tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075471758853858162010-06-29T22:40:25.557-05:00An Ancient Art Form with a Texas TwistNajlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-38914099327898433572010-05-13T22:03:00.003-05:002010-05-13T22:19:32.508-05:00

I often get people who ask for additional resources so they can study belly dance at home. I think for some people, this is a great way to review and expand on material used during class. Now I'll the first one to point out that take a class in person is the best way to learn this dance form, but I do agree that a little homework and video watching can really help solidify what you learn in

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-15842541814027078932010-04-21T22:58:00.002-05:002010-04-21T23:07:39.640-05:00

This year is flying by, but I'm having so much fun in the process. I've got just a few slots left in my beginner and intermediate classes so if you are interested you'll need to put that shimmy in high gear.Beginner Belly Dance: This month we'll start working on circles, figure 8's and other patterns with our hip, ribs, and arms. Classes include a 30 minute drill/warm-up, a 15 minute stretch

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-91868625589735650762010-03-23T00:08:00.000-05:002010-03-23T00:09:47.579-05:00

Each month, we explore a new topic in the beginner belly dance class. This month is a focus on strength and stamina. If you want clean, articulate movements you need a solid foundation and strength in your lower body. Classes include a 30 minute drill/warm-up, a 15 minute stretch and 45 minutes of technique, combinations or choreography (depending upon the topic). Classes are held in central

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-84793575267948481502010-01-20T15:00:00.003-06:002010-01-20T15:05:37.803-06:00

Whew, holidays are over, January is almost a blur and it's that time of year to brush off your shimmies or start them up for the first time. That's right, it's time for classes to begin again!My Spring Session I begins on January 31 and runs through March 21, 2010. Just enough time to get everyone prepared for our second Hip Circle Hafla, a student recital, featuring my students as well of

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-67709244936562562592010-01-19T15:22:00.001-06:002010-01-20T15:28:41.229-06:00

Baharat, my student troupe is growing and changing a bit. It's become Baharat Dance Ensemble and includes my intermediate and advanced level students as well as guest dancers. This offers me the opportunity to invite dancers from the community to help me round out a choreography or work on special projects. It's a belly dance hook-up of sorts! Short term commitment, no other strings attached.

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-51888610403918152372009-09-27T14:18:00.003-05:002009-09-27T14:21:39.067-05:00

Come discover the art of belly dancing with Najla with beginner or intermediate classes. Najla has been performing Middle Eastern dance for over 12 years, teaching since 2001 and performs regularly in Austin. Both the Beginner and Intermediate level classes include a 30 minute drill/warm-up, a 15 minute stretch and 45 minutes of technique, combinations or choreography (depending upon the topic)

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-28000762324582958812009-09-27T14:11:00.002-05:002009-09-27T14:17:20.446-05:00

Ever wonder how to make or alter those fabulous and sparkly cabaret costumes? Or, do you wonder how to get bras and belts to fit and flatter your figure just perfectly? Well, come join myself and the wonderful Jaime Lynn of San Marcos for an afternoon workshop on October 10, 2009.This interactive, hands-on workshop focuses on the design, construction and history of belly dance costuming. Join

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-39803800297733619982009-06-14T21:31:00.008-05:002009-06-16T18:35:38.734-05:00

I'm cleaning out my belly dance closet for the first time in way too many years. So, I have a very eclectic mix of items for sale. So check out the following items! If you're interested in anything, drop me a note at najladances AT gmail DOT com. If you're out of the Austin area, prices do not include shipping. I'll be finished posting pictures for the other items by the end of the week (June 21)

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-43155760166489256872009-05-02T22:49:00.002-05:002009-05-02T22:52:46.022-05:00

or should I say dancer? Well, if you're just stopping by to see what I have out here, feel free to look around...however it's still a work in progress. In fact, I have lots of information on dancing, teaching, resources and other goodies that I'm working on filling in. So, check back with me frequently, this is my summer homework ;-)And, if you need to contact me in the meantime or have

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-8584500213504210102009-04-15T20:24:00.001-05:002009-04-19T00:51:46.843-05:00

Many believe that belly dancing dates back to the dawn of time when sisters, mothers, aunts, daughters and friends celebrated events through music and movement. Although many people believe this dance form is about enticing men, the truth is that belly dancing past and present has always focused on women dancing for women. It is about building community, forging relationships and connecting to

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-31716553467527825312009-04-11T22:46:00.005-05:002010-01-25T22:45:39.414-06:00

Baharat is a term used to describe a blend of Arabic spices. When I was looking for a word or phrase to describe my student troupe, the term seemed to fit just perfectly. They are a mixture of sweetness and sass, and their enthusiasm and love of this dance is just contagious. The troupe consists of students in my Intermediate level class which meets on Sunday evenings. Attendance in the class is

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-29781896094476011052009-04-10T22:27:00.004-05:002009-06-16T18:36:47.136-05:00

Part of the beauty of belly dancing is the wonderful music, costumes and accessories that come with this dance form. For my students I've compiled a list of resources to help you with your shopping endeavors. They include:Local belly dance vendorsOnline shopping resourcesSuggested music, DVDs and booksP.S. If you want to see a list of items I'm currently selling, check it out here!

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-67058928938773807142009-04-10T22:25:00.014-05:002009-06-10T17:45:36.384-05:00

I discovered belly dancing almost out of of boredom and quickly realized that this dance form had intrigued me for years. When I first went off to college I would hear the jingling of hip scarves in the student union at UT. I saw the information on taking classes but never had the nerve to go watch a show or take a class. To this day, I find it ironic that the very performances and classes that

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-89071574312202086832009-04-10T22:25:00.007-05:002009-04-11T21:26:46.155-05:00

Check out my calendar to find out when my classes meet, and when you can catch me in a performance in and around Austin!

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-39504105847409228642009-04-10T21:34:00.004-05:002010-01-20T15:31:30.462-06:00

Interested in taking classes? I currently teach on Sunday evenings in central Austin so you can learn to unleash that inner goddess! I'm also available for private lessons or group workshops (ladies only) if you're just wanting to try things out. Contact me at najladances AT gmail DOT com for more information.Tarrytown Dance (Windsor and Exposition) Both levels of class are structured in a

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-91781129952491096332009-01-15T22:35:00.002-06:002009-06-16T18:39:07.305-05:00

Are you in the sewing mood...here's a chance to stock up on some fabrics that I bought for belly dance projects. See my main shopping post for contact information and other items for sale.Chocolate brown knit, 7 yards, 60” wide. I know, it looks a little purple here...but it really is chocolate brown! $20.Kelly green fabric (not sure what blend…poly/cotton?), 6 yards, 60” wide. Color is much more

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207547175885385816.post-34181549718411880852009-01-14T21:33:00.014-06:002009-06-28T14:35:50.330-05:00

Here is a list of the music CDs I have for sale. Some items are currently on hold, but I should know in the next week (6/22/09) if people are getting them. You should be able to find all of these listed on Amazon if you want to take a closer look. Or, shoot me an email and I can tell you more about them. (najladances AT gmail DOT com)The CDs are all in good condition, although some covers and

Najlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832590454081242949noreply@blogger.com0