New York City Dance Classes
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This winter, I'm offering several workshops in conjunction with Nourhan Sharif through the Egyptian Academy of Oriental Dance.
Fall 2007 / Winter 2008
| Day | Topic | Time | Location | Cost |
| Sunday, December 16 | Ballet Technique for Oriental Dancers |
12:00 - 2:00 |
Salsa International | $40; Pre-register through the EAOD website. |
| Thursdays 1/10 - 3/27 |
Bellydance 101 |
7:00-8:00 |
Salsa International | $200 |
| February date TBA | Drum Solo |
TBA |
Salsa International | |
Studio Location
Salsa International
701 7th Ave (at 47th St.),5th floor
Times Square
Subway: N/R/W to 49th St., B/D/F/V to Rockefeller Center, or any train to 42nd St./Times Square
Entrance on 47th St., between Sbarro and Tad's
Ring buzzer #5 and pull gently on the door handle until the lock is released - the entrance buzzer is difficult to hear over the street noise on this busy corner.
General Information
Ballet Technique for Oriental Dance
Heavily influenced by visiting Soviet instructors in the mid-twentieth century, contemporary Egyptian-style Oriental dance has been shaped by a strong ballet influence. Classwork will focus on creating the “finished” look of a classically trained dancer through use of the arms, hands, feet, and legs. Autumn will also present an overview of how to make the most of a ballet class as an adult belly dancer, and conclude with a special step-by-step breakdown for turns across the floor. (Guaranteed to help even the most turn-challenged, and helpful for teachers looking for a new approach to presenting this material). This workshop is designed both for students with no ballet experience and for students seeking to incorporate previously learned ballet vocabulary into their Oriental dance. Please bring soft-soled dance shoes or socks. Pre-registration required.
Belly Dance 101: 12-week introductory course
Frustrated by drop-in classes that are always too easy or too hard? Disappointed by exercise-oriented classes at the gym? Overwhelmed by how to put it altogether? Try a new approach to learning dance: a comprehensive course for new beginners, that lays it all out step by step. Each week's class builds on the next, reviewing previously introduced material, showing new moves, and putting it all together in a simple choreography that we will build through the session. Foundation concepts are emphasized: posture and stage presence; musical interpretation; basic traveling moves and isolations; carriage of the arms.
To make arrangements for private coaching or lessons, contact me directly at (917) 686-1622. My fee is $60/hour, plus the cost of studio rental (generally an additional $12 -$20/hour.) I do not recommend private study for students with no previous dance training.
For more information, see Articles, Info, & Resources, or call me at (917) 686-1622.
Testimonials
Autumn Ward is a superior dancer, easily rating among the best in the world. During the four years when I lived in Egypt, and the three years that I have studied Middle Eastern dance in the US, I have seen many highly-regarded oriental dancers and none of them have demonstrated the combination of rigorous technical skill, mesmerizing gracefulness, and emotional expression that Autumn conveys in her dance.
As a teacher, Autumn's method is systematic and technically precise. I have observed several other beginner classes, and none of them compare with the detailed and painstaking level of instruction that Autumn provides for her students. I highly recommend her as a teacher for those who are serious about building a strong foundation for their dance.
-- Moira Lee
I have not been able to find another teacher nor have I seen a dancer that really compares to you. (I still talk about your dancing to my friends and other teachers that I meet).
-- Joy Barksdale
It is a great pleasure to watch her dance--it's as though you become mesmerized by her beautiful movements--she makes it look sooo easy, it is almost deceitful.
-- Gina Petro
Autumn's teaching technique is amazingly easy to understand. I have been a fitness/movement class and workshop instructor for over a decade, and, knowing how difficult it is to teach a group of people something new, I highly recommend her classes to beginners and seasoned dancers alike.
-- Elie Cossa, Certified Fitness Professional, International Fitness Class Instructor
[She] made each class a joy to attend. My reservations about having the wrong 'body-type' and not being flexible or graceful enough quickly disappeared under her excellent instruction.
-- Stacey Williams
My experience studying belly dance with you was wonderful. You combine a rare technical expertise with a patient, sensitive, and supportive approach to achieve a level of teaching professionalism that is, in my experience, truly unparalleled in the field.
--Alison O'Neill
Thanks to your encouragement (and patience) I have an incredible appreciation and love of this dance form. Thanks always for that--you are a tremendous teacher!
-- Pamela Goodlow
I loved having you as a teacher. You are a true inspiration.
-- Christine Gleichert
Out of all of the classes and workshops I've taken, you are the queen of technique! It has been my experience that no one teaches technique as well as you do. You are the créme de la créme. It is an honor for me to say you were my teacher.
-- Michelle Chargois
You have a remarkable talent and are so very instructional--you really broke down the moves, so that you could understand where they are coming from and what you should be feeling.
-Beth Calmes, WDC
The DC area certainly misses your elegance and beautiful performances be it Persian or 'belly' dance.
-- El Naar Haninah
Studying with you over the past 2.5 years (or so!) has been personally rewarding. Thanks so much for the part you've played in my self-identity as a dancer.
-- Stephanie Poe