Classes
Here you will find all scheduled classes by Alexandra King.
If you need further information, contact Alexandra by calling (805) 687- 8823 or email alexandra @ alexandraking.com (just remove the spaces around @).
"Alexandra's enthusiasm, extensive knowledge of the dance forms and cultures, and obvious enjoyment for teaching combine to make one of the most enjoyable and exciting classes I've had!" - UCSB Student.
Private Individual Lessons
Private lessons are available for 1-2 people. Discounts for 4+ classes per month are available. Private lessons are taught on Thursdays and Fridays at the Montecito School of Ballet, by appointment (805) 687-8823.
Policies for Discounted Classes
- Discounted classes must be paid in advance on the 1st of each month.
- Advanced payments will be billed on the last week of each month.
- Discounted classes must be used in the same month they are paid for.
- All discounts are void if carried over to the next month and their value will revert to the value of a single hour ($60.00) with the balance due immediately.
Single: 1-3 hours = $70.00/hour
Multiple Discounts: 4+ = $50.00/hr.
Registration: Payments can be dropped by the studio, sent in the mail or paid by PayPal online (*). Send check or money order to:
Alexandra King,
P.O. Box 868, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
(*) A convenience fee of 3% will be added to purchases done using Paypal or credit cards.
By appointment, call (805) 687- 8823 or email alexandra @ alexandraking.com (just remove the spaces around @).
Private Group Classes
Private ongoing group classes are available for 3+ people by appointment. Students must pay for the site, or, find a location that will accommodate a group of 3+ people. Check with churches and schools for cut-rates or in-kind donations. Recommended commercial sites are Carrillo Recreation (805) 967-2519 or Goleta Valley Community Center (805) 967- 1237.
Cost for Instructor: $40.00/hour
Single private group class: $150.00/hour.
(*) A convenience fee of 3% will be added to purchases done using Paypal or credit cards.
To schedule private group classes please contact Alexandra by phone or email. To register for a non-private ongoing group classes go the site of the class offered, (see below). Contact Alexandra King for information about any class. Call (805) 687- 8823 or email alexandra @ alexandraking.com (just remove the spaces around @).
Wednesdays, 5:30 -6:30 Dance Studio
FREE INTRO CLASS ~ 5/15 ~ Just show up!!
6-week Series: May 22 - June 26
Location
The Gym Next Door
901 B Linden Ave.
Carpinteria 93013
(805) 684-2595
Registration
$60/series; $15.00/drop-in.
Pre-register at: The Gym Next Door
(805) 684-2595 or go to www.thegymnextdoor.com
Beginning - 5:45 - 7:00, Thursdays
Series #2 ~ May 16th - June 20th
Karsilama (9/8). The dance of the Turkish Rom (gypsies). This style of belly dance was introduced by the Turkish gypsies into the cabaret and became the signature style of Turkish belly dance as it evolved over the twentieth century. Fast and furious or slow and soulful it is always captivating! Bring full-circle skirt, zills and knee pads. $66/$60.
Series #3 ~ June 27 - August - Tribal Style I
Introduction to Tribal Style Belly Dance.
Tribal Style I, Introduction to Tribal Style Belly Dance. including technique, costuming, music, history and evolution of this new-age style of belly dance. Choreography + technique. 17877 $55/$50
Series #4 ~ August 8 - October 12 -
Tribal Style II
A continuation of tribal style belly dance including a choreography, to be performed at the Summer Recital and Holiday Hafla. 17878 $66/$60
Registration
Drop-in $15.00; A six week series: $66 (county residents); $60.00 (city residents). Register at the Carrillo Recreation Center (805) 564-5418 or online.
Carrillo Recreation Center
100 E.Carrillo St. (Carrillo & Anacapa)
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 897-2519
Class Information: 687-8823 or email alexandra @ alexandraking.com (just remove the spaces around @).
Intermediate - 7:30 - 8:45, THursdays
Series #2 ~ May 16th - June 20th
Drum Solo continued..... Plus Drumming and Rhythms!
In this, the second series' on the drum solo, the students will continue to learn core movements and combinations of the drum solo including Pops, Locks, Drops, Lifts and Rolls, plus a new choreography to the Drum Circle training. We will also learn a drum composition to Samai Suite for a sword duet, which will be presented at the Summer Recital at the Carrillo Rec Center on Saturday, August 10th. Bring a drum, riq or zills.
Code # 17880. $66/$60.
Registration
Drop-in $15.00; A six week series: $66 (county residents); $60.00 (city residents). Register at the Carrillo Recreation Center (805) 564-5418 or online.
Carrillo Recreation Center
100 E.Carrillo St. (Carrillo & Anacapa)
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 897-2519
Class Information: 687-8823 or email alexandra @ alexandraking.com (just remove the spaces around @).
Get a great work-out and work-off the holiday feasting! Private lessons by appointment.
Single Private Lesson: $70.00/hour
Multiple Discounts: 4+ = $50.00/hr.
(*) A convenience fee of 3% will be added to purchases done using Paypal or credit cards.
Upcoming Workshops
"Alexandra King is one of the most knowledgable, dedicated and brilliantly inspirational women I know. She is true a gift to the Middle Eastern Dance community!" - ST Sponsor, N.C.
"She is amazing!" - JS, Sponsor, Pacific Grove, CA.
"Her work is very important to the whole dance community" - DA, Sponsor, OR.
TRIBAL-RET :: Tribal & Cabaret - The Best of Both Worlds
The workshop explains "The Balady", the section of the cabaret between the Takism and the Drum Solo which is a build-up of tempo and dynamic energy. It is a slow-to-fast progression of slinky and slow to sharp and fast. Includes a little floor, and a lot of standing work and isolations.
When: Sunday, October 13 - 2:00- 5:00 (three hours)
Location: Bedouin Bazaar, San Diego CA.
Registration
$30.00/head
Scotty :: (858) 581-0135
About Workshops
What I Teach
I teach all styles of belly dance, (American Cabaret, Egyptian Cabaret, Turkish Cabaret, American Tribal and Tribal Fusion), and Middle Eastern dance including folkloric, Persian classical and line dances. I teach technique as well as choreography
Who I Teach
Men and women are all welcome.
Syllabus
Recreational Classes
In addition to any specific subject, (such as Balady Step Combinations or Veil work), I focus on technical basics in every Beginning/Intermediate workshop including posture, placement, control and correct execution of steps and isolations, traveling skills and turns. At Intermediate/Advanced levels I focus on technical polish, blending and layering isolations, dynamics and performing skills, basic rhythms, music theory and interpretation as well as zill work.
Master Classes
These are geared towards professionals who have years of performing behind them. Physically challenging technique with fast-paced combinations of layered and blended isolations as well as complex step combinations are taught. Advanced music theory, rhythms and zill work are taught.
Academic Classes
These classes are generally folkloric classes or classical Persian. In addition to technique, steps and movements, culture as well as technique, local music, costuming and the traditions behind the movements are taught.
Length of Workshops
Workshops are taught in two to five hours segments each day. Each workshop is taught in set hour segments but timing is somewhat flexible.
Subjects Taught
Please choose from the following subject headers:
Belly Dance Workshops
Folk, Regional and Classical Dances Workshops
Persian Dances Workshops
To schedule a workshop, seminar or lecture demonstration, please contact Alexandra.
Belly Dance workshops
Entrances, Exits and “The Balady”
This workshop covers rhythms of balady, masmoudi, maksoum, ayyoub and malfouf, steps, isolations and combinations for these rhythms and how they are used for openings, finales and the ultra-sensual build-up (slow to fast tempo) of the balady section of the classic cabaret. Students must bring zills.
Veilwork
Veilwork This workshop covers the full spectrum of veil work from basic steps and combinations of steps to Bolero as well as Chiftitelli, Rectangular, Circular veil, and Double Circular. Also covered is Multiple Veil Dance. Depending on the workshop students should bring veils - one rectangular, two circular or purchase them at the workshop. Men can use capes.
Drum Solo
This workshop covers technique and combinations including blending and layering technique for polyrhythmic drum solos in Arabic or Turkish styles. North African Tribal elements and rhythms will be covered as well. Improvisation and choreography are taught. Students must bring zills.
Taksim & Chiftitelli
This workshop covers the Taxsim as a metered or unmetered composition. Improvisation is emphasized. Isolations – blended and layered for Standing work and Floor work will be taught. The sublime trancelike classical elements of the taskim will be emphasized as a part of the cabaret as well as Tribal Style. Students must bring zills, knee pads and socks.
Turns
The Basics of Turning are taught in Beginning/Intermediate Workshops as well as basic turns (walking, 3-point, Pivot). In Intermediate/Advanced and Professional workshops, challenging turns are taught such as Chainnes, Pirouettes, Rond de Jambe en Terre, Pencil turns Hitchkicks and Tunisian Turns.
Flourishes and Decorations
This workshop teaches use of hands, arms, face, accents, pauses and poses and other dramatic elements for framing or delayed line in. It will take your dance to new levels of artistry and dramatic content!
Instructor’s Workshop with Alexandra King
"Teaching instructors how to teach the art and traditions of belly dance". The Workshop includes technique, class plans, syllabus, history, customs and questions and answers. This is the most comprehensive, professionally packaged and affordable training for instructors anywhere! Pre-requisite: Students must be Advanced/Professional with a number of years of performing behind them. They must be competent in entrances, and exits, veil work, taksim (standing and floorwork) and drum solo. Bring zills, veils, knee pads and a notebook.
World Tribal
Tribal belly dance began with Jamila Salimpour and other early pioneers of American cabaret belly dance. Traditional tribal dances, belly dance and other world dance are incorporated into World Tribal Belly dance to make it a very cool earthy, sexy style.
Choreography and Improvisation
This workshop covers the foundations of choreography as well as improvisation including dynamics, floor and air design, motivation, staging and the rules of soloing and group formations.
Zills and Rhythms
How to wear and play zills, dance while playing and perform for your own drum solo are taught. Plus, 12 basic belly dance rhythms are taught and movements that accompany them. This workshop is a minimum of 4 hours.
THE HOW TO’S of STAGE MAKE-UP
This workshop teaches how to apply stage make-up in every venue. It is recommended for students and dancers with no knowledge or experience with stage make-up who would like to learn the art of professional make-up for stage. 3 hours. Bring a Professional make-up kit including:
- Pancake (oil or water based)
- Theatrical Powder
- Blush
- Speckle
- Dark Blue, Brown or Black Shadow (no light blues)
- Dark Red or Brown Lipstick
- Black or Brown Liquid Eyeliner
- False Eyelashes
- Mascara
- Soft Pencil
- Dark Brown, Black or Blue -Head Band
- Make-Up Remover
- Mirror
- Towel
Santa Barbara dancers, you can purchase a Professional Make-Up Kit at Harlequins Theatrical Supplies 17 E. Gutierrez St. SB 93101 OR Most Drug Stores.
Folk, Regional and Classical Dances workshops
Middle Eastern dance includes a large spectrum of dance. Whether performed as a solo or in groups, knowing folk dances gives a stamp of authenticity to any belly dancer. Teaching them at a party adds a lot of fun for the audience!
Raks Assaya (Cane or Stick)
The cane or stick (assa) dance of Upper Egypt, is a folk dance, a cabaret finale, or a dance performed after the cabaret or as a group dance. It can be performed by men or women. It’s fun and energetic and a great workout! Student’s need Assa’s - either cane or stick depending on whether the subject is Cane or Taktib (stick vs. cane), as well as zagat.
Ghawazee
Dance of the Ghawazee, the gypsies of Upper Egypt. I have nicknamed their dance style, “Raks Sharki Puro” because their stylized dance has been a cornerstone of Egyptian belly dance since their appearance a couple of centuries ago.This style of belly dance is sexy, fun and pure joy! Like most folk dance it is performed as a duet, trio or other group dance, however, it can be a solo. All variations can be taught in one workshop. Students must have zagat and hip scarf.
Karsilama (9/8)
Slow, fast and medium tempoed, Karsilama is a Turkish folk dance which can be performed by itself as a folk dance or as an integral part of the Turkish or Traditional American cabaret. It is electric and very high energy! Dancers must be fit and ready to work hard with the Karsilama. Students must have zills and full circle skirts which can be purchased at the workshop.
Raks Al-Kaliji
Women’s dance of the gulf – Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria. Also known as Raks al- na’ish (Hair Dance). An old-time dance of the Gulf region performed as a folk dance in a group or integrated into the finale of the cabaret for a soloist, Students need “Thobes” (Saudi gowns) available for purchase at the workshop.
Be advised, the headwork in the workshop is intense – be ready to throw your head around a lot!
Line Dances
Debke, Greek and Turkish line dances. These are dances that can be performed as recreational dances at Middle Eastern parties or as presentations in performing groups. Fun and lively and always a crowd pleaser in clubs or parties where Middle Eastern people congregate.
Spoon Dance
The spoon dance is strictly a folk dance, not used in the belly dance, however, anything is possible once learned! Students need Turkish (wooden) spoons which can be purchased at the workshop.
Persian Dances workshops
Bandari
Folk Dance of the Port city of Bandari – a definite crowd pleaser and easy to learn. A good work out too!
Classical Basics
This workshop introduces the posture, placements, and basic steps and movements, culture and traditions of Classical Persian dance. Like most classical dance, this is a complex and difficult style and requires years of training. However, in this four hour period much of the groundwork is covered and the student is set-up for further training with a stable foundation to begin with.
About Dance Camps
What They Are
A Dance Camp is an intensive period of training and education in which a student learns the knowledge and attains the skills necessary to perform in a certain subject. It is the equivalent of a six or twelve week series taught intensely in either four days or two weeks at the end of which the student will receive a certificate of graduation.
Some camps are presented in Santa Barbara, CA. (please see announcement below). However, for on-location Dance Camps, Alexandra will be in residency at a particular location for the duration of the camp (four days to two weeks). Workshops will be taught in 3-hour segments in the evenings during the week and four-hour segments on the weekends. Variations in time are possible.
12 hours (one week) Cost: = $2,600.00, plus travel and accomodations.
24 hours (one - two weeks) Cost: = $5,000.00, plus travel and accomodations.
36 hours (two & a half - three weeks) Cost $7,400.00, plus travel and accomodations.
Dance Camps
DANCE CAMP #1: CABARET INTENSIVE – 24 hours, (one – two weeks)
This dance camp teaches the history, cultural elements, costuming as well as develops a foundation of technical skill in the three primary styles of cabaret - Egyptian, Turkish and American cabaret. At the end of the intensive, the student will graduate with a clear understanding of and ability to execute a complete cabaret performance, and will receive a certificate of completion in the Cabaret Style of Belly Dance.
Day #1: Entrances & Finales – Learn a variety of way of entering and finales for all styles of cabarets. 3 hours.
Day #2: Takasim & Chiftitelli – This workshop teaches music, technique and combinations for Standing Takasim and Floorwork to both Takasim and Chiftitelli. 3 hours
Day #3: Takasim & Chiftitelli – This workshop teaches music, technique and combinations for Standing Takasim and Floorwork to both Takasim and Chiftitelli. 3 hours
Day #4: Drum Solo – Learn both Turkish as well as Arabic style drum solos, and dynamic blending of combinations, as well as how to play zills for yourself during your drum solo. 4 hours.
Day #5: The Balady is the classical transition from the takasim to the drum solo, and includes parts and variations of each. 3 hours.
Day #6: Veil – This workshop teaches technique and combinations in Rectangular, Circular, Double Circle Veil & Multiple Veil to Bolero and Chiftitelli. 4 hours.
Day #7: Veil - This workshop teaches technique and combinations in Rectangular, Circular, Double Circle Veil & Multiple Veil to Bolero and Chiftitelli. 4 hours.
DANCE CAMP #2: PERFORMING INTENSIVE. 24 hours (one - two weeks for up to 10 people. More for more people).
This dance camp will develop the skills necessary to becoming a professional dancer working in the field of Middle Eastern Dance. Artistic skills are addressed including make-up application, hairstyles, jewelry and costuming for various styles of cabaret and venues. Also, performing skills, including presence and projection as well as protocol for stage will be taught.
A Personal Development Analysis is given to the student to assist him/her in developing technical skills as well as professional image on and off stage. Business and marketing skills are taught and a Press Package is created for the dancer including a professional Biography and Resume, Press Release as well as a Head Shot and Full Body Images Photo. At the end of the workshop the dancer will have knowledge and ability to create a professional appearance on stage, a clear idea what to improve upon as an artist and will have a professional Press Package. The dancer will receive a Professional Performer Graduate Certificate.
Day #1: Make-up, Hair and Jewelry – How to prepare yourself for various venues including make-up application, hair (real and faux) are taught for various styles of belly dance. Jewelry styles and methods of wearing jewelry are taught. 4 hours.
Day #2: Costuming – Learn about costuming for 3 cabaret styles, and two tribal styles. Methods of making a low-cost but dazzling cabaret costume you are taught, including how to cut, make and decorate a skirt, harem pants, bra & belt. 3 hours.
Day #3: Stage Presence, Projection and Protocol – This workshop drills the three most important skills as a performer next to technique: how to command the audience with personal power, projection of personality as well as the correct behavior while on stage in a professional setting. 4 hours.
Day # 4: The Art of Business – Take the mystery out of doing the business as a dancer and be effective while having fun! Learn the steps you must take and the rules of the game of business specially geared for the dancer as a businessperson. 3 hours
Day # 5: Marketing – Marketing is the catch-all term for selling something. This workshop teaches all the parts including promoting through publicity, advertising, good will and non-profit work. Press-packs will be created including resumes, biographies, headshots, business cards and composites. 4 hours
Day # 6: Photo Shoot Day – This day is spent preparing for and having a photo shoot. You will do your own make-up, hair and costuming; learn what makes a great dance photo and composite and how to deal with photos as a form of publicity and promotion.
4 hours.
DANCE CAMP #3 – REGIONAL STYLES OF MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE
(24 hours. One – two weeks)
This camp covers dances of various regions in the Middle East and focuses on the influences they have had in the evolution of belly dance. Dancers will have a firm foundation in Persian classical, line dance as well as folkloric dances from Egypt, the Gulf region and Iran. Each class will cover basic technique as well as choreography.
At the end of the Intensive the student will receive a Regional Styles of the Middle East Certificate.
Day #1: Line Dances – Greek & Armenian line dances. Need hard-soled shoes. 3 hours
Day #2: Line Dances – Turkey- Line & spoon dance. Need hard-soled shoes & spoons. 3 hours.
Day # 3: Dabke – Lebanese line dance. Need hard-soled shoes.
3 hours.
Day #4: Egypt: Raks al-Assaya. Need stick or cane. 3 hours
Day #5: Egypt: Shamiran & Malaya. Need malaya and candelabra.
2 hours.
Day #6: Gulf dance – Raks al-Narish, (the Hair dance) Need thobe.
2 hours.
Day #7: Persian. Classical basics. Need hard-soled shoes. 8 hours.
DANCE CAMP #4: CHOREOGRAPHY & IMPROVISATION CAMP (12 hours – one week)
This workshop covers the foundations of choreography as well as improvisation including design, transitions, dynamics, floor and air design, motivation, staging and the rules of stage use for soloing, group formations, contact improvisation and other cues for transitions.
At the end of the Intensive the student will receive a Certificate of Choreography.
Day # 1: Floor and Air Design. Defines the stage and various designs for stage.4 hours
Day #2: Motivation & Dynamics – Emotional content, music interpretation & energy in dance. 4 hours.
Day #3: Improvisation for Soloing – 2 hours.
Days #4: Improvisation for groups – 2 hours.
DANCE CAMP #5: INSTRUCTORS WORKSHOP (12 hours -one week, or a long weekend)
This Intensive teaches instructors how to teach the art and traditions of belly dance. The Intensive includes technique, class plans, syllabus, history, customs, how to give examples as well as class discussions. It includes how to teach an academic vs. a class geared for the general public. The intensive is comprehensive, professionally packaged and affordable.
Pre-requisite: Students must be Advanced/Professional with a number of years of performing behind them. They must be savvy in all aspects of the cabaret including Balady, Bolero, Drum Solo and Takasim, or they must have completed the Cabaret Dance Camp with Alexandra King. Bring zills, veils, knee pads and a notebook.
At the end of the Intensive the student will receive an Instructors Graduate Certificate.
Day #1: Defining an Instructor and goals of instruction. 2 Hours
Day #2: Methods of Instruction. 2 hours
Day #3: Format & Syllabus - How to create a class format and syllabus for both academic as well as non-academic classes.2 hours.
Day #4: Levels of Training – How to teach various levels competently. 4 hours
Day # 5: The Business & Legal Issues. Marking, managing revenue and protecting yourself and your ideas. – 2 hours
DANCE CAMP #6
Specialized skills for belly dance include Candle, Sword, Stick, Gypsy (Arab/Latin) Fusion, Balady vs. Oriental and Rom dances. (16 hours – one week). At the end of the Intensive the student will receive a Certificate of Completion in Specialty Dances for Belly Dance.
Day #1: Candle Dance – Working with candles in belly dance.
2 hours.
Day #2: Sword Dance – Sword & daggers dances. 3 hours
Day #3: Stick & Cane Dance – Stick and cane for folk or cabaret.
3 hours
Day #4: Gypsy Fusion – Learn Latin influences in belly dance including Salsa and flamenco. 3 hours.
Day #5: Balady vs. Oriental. Learn the differences in Balady vs. Oriental belly dance in Egypt. 2 hours.
Day #6: Turkish Rom. Technique, cultural and musical elements of the Turkish Rom. 3 hours.
This Intensive is taught every year by various teachers in Santa Barbara, CA at the Middle East Festival and Belly Dance Camp, Moon Over Morocco, August 24-29, 2009.
Coaching
$75.00 per minute of a song of your choice. Comes with a DVD, hand-out and a phone call, email or skype consultation. Order now!
Choreography
$75.00 per minute of a song of your choice. Comes with a DVD, hand-out and a phone call, email or skype consultation. Order now!
