Levels

Levels (9)

Level 1 Review and Preperation Workshop

PreTestSpring2016x400The Review and Preperation Workshop ("Review") tests the same skills as the actual test, and you get the same score card with pass/fail information plus comments. The Review is conducted in a much more informal setting, with the biggest difference being that Schadia will give you immediate feedback and when possible tell you how to fix any mistakes right away. The Review is tremendously helpful, because it gives you time to fix things, i.e. you can use the technique DVDs and/or schedule private classes to work on the moves you need more help with, or to work on a choreography if you don't have all the steps down as needed.

 

Comments by Participants after the Workshop:

Troupe member ZB:
[The review] was very helpful for me. [Schadia’s] comments were clear in explaining on how to make the moves correctly. I've learned some technical things about certain moves that I knew I had problems with and that now I know how to fix them. It's like you took a closer look at my techniques and outlined what I need to work on and what my weak /strong areas were. I felt supported and encouraged by [Schadia]. Overall, it was super useful for me and now I know what I need to work on to become better in my techniques. I'm grateful for that!!!

 

Student El.:Test20151205 133907x400
The three hour review consisted of Schadia taking notes and critiquing the students on both Level One dances as well as the Level One technique in preparation for the upcoming test. There were about 15 students in the workshop.
The class began with a warm up followed by running Desert Dreams about three times to get it fresh in our minds before being observed and critiqued.   Since I didn't get any feedback, I thought - oh . . . I must be doing everything right - which boosted my confidence.  After all, I've been coming to class approximately three hours a week for eighteen months - I should have these basic moves down by now - right?
After we finished Desert Dreams we ran through the All Abs Drum Solo.  Again, Schadia provided valuable feedback to several of the students.  And again I thought -I've got this down.
Next, we practiced the Level One technique.  We ran through all the moves and ended with the camels and reverse camels.  We did the moves without a teacher to watch, facing away from the mirror and rotated the back and front rows - giving everyone a chance to experience how it would feel doing these dance moves in conditions similar to the testing conditions.  Drilling facing away from the mirror with no one to watch made me realize that my ability to count music and keep time is not as good as I sometimes think it is. I now know that I have to work on timing and the ability to count music - as both are essential skills needed for the test.
What made this experience so valuable to me is the feedback I received.   For example, I learned from Schadia that I need to improve my chest slides as didn't realize I was both slouching and hitting the sides too hard. I also learned my camels were off.   I'm thinking these camels feel great therefore I must look good.  Wrong, I found out - my head was moving, my arms and shoulders were all over the place and I wasn't keeping my lower body isolated.   After getting this coaching, I now know where I most need to focus my attention to improve my technique for the Level One Certification Test.
Regardless of whether or not I pass this test I believe the process will greatly improve my dancing abilities.  And after all dancing is what it's all about.

Student Moni.:

I think the review was extremely helpful. It was good that we went through each move and [Schadia] critiqued it that way so that you could give us feedback on moves that we may have thought we were doing correctly or little things we may not have noticed before. I think preparing for the test has made me more cognizant of certain moves because it makes me think more when I'm practicing and pay more attention to the moves. It makes a huge difference when its broken down as opposed to when we're learning and performing the choreography because it's easier to learn and memorize the moves but to know that you're doing them correctly feels much better.
I'm not sure how long all of the other testers have been belly dancing or what their dance goals are long term, but I think if any of them are serious about belly dancing and neon committed to it, not just a fly by night hobby, that review was very helpful. The only thing would be if it were a 2 part review, or 2 day one possibly for upper body or lower body because I think after a while I could see some frustration in some of the students because of the 5 hour time [end of workshop], most likely because there were so many of us. That's a great thing of course but it lengthened the time. Maybe an upper body and separate lower body, like 2 hours each? Then students can go to the one they would like to concentrate more on or both of needed and you can actually critique or emphasize certain moves for questions. Overall though, I think it was very helpful, for me at least. I know my hip drop kicks on my left side are my weak side and to practice more, but also the reverse camels, etc. the critiques just made me practice more since Sunday. I probably look crazy at work but oh well .

 

Level Overview    Cost & Register      Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3 - Level 4 - Level 5 - Level 6

Schadia 9405Level 5 Certification

Preparing for Level 5 Test:

Students at level 5 should have all the fundamentals down, including traveling moves and layering. They should be proficent in dancing with sword, veil, and zills.

The main "topic" of Level 5 is freestyle dancing, a.k.a. the Taksim or Taqsim. For the orchestra, the taqsim is the part where one instrument is playing a solo (i.e. drum solo). For belly dancers, it is more than just the drum solo part. Taqsim also refers to the part of the show where the music is dominated by a "slow, hypnotic improvisation of a melody instrument" (source: Shira) where a wood instrument is playing (think snake charmer like music). The dancer can use this part of the act for undulations performed while standing, for floor work; a balancing prop such as sword or fire tray can be added for dramatic effect.

Since the music is theoretically improvised, the dancer must perform to an unknown piece of music. However, the music follows certain well established patterns, and a dancer knowing these patters can anticipate parts and schedule her backbend, floorwork, etc. accordingly.

To best prepare for this test, we offer a variety of courses and workshops such as musicality, taksim dancing, restaurant style dancing, etc.

Level 5 Testing:

You will be tested on two dances, which you will perform individually. One of them must be a prop dance. It can be a fanveil or a cane dance.
TBA Date: TBT

You will also be tested on the following techniques, which you will perform in small groups:
TBD

 Freuquently Askes Questions for Level Certification

  • How do I schedule a private class with Schadia (or one of the other Nazeem Allayl Instructors)?
    Call (404) 638-6530 for rates and availability.
  • Can I take the workshops/courses and not test?
    Yes, testing is optional.
  • Can I just take the 5 Week Courses & NOT take the workshops?
    Yes, of course.
  • Can I just take the Worskhops & NOT take the 5 Week Courses?
    Yes, you can. If you are an advanced dancer who just needs the level 1 certification to be able to test for higher levels, the workshops are just fine for you. If you are a beginner dancer, you should take the 5 weeks courses AND the workshop.
  • I am testing for the first time & see the test is given in sections. Can I test 1 section, but not the others? i.e. a Section at a time?
    Yes, you can. You pay for the whole test and have test-credit for the sections you are not testing this time.

  • What is the pre-test vs. the test?
    The pre-test tests the same skills as the actual test, and you get the same score card with pass/fail information plus comments. The pre-test is conducted in a much more informal setting, with the biggest difference being that Schadia will give you immediate feedback and when possible tell you how to fix any mistakes right away. The pre-test is tremendously helpful, because it gives you time to fix things, i.e. you can use the technique DVDs and/or schedule private classes to work on the moves you need more help with, or to work on a choreography if you don't have all the steps down as needed.
  • How do you score the tests?
    Each technique has a checklist (Can do/Can't do, plus a comment field for issues). You must pass 85% of the techniques to pass the technique section.
    Each choreography has a checklist for all the steps of the choreography, PLUS a checklist for all the technique used in the choreography. You must pass the steps AND do them basically technically correct (85%) to pass a choreography section.
  • Who scores the tests?
    Schadia with the assistance of other instructors trained in the Nazeem Allayl style.
  • If I take the pre-test and pass, do I still have to take the test?
    Yes. You don't pass the pre-test. The pre-test is a preparation for the test, not an actual test. The pre-test is much more casual, there might be pauses for explanations, and Schadia will take time with you and give you feedback so you know what to work on.

  • What if I fail 1 section, but pass the other 2?
    You can re-rest the failed sections at the next test date in 6 months.
  • What do I get if I pass a Level Test?
    A certificate detailing what you have achieved, plus a T-shirt with a custom logo reflecting your level.
  • What happens if I fail?
    You can re-take the failed section (i.e. technique section, or the choreography you had problems with) at the next test. We test twice a year (December and July).

  • What happens if I pay for a Workshop but don’t come?
    We have a 24hr notification period. If you cancel before that time, you get a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel less than 24 hours, there is no refund.
  • What happens if I pay for Testing but don’t come?
    We have a 24hr notification period. If you cancel before that time, you get a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel less than 24 hours, there is no refund.

  • When is Level 2 Testing?
    Starting July 2016.
  • Can I do Level 2 Testing w/o passing Level 1?
    No. But we will offer the option to test level 1 right before level 2 in July 2016. Just remember that that's a lot of combined technique and 4 choreographies total.
  • I've been belly dancing w/Nazeem Allayl for a long time. Can I just get a certificate?
    No.
  • How does the NAIT L1 technique class compare to the Hypnotic Hips and Upper Body?
    NAIT level 1 includes selected technique from both Hypnotic Hips and Upper Body, but not all. If you can take Hypnotic Hips AND Upper Body, you are already learning all the moves from level 1, plus a few that will be part of level 2 testing.
  • Is there a special version of the test for special populations, i.e. senior/children/handicapped?
    At this point, there is only one version of the test for all.
LevelsDistance400
There are many opportunitis to learn the material for the Level 1 test: Choreographies "Desert Dream" (aka Amir Beledi) and "All Abs Drum", and if needed take some more technique courses (Helpful for level 1: NAIT Nazeem Allayl Intensive Technique, Hypnotic Hips, and Alluring Upper Body)

Level Certification Cost:

The test (about 2 hrs) costs $169. This includes, once you pass,  the certificate and a TShirt.
It does not include the cost of the classes to learn the test material.

Level Certification Dates 2021:

Level 1 Certification Test:
Test Date Sunday June 6th, 2-5pm @ Brookhaven by appointment
(or schedule your own private test date)

To prepare for Level 1 Test:
Intensive Technique Level 1 5-week course,
starts Monday March 1st, 7:30pm @ Kirkwood
or starts Thursday, April 15th, 7:30pm @ Brookhaven

Desert Dreams 5-week course,
starts Wednesday February 24th, 7:30pm @ Smyrna
or starts Thursday, February 25th, 7:30pm @ Brookhaven

All Abs Drum Solo starts Monday, November 2nd (2020),
or starts Wednesday, January 13th, 7:30pm @ Smyrna
or last chance Monday, May 17th & 24th, 7:30-9pm (2 week course) @ Kirkwood

Also private lessons are available to prepare, online or in person.

Level 2 Certification Test:
Test Date Sunday May 23rd @ Brookhaven by appointment

To prepare for Level 2 Test: (prerequisite Level 1 Certified)
Ra Ahsa starts January 12th, 8:15pm @ Brookhaven
Level 2 Intensive Technique starts February 16th, 8:15pm @ Brookhaven
Nawari Sword Dance starts March 23rd, 8:15pm @ Brookhaven

 Level1 2 3Students2017web

Relevant 5-week courses for Level 1:

You need to learn All Abs Drum Solo, Desert Dream, and know the techniques from Tech I Hypnotic Hips and part of Tech I Upper body (which is also covered in NAIT Level 1). For details on technique covered, and when these classes are offered, see here.

Refund Policy:

24hr Notification Requirement: If you notify us at least 24hours prior to your scheduled event, you will receive a full refund minus a $10 processing fee as course or workshop credit. Otherwise, no refund is given.
Package Refund Policy: If you bought a package and want a refund on the unused portions of the package, we will calculate the refund amount as amount paid minus the early bird rate of the events that already have taken place minus a $10 processing fee. The 24 hour cancellation period applies as well.
Transfer Policy: Workshops and tests are non-transferrable. You can transfer any refund or course credit you might have or be eligable for (see above).
Note: Participation in test does not guarantee that you will become certified. You must pass with a score of 85% to advance to the next level. You can retake the test for free the nexst time it is offered should you fail.

 

Level Overview    Cost & Register      Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3 - Level 4 - Level 5 - Level 6

Marjaan 9837Level 4 Certification

Preparing for Level 4 Test:

Students at level 4 should have all the fundamentals down, be able to maintain all basic moves at the shimmy (quadruple) speed and do all of our basic traveling moves. They should also have learned the basics of sword balancing & veil work.  Going to an even higher level of technique, students striving to test at level 4 will continue to develop their sword & veil dancing skills while obtaining the new skills of layering.  Students will also be tested on basic zill playing at Level 4. 

Layering is the concept of demonstrating two or more skills simultaneously. For example, doing a knee shimmy while doing a horizontal hip circle, doing a choo choo shimmy w/ a horizontal hip figure 8 or doing any move while playing the zills.

Students can obtain the skills for Level 4 through taking our special Layering Technique Courses and Workshops as well as focusing on some of our more advanced fusion choreographies like I Need a Melody & 100 Eyes, as well as more traditional choreographies like Yoam Al Has.  They should also thoroughly explore our Basic Zill Technique Courses & Workshops and focus on completing some of our many zill choreographies like Ragheb, Jasmine, Amar Haween, Shefait, etc.

Level 4 Testing:

You will be tested on two choreographies, which you will perform in small groups:
TBA Date: TBT

You will also be tested on the following techniques, which you will perform in small groups:
TBD

Level Overview    Cost & Register      Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3 - Level 4 - Level 5 - Level 6

SchadiaVeilLevel 3 Certification

Level 3 certifies that students have learned the technique from Levels 1&2, and are now proficient to travel with them. Level 3 also includes proficiency in dancing with a Veil.

Preparing for Level 3 Test:

Students at Level 3 take their technique to a higher level by learning how to travel with all of the moves learned in Levels 1 and 2. They can do this through taking our Traffic Stopping Traveling Moves Technique 5-week course (also available on DVD), through reviewing & obtaining the complete skill set in the Hypnotic Hips, Alluring Upper Body & Sumptuous Shimmies Technique Courses, and through learning the two Level 3 choreographies being taught in preparation for the Level 3 testing.  

To aid with the exploration of the American Fantasy style of belly dance, students will acquire the skill of dancing with a veil while performing basic technique.  Basic veil work is taught both through special Veil Technique courses & workshops as well as through our beginner Veil Dance Choreography Leylet Hob, a beautiful classic belly dance that is suitable for Level 2 & Level 3 students, which also includes many of the Level 3 veil skills.  

In addition to the sword & the veil, students are encouraged to experiment with props such as the zills, cane, and fanveils. Students should also refine & expand upon their technique through learning more choreographies, especially the American fantasy & more classic choreographies like Zaina, Irkosily, Leylet Hob, those w/ strong traveling themes like Kiddah, and those with the sword like Menni  & Habibi Tensany.

Before the test date, we will be offering a number of workshops and private classes to work on students' individual skills. In particular, we will be offering choreography workshops for the two choreographies that will be tested at Level 3, Level 3 technique workshop and also special NAIT Courses (Nazeem Allayl Intensive Technique) for level 3 technique. In addition, students can also take our regular technique courses and learn choreographies that use the technique tested in level 3.

Level 3 Testing

The test for level 3 consists of two parts: Technique stations and two choreographies. Students perform the choreographies and the technique stations in small groups or as individuals.

Level 3 Choreographies

You will be tested on two choreographies, which you will perform in small groups:
"Zaina" and "Tales of the Sahara".

Level 3 Technique

You will also be tested on the following techniques, which you will perform in small groups:

Level 3 Traveling
  • American Fantasy Posture
  • Walking w/ American Fantasy Posture
  • Grapevines in American Fantasy Posture
  • Arabesques in American Fantasy Posture
  • Hip Twists
  • Level Changing Hip Twists
  • Step-Step-Steps with look backs
  • Step & Touches
  • Hagallahs
  • Traveling w/ Hip circles
  • Traveling w/ Mayas & RVF8
  • Stationary Camels
  • Camel Walks
  • Standard Camels
  • Hi-Low Camels
  • Camel Step-Step-Steps

   

 

 

 

SchadiaSwordLevel 2

Level 2 Certification

Level 2 certifies that students have learned how to do all of the basic moves taught in level 1 at the shimmy speed and how to combine the technique learned in Level 1 to create new more complex moves and technique.The prop used at Level 2 is the sword, which helps you to demonstrate that you can isolate moves.

The choreographies tested at Level 2 are "Ra Ahsa" and "Oriental Jazz (Sword dance)".

Preparing for Level 2 Test:

Students at Level 2 learn additional basic technique, shimmies, and how to combine the technique learned in Level 1 to create new more complex moves and technique.  They can do this by learning the two Level 2 choreographies being taught in preparation for the Level 2 testing.  In addition and to prepare thoroughly for the Technique portion of the testing, students should take our Sumptuous Shimmies Technique 5 week course (also available on DVD), as well as continuing to review & obtain the complete skill set in both the Hypnotic Hips & Alluring Upper Body Technique Courses.

To aid with perfecting their ability to isolate moves, students will acquire the skill of balancing a sword on their head while performing basic technique. Basic sword balancing will be covered in NAIT 2 (Nazeem Allayl Intensive Technique) Course, which is specifically geared towards teaching & drilling all of the Level 2 Technique in one 5 week course. Dancers will also acquire sword balancing skills through our beginner Sword Dance Choreography Nawari, a drum solo that is suitable for Level 1 & 2 students & also teaches many of the Level 1 & 2 skills.  
The choreographies for L2 are "Ra Ahsa" and "Oriental Jazz Sword Dance".

In addition to offering the choreographies & Level 2 intensive technique training in five week courses at our studios, we will be offering a number of workshops to encourage & assist students working towards their Level 2 certification. 

If a student desires more specific one-on-one help, she can schedule private classes with Schadia & other Nazeem Allayl Studio instructors, all of whom are trained to teach the Nazeem Allayl style of Belly Dance. These private classes are especially helpful in between the Level 2 Pre-Test & Test to focus on the technique or sections of the choreography which need improving or further clarification.

In addition to the sword, students are encouraged to begin to experiment with props such as the silk veil, zills, and cane. Students should also refine & expand upon their technique through learning more choreographies like Vele Ya Vele, Qaseer Drum, Wala Wala, etc.

Level 2 Testing

The test for Level 2 consists of two parts: Technique stations and two choreographies. Students perform the two choreographies and the technique stations in small groups.

Level 2 Choreographies

You will be tested on two choreographies, which you will perform in small groups:
"Ra Ahsa" and "Oriental Jazz sword dance)"

Level 2 Technique

You will also be tested on the following techniques, which you will perform in small groups (some of the moves will be tested while balancing a sword):

Upper Body and Hips
  • Mayas: Combining Hip Slides & Hip Lift-Drops 
  • Reverse Vertical Figure 8s: Hip Slides & Hip Lift-Drops
  • Head Slide
  • Hand Circles
  • Snake Arms
  • Shoulder Shakes
  • Shoulder Shimmy
  • Shoulder Shakes + Shoulder Lift Drops = Shoulder Rolls
  • Chest Circles
Hip Isolations & Shimmies                            
  • Vertical Hip Lift & drops
  • Hip Shimmy    
  • Tic Toc                                               
  • Hip Twist Shimmy
  • Pelvic Lift Drop
  • Pelvic Shimmy
  • Choo Choo Shimmy
  • Knee Shimmy

 

Level Overview    Cost & Register      Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3 - Level 4 - Level 5 - Level 6

Level 1 CertificationSchadia 9468f

Level 1 certifies that students have learned the beginning & most basic of the fundamental technique of Middle Eastern Belly Dance. Students who pass the level 1 certification will receive a certificate (which does not expire) & a level specific t-shirt to wear as a sign of their accomplishment. They will also be listed on our website as level 1 certified dancers (optional). 

SignUpNow

Quick jump:   Test Content        Frequent Questions

Preparing for Level 1 Test:

Students at level 1 learn the beginning & most basic of the fundamental technique of Middle Eastern Dance. To prepare thoroughly for the Technique section of the testing, students are also welcome to take our Hypnotic Hips and the Alluring Upper Body Technique 5 week courses (also available on DVD).  We are also offering a NAIT (Nazeem Allayl Intensive Technique) Course, which is specifically geared towards teaching & drilling all of the Level 1 Technique in one 5 week course.
For the choreography section, students need to learn two Level 1 choreographies; for 2015 they are the All Abs Drum Solo and Desert Dream (formerly known as Amir Beledi). 

In addition to offering the two choreographies (All Abs and Amir Beledi) and the Level 1 NAIT technique in five week courses at our studios, we will be offering a number of workshops to encourage & assist students working towards their Level 1 certification. Before the test dates, we will be offering One Day Choreography Workshops for both choreographies. That way, you can learn one dance in a 5-week course, and the other in a workshop. Or both either way.

After the workshops, you can take the Test Prep Workshop. Here, we go through all of the choreographies and technique that will be tested on the actual test date, and Schadia will tell you if you got it, or what you need to work on. We highly recommend that you participate in the pre-test so you know where you are and that there are no surprises at the actual test.

If a student desires more specific one-on-one help, she can schedule private classes with Schadia & other Nazeem Allayl Studio instructors, all of whom are trained to teach the Nazeem Allayl style of Belly Dance. These private classes are especially helpful in between the Level 1 Pre-Test and the actual Test to focus on the technique or sections of the choreography which need improving or further clarification. To schedule a private class, call 404 638 6530.

In addition to the above, students are encouraged to refine & expand upon their technique through learning more choreographies like Shik Shaek Shok, Tigi Tigi, Oep, Jasmine Drum, Mizmar, Hoep De, etc.

Level 1 Testing

The test for level 1 consists of three parts: Technique stations and two choreographies. Students perform the choreographies and the technique stations in small groups or as individuals.

Level 1 Choreographies

You will be tested on two choreographies, which you will perform in small groups:
They are “All Abs” Drum Solo and “Desert Dream” (aka Amir Beledi).

 

Level 1 Technique

You will also be tested on the following techniques, which you will perform in small groups:

Horizontal Hip Work

  • Hip Slides
  • Horizontal Forward-Back Hip movement.
  • Hip Twists
  • Hip Circles
  • Horizontal Figure 8s & Reverse Horizontal Figure 8s

 

Vertical Hip Movements

  • Hip Lift Drops
  • Hip Shimmies
  • Hip Drops in BDS
  • Hip Drop Kicks
  • Pelvic Lift-Drops, Pelvic Thrusts & Pelvic Drops

 

Combining Vertical & Horizontal Hip Movements

  • Omis: Combining Hip Slides & Pelvic Lift-Drops       

 

Upper Body

  • Chest Lift/Drop            
  • Chest Slides (side to side)
  • Chest Slides (front to back)
  • Stationary Camels & Reverse Stationary Camels

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQ)

  • How do I schedule a private class with Schadia (or one of the other Nazeem Allayl Instructors)?
    Call (404) 638-6530 for rates and availability.
  • What is the pre-test vs. the test?
    The pre-test tests the same skills as the actual test, and you get the same score card with pass/fail information plus comments. However, it gives you time to fix things, i.e. you can use the technique DVDs and/or schedule private classes to work on the moves you need more help with.
  • Can I take the workshops/courses and not test?
    Yes, testing is optional.
  • Can I just take the 5 Week Courses & NOT take the workshops?
    Yes, of course.
  • Can I just take the Worskhops & NOT take the 5 Week Courses?
    Yes, you can. If you are an advanced dancer who just needs the level 1 certification to be able to test for higher levels, the workshops are just fine for you. If you are a beginner dancer, you should take the 5 weeks courses AND the workshop.
  • I am testing for the first time & see the test is given in sections. Can I test 1 section, but not the others? i.e. a Section at a time?
    Yes, you can. You pay for the whole test and have test-credit for the sections you are not testing this time.
  • How do you score the tests?
    Each technique has a checklist (Can do/Can't do, plus a comment field for issues). You must pass 85% of the techniques to pass the technique section.
    Each choreography has a checklist for all the steps of the choreography, PLUS a checklist for all the technique used in the choreography. You must pass the steps AND do them basically technically correct (85%) to pass a choreography section.
  • Who scores the tests?
    Schadia with the assistance of other instructors trained in the Nazeem Allayl style.
  • If I take the pre-test and pass, do I still have to take the test?
    Yes. You don't pass the pre-test. The pre-test is a preparation for the test, not an actual test. The pre-test is much more casual, there might be pauses for explanations, and Schadia will take time with you and give you feedback so you know what to work on.
  • What if I fail 1 section, but pass the other 2?
    You can re-rest the failed sections at the next test date in 6 months.
  • What do I get if I pass a Level Test?
    A certificate detailing what you have achieved, plus a T-shirt with a custom logo reflecting your level.
  • What happens if I fail?
    You can re-take the failed section (i.e. technique section, or the choreography you had problems with) at the next test. We test twice a year (December and July).
  • What happens if I pay for a Workshop but don’t come?
    We have a 24hr notification period. If you cancel before that time, you get a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel less than 24 hours, there is no refund.
  • What happens if I pay for Testing but don’t come?
    We have a 24hr notification period. If you cancel before that time, you get a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel less than 24 hours, there is no refund.
  • When is Level 2 Testing?
    Starting July 2016 in the Summer
  • Can I do Level 2 Testing w/o passing Level 1?
    No. But we will offer the option to test level 1 right before level 2 in Summer. Just remember that that's a lot of combined technique and 4 choreographies total.
  • I've been belly dancing w/Nazeem Allayl for a long time. Can I just get a certificate?
    No.
  • How does the NAIT L1 technique class compare to the Hypnotic Hips and Upper Body?
    NAIT level 1 includes selected technique from both Hypnotic Hips and Upper Body, but not all. If you can take Hypnotic Hips AND Upper Body, you are already learning all the moves from level 1, plus a few that will be part of level 2 testing.

Level Overview    Cost & Register      Preview Workshop    Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3 - Level 4 - Level 5 - Level 6 - Level 7

Quick IMG 0189fSummary

Certification exams are offered in Early Summer (around June) and Early Winter (Before Christmas). For lower levels, a practice test is scheduled about a month before. For each level, you are typically tested on certain technique and two choreographies. These are specified on the respective page and taught in the preceeding months. At the test, you will perform/demonstrate your skills in small groups. You will receive a score card with comments, and if you pass all parts, the certification.

Why do we offer a certification program?

In a regular group class, you share the feedback from the instructor with your peers. While your teacher can correct individual moves on a case-by-case basis, there is often not enough time to formally evaluate each student’s mastery of each technique. In fact, many students are doing this just for fun and aren't interested in detailed feedback. Our certification program is for those students who strive for perfection and want to know if they are doing it right.

The Nazeem Allayl Studios Belly Dance certification program gives our students a clear path to progress, coupled with objective measurements of how much progress they have achieved. Each step of the certification program clearly identifies the objectives. We help each student achieve her goals & obtain the skills tested through level specific course work, workshops, and private one-on-one instruction

9) Raise to the Challenge
If you are motivated by challenges, then our level certification program is perfect for you. Each level has clearly defined goals that you can achieve.

 

 

Where does the Nazeem Allayl Studios Belly Dance Style originate?

Middle Eastern dance is a thousands of years old dance form with many contributing cultures. The result is that even within a culture, there are different ways to perform belly dance technique. Consequently, over the thousands of years of its history, many techniques and styles of belly dance have evolved, with contributions from each generation of teacher-student. The Nazeem Allayl style of belly dance traces its roots to one of the most famous choreographers, Ibrahim Farrah. Our director and founder of the Nazeem Allayl studios, Schadia (Atlanta, GA), studied as a member of the Pyramid Dance Company under the director Sadiia (Memphis, TN). Sadiia in turn studied under Ibrahim Farrah in New York City.

Schadia 0078
Schadia
Sadiia
Sadiia

Ibrahim FarrahIbrahim Farrah, a performer of Middle Eastern dance and the publisher of Arabesque (since 1977), a magazine devoted to ethnic dance, died in New York City on February 7, 1998. Pennsylvania-born and of Lebanese descent, Farrah learned to perform Middle Eastern dance at family parties.

After graduation from Pennsylvania State University, he performed in Washington, D.C. He then taught at his own and other schools in New York City. In the early 1970s, with a grant from Doris Duke, a dance enthusiast, he formed the Ibrahim Farrah Near East Dance Group, which performed in New York City and around the United States. Farrah's choreography was inspired by traditional Syrian, Lebanese, and Egyptian dances.

 

Overview of the levels

As we are just starting this program, there are more details on the first levels available, but you can already get a good idea on what the higher levels are about. We'll complete the details for levels 5+ soon.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Prop: None
Chor: All Abs & Desert Dream (aka Amir Beledi)
Prop: Sword for Isolation
Chor: Ra Ahsa + Oriental Sword Dance (L2)
Prop: Veil for Traveling
Chor: Leilet Hob + TBA

L1 Technique

Horizontal Hip Work

  • Hip Slides
  • Horizontal Forward-Back
    Hip movement.
  • Hip Twists
  • Hip Circles
  • Horizontal Figure 8s
    & Reverse Horizontal Figure 8s

 Vertical Hip Movements

  • Hip Lift Drops
  • Hip Shimmies
  • Hip Drops in BDS
  • Hip Drop Kicks
  • Pelvic Lift-Drops, Pelvic
    Thrusts & Pelvic Drops

Combining Vertical & Horizontal Hip Movements

  • Omis: Combining Hip
    Slides & Pelvic Lift-Drops       

Upper Body

  • Chest Lift/Drop            
  • Chest Slides (side to side)
  • Chest Slides (front to back)
  • Stationary Camels & Reverse Stationary Camels

L2 Technique

Upper Body and Hips

  • Mayas: Combining Hip Slides
    & Hip Lift-Drops
  • Reverse Vertical Figure 8s:
    Hip Slides & Hip Lift-Drops
  • Head Slide                    
  • Hand Circles                 
  • Snake Arms                  
  • Shoulder Shakes
  • Shoulder Shimmy
  • Shoulder Shakes +
    Shoulder Lift Drops
    = Shoulder Rolls                  
  • Chest Circles                 

Hip Isolations & Shimmies 

  • Vertical Hip Lift & drops
  • Hip Shimmy                     
  • TicToc 
  • Hip Twist Shimmy                                   
  • Pelvic Lift Drop
  • Pelvic Shimmy
  • Choo Choo Shimmy    
  • Knee Shimmy      

L3 Technique

Traveling Technique

  • American Fantasy Posture
  • Walking w/ American Fantasy Posture
  • Grapevines in American Fantasy Posture
  • Arabesques in American Fantasy Posture
  • Hip Twists
  • Level Changing Hip Twists
  • Step-Step-Steps with look backs
  • Step & Touches
  • Hagallahs
  • Traveling w/ Hip circles
  • Traveling w/ Mayas & RVF8
  • Stationary Camels
  • Camel Walks
  • Standard Camels
  • Hi-Low Camels
  • Camel Step-Step-Steps

 

Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7
Prop: Zills
Technique: Layering
Prop: Choice (Cane, Wings, or Fanveil)
Technique: Taksim/Freestyle
Prop: Candles
Technique: Stage Use
Prop: Candles
Choreographing
Teaching