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STUDIO 505  * 505 Hamilton St  * Vancouver * BC

Egyptian Bellydancing

To a lot of people Egyptian Bellydancing seems impossible to do. You don't think that you'll be able to shake your hips like that and still keep smiling. You too would smile if you realised how many health benefits it has.The most distinguishing feature of belly-dancing is certainly the isolated motions of the abdomen. These circular, rolling, angular and vibrating movements are all based on natural body movements and it is exactly this that makes belly-dancing such a safe form of exercise for people of any age. The flowing movements of hip drops, rolls and pivots that are done during belly-dancing utilise the muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, spine and neck and rather than working against the body they work with the body. During belly-dancing, the joints and ligaments in your lower back and hips are put through a full range of gentle, repetitive motions. If the movements are done correctly, the pelvis is tilted forward and these movements help to prevent lower back problems. It is not only the muscles in your lower body that are exercised. Your arms and shoulders and upper back are also exercised and strengthened, when doing the snake-like movements. Here are the main benefits of belly-dancing:
*Improve abdominal tone and strength *Improve circulation/especially of the internal organs *Strengthen pelvic & gluteal muscles  *Prevent lower back problems  *Improve posture  *Improve hip flexibility  *Enhance flexibility and suppleness *Relieve stress

Bollywood Bellydance

Bollywood dancing is a commercial name for modern Indian dancing. It's a combination of classical Indian dance (which is the base), folk dancing such as Bhangra and modern hip hop and often has an Arabic influence. It's fun and very expressive. You can actually express what the music means, through the graceful movements of the body.  Recently, the Bollywood dance craze has swept across the world!!  It has come a long way in popularity and technique. Bollywood dancing works out your entire body, it's hand eye co-ordination at its best and a fabulous cardio workout. It's hot, fun and very expressive. Over the years, Bollywood, whose annual output of over 800 films a years, and an audience of 3.6 billion people has shown progress in its popularity, and has been entering the consciousness of Western audiences and producers.  Indian films have been popular in a few Arab countries, particularly in the Gulf countries. Imported Indian films are usually dubbed in Arabic upon their release. 

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Flamenco!

Learn About The Rudimentary Elements That Create The Dynamic Force & Physical Expression That Is FLAMENCO.....

Rather than (over) emphasizing footwork (ie foot stamping), more focus will be put on upper body strength & carriage, with lyrical arm work that expresses intensity of feeling while framing the body, creating dramatic lines . We will also  be working with the more subtle (and sensual) expression of the dance including  isolated movements in the hips and torso....those distinctive components that lend so much of that true 'Gypsy' flavor to the Flamenco, yet are often ignored for the sake of appealing to the more puritannical [non Gypsy] sensiblilities within  the realm of classical dance. Learn the intricate rhythmic structure (compas) and how to syncopate with 'palmas' (hand clapping) while stepping into the dance. Let your imagination become infused  with the fragrant spirit born of the history and the culture of Moorish (Arabic) Spain.

Salsa, Swing, Ballroom Dance

Fun, social environment to learn salsa dance, latin dance, swing dance, and ballroom dance
No partner required. Everyone welcome (singles/couples).  
Beginner and intermediate dance levels offered
International dance style instruction

Ahstanga Yoga

This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

Kung Fu & Tai Chi

The term "kung fu" (or gongfu) meaning specifically Chinese martial arts first appeared in 1972. Before that, the term gongfu meant anything done with great skill and success. Chinese boxing was introduced to the West by people such as Bruce Lee in Seattle and Stephen Chang in Vancouver, both of whom met strong opposition in the Chinese community for teaching the Chinese secrets to non-Chinese. The local Chinese community initially branded both Lee and Chang as traitors for teaching cultural secrets, but Chang had been sent to North America by his own grandmaster specifically to teach Chinese martial arts to non-Chinese,. Unfortunately, by this time Chang's grandmaster had already passed away, so he could not verify or corroborate Chang's mission. Now, after the work done by people such as Lee and Chang, Chinese martial arts is widely available to and respected in the non-Chinese world.