On Saturday mornings this May, the Mirror Lake Studio in New Hartford fills with the sound of Middle Eastern rhythms—and the unmistakable jingle of coin scarves. Whether you've never shimmied or you've performed for years, there's a spot for you in our three-week belly dance workshop series.
At a Glance
| Dates | Saturdays: May 11, 18, and 25, 2024 |
| Location | Mirror Lake Studio, 127 Genesee Street, New Hartford |
| Time | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. each session |
| Price | $45 per workshop, or $120 for all three |
| Levels | Beginner to advanced; each workshop targets a specific skill set |
Workshop Lineup
Introduction to Belly Dance
Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $45 | Beginner
Kick off your belly dance journey with Aaliyah Rose, who trained in Cairo and has taught locally for eight years. You'll learn fundamental movements, proper posture, and the cultural history behind this dance form. No prior experience is necessary—just bring comfortable workout clothes, a water bottle, and a willingness to learn.
Intermediate Technique Masterclass
Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $45 | Intermediate
For dancers who have mastered the basics, Zahara Moon leads a session focused on fluidity, precision, and layering movements. You'll work on creating dynamic, captivating performances and leave with tools to add complexity to your routines. Moon has performed with regional troupes across Upstate New York for over a decade.
Tribal Fusion Choreography
Saturday, May 25 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $45 | Advanced beginner to advanced
Dive into fusion with Kali Thunder, whose choreography blends traditional belly dance with contemporary styles. This workshop emphasizes creativity and self-expression, guiding dancers to explore new movements and musicality through a full piece you'll learn over the two-hour session.
Why Belly Dance?
Belly dance builds core strength, improves posture, and offers a creative outlet outside the gym. Past participants have ranged from college students to retirees—a reminder that there's no "typical" dancer here. These workshops are designed as a supportive, inclusive environment where you can connect with others, build confidence, and have fun.
"I walked into Aaliyah's beginner class terrified I'd be the oldest and least coordinated person there. I wasn't—and I've been dancing for three years now." — Maria K., New Hartford
What to Know Before You Arrive
- Parking: Free street parking is available on Genesee Street, and a municipal lot sits one block north of the studio.
- What to wear: Comfortable clothing that lets you move freely. Hip scarves will be available to borrow; you're also welcome to bring your own.
- Drop-ins: Single-session registration is open for all three workshops, though the intermediate and choreography sessions assume familiarity with basic belly dance vocabulary.
Register by May 4
Last month's workshop series sold out in ten days. Secure your spot at newhartfordbellydance.com/may-series or call (315) 555-0142 with questions. We can't wait to dance with you.
The New Hartford Belly Dance Team
