:: Ya Habibi Malta ::

© Copyright 2009 -2012 by Jane Camilleri. All Rights Reserved.

"Ya Habibi - School of Middle Eastern Dance" offers oriental (popularly known as bellydance in the West, or "raqs sharki" in arabic) and arabic folklore dance classes in various formats: from one-off specialty classes/workshops to courses of different duration. All classes place great emphasis on Technique - movements are broken down and drilled until mastered. Some modules also incorporate Choreography, allowing the students to fuse the movement vocabulary together with music. In addition, a monthly Choreo Lab is held for intermediate/advanced students and aspiring troupe members. All courses are aimed at adults, however special classes for teenagers and kids are in the works. For more details on available courses, see below. Please note that not all the courses listed here are offered during a session - for the current timetable, click here.

The Ya Habibi Beginner courses are structured to introduce newcomers to fundamental bellydance technique in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Our format revolves around clear movement breakdowns, drilling the basics, hands-on corrections and integrating movements through combinations and choreography.

Modules:

BEGINNER Level I – Foundation
This course is designed for students new to bellydance or seeking a bellydance refresher and is structured to teach the fundamental movements found in bellydance. No dance experience necessary. Students will learn basic bellydance technique, including isolations, slides, circles, shimmies, figure 8s, undulations, hip accents and proper execution thereof. Depending on the group dynamics, a short fun choreography may be taught at the end of the course.
Duration: 8 - 12 weeks technique, 4 - 5 weeks choreography

(Please note that from time to time, short 4 - 6 week Beginner Technique courses may be offered, titled Introduction to Bellydance. These courses only teach a part of the B1 syllabus and are perfectly suited to those who wish to give bellydancing a try without committing to a whole course.)  

BEGINNER Level II : Applied Movement
This is a structured course aimed at students with some experience in bellydance or those who have completed BEGINNER I. In this course, students will refresh the technique learnt in the B1 programme, whilst expanding their movement base to include layering and travelling. Additionally, students will be introduced to basic combinations and explore more complex movements as well as different arm and foot positions. Some classes may be accompanied by a live tabla, exposing students to different arabic rhythms. There will also be a brief introduction to veil and sagat (finger cymbals). The syllabus of this programme is taught over two sessions, with the last session including an upbeat choreography.
Duration: 10 - 12 weeks technique per session, 5 - 8 weeks choreography

Next, students will move to the Intermediate classes. During these sessions, students will be exposed to more advanced combinations and footwork, as well as cultural and musical understandings of Oriental Dance. They will have an opportunity to study different styles of Egyptian Dance including egyptian pop, the art of drum solo, modern oriental and folklore. Props such as veils and sagat will be explored into more depth, whereas assaya (cane) will be introduced. All modules include technique and choreography, however additional choreography modules may be offered in between sessions.

Oriental Modules:
INTERMEDIATE I: Technique, Footwork and Veil (includes choreography)
INTERMEDIATE II: Rhythms, Zills and Drum solo technique (may feature a live tabla player)
INTERMEDIATE III: Modern Oriental (Technique and Choreography)
INTERMEDIATE IV: Classical Egyptian (Technique and Choreography)
INTERMEDIATE V: Arabic Pop

Folklore Modules:
FOLKLORE 1: Nubian
FOLKLORE 2: Saiidi
FOLKLORE 3: Haggala
FOLKLORE 4: Fellahin
FOLKLORE 5: Melaya Lef / Iskandarany
FOLKLORE 6: Ghawazee
FOLKLORE 7: Muwashahat
FOLKLORE 8: Raqs Al Assaya

Please note that some modules may require more than one term (12 weeks) of study whilst Folklore modules are usually run for 4 - 8 weeks, depending on topics covered. The Folklore courses are a different stream and missed lessons cannot be made-up. Similary, missed bellydance classes cannot be made up with Folklore classes.

Advanced Technique Classes are combination-based classes focusing on Classical Egyptian style. Rich, refined classical routines together with graceful arabesques, layered arm techniques and quick flowing transitions designed to improve co-ordination, rhythmic comprehension and spatial awareness. 

Advanced students will be exposed to the art of Baladi, how to improvise a Taqasim, understanding Arab music, Tarab songs, and Classical Amcab floorwork, whilst exploring other folkloric and regional dances as well as master props like double veil, silk veils, fan veils, sword and isis wings.

At the Advanced level, students are encouraged to study with different Master Egyptian teachers and attend festivals to learn different dance techniques, styles and flavours of Middle Eastern Dance.

Advanced students will have the opportunity to perform in upcoming theatrical Ya Habibi productions and to join the YA HABIBI TROUPE.

This is an advanced performance class for the members of the Ya Habibi Troupe ensemble, by invitation only.

Members grow and develop as dancers through the process of mastering performance pieces while enjoying the sisterhood of sharing the experience on stage.

Requirements include the camaraderie of creating a company with fellow dancers, the committed practice of weekly technique training and rehearsals, and investing in company costume(s).

Members and students aspiring to become part of the Company are required to follow indicated Choreography classes which form part of the company repertoire.

Selected troupe members will get the opportunity to perform at private functions, corporate events and other official Ya Habibi engagements.

How it works:

Newcomers to bellydance should start with the Beginner Level 1 programme (if you don’t think you fall into this category, please contact me to discuss placement). Returning B1 students can either repeat or move up one level. As a general rule, it is best to stay at a class level until you feel you have built the movements into your muscle memory. Studying any kind of dance is not something to rush but to savour. It can take months to master certain movements, so don’t be disheartened. Mastery of the movement includes being able to easily execute isolations, in time with the music, without the teacher in front of you. If you feel comfortable with the range of movements taught during any programme, then do move up one level.

The following are some general guidlelines:
 • B1 – 1 to 2 enrollment sessions (3 – 6 months)
 • B2 and above – 1 to 3 enrollment sessions ( 3 – 12 months) each
As always, if you are feeling a little lost don’t hesitate to ask.

IntroSpecialty Classes and WorkshopsCurrent TimetableChoreo LabCalendarF.A.Q.'sTerms and Conditions