each (we often go over).

Cost: $85 or save, $75 with 5 day advance registration

Thursday Dates: Back in Spring!

$15 drop in

New series begns: TBA

6 classes 75 min each (we often go over).

Cost: $85 or save, $75 with 5 day advance registration

Special: Both Tuesday and Thursday classes with 5 day advance registration $140

NOTE: there are no make-ups or switching of dates the instructors are paid for the enrollment. Drop In fee is $18 (cash please)

Beginning Belly Dance Clinic with Christine Hamby

Open to all levels, great after school resource for college and high school students. This is a great opportunity to experience belly dance in a small intimate class. She is very patient and encouraging! Work on your techniques, alignment and belly dance culture.

Time: 3:15 to 4:30pm

Dates: Apr 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 June 4
drop-ins welcome $15 cash please

Next Session starts: TBA

Time: 3:15 to 4:30pm

Dates: TBA

Drop-ins welcome! $15 cash per class
-or -
Discount for the rest of the classes in 2008
   $60 for all 6 classes
  

Location and Registration: To register for these classes, download a registration form and send with your check to VPD Studio, or just drop by.
VDP Studio
4128 Fremont Ave
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 632-1906
(206) 632-2353
A new series will begins January 30th, 2008

Christine Hamby has been diligently studying belly dance from tribal, and American Classical perspectives for over 10 years with Zanbaka, Delilah and more. She is a regular dancer in many of the Visionary Dancer projects such as Solstice events and Garden of Allah

"Giving Thanks to a Woman's Body "

Annual Thanksgiving Morning Belly Dance with Delilah and friends

10:30-12:00 (1 1/2 hours) workshop.

Our Bodies are our temples and this is the day we give thanks for being a woman. Woman=Vessel=Body=Earth
We shall honor her with beauty, reverance, and care on this day of feeding and feasting. Belly dance is the perfect celebration. Bring something to share; a poem, a thought, a quote, or a wish for the world and our global family.

All are welcome. Male or female, anyone over the age of 12.
LIVE MUSIC by Erik Brown and members of House of Tarab
Put the turkey in the oven and come belly dance!

The Bellydance Routine with Tamalyn Dallal

About Tamalyn Dallal:

Impassioned with Middle Eastern dance, music, and culture from an early age, Tamalyn Dallal sees belly dance as the ultimate feminine expression, embracing every woman’s unique beauty. To her, this dance is ever-growing and changing with the world around it, assimilating influences from every culture it touches.

Tamalyn Dallal has bellydanced since 1976 and taught the art of Middle Eastern dance in many parts of the world. She was part of the original "Belly Dance Superstars", and is featured on the CD and DVD with that name from Ark 21 records (Miles Copeland). Some of her proteges include the current Bellydance Superstars Bozenka and Amar Gamal.

She will just be in Seattle for the Holidays and then she is back on the road with her documentary "Forty Days and Forty Nights". Support her on her amazing artistic world dance journey and book project by taking her class and buying her great new CD.

Private Classroom

An organization has hired Delilah to teach belly dance for a series of private group class. If you would like to start your own group class or with all your friends, co workers, club or association call or e-mail Delilah about rates and availability. Day times or evenings are available. Fun Birthday party idea too.

Also private lessons for all levels are available with Delilah and other teachers.

What’s not to love about belly dancing with fire? I combine over ten years of belly dance training with fire performance to create a fusion that is sensual, powerful and beautiful. My dance is inspired by the images and archetypes of Eastern religion as well as Middle Eastern and Classical Indian dance. After completing my BA in Medical Anthropology with a minor in Ceramics at UMass Amherst, I hit the road teaching, studying and traveling. It took three action packed years in the Far East and Southeast Asia to finish that part of life's adventure. A proud native of the great state of Maine, I will be making my home here in Seattle until the circus comes to town.

It’s my honor to share my love of dance with Kaori and Ellen. They are goddesses of the winds and earth. Our differences are our strengths.

I can also be seen in performance with Pyrosutra and the stiltwalking fire troupe Birds of Paradise.
Visit my website for more pictures, video and info: LeslieRosen.com
www.pyrosutra.com
www.firebirdsofparadise.com

Let us know if you would like to perform in the demonstration!

Each class includes a performance.

Veil Dance with Delilah

Bring a three-yard veil and learn with Delilah. Or we have veils for you to borrow. Learn beautiful veil wraps, spins and techniques.
Also learn Delilah's Gypsy 9/8 veil. Soon to be released on a DVD.

"Veil Dance"

Monday Night

Improve grace, balance and spread your wings. Dancing with a veil is the closest one comes to flying.
Class 1. Veiling, whirling and unveiling
Class 2. Wraps tucks and flourishes
Class 3. Dance 9/8 Gypsy veil and other tempos

Dates: TBA

Time: TBA

Cost: TBA

We have veils for you to borrow.

Belly Dancing During Pregnancy

Delilah presents:

Belly Dance for the Pregnant Women!

Coming Soon (6 weeks)

This class is for all women.

Absolute beginning dancers, experienced dancers, belly dance instructors, midwives, dulas, doctors. Pregnant or not and in all phases of pregnancy. (Maybe you are just trying to get pregnant and you hope by hanging out with a bunch of pregnant women it'll be contagious!) Any woman who is sincerely interested in the subject may join this class.

Belly Dancing During Pregnancy is an experiential class aimed at enhancing women's individual experience of pregnancy as well as her relationship to the birthing process and creative identification. Classes on belly dance and pregnancy are a very rare bird anywhere in the world. These are the first classes offered of this kind at VDP studios.

This is more than a physical movement class. Through the medium of the worlds oldest dance we will access wordless expressions that arise for each woman during this miraculous time in her life. We will be pioneers in exploring and furthering the relationship between belly dance and pregnancy by way of journaling, discussing and the chronicles of individual journeys.

"Belly dance is the most powerful thing a woman can do for her self!"

Delilah could be heard repeating all day long in the Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2005.

"I began an amazing journey when I preformed for a conference of regional family planners in my second trimester 20 years ago. It changed my life. I embraced the beauty of the goddess within me as I masqueraded as Isis the Great Mother for my entire pregnancy. It's implications were far reaching. Women came to me with tears in their eyes and said they wished they had experienced this dance during their own pregnancy. They wished for their daughters to have the chance to experience it too. I knew what they meant because this was my second pregnancy, and even though belly dance was my life, I didn't see how clearly important it was during my first. Like these women I felt a bit awkward or invisible to our culture during a time of the most miraculous female life experience!" excerpt from Delilah's interview on the Dance to the Great Mother video.

While this class is a 6 week course, the plan is to later offer continuing weekly courses or monthly workshops for the entire year.

Resource articles

Belly Dancing as Birth Dance: Dance to the Great Mother

Dance to the Great Mother A Video Review By Shira

Belly Dancing & Pregnancy

Divine Mother Poem by Mirayah Delamar

Class limited to 24

This class is for all women.

Absolute beginning dancers, experienced dancers, belly dance instructors, midwives, dulas, doctors. Pregnant or not and in all phases of pregnancy. (Maybe you are just trying to get pregnant)

"Absolute Beginning Introduction Class" (6 weeks)

Monday Night 6:00pm - 7:30pm (90 minutes)

Dates:
(Intermediate dancers are also welcome!)

Cost:
Drop-in:

We will go over a different subject each week:
1. Alignment
2. Shimmy shakes and quakes
3. Slow dance and finger cymbals
4. Fast combinations
5. Belly moves and snake dance
6. Veil Dance
7. Drum solo and pops and locks
8. Review and routines

Beginning/Intermediate Class (8 weeks)

Tuesday Night 7:15 - 8:15 (60 minutes)

Dates:

Cost:

We will go over a different subject each week:
1. Alignment
2. Shimmy shakes and quakes
3. Slow dance and finger cymbals
4. Fast combinations
5. Belly moves and snake dance
6. Veil Dance
7. Drum solo and pops and locks
8. Review and routines

"Beginning Morning Classes"(4 weeks)

Tuesday Mornings 9:30 - 10:40am (70 minutes)

Dates:

Cost:

Thursday Mornings 10:30 - 11:40am (70 minutes)

Dates:

Cost:

We are trying to offer morning belly dance classes for
those who have their mornings available. We are
experimenting with times so we have two morning
classes at different hours. We will start off with
beginning and see if we can build these classes.

For both Tuesday and Thursday $100 or $90 (3 day
advance)
Sorry, but we do not have space for day care.

"Beginning Introduction Class" (10 weeks)

Similar to Mondays Beginning class but will be moving a little faster and so it will be aimed for intermediates as well.

Time: 7:45-8:45 60 min class
Dates: TBA
Cost: TBA

Special Deal!
We will offer all merchandise this fall at 5% off to students that are registered in class.

Beginning Belly Dance with Delilah for Students and Teachers

New Tuesday Series
TIME: 7:15–8:15 with Delilah and Staff
DATES: TBA
COST:
Students $75 (7:15-8:15) 60 Minutes
Teachers $120 (7:15-8:45) 90 minutes or longer Includes discussion and critique after practical class on teaching goals and skills.

The subject is "Beginning Bellydance"

Want to learn and want to learn to be a good teacher?

Some of these classes will have student teachers assisting and teaching along side of Delilah. This is always a really rich experience for students because it’s like each student gets their own teacher.

Use registration form and register as "teacher" or "student".

Beginning - Intermediate class with Delilah

The beginning stage of learning to belly dance takes 6 months to a year. Delilah rotates the material covered in this course all the time. Dancers often ask if they should take this 6 weeks class again or go to another. Yes! Keep taking this class or any other beginning or intermediate class. The 6-week series is just for financial management and in no way applies to a finished education. In this class, beginning students will be asked to sit and watch the intermediate students at times. We have found that it is important for students to stop moving and carefully observe each other. This way, they understand the mechanics of the dance more clearly...

Monday Night

Time:

The first half hour is devoted to alignment, core balance and goals for beginners. The second half hour is dedicated to isolation drills for beginners and intermediates. The final half hour will be aimed at challenging the dancers with combination dance sets

Cost

Session A

Dates: TBA

For a good work out join power belly Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Drop ins $18 for a 60 min class-$20 for a 90 min class if there is space. This depends on registration.

WHAT FUN - The Pyramid Lounge

Pyramid Lounge Belly Dance Show 8:00- 9:30
Join us for an entertaining evening at the High Dive in Fremont.
Good food, good drinks, must be over 21

Sponsored by Raqs Serpentine.

DATES:First Monday of each Month.

• January 8, Free
• March 5th Special Anniversary show $20
  Featuring Tamalyn Dallal, Delilah and live music by House of Tarab
  Tickets:$20 tickets though Brown Paper Tickets.
• March 5 Free
• April 2 Free
• May 7 Free

"Classical Arabic Belly Dance" (4 week session)

Tuesday Night

This class is about music appreciation. Each week we will introduce a different Arabic composer. We will learn about the evolution of belly dance music, the structures of rhythms, and the finesse of the Middle Eastern belly-dance. Not a beginning class, but good for anyone seriously interested in the spirit of the dance.

Time: TBA

Dates:TBA

Cost: TBA

Rhythm of the Belly Dance

Intermediate to Advanced Level Workshop (a must for all inspired dancers)
Zills (finger cymbals) and Rhythm Training

Delilah & Erik Brown

In this class, we will learn basic zill patterns and techniques with Delilah, and combine them with combination steps danced to live music.

The second part of the class will be taught by Erik Brown, who will explain and demonstrate the most popular belly dance rhythms, the various other percussion instruments and lock them into the music. Dancers will have hands on drum experience. Some drums will be provided, but please bring your own if you have one.

Zills are required.

See more about Middle Eastern drumming and drummers on VDP Drum Page

Cultivating the Performer

It’s traditional at VDP studio for Thursday nights to be dedicated to the cultivation of the belly dance performance artist rather than a belly dance technician. We will work on standard techniques from time to time, but we will call on more emotion and creativity from the individual dancer. Awareness is key. Strength, accessibility and courage come next. This class will stretch your mind as well as your body. Class is scheduled for 7:45–9:00 pm but may run longer on some nights.

Each week there will be a group warm-up dance exercise for 10- 20 minutes, then we move into beyond dance moves and into the schooling of performance techniques. Class members are dancers and audience for each other. Be prepared to start the first class by introducing yourself through a 3-5 minute prepared dance in costume and make-up. Costumes are part of the creative experience of performance.

In this class we will listen and explore all sorts of music and belly dance with it. Exercises will explore dynamics and floor design usage. NOTE; In this class you will be expected to dance solo for each other. You can bring in your own music as well.

Fall Performance Session 2007
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Time: 7:45-9:00
Dates: TBA
Theme: Cultivating the Performer by Listening and Dancing to the Music

Costs: $105 when registering the day of class
$90 when registered at least 5 days in advance.
Drop ins $20 cash (call first for this class)

"Dance of the Seven"

Theme: In this course we explore the refinement of the dancer’s creativity and expression. We will also look into myth, fable, and archetypal symbolism to expand our awareness. In-nana, Salome, the seven charkas, and the seven part cabaret belly dance routine. . . Seven classes for seven veils.

Dates: TBA

Time: 7:15-8:45

Cost:

5th Annual Spring Performance Class and Concert

"In the Garden of Allah"
A creative and sensual experience.

Theme: Aroma Therapy and Belly Dance

Time:

Dates:

Cost:

At each class we will work on various performance exercises to stretch the artists creative muscles. During this session each dancer will pick an aroma or a taste as her muse. She will investigate it’s properties; scent, healing use, history, symbolism, color and texture. . . She will pick music, dance design, figure out costuming, and perhaps props that will be used to compliment in a dance inspired by it. This is a performance of her making, but it is worked on in class under the guidance of Delilah and the constructive feedback from other class members. Each dancer is then invited to perform it in our annual "In the Garden of Allah" Studio Show on Friday April 25th 2008 (usually at VDP Studio).

"In the Garden of Allah" A Sensual Performance

Time: 8:00 PM

Date: Friday April 25, 2008

The Public is invited!

VDP Studio Presents
The 5th Annual performance of "In the Garden of Allah" A sensual performance. . . An Aroma Therapy and Belly Dance Show.

Herstory

This show concept originated many years ago when Delilah’s Visionary Dancers were studying the power of the muse in their dance. Searching for inspiration that engaged the body, mind and senses they began exploring the world of scent. Our sense of sent is the most mysterious and least understood. So the first few shows were all about the dancers exploration with chosen scents. They research their use history symbolism and then experience the effects of the sent and let it lead them to music, costume and dance composition. Truly a wonderful thought provoking and experiential show to attend.

Then last year they branched out to also include a sister sense of Taste! So this year you may be invited to imbibe or chew a bit of the dance as well!

Warning: there will be lots of scents used in the air so this show is not for the sneeze inclined.

Show Time 8:30-10:30 doors open at 8:00
at VDP Studios, 4128 Fremont Ave North, Seattle 98103

(This is a Studio Fundraiser to pay studio property taxes Yikes!)

Reserve Tickets $10 cash please.
Credit card $12 each.
At the door $15 cash please.

Limited seating: 30 chairs plus pillow seating. Advance tickets may reserve a chair. Otherwise first come first serve.

THURSDAY Performance Class

Golden Era of Belly Dance Classic Series

(8 Weeks CLASSIC SERIES)

Dates: TBA

Time: 8:00pm - 9:00 plus (classes often go over because of solo performances)

Each week we will dance together with some sort of creative exercise and work on performance and stage presence techniques. Dancers are expected to perform and be audience for each other. We will work with LIVE drum solos. Dance in costumes by all means if you like.

Theme: for this series we will use all music by classical Middle Eastern composers and singers. Frid Al Atrash. Om Kathum, Halim Hafis, Addul Wahab.

COST: $120 Registration Form (pdf format).

THURSDAY & SATURDAY PERFORMANCE CLASS

WINTER SOLSTICE SERIES

Dates:TBD

Maybe a performance date as well TBA

This class is open to all levels and is meant to provide challenge and experience. As the dancer takes on different themes we offer each session, the combined assimilation of experience is aimed at fully developing and educating the dancer about all avenues of belly dance.

My performance classes usually meet on Thursday nights and are 6 weeks sometimes with extra field trips and performance options and usually go over time ( it’s a great dollar per hour value). The sessions are all theme oriented and rotate during the year.

The September-October theme was Musical Appreciation and was dedicated to study and performance of the Great Arabians classics artists and composers; Hafiz, Um Kolthum, Wahab, Fairuz, Rabani Brothers, Farid El Atrash, Darvish. (If you don’t know any of these names then you need to sign up for this particular class next time it’s offered. Probably next summer of fall.). I was very happy with the growth everyone made in this class. As an extra fringe benefit the class had a dinner dance party with live music by House of Tarab (5 piece middle eastern band that just changed their name from Ahlam to House of Tarab). They played live classical Arabic music for them all to dance to. A fabulous opportunity!

Theme: WINTER SOLSTICE SERIES
This course is about exploring the deeper spiritual meaning behind this ancient dance by way of it’s personal feminine empowerment, myth, archetype, seasonal connections and ritual. It starts this week and will meet on a bumpy schedule. So before you sign up, look carefully at the calendar and see if you can make most of these dates. Reason being working in and around holidays and Winter Solstice.

Time: 7:15-officially until 8:15 (but usually goes to 8:30 or 9:00)

And
TWO Saturday Workshops TBD
Time: 11-1:00pm

In addition on DATE TBA, we try to attend the Fremont Solstice Feast and contribute some sort of performance energy and that field trip starts at 6 and goes to late. It’s an annual fabulous family event.

Cost of course:$100 for over 8 hours of classroom time.

The goal of this class is about developing the artist within and development takes thought provoking work on the part of the student. There will be homework projects and the maybe even more hours of rehearsal if a performance venue and project is launched by the class. Often unexpected events arise during the holidays and it’s a lot of fun!

Techno-Belly Conditioning with Laura Rose

Let’s get down! Modeled after Delilah’s Powerbelly Conditioning class, Laura Rose will take you on a bellydance journey. But in techno_Belly we be shimmying, isolating, undulating, and generally gettin’ sweaty to electronic, dub, techno, industrial, and rock music. Weightbelts suggested but not mandatory. Warning: some musical selections may involve coarse language.

COST:$80

More on Laura Rose and her Goth Girl Belly Dance Class
More on Power Belly here.

Drama and the Dance with Laura Rose

Explore dance character, costuming, makeup and mystique. Enjoy alternative music, cathartic dance and exotic play. Focus will be on stage presence, projection, archetypes and mythology in dance. Own your stage!

This class will be valuable to experienced dancers, prior classes are encouaged. New dancers or those who want more personal instruction on technique, are requested to come a half hour earlier, and we will focus on technique.

"Drama In the Dance" A Workshop with Laura Rose

Date: TBA

Time:12-2:30

Cost: $55

Perk: Free CD if you sign up early!

"A Retro Choreography" taught by Laura Rose

Date: TBA

Time: TBA

Cost: TBA

Perk: All participants can buy the DVD for half price.

Teen Belly Dance
with Laura Rose

DATES: New Series TBA
COST: $50

Laura Rose, Delilah’s daughter, will be teaching beginning belly dance in this class for girls aged 10–17. Belly dance is excellent for fostering confidence, independence and self esteem. We want to encourage youths to drum and dance! We have a big project in the summer for you to perform in...get a jump start on your dancing now with Laura Rose!

Three Week Drum and Zill Class

Each week we will learn about traditional rhythms and approaches to drum solo and finger cymbal with Delilah and Erik Brown

Bring finger cymbals or buy them from our studio and a drum if you have one. We also sell them. Cymbals are $18
Drums with cases $79 but drums are not mandatory

Each week we will work on a different drum solo.

Time: TBA

Cost: TBA

"Middle Eastern Drumming Workshop" with Erik Brown; Beginning and Intermediate levels

Time: 2:00-3:30

Dates:

First half hour: Beginning fundamentals

Second half hour: Beginning/Intermediate practice

Last half hour: Intermediate jam.

• Drum lovers! Learn the Middle Eastern drum and it's rhythms. The drum is commonly called Darbooka, Dumbek, Tabla.

• Dancers! This class is highly recommended to any dancer who really wants to know her onions! You don’t have to become a professional drummer, but to know the rhythms from a hands on experience is vital to the dancer’s growth.

• Husbands! You will love the drum and love playing for your wife!

• Teens! It’s a great way for teens to burn energy, build confidence, and coordinate mind and body, quickly and inexpensively (oh, yeah, and have fun, impress friends and meet chicks).

Cost: TBA

Drums available with cases $79 - $99

SUNDAYS

"Rock Your Chops" with Erik Brown

Dates: TBA

Time

Time to get your chops up! Let’s get ready for the parade

Cost:

Parade Drummers and Musicians

Dates:

Time:

Experienced drummers only. NO absolute beginners. Please come to as many classes as possible

Call to sign up: 206 632-2353
Leave name, address, phone and email

Cost:No Charge
However, there may be expense for suitable costuming to wear in parade.

Middle Eastern Drumming for Youths, Teens and Adults

with Erik Brown

Private classes only by appointment call (206) 632-2353 or (206) 225-3109
COST: $40 per Hour
Semi Private $60 per class ($30 each)

Erik Brown gained his foundation in music playing bass guitar for over 15 years. Introduced to Middle Eastern music in early 2003, Erik took it in like the elixir of life. He dedicated the past years to intensive practice of techniques, styles and rhythms common in Middle Eastern Music. Learning from some of the greats, Issam Houshan, Said El Artist, Faisel Zedan, Karim Nagi, Souhail Kaspar, Tobias Roberson and Uncle Mafufo, Erik has developed a strong base in Middle Eastern Percussion.

Erik is a regular member of the Northwest’s only classical 6 piece Arabian music ensemble HOUSE OF TARAB. www.houseoftarab.com He is also the drum corps/music director for the Billion Belly March in the Fremont Solstice Parade since 2004.

Notable recent performances:

• Joy of Motion Theater in Washington DC with Delilah, 2005

• Ford amphitheater in Hollywood 2005 with Delilah and Doug Adams

• Drum Staff at Delilah’s Belly Dance Retreat

• Two Week Performance Tour in Korea with concert on the DMZ: Delilah and Company 2006

• Seattle Methodist Church in concert with Seattle Peace Choir

• Bagley Wright Theater at Folklife and the Arab American Society Concerts 2006

Recent Recordings

Belly Dance Live DVD, Billion Belly March DVD, Combinations with Delilah DVD, House of Tarab Concert DVD. Pangia Dreams; Volume 4 CD, House of Tarab self titled release. Available at VDP Studios.

More on Erik on the Middle Eastern Drum Page

To sign up for any class, download the Registration Form (pdf format).

See more about Middle Eastern drumming and drummers on VDP Drum Page

Michael Beach

Lead vocalist,multi-ethnic drummer/percussionist and founder [1975] of Brothers of the Baladi.  Based in Portland, Oregon, the Brothers perform both traditional and original Middle Eastern / World Music featuring vocals in seven languages (Arabic, Turkish, Armenian, Farsi, Spanish, French & English) and instruments from around the world.

Michael and his Brothers of the Baladi have been successfully bringing their music to festival, college, concert and Belly Dance audiences all over the US & Canada for over 30 years.  The Brothers’ ten recordings, including the newest 2005 CD  "Presence of the Past", continue to be distributed nationally and internationally by Allegro Distribution.  The Brothers also remain one of the most popular Belly Dance bands internationally too.   His 2002 CD "Hands of a Thousand Dances" proves that Michael is still true to the music of his heart.  It features many different kinds of drum solos on Arabic tabla/doumbek, tar/framedrums, riq/daff and drum kit, a heavy folkloric/tribal piece, a haunting Persian vocal mawal/gazel and even a modern house/remix dance piece.

Michael continues to be one of the most sought after clinicians nationally because he makes it fun and very easy for everyone of all ages - from Basic Beginner/Elementary Schools to college music programs /Advanced levels and Belly Dancers.  Michael's 1991 Basic Middle Eastern Rhythms VHS/DVD was the first Middle Eastern Drum instructional video ever marketed. His brand new DVD "Zils and Rhythms for Dancers & Drummers" features a collaboration with International Dancer, Choreographer, Clinician and Director of UCSB Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble - Alexandra King.

A multi-linguist and multi-instrumentalist, Michael is a rare American who has embraced the true meaning of World Music.

In 1995 The LA Times said this about the Brothers " the band aims to open a window to the world and creates a sound that knows no borders"

Dahlia has been teaching and performing various styles of belly dance for over a decade. Before moving to the Seattle area in 2003, she taught and performed regularly in Arabic and Turkish restaurants in Osaka, Japan for
two years. Prior to living in Asia, Dahlia performed solo and troupe work throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Dahlia is fortunate to have been born into a family of musicians. She has been surrounded by live music and song her entire life. Being a musician herself allows her to transform music into movement with expertise and ease. Dahlia has a BS in Anthropology and has also studied other forms of dance, such as ballet, jazz, modern, flamenco, Japanese, salsa, and ballroom throughout her life, but has a special place in her heart for Raqs Sharqi and Dance Orientale (Egyptian Belly Dance). Blessed with a talent for music and dance, Dahlia performs with unaffected intensity, skillful grace, and sheer joy.

Dahlia can be found wearing her genuine smile in Seattle's top restaurants and nightclubs such as Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant, Caspian Grill Persian Cuisine, and Kolbeh Persian Restaurant.

[learn more about Dahlia Moon]

"Music and Dance are common languages we all share. Let us be peace."

"Beginning Egyptian Basics"

Wednesday Night

Time 6:15-7:30

Dates: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Aug 6, (Skip 13), 20, 27 Sept 3, 10
Wednesday Nights

Beginning Egyptian Basics with Dahlia Moon

Dahlia’s Beginning basics for Egyptian belly dance includes learning proper technique, isolations, basic footwork, combinations, identifying rhythms, as well as, strength-building warmups and stretches with muscle anatomy. Dahlia breaks down each movement with precision and ease. Learning Egyptian styling and elegance is comprehensible and fortifying.

COST: $135, Sign up early and Save $$ $125 with 3 day advanced registration

Registration Form

"Intermediate/Advanced Egyptian Style"

Wednesday Night

Time: 7:45-9:00pm

Session dates:TBA

Dahlia’s Intermediate/advanced Egyptian belly dance continues learning proper technique, isolations, basic footwork, combinations, identifying rhythms, as well as, strength-building warmups and stretches with muscle anatomy. Dahlia breaks down each movement with precision and ease. Learning Egyptian styling and elegance is comprehensible and fortifying.

COST:

Intermediate Technique and Concepts: Elusive Improv

Time: 7:45-9:00

Dates: TBA

Improvising does not need to be intimidating! It is not this daunting task so many dancers fear! Improv is in each of us. Every cell of our bodies know how to do it, we just have to TRUST. Dahlia is an expert at improvising and music interpretation. This six-week session will gently guide intermediate and advanced dancers through the "letting-go" and "trusting the self" process. With handouts and excercises, students will help students feel more confident and inspired to interpret new music and move freely to the old. Each student is asked, in advance, to bring one piece of music that MOVES them. It does NOT have to be belly dance music. Anything will do!

COST:$80 or $75 with 5 day advance registration, Drop-in $18

Download registration form and send with check.

BEGINNERS: Know Your Rhythms!

Time: 6:15-7:30

Dates: TBA

Know your Rhythms! Learn basic technique for some of the most popular Middle Eastern rhythms: Saiidi, Baladi, Chiftitelli and Masmoudi, Maqsoum, and Khaleegy.

Cost:

INTERMEDIATE: Shimmy Madness!

Time: 7:45-9:00

Dates: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Aug 6, (Skip 13), 20, 27 Sept 3, 10

Shimmy Madness! Be ready for 10 weeks of shimmy madness. Review and perfect many ways to work your 3/4 shimmy. Plus, work flat-footed, toe, vertical, Egyptian, and Freeze shimmies! Let’s sweat and shimmy into the summer!

Cost NEW STUDENTS with registration form
$125 Check or money order in advance of class.
$135 Please use cash day of at the door

ATTENTION DANCERS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PARADE CLASSES
Parade Date:

Delilah's Parade Belly Dance Classes and Meetings:

Formal Kick off Meeting:

Time:

Tuesday Class: Delilah’s Main String #1

Tuesday Nights with Delilah and Laura Rose

Time:

Dates:

Cost:

Wednesday Classes: Delilah’s Main String #2

Wednesday Nights with Delilah and Laura Rose

Time:

Dates:

Cost:

Dahlia’s String Wednesday Night

Time:

Dates:

Cost:

Simple Costume Workshop

Date:

Time:

Cost:

Thursday Class: "Advanced Parade Class"

Time:

Advanced Dancers String

The advanced string of dancers is for dancers with lots of interest, time and dedication and who want to take on a more of a leadership role in the ranks of the parade project in general. Many of the ideas for the future weeks rehearsals are born in this class as well as adding special attributes. This class officially meets on Thursdays 6:30-8:00 to work on concepts, challenges, choreographic design and special positioning. Dancers are expected to make it to as many Tuesday and Wednesday classes as they can to assist and lead the over all group class choreographs.

LOTS of Dancing!
7 Thursdays official classes
Sat May 31st Costume Workshop
plus 7 Tuesdays & Wednesday if possible

Dates:

Cost:

BELLY CON The Second Billion Belly Dance Convergence

10 days of classes with a fabulous cast of instructors!

Dates:

Schedule will be up in March!

Parade Drum & Zorna Practice

Dates:TBA

Time:

We will go over the rhythm we will use in the parade. We need dumbeks djembes, tabl drums, Frame drums riqs, Systrums and Zorna’s. This is Free to all drummers with experience. This is not a "class" if you need lessons please take the earlier class at 2:00 as well as this. Must own instruments.

Then Starting DATE TBA every Tuesday and Wednesday we meet at the BF Day School Yard at 7:00-8:30 on Fremont Ave North just south of VDP Studio 1 block. Please attend as many as possible. The dancers need you.

Then Thursday June 7 is an optional. It will be a pyramid rehearsal with drums, but DATE TBA is mandatory.

It’s the BIG BIG Rehearsal. We will most likely meet at Sand Point

NOTE:

Belly Dancer Photo Session
with Photographer Jennifer Richard

Did you see these fabulous photos Jennifer Richard took of us!? Delilah, Dahlia and Laura Rose, Erik, Sallah, David Stephen and Jane! We are so pleased. She’s great!

So we are wrangling up another opportunity for you to get in on a great session

Time:

Date TBA

Cost:

Up to 3 costume changes and a CD full of amazing shots that you can make as many copies as you want.

Download registration form and write in a 1st and 2nd choice of time slots... Sign up for a session. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early

12-12:45

1:00-1:30

1:30- 2:00

2:00- 2:30

2:30-3:00

3:00-3:30

3:30-4:00

First time slot choice

Second time slot choice

We will get back to you with a time confirmation