Amera's Palace

Bellydance Classes

The Centre for Middle Eastern Performing Arts at Amera's Palace in Newtown - have classes for everyone.

If you have an enquiry regarding our classes, please email us

Amera's Palace Class Timetable for 2008

TERM 1 CLASS PASSES 2008 ON SALE NOW!

TERM 1:
10 week term (Mondays 9 week term only) commencing Saturday 2nd Feb to 10th April 2008

(No classes Easter Saturday 22/3/08 or Easter Monday 24/3/08 – Monday’s are a 9 week Term, Monday class will start on 4th Feb)

TERM 2:
10 week term (Monday is a 9 week Term only- no classes on the 9/6/08), commencing Monday 28th April to 23rd June 2008

TERM 3:
10 week term commencing Monday 21st July to 22nd September 2008

TERM 4:
9 week term commencing Monday 13th October to 15th December 2008

PLEASE NOTE : There will be NO CLASSES 3rd,4th,5th,6th,8th November 2008

CLASS PASSES AVAILABLE ONLINE OR BY PHONE 9519 4793 FOR NEWTOWN

Click here for NEWTOWN class timetable!

parramatta classes will now be run by Georgette.

Click here for PARRAMATTA class timetable!

CLASSES ON TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAY NIGHTS WILL BE HELD AT LatinSoul Dance Studio Level 2, 292 Church St, Parramatta (above the Sicilian Restaurant. Entry via front of restaurant or by Erby Place Through THE BACK ENTRANCE)

For all classes in Parramatta please contact Georgette on 0402131062 or email georgebowden@hotmail.com

Why Choose Amera's Palace?

Our centre is the best because we:
* Teach all styles of Middle Eastern Dance and have authentic Middle eastern teachers
* Have the most experienced teachers in Sydney
* Are the creators of Bellyrobics!
* Cater for all levels of experience
* Offer (private) day and night classes

How do I join the classes?
* Students can attend on a casual basis (lessons are $18 and it is essential to book each week, casual bookings don't carry over to the next lesson).
* Get a Class Pass: $150 for 10 classes at Newtown (one class per week, valid for the 10-week term only). The Pass also entitles you to a Free Gift or 10% off one item in our shop .
* Private classes are available by appointment only. POA
* Don't forget to ask about performance opportunities!
* To reserve your place, please buy your class pass via our Online Shop. Casual bookings are best made via the Contact Us page.

Please note:
* All classes at Newtown are subject to a maximum of 10 students, if Class is smaller than this they may be cancelled .

Why Oriental Dance?
Oriental Dance, or Belly dance as most of you will know it as, is an ancient dance form that today is taught and practiced for a number of reasons.

What are they?
· Bellydance is a great way to get fit. Suitable for any age, shape and fitness level, it is a great activity to assist in toning and strengthening the entire body. You will gradually see your body change shape and if you practice regularly and eat the correct foods, you can even lose weight. Belly dance is the fun way to get fit!
· Bellydance is a great way for you to meet new people. In the relaxed atmosphere of our classes you can escape the daily grind and laugh, exercise and socialise all in one go!
· Bellydance will make you realise that your body is beautiful no matter what shape or size you are. It is a women's dance created by women for women.
· Bellydance has its roots in the Middle East and surrounding areas. Today it is still traditional to have a dancer perform at weddings, christenings and birthdays. (Note that it's a long road to becoming a professional!)

What will I learn in class?
· Classes are designed to be technically, physically, mentally and creatively challenging but fun of course! By the end of a 10 week term you will have been taught various Belly dance techniques and how to listen and move to the music. In the more advanced classes, you will learn how to use props such as zills (finger cymbals), veil and stick.
· In the Beginners classes - you will be taught basic technique, basic travelling steps, how to turn, basic interpretation of the music and some basic choreographies.
· In the Beyond Beginners classes - you will be taught how to layer your movements, how to refine your movements, more travelling steps, how to use certain props, music interpretation, improvisation and more challenging choreographies.
· In the Intermediate classes you are expected to have almost perfect technique. You will learn harder choreographies, use props, music interpretation and improvisation.
· In the Advanced class: This class is a private class. For more information contact Amera's Palace.
Students should wear leggings and a close fitting or sleeveless top so that the arms can be seen. Hip shawls/scarves are useful but not necessary. Please have hair tidy. Please bring zills and water.
Classes are open to women, men and children over the age 12. Age is no limit.

Remember: just because you have a dance background or have been brought up with the music, doesn't mean you will find the technique any easier than anyone else. Oriental Dance is a dance form in its own right and is challenging.

How do I enrol?
Contact Amera's Palace and we will assist you in choosing a class suitable for you. Classes are run in terms and pre-paid bookings are essential. There may be some casual spots available, however, you do have to call or email each week to ensure yourself a place in a class; if there are spots available.

Class passes:
Class passes are valid only for the term you have enrolled in. They cannot be used for any other term unless you have medical documents stating why you have not been able to attend class during the term. If you miss a class during the term you may participate in a make up class during that term however, you must ring ahead to check if there are any places available in your chosen class.
Class Passes can only be used in dates mentioned on Pass. They can only be used at the Venue of Purchase.

Our Policy
There are no refunds on Class Passes under any circumstances.

What do I wear to class?
Comfortable clothing; dance pants, fitted track pants, leggings, shorts, fitted t-shirts, tank tops, leotards, flat ballet shoes, jazz shoes, jiffies, socks. If you have something to tie around your hips, bring that along too. Please don't wear jeans, dresses or skirts. Our teachers need to be able to see what you are doing to ensure correct technique.

Final note:
Please be on time to class. Not only is it out of courtesy for you fellow classmates and your teacher, it also means that you can warm up. Preparing the body (warming up) is crucial to resist the risk of injury, so please do your best to be on time. Ring ahead if you think you may be late.