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Belly Dance Classes & Workshops for Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana

Now! Bharatanatyam and Bollywood Dance Classes
Flamenco by Flamenco Louisville

Class Descriptions
Schedule by Week
Meet the Teachers !
Dancing the Body Electric
Larger Women can Belly Dance by Shira.
Workshops
Location
Feedback and Accolades
Health Benefits
Did you know belly dance burns 300 calories per hour, increases flexibility, relieves back and joint pain and promotes hormone rebalancing?

Belly dance is dance art AND exercise AND exhilarating entertainment!

Ruric's mastery of Egyptian, Turkish and American Tribal belly dance, her untraditional sword and veil dancing, and her innovative yet disciplined approach to one of the world's most compelling dance arts has given her a regional reputation as a mesmerizing performer and teacher.

Ruric applies her studies in massage therapy, yoga and pilates to her curriculum so that her students learn to dance safely and strongly as well as with emotion and precision. This makes it a dance for everyone.

  • Adolescents who are reaching for an understanding of themselves in the world;
  • Young women who treasure the chance to express themselves with dance;
  • Older women who have decided to reverse the wear and tear of the years on their bodies and spirits.

The Samovar Dance Studio is the ONLY studio in Louisville dedicated to belly dance. Our location is convenient for students in both Louisville and Southern Indiana. We have floors that are easy to dance on; a full wall of mirrors; loaner hip scarves and veils; and a comfortable lobby with tables and chairs. If making new friends is on your agenda, then a class at our studio is definitely for you. Almost everyone you'll meet here is a belly dancer, too! Come early to class, enjoy hot tea from our tea cart, and meet your classmates. If your friend or spouse drives with you they can sit and wait comfortably in our lobby or visit the shops and eateries in the rest of the Arts Center.

Ruric's students are all ages, from 14 to 84. They include beginners looking for a fun way to exercise, students who want to dance with Samovar, and professionals who are working on their own performance goals. Her dance company includes dancers from 16 to 50+. Let yourself be surprised by what you can accomplish here!

  • The rumors are true! Belly dance IS a low-impact aerobic workout for people of all ages, burning more calories than a brisk walk while stimulating circulation and raising metabolism.
  • Like yoga, it increases flexibility and body awareness, induces a state of mental relaxation, relieves back and joint pains and promotes hormone rebalancing.
  • The core moves build lean muscles in your torso, hips, thighs, glutes and stomach.
  • Best, it makes you into a DANCER as well as physically fit and firm!

Paypal buttons for technique classes are in the Schedule by Week section, below. You will find Workshop descriptions and payment options on the Workshops page. -~-

Your dance instructors, Ruric-Amari and Anna of Samovar Anna Beth & Ruric-Amari.
Photo: Jim Fothergill

Samovar at Morocco concert in Lexington Samovar in Lexington
Photo: Alyssum Pohl

Class Descriptions
... Pay with Paypal in the 'Class Schedule' section, below...

Ruric-Amari belly dance in Louisville KY Beginners:. Learn percussive hip movements, shimmies, undulations, traveling steps, and effective transitions. Our Beginner Basic format engages your "muscle memory.". Our Beginner Basic format engages your "muscle memory." Before your mind can say Oh no, I can't do THAT! your body is dancing!
August: no beginner workshops. We resume our regular Beginner class sessions in September!
Private lessons can be scheduled in August if desired.
Ruric-Amari belly dance in Louisville KY Adv Beginners and Intermediate: Reinforce essentials and learn new skills.
August is Workshop Only month, no class sessions. $25 per 2-hour workshop.
We offer TWELVE Advanced Beginner workshops this month in a broad range of subjects including Egyptian, Turkish, Tribal, Zills.
Ruric-Amari Indian dance in Louisville KY Bharatanatyam Basics with Akila Iyer. Begin your exploration into the ancient and dramatic dance art, Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian Dance that challenges both the mind and body through dance vocabulary, introduction to hand gesture, foot work, and facial expression.
Ruric is on training holiday in August. We will resume Bharatanatyam classes in September.
Ruric-Amari Indian dance in Louisville KY

Bollywood Dance I and II with Ruric-Amari. Roll over Zumba! If you're looking for real dance, exercise and light-hearted fun, try Bollywood, where Indian dance meets Broadway and MTV! Easier on the joints than Bharatanatyam but still with that intriguing Indian flavor and flair. Learn the basics, the groove, hand mudras, combinations, and a whole new definition for stamina :-)

Ruric is on training holiday in August. We will resume our popular Bollywood classes in September.
Flamenco Louisville at Samovar Studio in Louisville KY Flamenco Louisville
Flamenco Louisville holds classes in Studio B of the Samovar Studio. Flamenco Louisville is the oldest flamenco organization in the area, offering classes, workshops, parties and educational programs for dancers and musicians. We are proud to have them choose to make their home at our Studio. For class schedule and details, please contact Flamenco Louisville. Their classes are NOT part of the all-you-can-dance cards.
Ruric-Amari belly dance in Louisville KY Samovar Dance Theatre: Samovar was formed in 2005 as Troupe Samovar to give Ruric's intermediate and professional-level students a performance outlet. Since then, Samovar has evolved into a high-energy performance group bringing authentic and experimental belly dance to benefit galas, parties, restaurants, store openings, CD Release parties, conventions, concerts and festivals in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Company members train and rehearse twice a week and participate in Studio classes and workshops as well. This focus on authentic dance technique and constant practice has molded Samovar into a company whose performances entertain, move and delight. The goal is: the best dancers and the best shows. More information about Samovar can be found at our Samovar Dance Theatre page.
Ruric-Amari belly dance in Louisville KY ANU
Eligible students whose schedules are too complex to let them dance with Samovar can join Anu, which has the same goals as Samovar but on a less intense schedule.

The goals for ANU are the same as for Samovar: excellent dancers dancing excellently together. ANU has its own rehearsals and choreographies, tailored to the time and skill set of the dancers.

Ruric-Amari belly dance in Louisville KY Private and semi-private lessons with Ruric-Amari: Purchase one lesson or set up a schedule. Purchase for a friend with our Gift Certificates. These lessons are perfect for:
-students who want to progress quickly, or students who have missed class;
-a dancer with a personal dance dream, challenge or choreography;
-a group of friends whose schedule doesn't allow them to come to dance class;
-a ballet or modern dance student who wants to try veil dancing;
-a shy person who suspects she's interested in belly dance.

Private lessons:  $25/30 minutes, $40/hr for current students, $50/hr all others.
Semi-private lessons:   $50/hr for current students, $60/hr all others.

Ruric-Amari belly dance in Louisville KY Belly Dance Party: Your place or ours! These parties are very successful and in good taste for ladies-night-out, bunko parties, bridal showers, reunions, birthdays (both big AND little girls!) and social clubs looking for something fun to do together. The parties include a one-hour dance class (with the emphasis on FUN), the loan of hip scarves and veils, and a brief performance using the prop of your choice. $125 for a two-hour party at the studio, with the studio amenities: tea, tables and chairs, sound system and coat racks. For a party in another location, please call for a quote. Contact Ruric-Amari to schedule a party.

Photo credits: M Berry, J Fothergill, D Crain, AnnaBeth, S. Bodavey. Thank you!

 

Class Schedule by Week

What do I need for class? Simple! Bring Your Own Body.

  • The classes are suitable for women of all ages who are in reasonably good health.
  • I have hip scarves and veils for you to borrow until you want to buy your own.
  • Protect your feet with socks or dance slippers and wear clothing that allows a full range of movement.
  • Come on time because each class starts with a warm-up that will help you learn faster and protect yourself from injury.

Where are we? Our studio is at the Mellwood Arts Center!  Easy to get to from I-65, I-64, and I-71.  For directions, click [ HERE ].

How to pay? You may pay via PayPal (below) or at the door with cash or check.

Special pricing:

  • All-You-Can-Belly-Dance: $40 per week or $85 per month. This includes all belly dance classes. It does NOT include Bollywood and Bharatanatyam.
Samovar Dance Company
SUMMER SCHEDULE 2010: To accommodate students who need flexible summer schedules while also accommodating students who have time for intensive work, we have replaced the usual class sessions with a series of focused workshops. Students who want to design their own dance intensive can purchase one of our all-you-can-dance cards ($40, $85). This format will continue through August. We'll return to regular class format in September. And remember, private or semi-private lessons are always an option for the time-challenged!

JULY 2010
SUNMONTUEWEDTHUFRISAT
25
Private party.
26
6 - 7 PM: Open studio time.
27
Bharatanatyam Basics
28
Bollywood I in Studio A
Tribal Basics in Studio B
29
Bollywood II
30
 
31
Private party
AUGUST 2010
SUNMONTUEWEDTHUFRISAT
1
Salsa festival
2
Private party
3
Very Musical Shimmies: Break Up Your Shake
4
Thrilling Zilling Basics
5
Guena Roma Gypsy
6 7
8 9
6 - 7 PM: Open studio time.
10
Drum Solo A to Z
11
Tribal Drills for Polish and Shine
12
Hot! Turkish and Romany Zilling
13 14
15 16
6 - 7 PM: Open studio time.
17
Thrilling Zilling Advanced Beginner
18
Ridiculously Hard Tribal
19
Raqs Bedeya I
20 21
22 23
6 - 7 PM: Open studio time.
24
Thrilling Zilling Goes Solo
25
Confident Tribal Cueing
26
Raqs Bedeya II
27   28
29 30
6 - 7 PM: Open studio time.
31
 
 
 
 
 

Monday thru Sunday

All-You-Can-Belly-Dance, for one week. Design your own dance intensive!
Includes all belly dance classes. Does not include Bollywood or Bharatanatyam.
All-You-Can-Belly-Dance, for one month. Design your own dance intensive!
Includes all belly dance classes. Does not include Bollywood or Bharatanatyam.

Monday

August 9, 16, 23
6 - 7 PM  Open studio time for Samovar.
 

Tuesday

July 27
6 - 8 PM:  Bharatanatyam Basics workshop
This class is an introduction to the "Ballet of India," Baratanatyam. Learn Adavus including foot work, hand gestures, and facial expression as well as the history and vocabulary of this classical dance art. This workshop is taught in a traditional manner, as it would be taught by a guru in India. Be prepared to work hard. You will learn a lot.
Note: The Bahratanatyam Basics workshop taught earlier in the month will cover different techniques.
August 3
6 - 8 PM:  Very Musical Shimmies: Break Up Your Shake workshop
with AnnaBeth. The shimmy is one of the most musical and essentials steps of the professional bellydancer. Explore the shimmy as a musical entity and how to break up your shake in new rhythmic ways to add awareness and shimmy to your dance.
Suitable for:
August 10
6 - 8 PM:  Drum Solo, A-Z workshop
Learn the complete breakdown of the arabic drum solo dance. Learn the rhythms, know the accents, use what you have to perfectly interpret the precise and lively art of the drum solo.
Suitable for:
August 17
6 - 8 PM:  Thrilling Zilling for the Advanced Beginner workshop.
with AnnaBeth. Take rhythm to a new level and learn to play beyond the basics. Come drill singles, gallops, foundation arabic rhythms, and flourishes that will add texture and flavor to your zill playing. All students must have some zill experience and come with a positive attitude. Zills are available for loan or purchase.
Suitable for:
August 24
6 - 8 PM:  Thrilling Zilling goes Solo workshop
with AnnaBeth. No music? No problem...now you can learn to use your zills as a musical instrument that stands alone. Brush up on basic arabic rhythms and then learn to advance and enhance your base line to provide your body with musical inspiration to shimmy and shake the night away. Prereqisite: All students must take Thrilling Zilling for the Advanced Beginner to attend this workshop. Zills are available for loan or purchase.
Suitable for:

Wednesday

July 28
6 - 8 PM:  Tribal Basics workshop in Studio B
with AnnaBeth. Explore the fundamentals of group dancing, American Tribal Style. This class will cover undulations, walking camels, hip bumps and turns and proper arm carriage for each. Students will then be introduced to the "secret" to beautiful group Tribal improvisation, cueing.
July 28
6 - 8 PM :  Bollywood Slam I workshop in Studio A.
with Ruric-Amari. Roll over Zumba! If you're looking for real dance, serious exercise and a lot of light-hearted fun, try Bollywood, where Indian dance meets Broadway and MTV! Ruric will teach the delicious footwork, arms and hands, turns and expressions that make this style so much fun. Then we wrap it up with a short choreography!
August 4
6 - 8 PM:  Thrilling Zilling Basics workshop
with Anna Beth. This class will cover all the basics of zill work including ring tones, different speeds of singles, gallops, and various means of accentuation. We will start in a chair to coordinate our hands and then add one body part at a time to the mix. Zills are available for loan or purchase.
Suitable for: Beginner to Advance Beginner level students or as a refresher for Intermediate and Advanced.
August 11
6 - 8 PM:  Tribal Drills for Polish and Shine workshop
with AnnaBeth. American Tribal is known for its intense emphasis on isolation and polished moves. Come complete your basic Tribal repertoire and drill them until they shine. This workshop will include your camels, shimmies, twists, traveling steps and will provide an excellent workout for the Tribal dancer.
Suitable for:
August 18
6 - 8 PM:  Ridiculously Hard Tribal workshop
with AnnaBeth. A Ruric-Amari original designed to fry your brain. Come learn one of the most beloved choreographies of Troupe Samovar with Principal dancer Anna Beth. The name of the game is NO wusses...don't worry about what you can or can't do, just come and challenge your mind and body.
Suitable for:
August 25
6 - 8 PM:  Confident Cueing workshop
with AnnaBeth. Take your lead and be confident about it. One of the many struggles of mastering ATS is mastering the que position. Scary to take, hard to maintain, and difficult to get out of, this workshop is designed to address all three problems and provide each student the confidence they need to be a strong cuer.
Suitable for:

Thursday

July 29
6 - 8 PM :  Bollywood Slam II workshop
with Ruric-Amari. A continuation of Wednesday's Bollywood footwork, arms and hands, turns and expressions. For students who have taken Bollywood I or the classes at the studio.
August 5
6 - 8 PM   Guena Roma Gypsy workshop
with AnnaBeth. A Ruric-Amari original that brings out your inner Gypsy. This dance is chock full of fancy footwork, head tosses, and personality. Take it all, add your own flavor, and wallah instant gypsy.
Suitable for:
August 12
6 - 8 PM   Hot! Turkish and Romany Zilling :Zills for 9/8 and Ciftitelli workshop
with AnnaBeth. Explore two unique Turkish and Romany style dance rhythms. Learn a complete breakdown of 9/8 and Ciftitelli rhythms and the steps and zills that effectively accompany this beautiful style.
Suitable for:
August 19
6 - 8 PM   Raqs Bedeya Part I workshop
with AnnaBeth. One of Samovar's most useful choreographies for performance, performed to a classic Egyptian Oriental opening piece. If you don't know it, come learn it...if you do know it, come learn to put basic zills over each section to provide elegant accents to this elegant dance. This workshop will teach approx the first 3.5 minutes.
Suitable for:
August 26
6 - 8 PM :  Raqs Bedeya Part II workshop
with AnnaBeth. Continue this lovely choreography and learn the 3 minute addition that completes the dance.
Suitable for:

Friday

 

Saturday

August
1 - 3 PM: Samovar rehearsals as scheduled.
 

Sunday

Anu rehearsals as scheduled.
 

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