Class Descriptions

 

Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Melissa
Flow yoga stems from Ashtanga Yoga, which means ‘eight-limbed'. ‘Limbs' include moral codes, physical exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation. This is a series of flowing postures linked by the breath to detoxify, stretch, and strengthen the body and build life force energy.
Materials: Yoga Mat and dress comfortably in clothes that move and stretch with you.

Yoga for Bellydance with Christina
Yoga for Bellydance is ideal for the serious student, but open to all levels. A basic knowledge of bellydance technique is recommended but not necessary. No previous yoga experience is necessary.
Many of the top artists in bellydance today advocate the interdependence of yoga and bellydance. This class focuses on postures and exercises that improve balance, as well as the strength and flexibility of the muscle groups important for strong bellydance technique. Attention will be focused on, but not limited to: target areas of the body including the hips, chest, abdomen, upper body, and back. Each class will include brief discussion and anatomy lesson covering the area of focus for that session. Technique will be incorporated as necessary. Each class will conclude with breathing and centering exercises.
Materials: Yoga mat.  A notebook and towel are optional but recommended.

Pilates with Kate S.
IM=X (Integrated Movement Xercize) Pilates has been described as "next evolution of Pilates". It is taught using a mat; fitness ring and body bar, and reflects the newest research on fitness and rehabilitation.  Everyone can benefit from IM=X. The program has been proven effective for all body types and fitness levels, regardless of age, weight or ability. IM=X Pilates tones the whole body with amazing efficiency. It is an approach to exercise that develops spine stabilization, core and overall muscle endurance/strength and flexibility.
Materials: Yoga Mat – We provide the rings and bars!

Bollywood Dance with Joyce
This class will focus on the basics of classical Indian dance, which Bollywood stems from.  Once the basics are grasped, even you can be the next Hema Malini or Madhuri Dixit! It will focus on rhythm, grace, musicality, poise and the magic of Bollywood dance: Drama!  This is a great class for beginners and those interested in a different style that allows you to express yourself thru facial expressions, hand gestures and hip movements.
Class Wear: Please be ready to remove your shoes and wear comfortable clothes!

Jazz with Jeanne
Students will learn the fundamentals of jazz technique. Stretching exercises designed to improve flexibility will be emphasized. All classes will include an abdominal strengthening component. Choreographies will be taught in this class.
Class Wear: Jazz shoes are recommended but not required.  Make sure the shoes you wear are reserved for class only, no flip flops or slip on shoes for your safety.

Salsa with Bianca (Guys & Gals)
In my class I break down the basic steps.  I focus on helping the students feel comfortable with body movement and isolation. From basic steps we move to simple foot work and ladies styling technique.  At the end of the class we put it all together.  I also introduce other forms of Latin dance and music such as, Merengue, Bachata, and Cha Cha.  This helps the students develop an ear and a feel for different Latin beats.
Class Wear: Students should dress comfortably and casually, tennis shoes or dance shoes (reserved for class only), no flip flops or slip on shoes for your safety.

Bellydance – American Tribal Style (ATS) with Sami or Kate J. (Beginner)
Learn the basic movements, posture, and steps that are part of the “American Tribal Style” (ATS) repertoire, as created by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Bellydance. We also include steps and variations from other sources that compliment ATS. Class will include warm-up, a drill, at least one fast and one slow step, and a cool-down.
Class Wear: Yoga-type pants, hip scarf, choli or comfortable form-fitting shirt (belly bared optional), zils (eventually), barefoot.

Zilling for American Tribal Style (ATS) Bellydance with Shannon (Intermediate)
In this 30 minute class we will learn how to play zils while moving around the room.  We will drill the moves previously taught in “ATS with Shannon” while playing our zils.  Eventually, we will be able to dance the whole ATS repertoire while playing our zils!
Class Wear: Yoga-type pants, hip scarf, choli or comfortable form-fitting shirt (belly bared optional), zils, barefoot.

Bellydance Basics with Shannon
In this class you will learn basic bellydance moves that are universal to all styles of Bellydancing.  Lifts, drops, shimmies, figure eights and too many more to list here!  In addition to learning these basics, you will master a few combos that you can take to the club!  If you want to “Shake it like Shakira”…this is the class for you!
Class Wear: Yoga-type pants, hip scarf, choli or comfortable form-fitting shirt (belly bared optional), barefoot.

Bellydance Technique with Christina
Learn the fundamentals of bellydance in “Bellydance Technique”. This class will help you build the repertoire of movements that are the foundation of all styles of bellydance. Initially, Bellydance Technique breaks down the five major categories of movement used by tribal, cabaret, folkloric, and fusion bellydancers; lifts, drops, slides, circles, and shimmies. Basic movements from each category will then be used to teach more complex steps and combinations. We will then dance for a song or two using the movements learned in class. This class is ideal for the beginning to intermediate level bellydancer; no previous dance experience is necessary to enjoy this class!
Class Wear: Just come barefoot and ready to have a good time!

Bellydance Drills & Conditioning with Christina
If you are ready to take your dancing to the next level, Drills & Conditioning is the class for you! This class emphasizes the importance of conditioning and fitness for strong technique. The class opens with a targeted warm up and strengthening exercises that will jump-start development of the muscle groups most important for stellar bellydance technique. Be prepared to work up a sweat! The second part of class is devoted to dissecting and drilling the basics learned in introductory technique classes focusing on isolation and muscle control. Drills range from basic repetition of key bellydance moves and steps to complex layered drills designed to test the limits of your ability.
Materials: Yoga mat, notebook, towel, hipscarf and barefoot.

Club Bellydance with Christina
Join Christina, Friday July 11th, for a night of dancing and fun! At Saffron's Club Bellydance, we'll experiment with adapting the moves that you've learned in your bellydance classes to the dancefloor.  We'll integrate elements of hip hop and club dancing to create moves that you can use in a class, solo, or nightclub. And because half of the fun of going out is getting ready, each class will feature hair, makeup, and clothing/costume demos – so bring your bag of tricks!! The last half of class will be a freestyle dance party where you can pop, lock, and shimmy until you drop! BYOB!
Friday July 11th, 2008 - 6:30-7:30PM
Premium Members - it's included in your membership!
Unlimited Members - $5.00 each
Class Card holders - 1 Punch
All other ladies - $15.00 drop in
Materials: Dress however you like! Wear your favorite club clothes, or your comfiest dance pants. Bring your makeup bag for tips and tricks.

Bellynesian Sambacize with Sami
A blend of dances from around the world, focusing but definitely not limited to the hips! A funky, soulful fusion to get you sweatin'! Will get your heart rate up for some good excercise!
Materials:

Floorwork for Bellydance with Shannon (Intermediate)
In this 30 minute class we will do exercises/movements to strengthen our quads.  After doing these exercises, you will learn a series of floorwork movements suitable for Tribal Style bellydance.  This class will prepare you to do deep floorwork (laybacks and sits) after some weeks.  Why floorwork in your bellydance?  It will make your dance more dynamic and be very impressive when you add a sword on your head one day!
Suitable for beginners, we will work up to going deep over time.
Class Wear: Yoga-type pants, hip scarf, choli or comfortable form-fitting shirt (belly bared optional), barefoot.

Bhangra with Shannon
Bhangra is a fun and lively Eastern Indian folkdance from the Punjab region of India.  Bhangra has been updated for the modern world by blending in some Hip Hop bounce and beats to the music we dance to.  I like to mix elements of Bollywood dance in with my Bhangra for a complete Indian Dance experience. 
I say, “Bhangra is like a virus…it infects you and you can’t stop doing it!!!”
Class Wear: Comfortable clothing is a must in this class…you will sweat.  We will dance barefoot. If you have knee/ankle problems, wear a brace as there will be some bouncing and pressing of the heels into the floor.  A good sports bra is recommended for those more endowed.

Flamenco Fusion Skirtwork with Shannon
My dance experience with Flamenco and ATS inspired me to create this class.  In this class you will learn Flamenco body posture, arm and hand work.  Turns and spins along with a variety of other moves using a very full skirt.  I think you will find the moves strong and expressive.  There will be no Flamenco footwork taught, we will be barefoot.  I am very passionate about this class and can’t wait to twirl skirts with you!
Class Wear: I will have some skirts to loan/sell – This class is limited to 4 the first Quarter due to space in the room.

Bellydance Dueting with Shannon
Learn improvisational and choreographed bellydance moves to lead and follow with a co-dancer. This is for individuals, no need to bring a partner with you, we will alternate partners in class. I do this in my regular class sometimes and the ladies have so much fun with it,
that I decided to make it an official class of it's own. There will be lots of laughter along with hard work and CARDIO!

Odissi with Nalina and Rishi
Odissi dance is the typical classical dance form of Orissa, India and has its origin in the temples. The rhythm, the bhangis and mudras used in Odissi dance have a distinctive quality all their own. Odissi dance deals largely with the love theme of Radha and Krishna.  Per Shannon – “I think you will find this an enchanting, feminine dance.
I LOVE Odissi and it complements Tribal Style Bellydance so well!”
Note: Nalina's classes are for a limited time, taught in a workshop style. In this class we will prepare our bodies to move in ways imitating the ancient sculptures found in Indian temples. Nalina will teach Odissi steppings and prepare us to perform short dances, bringing us all into an ancient time and land.
Class Wear: Wear comfortable clothing you can move and stretch in.  Barefoot.

Costuming with Kate J.
Learn to make Dance Costuming pieces or bring a project in progress that you need assistance with. Kate has been sewing since she was a child and is very knowledgable and passionate about costuming.

Afrique Movement with Kendra
Afrique Movement is a class designed for the heart-led dancer. It does not require technique expertise but the freedom to move rhythmically. African/cultural dance requires movements that assist in toning and cardio which means count this one as a workout at the gym! This is a class that will combine dance steps transculturally. For example, a dance done by the Jola ethnic group traditionally may be crossed with a traditional movement from Haiti. The class will move progressively from beginner level (low impact) to intermediate or advanced (high impact) but returns to low impact for cool down. So all are invited!
Lines will be ran throughout the class (3 or 4 people dance across the floor). Group choreography will be taught as well.
Materials: Free Spirit!

Walking Club with Shannon
Walking is a great form of cardio/weight bearing exercise and a great way to enjoy nature! We will depart from Saffron Studio at 10AM and walk for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Sometimes we will return in time for Yoga for Bellydance, sometimes we might not. This will depend upon who wants to return for Yoga and if we're inspired to visit Taj Mahal for Chai Tea or Mango Lassis!
Class Wear: Students should dress comfortably in clothes that move and stretch with you. Tennis Shoes or walking shoes are required for your safety.  No flip flops, slip on shoes or shoes without backs/straps will be allowed on walks.  This is not safe for walking and these types of shoes do not promote proper foot health/care.  Towel & water bottle are optional.
The walks will be canceled if it is raining.

What should I not wear to class?
- Street Shoes - This protects the floors from rocks, dirt, mud, gum, etc.
- No flip flops or slip on shoes (mules) for your safety.
- Noisy Hip scarves – if you’re shaking off the beat…so will everyone else.
- Too much perfume - when you perspire, it intensifies.