Ruby Beh Rocks Pittsburgh -- August 30-September 1, 2o13

Ruby Beh will be rocking Pittsburgh again this Labor Day weekend!

Registration opening early April, with a super "tweet" Early Bird Special.  All classes will be held in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, on the bus line. The exact time and location will be announced shortly!

Workshop Topics:

PERFECT PRACTICE (2 hours) In this workshop Ruby shares her secrets on how to practice and stay motivated. Lots of exploratory exercises and clever tricks are presented to keep your practice hours fun and productive!

DRUM SOLO TECHNIQUE AND COMBINATIONS (2 hours) This workshop is full of clever isolations, creative transitions and clear technique for drum solo and musical accents.

EXPLORATIONS IN IMPROVISATION (2 hours) Improvisation is at the heart of bellydance. This exploratory class will give you the tools to perform flawless improvisation on stage or in restaurant/clubs. Through staging technique, creative exercises and movement recall practices you'll be improvising in no time.

TACKLING TRANSITIONS (2 hours) Transitions can be one of the trickiest aspects of polishing your performance. This workshop will help remove blocks and provide inspiration for you to creatively develop your own signature transitions! Come prepared to participate.

About Ruby Beh  www.divinebelly.com

With a background in American Classic Bellydance, Kung Fu and Turkish Oriental styling, Ruby is taking the stage with her own powerhouse style. She bagan pursuing her career in bellydance after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Chemistry.

Ruby's love of Turkish culture and dance have drawn her to head for the source and study extensively in Istanbul. She is widely recognized for a raw, untamed and passionate dance style that has won numerous titles, including 2010 Bellydancer of the World 1st Runner Up and 2009 Bellydancer USA.

In addition to being a multi-award winning performer, Ruby is a certified Pilates instructor and is featured on several instructional and performance DVD's: Flawless Floorwork, Totally Turkish and All About Arms. Ruby's website:

Awards and Recognition: •2010 Bellydancer of the World 1st Runner Up •2009 "Bellydancer USA" •2008 Bellydancer USA 1st Runner Up •2008 Emerald Rain "Champion" •2008 East Coast Bellydance Classic "Grand Champion" and "People's Choice" •2007 Bellydancer USA "People's Choice" •2007 Double Crown "Gypsy Stylist" •2007 Emerald Rain "Gypsy Stylist"

Thinking Spring!

@ Bodiography Studio, Squirrel Hill and Cynthia’s School of Dance, North Hills!

• Foundations for Belly Dance (Level 1) - Friday 6:30-7:30, Squirrel Hill
• Technique and Drills (All Levels) - Friday 7:30-8:30, Squirrel Hill
• Drills, Combinations and Choreography (Levels 1 & 2) – Wednesday 8:00-9:00, North Hills

Squirrel Hill classes will be held at the Bodiography Studio:
5824 Forbes Ave, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.

North Hills Classes will be held at Cynthia’s School of Dance:
4721 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. (Next to Big Lots)

Wednesday session begins February 22nd. Friday session begins December 24th.
Cost is $65 each session, $120 for two classes.

All Classes need six registered students to be held. If you are interested in being part of the performance group, La Belle Sultana, we are always looking for new dancers. Please let me know!


Level 1: Belly Dance Foundations – Friday 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This is the root of the dance form. Students will be introduced to belly dance with focus on posture, form and isolations.

--No Prerequisite, on-going classes
--Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
--Begins February 24th, 6 weeks
--$65 for the session, register by December February 15th.


All Levels: Technique and Drills – Friday 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Great for new students and those wanting to refine their technique. Class will be open to all, promising to be a challenge, yet approachable for everyone.

--No Prerequisite, on-going classes
--Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
--Begins February 24th, 6 weeks
--$65 for the session, register by December February 15th.



Level 1 & 2: Drills, Combinations and Choreography – Wednesday 8:00-9:00 p.m.

We will be working on combinations that will lead to class choreography. Performance opportunities will be available!

--Some dance experience requested, on-going classes
--Cynthia’s School of Dance, McKnight Road, North Hills
--Begins February 22nd, 6 weeks
--$65 for the session, register by December February 15th.

Class Options Pay Pal Registration:

Class Options

Single Session $65.00 Double Session $120.00 Performance Practice $20.00

Please email me to register. If you would like to PayPal your class registration, please send it to: lilgreendragyn@gmail.com. Please indicate that this is for class, and include your name and the class you are registering for! Thanks, and hope to see you there!

Winter Belly Dance Classes

@ Bodiography Studio, Squirrel Hill and Cynthia’s School of Dance, North Hills!

• Foundations for Belly Dance (Level 1) - Friday 6:30-7:30, Squirrel Hill
• Technique and Drills (All Levels) - Friday 7:30-8:30, Squirrel Hill
• Intensive Study (Levels 2, 3 & 4) – Friday 8:30-9:00, Squirrel Hill
• Combinations and Choreography (Levels 1 & 2) – Tuesday 8:00-9:00, North Hills

Squirrel Hill classes will be held at the Bodiography Studio:
5824 Forbes Ave, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.

North Hills Classes will be held at Cynthia’s School of Dance:
4721 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. (Next to Big Lots)

Tuesday session begins December 6th. Friday session begins December 16th. No class Christmas and New Years. Special class and movie night Friday December 2nd!

Cost is $65 each session, $120 for two classes. (Intensive study, add $20).

All Classes need six registered students to be held. If you are interested in being part of the performance group, La Belle Sultana, we are always looking for new dancers. Please let me know!

OPEN HOUSE and MOVIE NIGHT -- Friday, December 2nd 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Only $5! This is a perfect way to start our new session! Come join us for a Movie Night and Open House at Bodiography. We'll have a little dancing, belly dance movies and clips, and some fun! Bring a snack to share ... and a friend!


Level 1: Belly Dance Foundations – Friday 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This is the root of the dance form. Students will be introduced to belly dance with focus on posture, form and isolations.

--No Prerequisite, on-going classes
--Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
--Begins December 16th, 6 weeks (No class 12/23 and 12/30)
--$65 for the session, register by December 1st


All Levels: Technique and Drills – Friday 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Great for new students and those wanting to refine their technique. Class will be open to all, promising to be a challenge, yet approachable for everyone.

--No Prerequisite, on-going classes
--Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
--Begins December 16th, 6 weeks (No class 12/23 and 12/30)
--$65 for the session, register by December 1st


Levels 2, 3 & 4: Intensive Study – Friday 8:30-9:00 p.m.

This is an ADD-ON Class… You must register for the previous Drills class… Are you ready to Move It?? This is a fast paced add on to our technique class. We will be using finger cymbals the entire class. We will be focusing on a combination or complex movement each week… Put your dancing shoes on!

-- Minimum Level 2 or commensurate experience
-- Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
-- Begins December 16th, 6 weeks (No class 12/23 and 12/30)
-- Registration ONLY with the Technique class
-- $20 add on for the session


Level 1 & 2: Combinations and Choreography – Tuesday 8:00-9:00 p.m.

We will be working on combinations that will lead to class choreography. Performance opportunities will be available!

--Some dance experience requested, on-going classes
--Cynthia’s School of Dance, McKnight Road, North Hills
--Begins December 6th, 6 weeks (No class 12/27 and 1/3)
--$65 for the session, register by December 1st

Class Options Pay Pal Registration:

Class Options

Single Session $65.00 Double Session $120.00 Performance Practice $20.00

Please email me to register. If you would like to PayPal your class registration, please send it to: lilgreendragyn@gmail.com. Please indicate that this is for class, and include your name and the class you are registering for! Thanks, and hope to see you there!

Fall Session Classes

Little Shimmy Belly Dance Classes

The Fall Session at Bodiography in Squirrel Hill on September 16th! Classes at Cynthia's in North Hills begin September 6th!

* Belly Dance Technique: Movement, Footwork, Isolations and Zills (All levels) -- Tuesday 8:00-9:00 pm
* Foundations Belly Dance Technique and Drills (Level 1 & 2) -- Friday 6:30-7:30 pm
* Technique and Combination Choreography (Level 2 & 3) -- Friday 7:30-8:30 pm
* Sultana Company Performance Practice Drum Solo -- Friday 8:30-9:00 pm

For the most up-to-date Class Info check the Google Calendar at the bottom of this page.

Friday Classes will be held at the Bodiography Studio in Squirrel Hill.
5824 Forbes Ave, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh 15217.
6 week session 9/16 through 10/28 (No class on 9/30)

Tuesday Classes will be held at Cynthia's School of Dance in North Hills.
4721 McKnight Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
6 week session 9/13 through 10/18


Cost is $65 each session, $120 for two. Performance Practice class please add $20 to the session total.

Class Options

Single Session $65.00 Double Session $120.00 Performance Practice $20.00

All Classes need six registered students to be held. If you are interested in being part of the performance group, La Belle Sultana, we are always looking for new dancers. Please let me know!


ALL LEVELS -- Belly Dance Technique: Movement, Footwork, Isolations and Zills -- Tuesday 8;00-9:00 pm

This class is designed for new students and those wishing to improve their technique. We will drill movement, footwork, isolations and zills. Consider this your overall Belly workout!

--No Prerequisite, on-going classes
--Cynthia's North Hills, 4721 McKnight Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237
--Begins September 13th, 6 weeks
--$65 for the session, register by September 9th


LEVEL 1 & 2 -- Foundations Belly Dance Technique and Drills -- Friday 6:30-7:30 pm

We will work on the fundamentals of the dance. Each week will target a specific family of movement or technique that we will drill. First class will include a review of posture and body alignment. Good for new dancers and those looking to refine their technique!

--No Prerequisite, on-going classes
--Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
--Begins September 16th, 6 weeks (No class 9/30)
--$65 for the session, register by September 9th


LEVEL 2 & 3 -- Technique and Combination Choreography -- Friday 7:30-8:30 pm


Technique and Combination Choreography for Belly Dance Level 2 & 3. This class is designed to improve and refine technique and string movement into combinations which can be used in choreography and independently. Moving at a faster pace, we will be focusing on a Turkish flair, to give power and pizazz to your dance. This is not entirely a Turkish class, and is perfect for anyone who wants a dynamic stage presence or challenging strong movement. This class is a requirement for performers and Sultana company members.

Although zills are NOT required, I will be using them for part of class. It is student preference to play, so please bring them if you like.

--Previous belly dance experience requested, on-going classes
--Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
--Begins September 16th, 6 weeks (No class 9/30)
--$65 for the session, register by September 9th

Take any two classes for $120!


Sultana Company Performance Practice Drum Solo -- Friday 8:30-9:00 pm

Sultana Company Performance Practice -- Drum Solo. This session will be focused on the continuation of our drum solo piece for Shimmy/Taxim. There is dress rehearsal on the 11th of November. This 30 minute session is taken in combination with the technique class preceding. We may work a bit longer and take appropriate breaks when necessary, so be prepared to stay until 9:15. The 16th will be a focused review of what we have learned so far... bring your thinking caps!

--Troupe/Performance class.
--Bodiography Studio 5824 Forbes Ave. Sq. Hill
--Begins September 16th, 6 weeks (No class 9/30)
--Registration with the Technique/Combination class
--$20 add on for the session


Please email me to register. If you would like to PayPal your class registration, please send it to: lilgreendragyn@gmail.com. Please indicate that this is for class, and include your name and the class you are registering for! Thanks, and hope to see you there!

New North Hills Class!

New belly dance class starting July 13th!

All levels belly dance in the North Hills...

6 week session Wednesday nights from 8:00-9:00. Hope to see smiling faces and shimming hips!!

Class will be held at Cynthia's School of Dance on McKnight Rd. Only 5 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh at the 2nd traffic signal on McKnight coming from town!

$60 for all 6 classes or $12 a drop in!

Summer Workshop Series!

2011 Belly Dance Workshops

Summer Series
Hosted by Berna, featuring Dance Artists of the Pittsburgh Community

Sultry Musicality - Sunday, July 17th, 12:00-2:30

Deepen your Dance - Friday, July 22nd, 7:00-9:30

Drillz and Zills 2 - Sunday, July 24th, 12:00-2:30

Classic Cabaret - Friday, July 29th, 7:00-9:30

Sultry Musicality— Featuring Kari Merlina of Sadiqa. We take on the taxim, with Kari working you into the smooth and slow lines of the music, with technique and styling to increase your sultriness! In the second half, Berna will work on finding both the heartbeat and the voice of the music , as you learn how to speak emotionally to your audience. http://www.karimerlina.com/

Deepen your Dance —Featuring Kristen Lane of X-Yoga. This workshop begins with Yoga Raqs, a series of stretches and strengthening moves designed exclusively for the Bellydancer. The second part, featuring Berna, will explore the connectivity of the fingers to the toes...and give you much more graceful hands and body attitude. http://www.x-yoga.com/

Drillz and Zills 2 -- Raq and Roll with Patrice of Hot Metal Muses and Berna! You asked for it, and it’s back! Drillz designed to sharpen technique and focus your energy, increasing isolation and body awareness. Then we move into the drillz for your finger cymbals! New patterns, great rhythmic drillz and musicality await you! http://www.patricelangford.com/

Classic Cabaret — Arabic stylings with Janim of West of Cairo, and Turkish drama with Berna! It’s all about the bling! Join Janim as she covers classic cabaret combos with an smooth and elegant Arabic touch, and follow up with the punch of energy from Turkish Oryantal with Berna. http://www.janim.org/

All workshops are $30 at the door, $25 in advance.

Buy a Workshop Pass — The series is only $85!

Workshop Series

Sultry Musicality $25.00 Deepen Your Dance $25.00 Drillz and Zillz 2 $25.00 Classic Cabaret $25.00 Series Pass $85.00

Little Shimmy @ Bodiography
5824 Forbes Avenue
3rd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Phone: 412-260-8432
Email: bernadancer@gmail.com
www.littleshimmy.com

A Middle Eastern Dance Journey featuring

Kweilin Nassar

Berna is proud to present Kweilin Nassar, a Pittsburgh original Middle Eastern Dancer in two amazing workshops:

Emotion in Music & Elemental Choreography

Date and Time: June 18th, 2011 — 10:30-2:30 pm

Location: La Roche College Dance Department

Kerr Fitness Center, Dance Studio

9000 Babcock Blvd., Pgh. PA 15237

Cost: $25 each workshop

Early bird Registration by April 30, 2011

$50 including the hafla and gala show tickets!

Directions: http://www.laroche.edu/about/directions.asp

The Kerr Fitness Center is located at the back right portion of campus. Studio is on the Lower Level. Follow the driveway back, bear right until the road turns left. Follow the driveway all the way back, the Kerr Fitness center is directly in front of you. Free parking on campus.

http://www.laroche.edu/tour/tour.html

Bonus Lecture: As a very special treat, you may want to pack your lunch. During our break, Kweilin will conduct a mini lecture on Oriental Dance. She will share her experiences as a dancer in the Pittsburgh community, the expression of the dance and it's popularity as performance and art form, and her tutelage under her cousin Ibrahim (Bobby) Farrah. Kweilin will be a panelist at the upcoming "Remembering Bobby" seminar in NYC in April and hopes to have more memories to share with us!

Join us for a Friday Night Hafla and Amazing Gala Show on Saturday!

Oasis Hafla @ Bodiography Studio -- Performances, Open Floor and Live Music Jam

Bring your hipscarf and your instruments. We will have a short set of community performances and then an open jam with members of Ishtar and friends! Please contact me for a performance slot if you are interested!

Location: 5824 Forbes Ave, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh PA 15217
Date: Friday June 17th
Time: Doors 7:30 pm
Cost: $5
Directions: Bodiography is located on the 3rd Floor of 5824 Forbes Ave in the middle of the Squirrel Hill business district. Take the Squirrel Hill exit from 376 East and proceed up Murray Ave. to the intersection with Forbes Ave. (Rite Aid and Cold Stone Creamery). Turn Right onto Forbes...Find Parking near here!

Studio will be half a block on Forbes on the right, above the Mediterranean Grille, 10,000 Villages, and Pussycat stores. The entrance is a single glass door in a grey marble doorway. Come on up to the 3rd Floor! Parking on street is free after 6pm, but the library lot has paid parking.



Gala Show @ Istanbul -- Live Music and Performances

Live music from ISHTAR, Pittsburgh’s Bellyrock Band with community and guest bellydance performances, featuring a full Oriental set by Kweilin Nassar!

Istanbul offers amazing food! If you are planning to eat, be sure come early and enjoy the Turkish Cuisine!

Location: 4130 Bulter St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Date: Saturday June 18th
Time: Doors 7:30 pm
Cost: $10 Adv/$15 Door
Directions: Istanbul is located in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. Make your way to Route 28...exit at the 40th street bridge. Cross into Lawrenceville, making a left onto Butler at the traffic signal (Wendy's and gas station). Park near here! Istanbul is 2 blocks down on Butler St. on the right on the corner of 42nd St. On street parking is free, with a paid lot on 42nd.

www.ishtar-music.com

Out of Town Guests -- McKnight Road in the North Hills is the most convenient place to stay. There is a Hampton Inn that has been recently renovated as well as a Holiday Inn just up the road. Food and shopping is abundant and you less than 10 minutes from Downtown and major expressways. The workshops are located less than 10 minutes away, the hafla about 25 minutes, and gala show only 15 minutes.

About Kweilin Nassar:

Kweilin Nassar has been dancing ever since she could stand. Being of Middle Eastern heritage, everyone dances as an expression of joy. Her grandmother, mother and mother’s sister were all excellent dancers as traditionally expressed in the villages of Syria and Lebanon, but void of hip movements.

When she was 16, a turning point occurred. Kweilin was mesmerized by a very skilled oriental dancer from Morocco who performed on champagne glasses and moved her hips to every beat of the music. She decided to pursue this dance form with enthusiasm. Her cousin, Ibrahim (Bobby) Farrah, was one of the finest Middle Eastern dancers in the U.S and abroad and he tutored her to refine her oriental dance.

Nassar’s professional dance career began at the Mediterranean restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA, where she was the premier dancer for many years. Performing to a live Middle Eastern and Greek orchestra which included renowned oudist Joe Budway and eight other musicians, each evening was exhilarating for all.

Kweilin’s skills as a solo oriental dancer were only one part of her Middle Eastern dance expertise. Her love for folk dances was demonstrated as she trained and choreographed for a troupe of 20 folklore dancers. The group performed two-hour concerts in Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Music Hall and in the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Nassar was honored to represent American-Lebanese at the Smithsonian’s American Folklife Festival in Washington, DC and choreographed and performed in the Lebanese program for the Pittsburgh International Folk Festival for many years.

In addition to performing in Mexico City, Miami and other U.S. cities, she has taught oriental dance workshops specializing in the expression of the dance.

More info on Registration, Information, Directions

Berna * La Belle Sultana*

www.littleshimmy.com * 412.260.8432 * bernadancer@gmail.com

*** All registrations and tickets are final payment and non-transferable unless the show or workshops are canceled, thank you! ***