Arabesque Belly Dance
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Education Specialty Schools Dance Schools Performing Arts, Dance Schools [Edit]
San Francisco, CA 94103(650) 355-4105
6 reviews for Arabesque Belly Dance
6 reviews in English
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Review from flying s.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2011
I have been taking belly dance from Asia for only five months, and already the class has made a huge difference in my dancing. I was a little worried since I am a tribal dancer, and Asia teaches mainly Egyptian style dance, but I've found her totally accessible and I'm learning a ton. In addition to Egyptian, she also introduces us to Saudi, Lebanese, and Moroccan steps. She's so knowledgeable! She can tell you anything about a region of belly dance, and she always gives you some historical background on the steps. She even brings in costume pieces that are particular to the dances we're learning.
My skill with finger cymbals has increased dramatically from attending Asia's classes - she doesn't only do the basic 3 like so many other classes, but she works on all different patterns like 3-3-7-3-7-3, 3-1-3-5, etc. I'm learning so much about music and rhythm from her.
Best of all, there is live music at the Saturday class - up to 6 musicians show up and drum for us, and Asia only needs to say, "Can I have a beledi, please?" Where else do you get to dance to live musicians??
Asia's warmup is great - my body has all kinds of issues, but it opens right up in Asia's class. My joints never hurt after her class, and I always get a great blood-pumping warmup prior to our drills - it's the best workout I get from a teacher all week! She uses a mic, so you can hear her over the drums, which is very considerate.
If you've had at least a tiny bit of belly dance or any other kind of dance, you will do well in Asia's class. Asia is the only dance teacher I've ever met who is skilled in teaching multiple levels at the same time. She gives a drill to the more advanced folks, and while we're working it out, she helps the newer folks understand the basics. What I love about Asia's class is that she doesn't talk the step to death. She clearly demonstrates at 1/2 or 1/4 time the step we're doing, drills us, speeds it up to full time, and then offers plenty of explanation if it's clear that we need it. She lets the body figure it out before taxing the brain, which I think is an excellent strategy.
Take this class! You won't regret it!! -
Review from Pacifica F.
Pacifica, CA
1/2/2012
I joined Yelp so I could let you all know how much I love Asia's Arabesque dance classes.
Asia is the real deal - a lovely professional dancer with an exciting performance presence and dance instruction that will foster immediate improvements in technique, style, and stamina. After many years of ATS training, Asia's Saturday class at City Dance was the perfect way for me to start including real internal, Eastern movement & feeling into my dance, while also improving Western aspects such as arms & footwork.
Saturday's mixed level class is really special - there is LIVE DRUMMING & MUSIC!!! In the city! Every week! Easy friendly pro studio! Free parking! Yay!!!
Great warmup, then prepare to sweat as isolations give way to a full repertoire of great combos to choose from. Occasional veil & zills practice. Performance & stage presence, learning to work with musicians and real ME rhythms, performance opportunities. Universal, high quality training in the AmCab oriental and folkloric styles.
The group is super welcoming and Asia is amazingly adept at coaching beginners and advanced groups simultaneously. Noobs succeed and are comfortable, while pros get a serious and satisfying "fundamentals" practice. -
Review from G. B.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2009
Taken from my post at City Dance Studios where Asia teaches a class on Saturdays at 1pm.
Went to city dance for the 1pm belly dance class on Saturdays with Asia. It was pretty awesome!
They had live drummers!!!!!! I've been taking belly dance for three years and I've never worked with live drummers before. It was awesome to have feedback on your movements instantly.
Asia's style was very lead and follow, and if you didn't get something then she'd break it down. Her style is egyptian and folkloric, and she studied with a protoge of Tahia Carioca, which is even more awesome. I am planning on making this a regular weekly stop! -
Review from grace g.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2010
It's a GEM of a Belly Dance class!
Live Drummers drive the beat.
She's is one of the few REALLY experienced AND well rounded Belly Dance instructor/performer/artists around.
She's innovative with a gift for choreograpy . Just the right
ingredients:
Fresh and Edgy while keeping with the traditional and folkloric.
Awesome!
gg -
Review from Zeena V.
Montara, CA
9/20/2010
Asia is a fabulous teacher - for all levels, ages, and body types. Most of her classes are currently in Pacifica, just off Highway One, at Ocean Yoga Studio - some with recorded music, and some with live drums. The San Francisco space on Saturdays is wonderful. Arabesque is a vibrant community of supportive women who love to dance, and there are classes available several nights per week. Asia's primary style is Egyptian Cabaret, with very isolated, sharp hip work that is her signature. She also brings us flavors from North Africa, Tunisia, Lebanon, and other folkloric traditions. She has studied under the best, and carries much of the oral history you won't find elsewhere. Asia teaches zills, veil, pot, and sword balancing as well as the regular class fare. She also allows drop-ins in most of your classes for the commitment-phobic, so come and try a few of her classes!
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Review from Oksana K.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2010
This is a long 1.5 class(1:30-3pm) with live music. Not only it is fun, it is a great work out! Asia is a great teacher because she can break down any belly dance move (of which she knows many) and teach you step by step, if you are new. At the same time, she can and will challenge you to perfection. In this class there is a mixture of levels, so you will feel challenged no matter where you are in belly dancing. This is a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon. And even if you are out on the date!! Just bring your date with you with a drum or other percussion instrument.
