This is intended as a sample of the kinds of workshops Desna teaches. She can, of course, plan something tailored to your specific needs. If you have any questions about any of the workshops described below, or would like to book a tailor-made workshop, please contact Desna.
This workshop uses creative dance movement, simple bellydance steps and Egyptian stick dance to take participants on an imaginary journey up the Nile from Alexandria, on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, to Luxor in its South. It can be adapted for a timeslot between 1.5-2 hours, and is suitable for age groups from 7 and upwards, mixed age and intergenerational groups.
This workshop involves learning and playing with some some basic bellydance moves and learning a fun bellydance routine. The workshop can be anywhere between 1-2 hrs in length and can be adapted for different age groups.
This workshop introduces participants to the music of the Said (a region of Southern Egypt) and some of the folkloric dance steps of the area. One characteristic of Saidi dance is the use of a stick or staff to complement dance movements and to wield in its own right. Due to the use of sticks, this workshop will require a large space and will only run with a limited number of participants. It can be adapted for a timeslot between 1.5-2 hours, and is suitable for age groups from 7 and upwards. This workshop builds on content from the Introduction to Bellydance workshop and so isn't entirely suitable for complete beginners.
If you are a member of a bellydance group or an organiser of a bellydance event, Desna would be delighted to teach more specialised workshops for you. She can tailor workshops to your needs, or you can choose from one of the following 'ready-to-go' workshops. All of them require a sound knowledge of basic bellydance movements and concepts.
This workshop is a technique 'surgery' for those who want their questions about basic and improver bellydance technique answered. It can be adapted for a timeslot between 1 - 3 hours, depending on the number of participants and their level of experience.
This workshop is aimed at dancers who want to learn how to begin layering shimmies over other movements. This will include exploring several different kinds of shimmy and exercise drills to get you on the road to layering shimmies. It really requires a minimum of 1.5 hours to cover the content adequately.
Learn a series of fun step combinations of varying lengths and complexity (can be adapted to needs of group) and explore how they fit with different pieces/styles of music. This workshop can be adapted for the time you have available.
Photo: lorettaflame, from morguefile
Desna requires a minimum of two week's notice for all bookings. She is prepared to take bookings at shorter notice, but these will attract a late booking surcharge.
If you have any questions about booking Desna to teach a workshop, please visit the FAQs page.
