Amera's Palace

Term 3 2009

LOOK !! FREE CLASS ON THE 5TH JULY 2009 - SCROLL DOWN "WORKSHOP" PAGE OF WEBSITE TO GET MORE INFORMATION !

The Centre for Middle Eastern Performing Arts at Amera's Palace in Newtown - have classes for everyone! We have lots of classes scheduled however if you find that the times don't suit you or you would like a specially tailored series of classes and you have 4 friends we will try and schedule a class to suit.

. If you have an enquiry regarding our classes, please email us shop@ameraspalace.com.au or by phone 9519 4793

Amera's Palace Class Timetable for 2009
TERM 1
10 week term 1 - starts Monday 2. 02. 09 till 6.04.09 (saturday is 9 weeks)
(the easter weekend is the 10.4.09 -12.4.09 )
TERM 2:
10 week term commencing Monday 27.4.09
TERM 3:
10 week term commencing Monday 27.07.09
TERM 4
9 week term commencing Monday 19.10.09

View the Newtown timetable or view the North Rocks timetable.

* To reserve your place, please buy your class pass via our Online Shop. Casual bookings are best made via the Contact Us page.

Why Choose Amera's Palace?
Our centre is the leader in Dance and Movement because we:
* Teach all styles of Middle Eastern Dance and Beyond
* Have been the Belly Dance Business since 1987 and were the first outlet for Belly Dance in the Southern Hemisphere!
* Have some of the most experienced teachers in Sydney
* Cater for all levels of experience
* Offer day and evening classes

How do I join the classes at Amera's Palace?
Class Price Pass Structure
Gold Class Pass - 40 class pass $620 plus one BONUS private 40 minute lesson with Amera or a teacher of equivalent experience

Silver Class Pass - 20 class pass $320 (Belly Dance Classes plus 2 BONUS classes in another style)

Pink Class Pass (OUR MOST POPULAR PASS!)
10 class pass $165 plus a free Amera's Palace Gift (available at end of Term)

White Class Pass - 5 Class pass $85
Casual $19.50 per class

Condtions of use of passes
* A Pink 10 week Class Pass is $165 for 10 classes at Newtown, that’s one class per week, (valid for the 10-week term only). The Pass also entitles you to a Free Gift at the end of Term.
*The 10 week class pass and 5 week class passes are only for use in the term, style and level in which they are purchased. If you miss a class and wish to make up with another class you must call or email the shop to check availability first. Please do not just turn up as our classes are usually full. Email shop@ameraspalace.com.au or phone 9519 4793.

*Purchasers of the Silver and Gold passes must nominate at the beginning of each term which class they will be undertaking and remain in that class for the duration of the term.

* Private classes are available and are by appointment only. POA
* Don't forget to ask about performance opportunities!
* To reserve your place, please buy your class pass via our website. www.ameraspalace.com.au

Please note
All classes at Newtown are subject to a minimum of 5 students, if a Class is smaller than this it may be cancelled . Amera's Palace reserves the right to change or alter classes. Teachers will be nominated at the beginning of each Term, however Amera’s Palace reserves the right to change Teachers.

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 many different 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 and 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 designed for students that have experienced all the above and would like to be challenged. If you are uncertain whether you should move up to Advanced, please check with your teacher.
In the Egyptian Folkoric Class
Add texture and richness to your bellydancing! Introduction to Egyptian Folkloric Dance will familiarise you with 2-3 styles of dance each term. You will learn how to vary familiar bellydance moves stylistically from earthy and grounded to elegant and balletic. The focus is on understanding the fundamental moves and appropriate nuances of each style, making use of footwork, combinations and short choreographies. You will also learn about the style’s cultural background and history, music and costuming, adding to your understanding of the origins
In the Egyptian Folkloric Performance Class
Egyptian Folkloric Dance for Performance explores one style in detail through learning a choreography. You will become confident in the technique for a different style each term, and learn a complete routine, including staging. In Term 3, we will study an Arabic-Andalusian choreography with influences from ballet and Spanish dance – guaranteed to improve your elegance and footwork! There may be opportunities to perform with the group if you would like to step on stage.

Tribal Style Bellydance Technique
Students will learn the basis of tribal styled bellydance based on The Fat Chance Bellydance technique, including posture, arms, hip dexterity and basic combos, transitions and improvisation.

And other frequently asked questions!
What should I wear to class?
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.
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 Classes are open to women, men and children over the age 12. Age is no limit.

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.

And 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.

Final note
Please be on time to class. Not only is it a courtesy for your 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.
some classes run back to back, we will endeavour however, to give you your full hour or class time as advertised

**Precautions: If you are pregnant or have any physical challenges - Please ask your doctors/obstetrician's advice before enrolling in this course or any other courses in our timetable ***