| Middle Eastern/North African (Belly Dance) Dance Instruction |
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Click thumbnails for larger images.
Discover and experience an exciting and ancient art form that traditionally adorns family and community celebrations from Morocco in North African across the Middle East and into parts of Central Asia (usually called "Arabic Dance" there). Today it is performed worldwide. Technique depends on fine muscle control of the torso, arms and hips, and requires an interpretative understanding of beautifully intricate music.
El Naar Haninah understands this dance form as all-inclusive and accepting. The movements of Raqs Sharki (Dance of the East) originate in the folk dances (Raqs Sha'abi and Raqs Beledi) of both men and women making this dance form very much the "people's dance". In the countries of origin, men and women, adults and children, typically know the dances of their region. All ages, both sexes perform at family celebrations. Yes, the men dance as well!
Contemporary Raqs Sharki contains elements from Persia, India, the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean countries of Greece and Turkey. With the availability of videos, satellite tv Western dance forms and visiting Raks Sharki stars in the USA, western elements are being incorporated into contemporary Raks Sharki.
Dance Instruction includes dance technique, cultural and historical aspects of the dances, developing musical, emotional and personal expression, nightclub and folkloric styles, choreography and the most important aspect - having fun!
If you do not feel better after class than when you came in, something is wrong! Proper dance posture is emphasized for development of beautiful dance form and to avoid injury!
Performances opportunities are available for her students throughout the year. Interested students should check out “Student Performance Opportunities” and “Calendar of Events” for the most up-to-date information on up-coming performances.
Click thumbnails for larger images.
Photos of El Naar on this page are by John McCarthy.
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Due to the current popularity of this dance form, classes, especially the Beginning Level ones, fill quickly. Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure enrollment.
The Beginning and Advanced Beginning Classes focus on the foundation movements and beginning rhythms common to all styles of North African/Middle Eastern Dance. In addition to the classical arm and hand movements typical for Egyptian-style dance, Central Asian hand and arm movements along with facial expression are also incorporated. Veil work is introduced in the Advanced Beginning Class.
· Students wishing to enroll in the Advanced Beginning Class must have completed at least one session of the Beginning Class or have the instructor's permission.
· Please note that the City of Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture require that all students must be at least 16 years old to register for class.
El Naar's Intermediate Class changes its focus each session. In general, more intricate movements, combinations, level changes, drum solo, and finger cymbals are taught as well as various folkloric/ethnic dance styles. Emphasis is placed on developing one's own personal style and creative self-expression. Students should check the information for the current session to see what the focus of that particular session will be.
- Students need a year of regular Middle Eastern dance study before enrolling in the Intermediate class.
- Students wishing to enroll in Intermediate must have completed two consecutive sessions (no breaks between the sessions) of Advanced Beginning.
- Intermediate students are required to have finger cymbals that may be purchased from the instructor at the first class for $20.
El Naar's Intermediate Class typically focuses on Egyptian or Lebanese styling while Amara's on Turkish.
El Naar Haninah, Amara and Sa’diyah teach for the City of Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Missed Classes/Make-up Classes:
- Those students who miss their normally scheduled class may make-up the missed class by attending the class on the alternate evening.
- All missed classes must be made-up during the current session.
- Please contact both instructors as a courtesy.
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Middle Eastern/North African
Dance Instruction (Belly Dancing)
Private instruction and coaching are available via appointment and are taught at a mutually agreeable site. Private instruction in the individual’s home may be arranged.
El Naar Haninah offers 3 levels of Middle Eastern Dance instruction via the Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture on Thursday evenings. These classes are held at the Casey Community Center Dance Studios~~ located at 810 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, near the intersection of Frederick Avenue (Route 355) and Shady Grove Road with easy access to routes 370 and 270.
Please note that the City of Gaithersburg requires that students be at least 16 years old.
Also, unfortunately, no childcare is available. If children are brought to class,
they must remain outside of the studio in the hallway.
Class registration is through the city of Gaithersburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
You may complete the registration form available in the Leisure Times.
A complete listing of class information such as dates, costs and times is also available in the Leisure Times,
mailed to all City of Gaithersburg residents and available at all Gaithersburg City facilities.
Call the City Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at 301-258-6350 to receive a copy.
Mail this completed registration form with payment to:
City of Gaithersburg
506 South Frederick Avenue
Gaithersburg, Md 20877
You may also drop off this form with payment at the Bohrer Park Activity Center located adjacent to Gaithersburg High School at 506 South Frederick Avenue. Map, driving directions, telephone number are given below.
You may also register with a credit card by faxing a completed registration form at 301-948-8364 or telephone registration at 301-258-6350 or the quickest registration is online at
If you contact me at elnaar@elnaar.com , I will be happy to mail you a registration form.
Payment options are
a) cash, b) check made payable to the “City of Gaithersburg”, or c) Master Card or Visa credit cards.
Non-residents of the City of Gaithersburg are required to pay a $7.00 non-residency fee
in addition to the normal class fees.
Senoirs residing within the City of Gaithersburg are charged a $25.00 flat fee. |
How to contact the Bohrer Activity Center
Directions to the Bohrer Activity Center in Gaithersburg, Md
From Washington, Virginia, and other points south:
Take the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) toward Bethesda and Rockville.
Exit onto Interstate 270 toward Frederick. Continue on 270 for about 8 miles.
Take Exit 9A onto Interstate 370. Bear right following signs to
Gaithersburg Towne Center.
Exit 370 at Gaithersburg Towne Center to Route 355 north.
Continue on 355 to third traffic light.
Turn left onto Education Blvd.
(This is a shared entrance with Gaithersburg High School.)
Follow circle to third driveway. Continue to parking lot.
Office is in the large red brick building on the right.
From Frederick, Pennsylvania, and other points north:
Take Interstate 270 south toward Rockville. From Frederick, this is about 22 miles.
Exit at the Route 124 exit in Gaithersburg. At the end of the exit ramp,
turn left onto Quince Orchard Road.
At the second light, turn right onto Route 355 ( Frederick Ave).
Continue south on 355 through Gaithersburg.
After crossing the Railroad Bridge, turn right at the second light onto Education Blvd.
(This is a shared entrance with Gaithersburg High School.)
Follow circle to third driveway. Continue to parking lot.
Office is in the large red brick building on the right.
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