#powhow

 I think this website is an incredibly cool idea (it lets you take an online class where the instructor can see you and give feedback!), but I’ve noticed their organization system could use some help. This is my attempt at a comprehensive listing of bellydance classes available on this website and I plan on adding to it if needed. If you notice anything is incorrect, missing, or out of date, please let me know and I’ll edit the post. Note that some of the instructors have pre-recorded videos available for purchase through the site, I did not include those in these listings. Please let me know if this is helpful!

* = no class times listed, request a time if you’re interested

Lwr = live with recording (the instructor sees you and you see the instructor, you get a recording of the class after)

L = live, no recording

Swr = stream with recording (you see the instructor but they can’t see youo)

S = stream, no recording

Technique and Combinations

Anais Fatale: beginner bellydance (swr)

Donnajean Meyer: beginner bellydance (l)

Henna: fundamentals class* (l), intro to bellydance workshop* (l)

Karma Karmelita: beginner bellydance (lwr)

Lady Morrighan: beginner bellydance (lwr)

Mariah Parasson: beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced lessons (lwr) 

Nevena: multi-level raqs sharqi class (lwr)

Royah: beginner/basics review class (lwr)

Sadie Marquardt: multi-leveled class (lwr)

Sahira: beginner, intermediate, and advanced (lwr), multi-level tribal techniqe/combos/and zills* (lwr)

Queenie Dance: beginner bellydance (l) - might be partially in Dutch

Choreography

Lady Morrighan: tribal happenings choreography class (lwr)

Mariah Parasson: modern Lebanese choreography* (lwr)

Sahlah Tepess: a couple drum solos (lwr)

Drills

Henna: practice makes flawless class* (l)

Karma Karmelita: badass bellydance drills and abs (l)

Lina Schiano: shimmy drill workouts (l)

Sahira: multi-level drill class* (lwr)

Sahlah Tepess: beginner, intermediate*, and advanced* technique + drill classes (lwr)

Queenie Dance: bellydance practice flow (lwr) - might be partially in Dutch

Fitness Classes

Anais Fatale: Shimmy Chic Fitness (swr)

Karma Karmelita: badass bellydance drills and abs (l)

Lady Morrighan: strength and flexibility for dancers (lwr)

Lina Schiano: SharQui® - the bellydance workout with and w/o props, shimmy drill workouts (l)

Mariah Parasson: belly dancing cardio workout (swr)

Royah: bellydance flexibility, range of motion, strength building* (lwr)

Sahlah Tepess: 

Private Lessons

Amira of Las Vegas

Belen - in Spanish

Carolena Nericcio-Bohlman

Henna

Karma Karmelita

Lady Morrighan

Mariah Parasson

Mirabai - fan veils private lessons

Royah

Sadie Marquardt

Sahira

Sahlah Tepess

Queenie Dance:  might be partially in Dutch

Props

Belen: double veil (l) - in Spanish

Mirabai - fan veils (lwr)

Roula Said: zills (lwr)

"Soft Skills”

Mariah Parasson: business of bellydance (lwr)

Last month I was lucky enough to win a 1hr online private lesson with international & multi-award winning professional performer & instructor Žana (www.zana-danceartist.com) on Powhow (www.powhow.com)

I have taken a few group classes on Powhow before with the wonderful Sadie Marquardt but this was my first time having private instruction and I have to admit I was nervous and excited.

We began with a warm up and then drilled some ballet arm positions to help create graceful arms. We then added some vertical hips into the mixture for more of a challange.

I didn't realise how tense my shoulders are since I felt I was already dropping them when asked to lower them. I do have tight neck and shoulders so I probably could do with trying to loosen those muscles.

Also I was taught to raise my arms a bit higher than I am used to when holding them out and bringing them forward slightly so that I can see them in my peripheral vision. She suggested laying a stick on my hands to help keep them raised and forward.

We also had a giggle about the things Bellydancer do to improve their technique when not on stage such as using a hairband to help hold my fingers in a graceful way.

Lastly we went over shimmies and layering undulations on top since this is something I could do better at. She made a good point about making shimmies big so they can be seen on a stage and how it is easier to make something smaller when learning big at first.

On the whole I got some great tips and advice from a lovely dancer and I am happy that I got the chance to work with Žana.

I met Žana last year in Rochester for two workshops. She had some great ideas on how to teach improvisation as well as teaching us a fun Shaabi choreography.