Information for Students
Information about private lessons, general information, notes from past workshops
(Scroll down for the weekly class schedule)
Classes (Updated August 2008)
The fine print:
1. These classes are open to anyone over the age of twelve.
2. Any men genuinely interested in learning the dance should email me beforehand so I can make sure there are no women students who can't share the class with you for religious reasons. Although oriental dance is usually very feminine, there is historical precendent for male performers (see the News and Links page for a link to an article on this).
3. Students are welcome to bring notebooks if they wish to take notes
4. If you are unable to arrange child care during the class, you are welcome to bring children to the class if they can sit through it reasonably quietly.
5. Absolutely no spectators, excepting young children (as outlined in section 4) or students who are ill or injured. Ill/injured people attending class and not participating are asked to pay 50% of the class fee.
6. If you show up late and/or haven't had time to bring your dance clothes--it's ok! If you are late, take a few minutes to stretch before you join in.
Information about private lessons, general information, notes from past workshops
(Scroll down for the weekly class schedule)
Classes (Updated August 2008)
Monday Dance Classes
In addition to being a beautiful, sensual art form, oriental dance is a fantastic way to keep fit and build strength. Drop in any time, no need to pre-register. Wear clothes such as: leotard, choli tops, sports bras, fitted t-shirts, vests, track pants, pantaloons, leggings. Some students like to wear their best bellydance finery, while others keep it as simple and practical as possible--do whatever makes you feel comfortable, just be sure you wear clothes that allow you to move!
__________________________
In addition to being a beautiful, sensual art form, oriental dance is a fantastic way to keep fit and build strength. Drop in any time, no need to pre-register. Wear clothes such as: leotard, choli tops, sports bras, fitted t-shirts, vests, track pants, pantaloons, leggings. Some students like to wear their best bellydance finery, while others keep it as simple and practical as possible--do whatever makes you feel comfortable, just be sure you wear clothes that allow you to move!
Absolute Beginners and Beginners Oriental Dance (bellydance)
When: Mondays 6:30-7:30
Where: West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Rd. If you are coming from the city centre, it's on the right-hand side, a few minutes' walk past the train station.
How Much: £5 for an hour class, or £8 for this class and the Improver Class. __________________________
Improvers Oriental Dance (bellydance)
When: Monday Evenings, 7:30-8:30
Where: West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Rd. If you are coming from the city centre, it's on the right-hand side, a few minutes' walk past the train station.
This is a mixed-level class and more advanced students will be given extra pointers and challengers to make sure this class is more than just a warm-up. It is recommended that you have a basic understanding of hip lifts and drops, shoulder rolls/snake arms, upward and downward hip eights (taqsim and maya), basic hip shimmies, toe-heel walking and a few more complicated walks. In this class you will expand your movement vocabulary and learn some longer choreographed pieces. You will develop performance and improvisation skills and a greater understanding of how dances are structured.
Bring: a hip belt if you have one. Or you can borrow a belt in class.
This is a mixed-level class and more advanced students will be given extra pointers and challengers to make sure this class is more than just a warm-up. It is recommended that you have a basic understanding of hip lifts and drops, shoulder rolls/snake arms, upward and downward hip eights (taqsim and maya), basic hip shimmies, toe-heel walking and a few more complicated walks. In this class you will expand your movement vocabulary and learn some longer choreographed pieces. You will develop performance and improvisation skills and a greater understanding of how dances are structured.
Bring: a hip belt if you have one. Or you can borrow a belt in class.
How Much: £5 for an hour class, £8 for this class and the Improver class.
_________________________
Oriental Dance (bellydance): Special Topics
Oriental Dance (bellydance): Special Topics
When: Monday Evenings, 8:30-9:00
Where: West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Rd. If you are coming from the city centre, it's on the right-hand side, a few minutes' walk past the train station.
Who: Anyone who attended the 6:45 class before Easter, students who are comfortable with the basic movement vocabulary covered in the beginner and improvers classes.
Bring: a hip scarf, if you have one. It is recommended that you get your own finger cymbals and you may want to buy or make your own veil, but scarves, cymbals and veils are all available to borrow.
Who: Anyone who attended the 6:45 class before Easter, students who are comfortable with the basic movement vocabulary covered in the beginner and improvers classes.
Bring: a hip scarf, if you have one. It is recommended that you get your own finger cymbals and you may want to buy or make your own veil, but scarves, cymbals and veils are all available to borrow.
How Much: £3.50 for a half-hour class.
This is a "special topics" class in which we will spend a few weeks at a time working on specific skills. Topics may include: veil, sword/cane, layering, improvisation, drum solos, making your own choreography, finger cymbals, rhythms, Turkish karsilama.
__________________________
This is a "special topics" class in which we will spend a few weeks at a time working on specific skills. Topics may include: veil, sword/cane, layering, improvisation, drum solos, making your own choreography, finger cymbals, rhythms, Turkish karsilama.
__________________________
The fine print:
1. These classes are open to anyone over the age of twelve.
2. Any men genuinely interested in learning the dance should email me beforehand so I can make sure there are no women students who can't share the class with you for religious reasons. Although oriental dance is usually very feminine, there is historical precendent for male performers (see the News and Links page for a link to an article on this).
3. Students are welcome to bring notebooks if they wish to take notes
4. If you are unable to arrange child care during the class, you are welcome to bring children to the class if they can sit through it reasonably quietly.
5. Absolutely no spectators, excepting young children (as outlined in section 4) or students who are ill or injured. Ill/injured people attending class and not participating are asked to pay 50% of the class fee.
6. If you show up late and/or haven't had time to bring your dance clothes--it's ok! If you are late, take a few minutes to stretch before you join in.
Lessons at Parties
Caitlyn is available to teach lessons at parties such as hen nights, birthdays, baby showers. The price is the same as for a performance, and you may combine a lesson with a dance show. Caitlyn teaches these classes in costume and brings coin belts to lend to the guests. These lessons can be scheduled anywhere in the UK.
Caitlyn is available to teach lessons at parties such as hen nights, birthdays, baby showers. The price is the same as for a performance, and you may combine a lesson with a dance show. Caitlyn teaches these classes in costume and brings coin belts to lend to the guests. These lessons can be scheduled anywhere in the UK.
Workshops
Caitlyn is an experienced workshop teacher; she is available to teach beginner or special-topic workshops and short courses anywhere in the country (or abroad!). Past workshop topics have included Turkish Karsilama, Veil Dancing, Improvisiation and Performance Skills, Finger Cymbals for Beginners, and Dance Like Shakira! Bellydance Moves for Club Dancing. There is one upcoming workshop, which is open to everyone:
Caitlyn is an experienced workshop teacher; she is available to teach beginner or special-topic workshops and short courses anywhere in the country (or abroad!). Past workshop topics have included Turkish Karsilama, Veil Dancing, Improvisiation and Performance Skills, Finger Cymbals for Beginners, and Dance Like Shakira! Bellydance Moves for Club Dancing. There is one upcoming workshop, which is open to everyone:
Private Lessons: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced
~Caitlyn offers private lessons in Oxfordshire (which is not in London). She can teach at a local community centre, or at your home or college. Please contact her to discuss your goals.
~The fee is the same regardless of the number of students in a class, so grab some friends and get ready to dance...
~Attire: try to wear track pants or a skirt that sits on your hips. Jeans or tight, non-stretchy trousers will inhibit some of your movements.
~If you have a scarf you can tie around your hips, bring it. Caitlyn always has a few to lend out.
~Male students are welcome to take private lessons with Caitlyn! For more information on male dancers, visit the Links page.
~Caitlyn offers private lessons in Oxfordshire (which is not in London). She can teach at a local community centre, or at your home or college. Please contact her to discuss your goals.
~The fee is the same regardless of the number of students in a class, so grab some friends and get ready to dance...
~Attire: try to wear track pants or a skirt that sits on your hips. Jeans or tight, non-stretchy trousers will inhibit some of your movements.
~If you have a scarf you can tie around your hips, bring it. Caitlyn always has a few to lend out.
~Male students are welcome to take private lessons with Caitlyn! For more information on male dancers, visit the Links page.
Questions?