class&schedules

RANYA’S SUMMER 2008 SCHEDULE
Fall schedule coming soon!!!! Details about CUNY Wed., and YMCA Sat. & Mon. classes below

ANNOUNCING OUR BRAND-NEW
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
...which should make it much easier to get a picture of what's being offered in terms of classes, workshops and performances. Let us know how you like it! Click here to check it out. Or scroll down to see day-by-day details of ongoing classes.

Also welcoming Administrative Goddess Kisha Rivera (Zahirah) to the staff--She is a warm, friendly person and a dedicated dancer who is handling Special Topics and workshop registration. Contact her at office@ranya.net if you have questions about any registration issues.

Dance training with Ranya is geared towards dancers who want the full package--an appreciation of the movements, the music, and the culture of the dance. Performers are supported with theatrically oriented programming to enable each dancer's character to shine through.

Private and semi-private coaching is also available at Ranya's studio in Sunnyside, Queens (no studio fee) or at your location. Contact Ranya directly at ranya@ranya.net or 718-706-0037 for information and to set up an appointment for when Ranya is in town.

Happy dancing!!

CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE -- NEW YORK CITY

For questions about any of the classes, contact "Administrative Goddess" Kisha Rivera at office@ranya.net or 718-640-7062, or Ranya at ranya@ranya.net or 718-706-0037. E-mail is usually the best way for us to respond to initial inquiries; please try us again if you don't get a reply within a day or two--usually we are able to respond within that time frame. Let us know if you'd like to be added to the e-mail list for class and event updates.

MONDAY EVENINGS 7:30-8:30pm (beginner); 8:30-9:30pm (intermediate)
Classes are organized in sessions, and the first day of each session includes more breakdown for newcomers; however, it is OK to join anytime. Beginner class works on basic technique and combinations. Intermediate class works on current choreography or technique focus--current intermediate focus is Layalina choreography . New session begins Sept. 8 ; join anytime
LOCATION: Greenpoint YMCA, 99 Meserole Ave. btwn Manhattan Ave. and Lorimer, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
TRANSIT: G train to Nassau Ave; buses from Brooklyn and Queens too
FEE: Free for Y members (but please register at front desk anyway), fee for nonmembers $15 for one or both classes
REGISTER: Call the Y at (718) 389-3700 for info and to register; drop-ins are OK.

TUESDAY EVENINGS
See calendar for Special Topics scheduled and other classes.
Some of the topics offered through the year include Egyptian technique for intermediate/advanced dancers, performance skills, guest musician workshops, and more.

REGISTER: Payments/Shop page, or for more info contact: office@ranya.net or 718-706-0037

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
6:00-7:30pm Level 1 beginner bellydance Thalia-Jennifer Sears
7:30-9:00pm Level 2 advanced-beginner/intermediate Egyptian bellydance with Ranya
Next sessions begin September 10!
"Belly Dance for Body and Spirit": Level 1 covers healthy posture, hip articulation, beginning veil technique, and belly undulations. Level 2 focuses on Egyptian belly dance technique, plus finger cymbals, some veil, dance combinations and choreography. Smooth soled dance shoes are recommended for cushioning and slide.

LOCATION: CUNY Graduate Center, 365 5th Ave. at 34th St., room C412 (take elevator to the C level downstairs).
TRANSIT: Subways N, R, Q, W, B, D, F, V, to 34th St., or #7 to 5th Ave./42nd St.; or 5th Ave. or Madison Ave. buses.
FEE: $90 for 6-week session ; or $45/session for CUNY Graduate Center (GC) students; $20 per individual class
REGISTER: Call CUNY GC Continuing Ed at 212-817-8215 or visit http://web.gc.cuny.edu/cepp; use the codes that precede the session dates (direct link: http://web.gc.cuny.edu/cepp/courses/wellness.html#5) when signing up. Drop-ins are possible.
Same-day credit card payment is possible if you call or visit CUNY before 5:00pm to register for that day, or pay instructor in cash (exact change, please) or by check made out to "CUNY Graduate Center Continuing Ed."
Each session we need a certain minimum enrollment for the classes to run, so please sign up early!
Session dates for fall 2008:
1st session: 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, No class 10/8 Yom Kippur, 10/15, 10/22
2nd session: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, No class 11/26 Thanksgiving Eve, 12/3, 12/10

For class info or questions about which level is best for you, contact Ranya at ranya@ranya.net or 718-706-0037, or Thalia at 347-782-1357 or jennifer@holisticbellydanceproject.com. New session starts approximately every 6 weeks --it is possible to join after a session has already started, or take individual classes.
You can watch this TV clip that features Ranya, Thalia, and the CUNY class in action:

http://www.cuny.tv/schedule/Action.Lasso?-Database=CUNYPROG&-Layout=webprogdetail2&-Response=detail2.lasso&-Operator='eq'&ProgramID=PR1009515&-Search

Click on the little "RealVideo" button on the left margin. The segment starts about 21 minutes into the video. You should be able to thumb your way over to the 21 minute mark.

Thalia

THURSDAY EVENINGS
See calendar for Special Topics and other classes.

REGISTER: Payments/Shop page, or for more info contact: office@ranya.net or 718-706-0037

FRIDAY EVENINGS
See calendar for Special Topics and other classes.
contact for info: office@ranya.net or 718-706-0037

SATURDAY AFTERNOONS 12:00-1:00pm (Beginner Bellydance) NOTE NEW CLASS DAY AND TIME!! Classes are ongoing, organized into sessions.
LOCATION: Flushing YMCA, Northern Blvd btwn Union St. and Bowne, Flushing, Queens
TRANSIT: #7 Train to Main St./Flushing
FEE: $27 fee per 8-class session for Y members. $100 fee for nonmembers for 8-class session. Current session runs through Aug. 23; new session begins September 6.
Please register early before each session, as we need a minimum of 8 to run the class.
REGISTER: Call the Flushing Y at (718) 961-6880; contact Membership Dept. to register. Contact Ranya for class info: ranya@ranya.net or 718-706-0037

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS
Workshops are scheduled on selected Saturday or Sunday afternoons, featuring Ranya and sometimes guest instructors. Details will be linked from the calendar page on this site. Visit the Special Topics page for more info.

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MORE INFO:
Private Lessons
Performance Coaching
What to wear to class
More about Ranya's classes

PRIVATE LESSONS AND SEMI-PRIVATE CLASSES Ranya teaches private and semi-private lessons in Sunnyside, Queens (15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan on the #7 train; no studio fee) or at your location. ...
Training in healthy Egyptian dance technique, choreography, breathwork and expression, performance skills/performance prep, professional presentation skills, balancing, cane, veil, finger cymbals, and Arabic music for dancers, among other topics. Contact ranya @ ranya.net or 718-706-0037 for more details and to discuss your needs. Lessons can be arranged Day or eve, by appointment, at Ranya's Queens studio (15 minutes on subway from midtown Manhattan) or at other locations. Discounts for purchase of series of lessons taken in consecutive weeks.

Rates: Lesson rates at Sunnyside studio are $70 per hour for one person, or $80 per hour for two people ($40 each). For 4-hour class pack (paid in full on day of first lesson): 4 hours or more worth of lessons, to be taken in any combination of hours within a 4-week period--$60 per hour (4 hour minimum) for one person or $70 per hour (4 hour minimum) for two people. For example, for a 4-hour package, the fee is $240 for one person, or $280 for two people. For groups larger than 2 people, contact Ranya for rates. There are cats at the studio (feline divas, in fact), so if you have strong allergies, call to discuss alternative location options. There is a nearby studio that can be rented for a reasonable fee. For other locations, a travel fee may apply, unless lesson is scheduled around Ranya's class times in Manhattan or other locations. Lesson rates while Ranya is traveling in other cities around the world are typically US$100 per hour for one-person lesson; for 2 or more people there are different rates.

WHAT TO WEAR TO CLASS
It's ideal to wear a tank top or close-fitting shirt that allows you (and me) to see your movements; a leotard is okay too. On the bottom, leggings or a loose skirt are most common. Be comfortable! Many people like to dance barefoot, but flexible-soled dance shoes are another option. There's a wide variety in what people wear to class, but the main thing is to feel comfortable, be able to see your movements in the mirror, and feel a little graceful too. It’s nice to decorate yourself a bit if it helps put you in the mood. Many dancers like to tie a shawl or scarf around their hips—it can be a simple fringed scarf or a more elaborate jingly one. It often helps students feel the accented movements better, as it gives you instant physical and visual feedback! I usually have high-quality decorated coin or beaded hip-scarves (which are fun for class) available for purchase; prices typically range from $25 for a single-line coin scarf to $65 or more for an elaborate coin-and-bead number.

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PERFORMANCE COACHING

Ranya specializes in holistic dance and performance coaching. She helps students overcome technical problems in their dance, offering tips on injury prevention and smooth execution of movements, and identifies links between physical, energetic, and emotional aspects of the dance for those who are training as performers. She is well known for her performance coaching, bringing over 25 years of theatrical experience as an actor, director, and acting coach to her work. Ranya teaches her signature "Breathwork for Performance" techniques to help dancers build a relationship with audiences and feel more comfortable in their dancing, onstage and off. She has coached many of New York's top professionals as well as dancers just starting out, and she has students all over the world who use her method to enliven their performances and calm their nerves while performing. Students who have worked with her (as well as the folks in the audience!) report immediate positive results in their subsequent performances. Ranya's years of study of Arabic music, language, and culture are also valued by coaching students who want to achieve a feeling of authenticity in their dance.For more information, ranya@ranya.net or (718) 706-0037More information about upcoming performance skills workshops will be available on this website, linked from the calendar page, or contact Ranya with specific requests.

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click here to return home to www.ranya.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More information from Ranya about her classes Ranya: "My style is mainly Egyptian, especially in hipwork and abdominal-muscle technique. Attention to solid technique that supports the body—so that you can have a long, healthy dance life—is my priority as a teacher. Equally important to me is providing an enjoyable, supportive atmosphere for learning and for release and enjoyment. Students also benefit from clear breakdown of technique, a cultural understanding of the dance and the music, and learning how to interpret music and rhythms. See below for more about my teaching philosophy in the dance.My focus on teaching 'healthy' posture and use of muscles helps students make faster progress, as they gain a thorough awareness of their bodies in the dance from the beginning. I keep the classes fun, of course, and there’s a warm, sisterly vibe in the classes. (But note that men are welcome to participate—it's very rare, but there are a few out there!) I like to keep the flow of a class going so that students can discover things on their own, and I give personal attention to dancers to help with technique when they need it. In some classes we use veils and balancing items like canes. We work on finger cymbal playing and learning about drum rhythms in just about every class. (I have finger cymbals available for purchase for those who would like them; student-size cymbals (also known as "sagat" or "zills") cost about $15 for a good-quality set of four, depending on the model.)"

"We cover primarily Egyptian styles in class: Classical Oriental (has some classical ballet influence but is really not quite ballet), pop/jazz-dance influenced modern Oriental, movements from the famous dance stars of Egypt, beledi dance (earthy 'country-style' which can be quite urban too!), and fun folk styles such as Saidi from mid-to-southern Egypt. I sometimes introduce folkloric dances from different regions in the Levant, the Arabian Gulf and North Africa, depending on my own current project work. The veil work we do in class (long flowing silk veil highly recommended!) is modern-dance influenced; even though it is not done widely in Egypt, it sure is pretty, and uplifting for the body and spirit. I use Arabic music in class, from all over the Arab world, but primarily from Egypt. It makes sense to work with the music style that is best suited to the dance style we are working on. I use traditional, classical, and current Arabic pop music to keep things interesting; I find the students really enjoy hearing the traditional stuff, which has so much variety and deep feeling. I am able to offer some CDs or tapes for purchase for interested students, or to make recommendations.""I look forward to seeing you in class! Feel free to contact me with any other questions about classes or private lessons, at ranya@ranya.net or (718) 706-0037." --RanyaVisit Reviews & Student Comments Page for perspectives on Ranya's work as a performer and teacher.

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About Ranya's Teaching Philosophy
Technique
Artistry
Body Confidence
Relax...Breathe!

About Ranya's Teaching Philosophy and Method

Technique

Healthy posture and proper use of core muscles provides maximum fitness benefit. Students are taught to build up the large muscle groups, including four layers of abs, the psoas, glutes, hamstrings and quads (don't worry, Ranya will help point them out if you are meeting them for the first time...), to execute the movements in a safe, supported manner. Isolations are the main feature of the technique, and Ranya's teaching method focuses on how to achieve them in clean, clear fashion. Ranya specializes in Egyptian-style "raqs sharqi" dance technique, which in her view provides the best toning benefits to a range of body types and levels of fitness, as compared with other regional variations of Middle Eastern dance, because it is so strongly centered in the core abdominal muscles. In addition to her 16-plus years of Middle Eastern dance study, Ranya draws on her experience with Yoga, Pilates, Chi Gong, Alexander technique, bodywork, and healing modalities to form the basis for sound technique instruction. She recently completed a yearlong kinesthetic anatomy course with Juilliard School veteran instructor Irene Dowd, and also maintains her Primary Group Exercise Instructor certification from AFAA (American Fitness and Aerobics Association) to stay informed of the latest national standards in healthy fitness and physical training. Ranya's clear explanations, with a priority on strengthening, flexibility, and preventing injury, are valued by her students. Students get faster results based on this method, with visible improvement in muscle tone apparent in many cases after even just a month or two of weekly classes. The Art of the Dance …is what makes the workout fun! Ranya takes a multifaceted approach to the teaching of this art form, guiding students in not only the physical movements unique to Middle Eastern dance, but also in the musical and cultural background of the art. Ranya incorporates the teaching of rhythms and understanding of the musical forms, translations of some of the songs and Arabic dance terminology, folkloric origins of the dances, emotional expression, creativity and the art of improvisation that is integral to the form. For continued inspiration and freshness in her work, Ranya continues to study with her long-time teacher Yousry Sharif of Egypt as well as other respected dance masters in the field. She also studies Arabic music (singing and oud--Arabic lute--as well as Arabic percussion) and is an eight-year veteran of the prominent Arabic Music Retreat directed by Simon Shaheen, as well as a participant in New York's Mahrajan al-Fan Arabic cultural festival, in which she has sung with the chorus as well as danced with a company.

Ranya uses a variety of music materials in her classes, from modern Egyptian pop to rural folkloric music to classical "art music," to expose students to the diversity of artistic expression in the Middle East and North Africa. The benefits for students from this approach are manifold: Students gain not only technique in the dance, but also a broader understanding of another culture, and this typically makes their dancing richer and more authentic as well. Many students report that they have fallen in love with the traditional Arabic music, with its rich emotional content. Learning the music and rhythms makes students more comfortable dancing to them, and enhances their appreciation of the rich musical culture of the Middle East. Ranya makes this learning enjoyable for students through her embodiment of the spirit of the music and dance in its cultural context. A major part of her mission as a teacher is to help dancers to better understand the nuances of Arabic music and to help Western audiences to appreciate the beauty and humanity of Arab culture, in an age where images of Arabs in our mass media are often less than positive. Body Image, Confidence and Self-Esteem

No matter what your size or shape, you are welcome in Ranya's classes. In our daily lives, women especially are bombarded with images of the "perfect body," with the implication that everyone should strive to attain a certain look. Women who do not fit a super-thin mold are often given the inaccurate message that they cannot possibly be fit in the fitness sense, and many become discouraged with the effort of trying to achieve their goals. On the other side of the coin, thin women sometimes wonder if they have enough curves to feel good in a bellydance class. Bellydance is about accepting and loving your body and being present in it, and learning all the cool stuff you can do with it. It's your right. Reclaim your body from the media machine! You need to know that you are fine just the way you are, and that is often all it takes to get to where you can say, hey, now I'm going to start shakin' it! (smile) No matter what your body type, you are very welcome in this dance. Bellydance celebrates the diversity of women's bodies. It's fine if you have a little more to shake around, and it's fine if you have a little less too! Because the dance looks beautiful on all bodies, the resulting benefits to women's self-esteem are immeasurable. And women can gain confidence and pride in focusing on what their body can DO, rather than just on what it looks like.
Of course, the men that participate in Middle Eastern dance can derive confidence-building benefits as well--there are a few proud souls out there...and men and transfolk who are genuinely interested in pursuing this dance art are welcome in all classes listed on this website.

Relaxation of the Mind and Spirit

While the core muscles support the dance and floor patterns and elegant arms provide artistic development, what ties it all together in Ranya's philosophy of the dance is the breathing--keeping the dance alive and the body nourished with oxygen. Consequently, she incorporates in her teaching equal parts inspiration, perspiration…and respiration. She recommends breathing patterns where needed to accompany technique exercises (getting enough oxygen is important in class!), and also encourages her students to develop awareness of their breathing as a tool for becoming more natural with the dance and in their selves. Her special breathwork method for Middle Eastern dance, which she has been developing for a full decade, since the summer of 1996, is considered a pioneering approach in her field, and in May 2001 she was invited to present a highly praised paper on her method to her peers at the International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance in southern California. The benefits reported by Ranya's students as a result of the breathing focus in her classes include increased relaxation, greater ease in learning the movements and the rhythms of the dance, prevention of injury by more careful "listening to the body," and increased feelings of well-being. For more info visit the Breathwork for Performance page on this site. Performance Skills

Click here to read comments from dancers who have participated in Ranya's Performance Prep series, culminating in performance with a live Arabic band

Click here to read tribe.net review of our latest gala show and about the preparation process

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JAPAN MUSINGS...

(Written by Ranya after her 2004 teaching trip to Japan; Ranya has spent between one to two months of each of the last four years teaching and performing there)
Greetings dancers!Or should I say, "Konnichiwa!"? After two wonderful months of teaching and performing in Japan, I'm settling back in to my New York life. I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences there. The students were quick, focused learners, appreciative of the details and always up for a challenge. The busy schedule was a challenge for me too, a rewarding one. Being outside of the U.S. for such a long period gave me a good deal of time for reflection. Living in a foreign culture where I had limited understanding of the language and no capacity to read it was also quite revelatory: when you have less information coming in, it is far easier to reflect on personal development and the mysteries of life! :-) So my trip was a very productive one.

One of the ways I spent my limited free time in Japan was partaking in the viewing and making of ceramics. I became quite the tooki-otaku (pottery maniac)!! Some of you know that I recently rediscovered my childhood hobby of ceramic-making, and have especially enjoyed working with the wheel (the above photo is a piece I made). Talk about the importance of centering yourself. If your pot is not centered on the wheel, all kinds of things can happen to make your life difficult! :-) The feeling of being centered and "in the zone" with a pot that is well-centered in its rotation is so satisfying though, it's worth all of the false starts and screwups. That's a good metaphor for dance too. If you stick with it and find the right balance of giving and receiving, of pushing and relaxing, of effort and ease, things start to fall into place, and you reach that deeper level, without even "trying". I learned a lot of patience in Japan with my work on the wheel there--and there, the typical way of spinning the wheel is reverse to the American style. I found when I was made myself open to the experience of learning, I didn't even notice that the wheel was going in the opposite direction from what I was used to. In fact, it started to feel natural.

Before beginning a meal, Japanese people usually say "Itadakimasu", which means "I will receive." It's a yin attitude to the yang of active eating. This receptiveness allows for better digestion, better absorption of nutrients through our willingness to receive them. The same goes for what we are learning in the dance, or anything that we care about taking in. Itadakimasu!Along those same lines, something else I learned in Japan that I think many Americans could benefit from, both in dance and in life in general, is the importance of setting limits. Limits to our movements to protect our bodies, limits to our time, to our food intake, to money expenditure...and so on. It's a concept that we as Americans are often reluctant to accept. An important aspect of our cultural mentality is in pushing boundaries, pushing those limits! It's interesting to look at the world from another country's perspective, especially one like Japan, which has in many ways all of the bustle of America, particularly in the big cities, but much less physical space. People are used to being constrained by limits, and finding acceptance with that. It is a middle way. When we limit ourselves, we may find smaller things to appreciate, parts of the whole that together make for a complete, fulfilling experience. We take time to smell the roses. We feel more grateful for what we have. Take the time to make your everyday experience special. You deserve it!
--"Ranya-Sensei"

Ranya with the ladies of Ya Salam Belly Dance studio in Nagoya, Japan, October 2006

classes & workshops

CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE

PERFORMANCE COACHING