Aliyah Sahar and the Sahar School of Middle Eastern Dance Oriental and Fusion Belly Dance Presents Sword Dancing (Raks al Sayf) - Bold and Beautiful

Want to improve your balance and sharpen your dance skills? Add dramatic flair to your dance repertoire? Learn the art of sword dancing from Aliyah Sahar. Workshop will include techniques for balancing your sword on several different parts of your body, learning how to accent your movements with the sword, floor work and combinations that are useful for both Cabaret and Tribal fusion styles. Techniques to be covered will include, but not limited to - Traveling moves perfect for sword dancing, Balancing techniques, Isolations while balancing, Floor work, Overhead Swings, Instruction in extending hip, arm, and belly isolations and making them look ever so smooth while using sword balancing points. Learn sword hold techniques and dramatic presentation and beginning choreography for sword. We will also learn a short choreography during the series as well. This workshop series is suitable for advanced beginners to advanced students.

Being able to gain useful skills from this workshop will require some basic knowledge of belly dance technique. It is recommended that students should have a minimum of 1-year previous belly dance instruction. If you would like to take the workshop but don’t have a sword yet, there is still time to get one. Here are several places you can purchase one.

Moondance Bellydance http://www.moondancebellydance.com/swords.htm - These have good prices. The 36 in one is the one I have and I like it. The scimitar ones might be a little easier to balance I think, but I'm not sure it makes much difference. I think it depends on the look you want. I believe they ship within a week. Only drawback, you cannot return items.

Audrena http://www.audrena.com/BalancingSword.html - These have more variety but they cost more. I'd call her to make sure she can get it here on time, but she should be able to. Audrena herself will likely answer – she’s a hoot! call 708-422-4769, Monday through Friday, 9am to 9pm Central US Time

Dahlal International http://www.dahlal.com will be here for the Northland Belly Dance Forum this weekend (May 3rd and 4th) at the Mall of American Ramada Inn. I would recommend giving them a call to make sure they are bringing some, but this would be a nice option as you would actually be able to see it and hold it. Toll free: 1-800-745-6432

What to bring? Bring a sword, a head wrap or scarf for your head and a yoga mat or towel for floor work and a wrap for your hips if you’d like. You must use a balanced sword made especially for dance. An ordinary sword is not made for dancing. Only dull swords that are balanced for belly dancing will be allowed. No sharp points please, if you have a sharp point or edge, you will need to tape over it for the workshop. Getting Started (if you already have your sword):

To practice balancing your sword on your head, you may want to try first balancing a book or a half-filled, capped bottle of water. For most dancers, the balance point on their head is not towards the back or even in the middle (your crown area). Most dancers balance their sword towards the front of their heads. You will know that your sword is well balanced and you are ready to move on when it is no longer wobbling; but instead sits stationary in its position securely. To do this, you will have to keep your head still and do not tilt your head from side to side or back to front. Do not attempt to move with your sword until it is well balanced and situated.

To balance while belly dancing, you should move a lot slower than you normally do until you are comfortable and more proficient with sword technique. When you first get your sword, it may be very slippery. You should wipe your sword thoroughly with a soft cloth. To also help with the sliding, once you find the balance point on your sword, you can sandpaper that area so that it is less likely to slide around on your head while you're dancing. Other suggestions include rubbing the balance point with sewing wax or some type of wax (ski wax works too) and using a bit of hair spray on your hair at the balance point. Dropping, stepping on or damaging your sword in any other way will cause your sword to lose its balance capabilities. You should lay your sword on a flat surface out of the way of heavy traffic or you can hang your sword securely. If your sword comes with a sheath, use it when storing. To periodically clean your sword, you can use brass cleaner/polish with a soft cloth.

Happy balancing and I look forward to seeing you at the workshop!

Policies and Important Information for Students All students are required to sign a waiver statement, acknowledging that participation is at the student's own risk and that the above parties are not liable for injury, theft, or loss of property. Leslie Kennedy and her appointed instructors and substitutes, and the studios assume no responsibility for injury, theft or loss of property incurred during the classes, workshops, performances or other participation in class or related activity. Adult students of all ages are welcome. Students between the ages of 16 and 18 must have a release and permission form signed by a parent or legal guardian on file for each class session. Students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. No refunds will be made after the first week of classes. No exceptions.

Driving Directions to Inver Grove Heights Studios

Salem Square Center 5300
S. Robert Trail Suite 550
Inver Grove Heights
Studio RS (Rhythm and Shoes) : Suite 200

From Eastbound 494 take the South Robert Street exit. At the top of the exit ramp, do not turn, but continue straight ahead. Turn left at the first parking lot entrance. The studios are located in a row of storefronts adjacent to the parking lot. From Westbound 494 take the Highway 110 exit and the South Robert Street exit. Turn right (south) onto S. Robert Street. Take a left at the first light. Turn left at the first parking lot entrance. The studios are located in a row of storefronts adjacent to the parking lot.

Send an e-mail: Aliyah Sahar