Continuing Education
Middle Eastern Belly Dance
Belly Dance, also called Danse Orientale, Oriental Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, Arabic dancing of Raks al Sharqi, Danse du Ventre (dance of the belly) of Beledi dancing (folk or country), is the most legitimate and oldest dance form in the world. The dance originated in the middle east in places such as Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon and has been recorded as far back as 4000 B.C. Activity expectation is to learn the art of belly dance while simultaneously getting a refreshing workout. There will be an energizing whole body warm-up, including light toning exercises. Simplistic movements, taken from Middle Eastern Dance, will inspire (and pump up) your heart and body. Variations will be shown to help accommodate your desired learning level. The activity will finish with a cool-down and light stretch to leave you refreshed and glowing. Your whole outlook will transform when you undulate, shake, and shimmy to the new you. All levels welcome. Patricia’s teaching vision is to deliver a strong foundation of isolation, drill technique, musicality, and body-centering techniques. She will guide the student in basic techniques and support those looking to refine their previously acquired skills. Her dance course will flow from introductory to beginning. A typical student will be able to do at least one choreographed dance piece at the end of six week session. Students will come away from this six week session with a sense of creativity, confidence and inner joy.
Instructor:
The Instructor for this CE Activity is Patricia Snyder. For additional information about this CE Activity, contact the SWOSU Office of Sponsored Programs at 580-774-7012.
Instructor Biography:
Patricia has over ten years experience in belly dance training and teaching. She grew-up along the California Coast, in the bay area from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Having grown up in a hippie community, she was exposed to many creative arts & cultures. Another huge creative influence in her life was being raised in the spiritual community of Subud. In this atmosphere she was exposed to numerous master artists & musicians such as the creative producer of the TV show Lost. At the age 16, after seeing, a belly dance troupe perform in her hometown of Santa Cruz. Patricia was inspired to learn this art form. Since then she has studied with world renowned teachers including Suhaila Salimpour, Yaelisa (Emmy Award winner) and Shoshanna. Her foundation is Middle Eastern Belly Dance but her other influences are Latin, flamenco, hula, yoga, tai chi & Balinese dance styles. Patricia has a dynamic belly dance style that’s a direct reflection of her own unique history.
