Get strong, slim down, be a gypsy, jingle when you walk, and dance like a goddess to zills and drum... in Ruric-Amari´s Belly Dance Classes & Workshops in Louisville, Kentucky

Belly dance is dance art AND exercise AND exhilarating entertainment!

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

Ruric incorporates her studies in massage therapy, yoga and pilates into her curriculum so that her students learn to dance safely and strongly as well as with emotion and precision.

This is 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.

Events at the studio include technique classes, drop-in dance exercise classes, private lessons, dance company rehearsals, workshops, and an occasional Shake Your TailFeathers party to which all are invited.

Paypal buttons for Ruric's classes and workshops are in the Schedule section, below. -~-

Class Descriptions & Prices

for Beginners:

Note: These are SEPARATE classes, with the same content in each class. Students may alternate days if convenient for their schedule.
• Mon 5:30 - 6:30 PM
• Thurs 6 - 7 PM

Learn the essentials of real belly dance: effective dance posture, shimmies, arm & hip movements, undulations, traveling steps, and the combinations used to create beautiful dances! Students get the attention they need to learn to love to dance.

• $35 / 4-week session.
• This is NOT a drop-in class.

for Advanced Beginners:

Note: These are SEPARATE classes, with the same content in each class. Students may alternate days if convenient for their schedule.
• Tuesday 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• Thursday 7:15 - 8:15 PM.

Expand on the essentials of real belly dance and begin to explore effective improvisation. Students are introduced to veils.

• $45 / 4-week session.
• This is NOT a drop-in class.

for Intermediate Dancers:

• Tuesday 7:30 - 8:30 PM.

Develop confident technique and a distinctive dance style! Students are introduced to zill playing as well as advanced arm and hip movements, combinations and choreographies.

• $50 / 4-week session.
• This is NOT a drop-in class.

Gimme Shimmy:

• Monday 6:45 - 7:45 PM

Stamina and Flexibility for all! with belly dance steps and movements. No dance experience needed. Dancers will enjoy learning to dance smarter AND stronger. Non-dancers looking for a different way to exercise will find this class to be full-bodied and fun.

• This IS a drop-in class!
• $10 /one class
• $35 /4-class card ($8.75/class)
• $45 /6-class card ($7.75/class)
• $60 / 8-class card ($7.50/class) .

All-You-Can-Dance class cards:

All-you-can-dance class cards are $80 per month. This includes all classes, workshops and parties.

Private and semi-private lessons

Private and semi-private dance lessons are often purchased by:

• students who have missed class;
• a dancer who wants my assistance with a personal dance dream or challenge: veil work, percussive drum solo, a personal choreography.
• a group of friends whose schedule doesn't allow them to come to dance class;
• a shy person who suspects she may be interested in belly dance and wants to find out for sure :) .

Private lessons are $35/hr, semi-private lessons are $45 for two students, $50 for 3 students.

Troupe Samovar and the Samovar Dance Theatre

were formed in March 2005 to give students interested in American and experimental belly dance a performance outlet. Troupe members rehearse twice a week and participate in the Intermediate and Core Conditioning classes as well. They are expected to participate in company-only seminars on a variety of dance-related topics such as American tribal dance, flamenco arms and turns, and Greek folk dance, and to attend the studio workshops on veil,improvisation, zills, and rhythm. The goal is: the best dancers and the best shows.

Belly Dance Party

Very popular for ladies-night-out, bridal showers, reunions, birthdays, and social clubs looking for something fun to do together. These one-time classes include the loan of hip scarves and veils to make class more fun, a small gift if there is a guest of honor, and a brief performance by me at the end of class using the prop of your choice (sword, veils, candles, fans or zills). Please call Ruric-Amari to schedule a party.

Workshop Descriptions

Upcoming workshop schedule BELOW.

Fast Start Workshop:

Designed for beginners and dancers who want to brush up on the fundamentals! Always a good review of the basics for any dancer. Includes a short choreography.

Be One with the Drum:

Drum solo dances are a favorite with audiences and dancers alike!   This workshop focuses on understanding, responding to and traveling with the distinctive drum tones and rhythms of drum solo music.   Technique will include the percussive movements, shimmies, body pops, effective arms, and ATTITUDE that make drum-solos such an effective change of pace.   A short choreography will be taught.

Your Body Electric: Improvisation and Stage Presence

Take risks with confidence and become a goddess on stage!   Every dancer wants to be able to express herself through improvisation to music.   Ruric will teach you how to turn technique into dancing.

Your Body Electric: The Veil as Your Luminous Body

Ruric-Amari is arguably Kentuckiana´s most accomplished veil dancer, performing regularly with one, two and four silk veils to canned and live music.   No circus pony tricks, but real melt-in-your-mouth dancing!   She will set you on the path to DANCING with a veil!   Includes a short choreography.

Your Body Electric: Your Arms are Not a Prop

Move beyond simple positioning of arms and hands!   Being able to isolate the origin and shape of your hand, arm and finger movements is key to expressing the style and mood of your dance piece and to communication with your audience.   Come explore the impact of different kinds of energy movement and how to develop and maintain expressive and appropriate arms and hands at all times.

Your Body Electric: Zills as a Musical Instrument

Zills establish your presence on stage and add pulse, complexity and delight to your dance performance.   Being able to dance WITH your zills is an indescribable thrill and essential for the accomplished belly dancer.   Don't fear them!   You CAN learn to play them faster than you think! Come be inspired.

Weekend Warrior Belly Dance event:

Several times a year we offer a Saturday workshop to help dancers with busy schedules keep learning and growing.   In March, weekend warriors can take a Be One with the Drum drum solo workshop. There's a free lunch if you pay ahead.