Instruction.
Summer enrollment at Joy of Motion Dance Center is now OPEN. Register now for June 10 - August 18:
Belly Dance Basics: Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Atlas
Belly Dance Beginning I: Wednesdays 7:30 - 8:30 pm - Atlas
Belly Dance Beginning I: Sundays 6:45 - 7:45 pm - Dupont
Belly Dance Beginning II: Wednesdays 8:30 - 9:30 pm - Atlas
Belly Dance Beginning II: Sundays 7:45 - 8:45 pm - Dupont
Yillah is a popular and nurturing belly dance instructor with regular classes at Joy of Motion Dance Center where she offers Basics-, Beginning I-, and Beginning II-level lessons - as well as special section performance classes - for all ages and body types. She is also available for private lessons.
Yillah considers her style to be predominantly Lebanese, though the instruction she received in Egyptian, Turkish, and Central Asian styles also resonates in her movements.
"Yillah is an excellent teacher to take classes with. She drills you, yet you have a great time. If you want to have a serious workout and fun simultaneously, then Yillah is the teacher for you!" - Pam, Hip Hop Raqs
If you are interested in signing up for classes with Yillah, be prepared to have fun... and to work! The discipline she obtained from her early ballet training heavily influences her teaching style, and she's a staunch believer in poise and strength as fundamentals for ultimate credibility. She also swears by the importance of honesty in instruction, so expect corrections and candid evaluations to help you develop your craft.
"If you want to learn from the best and have a great time, this is the instructor for you. Don't let her pint-size frame fool you - she will KILL you!" - Martinna, Beginning I
Also, please be aware of Yillah's four rules for class:
1) You must show your belly. If this is a new concept to you, never fear - you'll quickly acclimate. Feeling like you must have six-pack abs in order to expose your midriff is a Western notion! Remember: this is Middle Eastern dance. You'll soon learn to accept and love your body and build confidence, an essential element for Raqs Sharqi.
2) No gum in class.
3) Get a hip scarf and bring it with you to every session. Need a hip scarf? Click here for resources.
4) Have a blast. Dance should be healing, invigorating, and joyous, not a competition or source of stress. Raqs Sharqi not only evokes loveliness and boosts self-esteem, it creates camaraderie amongst individuals with a cool common interest. Come to class with the right attitude, and you'll make new friends and dance like a pro!
"I recently completed Yillah's Hip Hop Raqs class - it was probably my ninth Joy of Motion class, and it was my favorite thus far! I loved learning new moves and performing! When Yillah offers another belly dance performance class, I will definitely be in it!" - Nikki, Beginning I