Overview of Level 1: Belly Dance Basics Sessions (beginner and beyond) > 6 weeks
All BDB classes will be repeated throughout the year and students are encouraged to repeat them because they are skills/drills and it’s good to review! Must attend 90% of classes within session or receive instructor approval to graduate/move to next session level due to skill-building.

• No refunds offered for BDB session punch cards (ex: 6 punch card = one set price, even if you only attend 5 classes) and non-transferable to other classes. 
• Session punch cards expire at the end of the session/last class due to set class schedule.
• ​*Existing LV2/Troupe students may join LV1 sessions for review (for full 6wks, buy BDB punch card) or use regular SRS-P punch card when attending in addition to regular classes, as long as there is space available in LV1 (can attend as a 1-time drop-in).

Note: BDB I and II will be offered a couple times a year, but III, IV, and V might only be offered once a year due to scheduling/signups. This does not mean that you won't learn these skills in other sessions, drop-ins, or choreo classes. Class structure/focus points will drive other class requirements. ​

Suggested attendance between BDB off-weeks is any drop in class or Choreo sessions, as offered. ​

Level 1 (no experience required for Basics I class):

• Belly Dance Basics I – Beginner techniques and combos – 6 week sessions (no previous experience required) 
• Belly Dance Basics II – Beginner techniques and combos part 2 – 6 week sessions (must have Basics I or instructor approval)
• Belly Dance Basics III – Beyond Beginner techniques and combos/travel steps, A – 6 weeks (must have Basics I and II or instructor approval)
• Belly Dance Basics IV – Beyond Beginner techniques and combos/travel steps, B – 6 weeks (must have Basics I and II or instructor approval)
• Belly Dance Basics V – Beyond Beginner techniques and combos/beginner finger cymbals/zill – approx 6 weeks (must have Basics I and II or instructor approval)

Level 2: Belly Dance Intermediate (no set number of weeks, classes continuously run)

• Start to focus more on choreography, combining more advanced skills/layering. If performing, there will be opportunities to learn 1 or more dance piece in a year. Must have completed at least 4 of the BDB classes plus learned 1 short beginner choreography (longer drill format applies) or instructor approval. There will be some minor costuming requirements for those that would like to perform (reasonably priced, simple costumes of own color choice - costume theme will match other group members and is reuseable for multiple dances). 

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Expectations for other SRS-P troupes:

The following applies to all performance groups/performers: 

• Due to choreography lineups, individuals performing in a dance must be decided 3 weeks before a show (newer students may have a longer requirement). This reduces the stress load on all performers and prevents last minute changes. 
• Performers should be confident in their choreography. If you are struggling, you can always book private or semi-private lessons to help with any sections you'd like to focus on. 
• Arrive at the requested check-in time for shows to prevent people calling/searching for you. This includes leaving ample time for traveling to the venue. It's very hard to change lineups at the last minute (and very stress-inducing). 
• Please come to shows as ready as possible (makeup, gear, jewelry etc) and plan to store your items in an organized fashion. A training video can be provided for tips on makeup/hair. 
• Always wear a coverup when in costume. It protects your clothing and keeps the surprise!
• Please conduct yourself in a professional manner when attending performances, especially while in costume. Your behavior will reflect on the both the studio and the cultures you are representing, so allow yourself to develop a "belly dancer persona." Don't drink excessively, imbibe drugs, run around half dressed/costumed, etc. If you prefer to smoke, please change into street clothes. 
• Please be mindful of where you take pictures/videos. It is preferred that you do not do so in changing areas, and if you take pictures/videos, please check with the other people in them before posting online. For videos, check with all other performers before sharing online (ex: another troupe). 
• Keep all comments about performers and performances positive! We want the environment to be welcoming and fun, and you never know who is listening. If you hate a performance, keep silent (this includes online). Not every dance style will speak to you, and that's okay! 
• If you feel there is an issue with an event we are attending, please speak to me privately. However, should you feel endangered, please leave and contact me once you feel safe. This action may include telling other members also to leave. Whenever we interact with the public, there is always a risk of sexist, racist, sizest, homophobic, ageist, or bigoted comments, but this does not mean that you need to tolerate them or feel uncomfortable. As part of the "persona" of a performer, you can choose to ignore them, walk away, or leave completely, depending on the severity. Any of the decisions can be a good decision. 
• Watch out for your fellow dancers! This may include walking each other to your cars (especially when your hands are full of gear), contacting me if you notice intense interest from audience members (especially in the form of social media, pictures, or video), and safety in general. 
• If the weather is bad while traveling, let your fellow dancers know that you arrived home safe!

Rhythm Raqs Troupe (performance troupe, currently combined with LV2, int, and int+ students) - instructor approval. Must be able to successfully demonstrate proficiency with follow along dancing, basic+ technique, some layering skills (opportunities to learn will be available), some prop work (opportunities to learn will be available), and present a 30 second to 1 min choreography piece to the teacher or class (can be a class choreo). At this level, will start to develop own sense of stage presence as well as personal constuming (required). Must be open to gentle but constructive skill-building feedback and stage movement instructions in an effort to help create wonderful group choreographies. Will have some additional costuming requirements outside of basic tops/bottoms. 

​Troupe Nova (int+/advanced performance troupe) - instructor approval/direct invitation only (audition may be required). Includes prop-based skills, multiple dance pieces ready to perform. Must be able to successfully demonstrate proficiency with follow along dancing, int/advanced technique, layering skills, prop work (opportunities to learn/advance will be available), ability to learn choreographies quickly/make changes at an accelerated pace,  and present a 30 second to 1 min choreography piece to the teacher or class (can be a class choreo). Presentation of solo-dancing is a requirement due to how some group choreographies may be structured. Stage presence skills are required (opportunities to develop will be available). Knowledge of choreography construction/stage positioning and contribution to group choreographies required. Must be open gentle but constructive skill-building feedback and stage movement instructions in an effort to help create wonderful group choreographies. Reasonably-priced but required costuming, non-negotiable. Troupe members are expected to spend additional time outside of class practicing/drilling skills and dance pieces in preparation for performances. Some performances may be out-of-town and additional travel will be required. Additional fees for costuming/studio/show expenses may be required. 

​Mosaic (advanced performance troupe) - no open auditions at this time (direct invitation only).

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Drop-In Classes (must be registered online/prepaid to hold your spot and to guarantee that the class will run). 
**Drop-in's are supplemental classes and are not meant to completely replace regular Belly Dance Basic or beginner sessions for learning required skills.

Drop-in offerings and dates/times will vary by teacher. You can join these themed classes at any time!

• See full list of drop-in classes and workshops here. ​

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Workshops

Workshop sessions > for short sessions, mini choreos, or props training as needed (ex: short mini sessons during the summer, learn some veil arms, learn to use your sword, zill combos, etc). Only offered at specific times, not year round. Will be noted if these are open for Belly Dance Basic level or above. 

• See full list of Drop-in classes and workshops here.