Welcome to KAMAR'S Bellydance Class Schedule - Buena Park. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to economic meltdown and other situations, all Bellydance Classes taught by Kamar at Blanca Luz Academy will end. If you are interested in an In-Home Bellydance Private for you and your friends or want to join Kamar and Jewels of Fire Orientale Bellydance Choreography and Troupe Class, please contact Kamar. PAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. "Why Bellydance?" - A Short History 2. Bellydance Class Schedule. 3. Classes info request form. 4. Links 5. Private Lessons and In-Home Privates. 6. How much do Classes cost? 7. NEXT Costume Sewing Class CANCELED. 8. Private Group Bellydance lessons at your next Wedding/Baby Shower or Women's Gathering. 9. Email link. "Why Bellydance?" A Short History. Orientale Dance also known, as Bellydance is the oldest dance form recorded. A raw form of it has been in existence since around 5500 BC. Polynesian dance is recorded to have begun around 1500 BC. Polynesians migrated from China across Turkey, Persia, India and Egypt before they settled on the different Polynesian Isles. So, guess where their moves came from. What is Bellydance? It is a dance of life, birth and celebration. It was originally performed only by women for women and is still done so in the privacy of Middle Eastern homes. It is an American misconception that you have to be a beautiful, sweet young thing with no body flaws, fat or wrinkles in order to perform Bellydance. Bellydance is for every woman and girl to enjoy and call her own. Bellydance is not easy and requires dedication and patience. Every woman can and should learn to Bellydance for her own health, happiness and well-being. Age, size, ethnicity, physical ability and disability are not issues. Do it for yourself and your body. Although one is exercising while taking a Bellydance class, this is indeed a classical/cultural dance class and not an exercise class. History of the dance and styles of costuming are presented in class as a part of the learning experience. Bellydance Classes are a great way to meet new friends, share ideas, reduce stress, wear beautiful costumes and get a great full body workout at the same time. Don't want to perform? Performing is never required. Come join a Class and see what all the hoopla is about. Link to Styles of Bellydance

"Turkish Dancers strut, Egyptian Dancers glide"
Elizabeth Artemis Mourat

Kamar and Jewels of Fire 2008 -Photo by Benny Campa

	BELLYDANCE CLASS SCHEDULE ***Economic times are tough for everyone right now. The last thing we want to do is spend any extra money on ourselves. Believe me, the money spent on a Bellydance Class for yourself is money well spent. This hour away from your stress, cares and woes will help to keep you sane, healthy and your mind off those cares and woes. Come join me and let's feel good about ourselves again together. NEW BEGINNING Adults & Teens Classes MONDAYS - 8:00pm - 9:00pm (No longer available.) THURSDAYS - 7:00pm - 8:00pm (No longer available) * Contact Kamar via email or Studio phone (714 522-3944) before attending this or any class for the first time. * For ALL students with little or no formal Bellydance experience and training. * Learn beginning technique, use of props (veils and cymbals only) and simple choreography. * History of Orientale dance and introduction to costumes will also be included as part of the learning process. * Styles presented are: American Classic (also known as American Cabaret), Turkish Cabaret, Arabic, Folk, Fusion and Fantasy. * Advance to the next level when you need more of a challenge. Three months of Beg. Classes are highly recommended but not required. * Ages 13 and up only. * Great for Mother and Daughter bonding time. * Beginning class does not perform. * Classes are small and room is mirrored. Classes at Parks and Rec and Colleges tend to be very large with lessons taught in the round and no mirrors to see how you look. * This class and all classes are ongoing. Begin anytime. ***Class days, times and fees are subject to change without notice. Always email us before attending any class for the first time or after and extended absence. Sample Class Format: Week 1: Yoga warm up, shimmy drills, hip lifts, walking shimmies, zils & choreography. Week 2: Yoga warm up, shimmy drills, hip lifts, figure 8s, veils & choreography. Week 3: Yoga warm up, shimmy drills, hip lifts, snake arms, zils & choreography. Week 4: Yoga warm up, shimmy drills, hip lifts, technique review, veils & choreography. INTERMEDIATE Adults & Teens MONDAYS - 7:00 - 8:00pm. (No longer available) * For all INTERMEDIATE students with at least 3 or more months of formal Bellydance training or Kamar's approval. * Students entering INTERMEDIATE Class need to be familiar with and able to play basic finger cymbals. * At least one year of formal Intermediate Classes are recommended before moving up to Advanced Level. Students may choose to remain in this Class if performing is not desired. * Learn Intermediate Level American Classic (also known as American Cabaret), Turkish Cabaret, Arabic, Folk, Fusion and Fantasy style technique, use of props such as veils, tambourines, zils (cymbals) and choreography. * History of Orientale dance and introduction to costumes will also be included as part of the learning process. * Use of swords and daggers are presented briefly and Students participating must sign a waiver/release. * This class is also ongoing. Join anytime. * Chance to perform (Optional). This class performs yearly at the Orange County and LA County Fairs and students may perform to live music with Kamar at Tonya's Original Bellydance Showcase at Khoury's Restaurant in Long Beach Marina every Wednesday of the month. This is a Family venue. All ages welcome to attend. **NOTE: A beaded and/or coined Cabaret costume is required for those students who wish to perform. Go to the TURKISH EMPORIUM or BABYLON BREEZE links located in "Links" to order beautiful reasonably priced beaded costumes. ***Sorry, no children under 13 years old. Sample Class Format: Week 1: Yoga warm up with zils, shimmy drills, hip lifts with zils, walking shimmies & choreography. Week 2: Yoga warm up /w zils, shimmy drills, hip lifts with zils, new zil pattern, veils & choreography. Week 3: Yoga warm up /w zils, shimmy drills, hip lifts with zils, figure 8s walking figure 8s, new zil pattern review & choreography. Week 4: Yoga warm up /w zils, shimmy drills, hip lifts with zils, choreography, Circle Dance & critique. ADVANCED CHOREOGRAPHY & TROUPE - MONDAYS - 7:30 - 8:30pm. ***This Class is now accepting new Intermediate and Advanced Students for 2010 performance year. This is a performance level class. * A minimum of one year of formal Bellydance instruction is required or Kamar's approval. * Styles presented are American Classic (also known as Cabaret style), Turkish Cabaret, Arabic, Folk, Fusion and Fantasy. * History of Orientale dance, introduction to advanced costumes and discussions on performances will also be included as part of the learning process. * Learn advanced choreography, advanced use of props, veils and zils (cymbals). * Technique is not taught in this class. Students must be able to learn the combinations used in choreography. * Participants may perform with our show troupe, KAMAR AND JEWELS OF FIRE at such events as MECDA's Cairo Caravan, Raqs LA (Every two years only), Orange and LA Co. Fairs, Tonya's Bellydance Showcase, special occasions and special events. ***Sorry, no children under 13 years of age. CRITERIA FOR JOINING THIS CLASS: 1. Special costuming is required for most performances. All Troupe participants must provide their own costumes and props as needed. 2. Students joining this class need to be DEDICATED and MUST attend class regularly. 3. If you are an Intermediate or Advanced level Middle Eastern Orientale Dancer or Student with at least one year of formal Bellydance instruction who wants to perform occasionally, but does not have time to attend a lot of rehearsals, then this is the class for you. 4. We will accept new and dedicated students for our 2010 performance year. Intense rehearsals for Raqs LA (2011) only)and 2010 MECDA's Cairo Caravan begins with the first class of the New Year. As a courtesy to our regular attending Students, those students joining this class after January may not be able to perform at 2010 MECDA's Cairo Caravan. A chance to perform at the two County Fairs and Tonya's weekly Bellydance Showcase are open. 5. We perform almost every month and you may also perform with Kamar to live music on each Wednesday of the month at Tonya's Original Bellydance Showcase currently at Khoury's Restaurant. 6. New incoming Advanced Students may be asked to sign an agreement contract before being admitted to this class. ***If you are interested in joining this class, please contact Kamar (Sandra Luna). (ALL CLASS DAYS, TIMES AND FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION WITHOUT NOTICE. CALL OR EMAIL US FIRST BEFORE ATTENDING ANY CLASS FOR THE FIRST TIME OR AFTER AN EXTENDED ABSENCE) ***NEW***ADVANCED BELLYDANCE CLASS FORMAT The following format may include all or part at each class: 1. Hip lifts, etc. series with finger cymbals warm up. 2. Shimmy Drills. 3. Technique review. 4. Performance choreography review and practice. 5. Freestyle veil practice and transitions. 6. Freestyle group practice and transitions. 7. Circle dance and critique. NEW - In-Home Private Lessons If you or your family/friends cannot attend classes on regular Class days or times, then setting up In-Home Private Lessons might be the answer. * The fee get cheaper, the more students attending. $35 per hour for 1 - 2 Students. $12 for each additional Student. (No age restrictions) * Depending on your Level, learn or perfect American Classic, Turkish Cabaret, Folk, Fusion and Fantasy Styles. * Learn prop manipulation using such props as swords, daggers, fans, veil fans, candles, veils, circular veils and tambourines & zils. * Learn basic choreography or choreography for class performances or special occasions. Where: Your home or Rec Room. Allow ample space. When: Weekdays - Anytime between 2:30 - 4:30. Weekends - Mutual Agreement. ***This offer is only good when travel is within 25 miles of Norwalk, CA. ***For information, use our email link below or fill in the Info Request Form. NO CLASSES on the following Holidays: Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, last two weeks of December through New Year's Day and Kamar's Vacation.

	Click on "Hot Links" for costumes, zils etc.

Kamar's Email Link For Info

	How Much Do Classes Cost? 1. Classes are $48 a month pre-paid cash or check only. This includes Kamar's fee and Classroom rental. 2. Any missed lessons may be made up outside of Classroom by mutual agreement. Students are required to notify Kamar by phone or email in advance if the Student will be absent. 3. Private lessons (In-Home Only) are available upon request and mutual agreement at $35 per hour. No age limit for private lessons. In-Home Private Lessons are available periodically. Local to Norwalk only. $35 per hour for 1-2 students. $10 per student for each additional student. Please email Kamar to arrange Private Lessons. Include your name and contact phone number. ***Special Occasion (Bridal, Baby Showers and Women's Gathering) one time only Group privates are available outside the Studio upon request. A ten Student minimum and travel fee applies. 4. A costuming class CANCELED until further notice. 5. All Class days, times and pricing are subject to change without notice on all classes and workshops. Always email us before attending a class for the first time or after an extended absence. 6. For Class information only, contact Kamar by email or fill out the request info form on this page. Sorry, NO FREE CLASSES. Class Fees and Payment Options Email Link Costume Sewing Class ***Next Costume Sewing Workshop - CANCELED. 11:00 - 4:00pm ***Beginning - Advanced level dance students (Sorry, no dance students under 13 years of age unless accompanied by an adult) and those who do not sew can learn how to make an easy Bellydance costume and accessories (bras, belts, full and straight skirts, harem pants, vests, Turkish coats, American Tribal, Beledi dresses, Ren Faire attire for Bellydancers, Fusion attire, Children's costumes). * BRING YOUR OWN PAPER to trace my patterns. The paper must be large enough and suitable to use for tracing (at least 36-45 inches wide) or thin butcher paper (can be bought at any teacher supply). Look at my books to get costume ideas. You must provide all of your own supplies (paper, fabrics, notions, pins, scissors for paper and fabrics, sewing machine and table). * COST: This is a FREE class for my Buena Park Students and their seamstresses or $5 per person for non-Buena Park Students. * Come early and stay all day or come when you can. * Bring a snack to share. * We stop, clean up and leave by 4pm. For more info and directions, contact Kamar (Sandra Luna) via email. ***Most costumes worn by Kamar were designed and constructed by her. ***Kamar is available for costume consultations.*** Special Occasion Private Group Lessons... Private Group Bellydance Lessons available for your next BRIDAL, BABY SHOWER, GIRLS' BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AND WOMEN'S GATHERINGS. For more information go to KAMAR AND JEWELS OF FIRE link below or at the top of this page. Kamar and Jewels of Fire Link