Mandy Habermehl of Down Hips Dance Studio is excited to announce that she, along with Down Hips Dance Studio will become part of BellyUp BellyDance studio as of May 2012.

“BellyUp is a studio that I have always respected and admired because of their strong commitment to Egyptian dance training,” says Mandy, “Under BellyUp our students will continue to develop and grow with the high standard of training that BellyUp is known for.”

This positive and very complementary transition will allow Mandy to continue to teach, perform and play a pivotal role in the transition to BellyUp, while spending more time with her husband and new son Jaxon.  It will also compliment the expansion of BellyUp, creating a positive impact and opportunities for what will become BellyUp’s second location (first being Oakville) for Egyptian Dance and a variety of other dance forms.

“Mandy and her team have done an exemplary job of building a vibrant dance community here in Kitchener” says BellyUp founder, Joharah, “and I couldn’t be more delighted to bring  BellyUp’s extreme passion for Oriental dance to the Tri-Cities area.“

The current Down Hip’s students will continue to take classes at the same Kitchener location, with the same great teachers and unique dance menu they’ve come to love. Plus, Joharah will add her own classes during the week and weekend, for beginner through advanced levels; along with her specialty workshops and choreography classes. Also coming to the Kitchener location will be ATS® (American Tribal Style®) for beginners through advance levels with BellyUp’s well-known Valizan.

Joharah has created a highly successful beginner program, which is consistently sold-out at her flagship studio in Oakville.  Her unique approach also produces sold-out classes for Continuing Beginner to Advanced students as well.

“The Down Hips and BellyUp brands and business models are extremely compatible which will make for a smooth transition to the BellyUp name this Spring.” Joharah notes.

“It’s all very exciting” adds Mandy,  “It’s going to be a fantastic Spring and Summer in the bellydance community and this complementary transition offers nothing but great benefits for all those who will be part of the new BellyUp Kitchener-Waterloo!”

View Press release Here

BellyUp Inc.

2330 Lakeshore Rd., W., Unit 5, Oakville, Ontario   L6L 1H3
900 Guelph Street, Unit 105, Kitchener, ON   N2H 5Z6
www.BellyUp.ca • info@bellyup.ca
905.465.3100 or 416.414.1115

Join Faith for the sought after, high energy, BOLLYWOOD FUSION class!
New Classes begin the week of January 15th 2011.

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BOLLYWOOD FUSION

Think Bombay Dreams. Think Devdas. Think Caitin and Jason’s performance to Jai Ho on So You Think You Can Dance!

Bollywood Fusion is a fun, and high energy dance form that combines the style of dance seen in films produced in Bombay, India with Indian folk dance, Middle Eastern dance, and all manner of Western dance styles. We’ll explore both the modernized and classical sides of Bollywood dance, creating a high-energy, exciting, and expressive atmosphere that’s open to all levels of dancers.   We’ll learn steps, combinations, and a fun choreography with the option to perform at the student recital.

************** CLASSES *******************

4-week INTRODUCTORY BOLLYWOOD CLASS
January 9th – January 30th  OR  January 16th – February 6th

Bollywood Fusion is a fun, expressive, and high energy dance form! Come and learn some base gestures and movements from the ground up at a pace that is easy to learn!  A unique and fun way to get your cardio raised, and your heart pumping!   No dance experience needed!  Dancers may continue on to the full Bollywood session and learn a fun and exciting dance choreography!
INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL – ONLY $50!
Email info@downhips.com to reserve your spot – space is limited!!

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10-week  BOLLYWOOD CLASS mix-level
(starts Feb 6 OR  Feb 13 2012)

Continue on with the fun and excitement of Bollywood in this 10-week session where all the basics come together to form an exciting dance routine!  See how Bollywood dance is formed, experience the thrill of watching your technique and new found skills come to life in a vibrant and high expression masterpiece! Dancers have the opportunity to perform the dance at the student recital should they choose.
Email info@downhips.com to reserve your spot – space is limited!!

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DOWN HIPS DANCE STUDIO RECITALS: BOLLYWOOD STUDENTS

FAITH TEACHES THE AUDIENCE BOLLYWOOD!
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Bollywood dance is a difficult topic to discuss because it is hard to pin down.  Its exact definition, geographical distribution, and stylistic characteristics are amorphous.  However in spite of all of this, it is surprisingly recognizable.  In the strict sense the term “Bollywood” refers to the Hindi culture, art, and film industry from Bombay.  The other film centres of South Asia are often referred to by their own designations (e.g., Lollywood (Lahore), Tollywood (Andhra Pradesh)).  However since the Bombay Hindi film industry dwarfs the other productions centres, the term “Bollywood” is generally extended to mean the entire South Asian film culture.  For the purpose of this web-page, we will use the more general meaning.

The international appeal of Bollywood dancing is something that has been many decades in the making.  Originally it was found only in places that had a significant consumption of Indian films (i.e., Former Soviet Union, and the Middle East).  But a few years ago it started to become chic in Europe, and today it is rising in popularity in the US, and Canada.

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TRIBAL FUSION & ATS with ORKIDEH

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ATS & Beyond –  American Tribal Style Bellydance
January 22 2012 – February 12 2012
10:00am-12:00pm

This intermediate level class takes American Tribal Style training (in the Fat Chance Bellydance format), and ITS (Improv Tribal Style) with Serpentina North’s own styling to train and challenge the tribal fusion enthusiast.

STRICTLY DRILLS
12:30pm-1:45pm
January 22 2012 – February 12 2012

Just like the title says, this will be a drill class, focusing on polishing your technique and reviewing ATS vocabulary. Build a strong foundation in tribal posture and fluidity. Perfect for both students brand new to tribal style and intermediate students who want to develop their technique.

PRICES

• 4-week ATS & BEYOND with Orkideh (8hrs) = $130.00
  
• 4-week STRICTLY DRILLS with Orkideh (5hrs) = $75.00
• *BOTH* 4-week ATS & Beyond, and the Strictly Drills: $185 (discount)

Visit the SCHEDULE page for details!

COMPILATION OF ORKIDEH WITH HER TROUPE: Serpentina North Ensemble

ORKIDEH:
Orkideh Serpentina is the director of The Serpentina North Ensemble, based in Toronto. Orkideh has been studying bellydance for ten years and fell in love with tribal style in 2004, when she met her dance partner, Joanna, in New York City. Joanna and Orkideh began Serpentina as a duet, but when Orkideh emigrated to Canada in 2007, she started her troupe, now containing eight members.

Orkideh has been influenced by her various teachers, including Safiya and Anahid Sofian (Anahid Sofian Dance Company), Sarah Locke (Gypsy Caravan), and Susan Frankovich, and she was certified as a Fat Chance instructor in October 2009. She has also currently studies Kathak with Joanna De Souza, continuing the challenge of this classical Indian dance that she began in New York with Najma Ayshah.

DATE: Sunday, September 11th

TIME: 12:30pm

LOCATION: Williamsburg Town Centre:  1178 Fischer Hallman Road  Kitchener, ON N2M 4X8

The Shimmy mob will take place during the annual Williamsburg Town Centre Community festival that brings out over a thousand people throughout the day! The event has a ton of activities for the family – Vendors, booths, entertainment, Monster trucks, Ponies, Down Hips Bellydancers, etc.  Its a great event that will provide a good crowd for the flashmob, as well as offer a fun place to hang out before and after the shimmy mob!

HOW TO SIGN UP TO BE PART OF THE BELLYDANCE FLASH MOB
Be sure to submit your email address below. This is how you will be contacted as we update this page with the choreography videos and any last minute notes.  Your email will not be shared, sold or distributed. Please choose the Shimmy Mob list below.. and if you want to join the Down Hips mailing list at the same time, register here as well. Don’t forget to confirm the request via email.

** SPREAD THE WORD ****
Tell your bellydance friends and family!  Send this link out and let others join and be part of the shimmy mob, and take our community by storm and jingles!

* DETAILS *

THE SONG: Shoof-Aainy-Malha, by Mazikana_Marwa  2:47mins
Download the music here:(right click, save file) MUSIC MP3

CHOREOGRAPHY
Visit this page to see the Choreo notes and videos: CLICK HERE

* You must have the password emailed to you to view this page. Password has been emailed to those who signed up on the shimmymob mailing list above. If you joined late, and did not receive this – submit your email and then email me at info@downhips.com and I will send it.

OPEN STUDIO PRACTICES
•• Please Let me know if you are coming so I can keep a handle on how many  will be out each time. Held at Down Hips Dance Studio

Note: These are not mandatory – they are in place for those who prefer hands on instruction to come and practice, ask questions, and get technical details as needed.

• FRIDAY AUGUST 5th: 7:00pm – 8:15pm

• SATURDAY AUGUST 13th: 11:15am – 12:30pm (before the Bollywood workshop! )

• *CANCELLED (no rsvps)* FRIDAY AUGUST 19th: 7:00pm – 8:15pm

• TUESDAY SEPT 6th 7:00pm-8:00pm

• THURSDAY SEPT 8th 7:00pm-8:00pm

• SATURDAY SEPT 10: 11:30am – 12:30pm

WHO CAN JOIN?
Everyone!  Bellydancers beginner, introductory level to advance!  You do not need to be currently on a class, or studying at Down Hips – this is an event to spread the word, and the joy of bellydance with the community.  The more bellydancers, and the more diversity the better!! Share this link and help contribute to KWs first Shimmy Mob!

WHAT TO WEAR
Black and white: Should be easy enough, either a black or white top will be inconspicuous through the event, but look unified as we all come together.  It doesnt matter the style, and does NOT have to be bellydance related.
Coin Belt: If you have a hip scarf or coin belt, bring it along, and when the shimmy mob starts, pull it out and strap it on as you join!!
Do I show my belly?: If  you like!! It is never necessary, but for those who want to show off the belly moves, you can fold or tie up the shirts as you join. The DH troupe will have their bellydance costumes on.

PUBLICITY
Down Hips will be recording the shimmy mob, as I am sure many others will be too!  We will be alerting the media that day as well. So keep in mind that there is always a  possibility  it can end up on youtube, facebook, or even in the paper!

HOW IT WORKS
You come on out to the Event on the day of. There is much to do so feel free to check it out early!!  The shimmy mob is supposed to be a surprise and quite random to those at the festival, so please do not walk around telling people or wearing the coins.

The music will be played over a sound system at 12:30pm. (exact location will come closer to the day). So by this time you will want to be in the general area of the performance location.  The Down Hips Bellydonnas (troupe) will start the dance off – then after the first bar, everyone can join in whenever they like!!  You just run out from the crowd and join in!! When the dance is finished, and the huge applause starts.. you just walk off like nothing ever happened.   Take off the coin belt, and enjoy the festival!

Down Hips will have a booth set up that day, so any questions day of you are welcomed to visit us there.
If you have any questions before please feel free to email info@downhips.com

thanks! Hope to see you there!

By Valerie Hill, Record staff

Belly dancing undergoes revival

Krystina Bednarowski leads Rebecca Balaz (left) and Amanda Elgie-Boettger in a class of Egyptian bellydancing at the Down Hips Dance Studio in Kitchener. Framed by the arm of another dancer, the women use precise muscle isolation to perform belly dance moves.
Melissa Tait/Record staff

By Valerie Hill, Record staff

KITCHENER — The hips sway, the bellies wiggle, the arms move like reeds in a soft breeze and in the eyes of the dancers there is peace, tranquility.

“It’s a bit of a unique dance form, a bit of exotic but not too risqué,” said Mandy Habermehl. She is the founder of Down Hips Dance Studio on Guelph Street, where she teaches belly dancing, a dance form that has become surprisingly popular with children, seniors and everyone in between. Except men. They just can’t seem to attract the guys, which is too bad because traditionally, men danced as well.
Habermehl said belly dancing captivates women, largely because it’s so feminine as well as low impact. But don’t think for a minute it’s easy, because belly dance requires developing muscles, particularly abdominals, that are rarely used in day-to-day life.

Although there are many legends about the origins of belly dance, Habermehl said what is practised today is part traditional, part fusion, though it is basically true to its ancient Middle Eastern roots.

“Traditionally, women danced for each other and the men would do the same,” she said, adding belly dancing also helped pregnant women, given the exercise opened the pelvis and strengthened muscles necessary to both carry the fetus and to give birth.

“It’s a fun and athletic way to get moving,” she said.

Karin Wendorf has been in the class for two years and said both her 61-year-old mother and 10-year-old daughter take classes as well.

“She’s so excited and so proud,” Wendorf said of her daughter.

Habermehl explained that for children, belly dancing gets them moving, an important advantage when so many children are less active than in decades past.

“It’s child-friendly — no exposed bellies,” said Habermehl, adding that the dance is also not competitive. Youth classes at the studio range in age from six to 13 and in her senior class, ladies in their 60s and 70s swing their hips with the best of them.

“They didn’t want something as traditional as a gym,” she said of her older students. “It helps them get moving, helps their knees and hips with muscle isolations.” At the same time, belly dance can also be aerobically challenging, though not in a leaping around the dance floor sort of way.

Habermehl describes how students will break into sweats though they don’t seem to be moving that hard. It’s all about challenging the muscles.

“When people first come, they’re a little bit weak,” she said. “You’re with women of all shapes and sizes. You struggle and struggle at first, then one day, you get it.”

Tamara Macdonald has been dancing two years and said that although she considers herself a larger woman, she has gained tremendous confidence and satisfaction with her body just as it is.

Rebecca Balaz echoed Macdonald in terms of belly dancing helping them gain self confidence, particularly when they are performing.

“You get up and shake all your flabby bits in front of people,” she said. After an experience like that, getting up and doing a presentation at work is a piece of cake. “Everything is easy,” she said.

When Balaz saw belly dance for the first time she was smitten. “I thought it was so beautiful.”

Habermehl said she used to be heavier and it took her awhile to “come out of the closet” as a belly dancer, fearing the first time she had to expose her midriff and make the connection between mind and body. “It’s really empowering.”

Balaz said belly dance is deliciously challenging. “It never really gets easier,” she said. “You learn something, and then they add something new.”

Habermehl said Guelph and Waterloo Region has become a belly dancing hub, with many dance studios teaching the art form. She thinks it might be partly the influence of pop stars such as Shakira and Beyoncé, both of whom have introduced belly dancing on their music videos. “Hollywood plays a role,” she said.

vhill@therecord.com

Belly dancing

Egyptian and fusion belly dancing classes

Start the week of May 16

Down Hips Dance Studio, 900 Guelph St., Kitchener

www.downhips.com

519-742-5348

info@downhips.com