Teaching and Coaching

I teach privates,semi-privates, mini-workshops, and can accommodate your small group in Dedham, Ma. I am also available for larger workshops constructed to meet your particular needs. Contact me for rates.

Private Coaching

I feel that a successful and well-rounded belly dancer must master four things:

I am experienced both with improvisation and choreography in both Arabic and Turkish styles. I can provide coaching from beginner to professional levels.

Fall Technique Classes

Eight week session starts Sat, Sept 20, 12:00-1:15 - This is a multi level class for students with at least a basic knowledge of belly dance movements. We will work on honing and improving technique by applying proper alignment, centering, breath, and footwork to all aspects of belly dance movement. The class will consist of a warmup followed by technique for specific movement. Bring zils and a veil. $96 pre-paid in advance only.

Mail registration to Mary Anna Brown, 19 Violet Ave, Dedham, MA 02026

Location and Directions - 19 Violet Ave, Dedham, Ma in my home studio

Class size is limited so you will get good personal attention. Please bring something to wear on your feet. The floor is covered by a rug.

Route 128 to route 109 towards Dedham. At the second set of lights (Mobil station on your right, Hess gas station on your far left) take a left. Violet Ave is on the right. If you come to a fork, you went too far. Take a right onto Violet Ave. I am the second to last house on the left at the end. There is a concrete table and chair set in the front. The studio entrance is under the deck.

Veil Work, Ancient Art Studios, Berkely

Eight week session starts Wed July 9 23 - This session will explore veil work for a Turkish style show. It will include group work and solo coaching. Registration is through Ancient Art Studios. Contact Aurel for more information.

Beginner Belly Dance Lessons

Beginner class, eight week session, Newton North High School, starting Mon Sept 22, 2008 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm (no class Sept 29 and Oct 13) for Newton Community Education, 6:45-7:45 pm. To register, see www.newtoncommunityed.org or call (617) 559-6999.

Beyond beginner, eight week session, Newton North High School, starting Mon Sept 22, 2008 - 8:00 - 9:00 pm (no class Sept 29 and Oct 13) for students with at least one beginner session. Same registration info as above.

Riskallah Riyad Workshop

This workshop is full, however, tickets are still available for the show.

Riskallah Riyad is this area's hidden jewel. I have been taking workshops with her since I started dancing and she still inspires and challenges...Phaedra

July 13, 2008 Workshop and Show Oriental Style

Riskallah Riyad is a renowned Oriental dancer and choreographer. She brings extraordinary energy, creativity, and thoughtfulness to the classroom, always seeking new ways to educate and inspire the students. Her classes are both fun and thought provoking for every level, giving material that will stay permanently in your repertoire.

Riskallah Riyad has taught workshops and weekly dance classes for over 30 years including workshops and master classes in major cities on the East Coast and California. She has performed in clubs in New York, Boston, Washington DC, and Connecticut and in stage shows including Round Hill Theater in Greenwich, CT and Columbia University in NYC. A student of such masters as the late Ibrahim Farrah, Valarie Camille, Elena Lentini, and Marta Zorina, she is herself a master teacher. She currently directs the Riskallah Riyad Dance Theatre Company, which performs in area events and theater productions. See www.riskallah.com for a complete biography.

Where: Ancient Art Studios, 590 Berkley St, Berkley, MA. (www.ancientartstudios.com)

What: Riskallah Riyad will be teaching an Oriental choreography.

12:00-1:30 class, 1:30-2:30 break, 2:30-4:00 class, 4:00-5:00 break

5:00-7:00 show. Bring a pillow or cushion to sit on.

The show is open to workshop participants with a limited number of slots. If you would like to perform, contact Phaedra to sign up. Shows should be no longer than 5 minutes. If you can, put only your music on a CD and send it to Phaedra in advance.

For information contact Phaedra at 781.329.1484 or maryanna@ziplink.net, or Erzulie at 617.686.1863 or erzulie@erzuliedancer.com

Workshop: $50. show included, $45 for NBDA members

Show only: $10.

Make check out to Mary Anna Brown and send to Mary Anna Brown, 19 Violet Ave, Dedham, MA 02026

Mini-Workshops

The following mini-workshops are available to be taken on the road or given to your group.

Other Day-Long Workshops

Choreography Workshops - Learn a choreography to music that is challenging in terms of rhythm and mood changes. Learn to handle the transitions while perfecting technique through choreography.

Improvisation: How to Get it Flowing - Have you even been stuck in a seemingly endless repetition of steps? Are you frequently asking yourself what should I do next? Does improvisation seem impossible? This three hour workshop will present techniques for improving improvisation, for letting the music flow through you, and for getting the dance out of your head and into your body.

Costume Making Workshop - Learn how to construct a bra and belt and bead it in the style of Egyptian made costumes. Learn to make a one of a kind costume that fits you and costs 90% less than a commercial costume to make.

Amina Delal and I sponsored the following workshops to great reviews. We are available to take them on the road. Call for rates.

Contact Information

email: maryanna@ziplink.net

phone: (781) 329-1484 evenings and weekends. Please be patient if the phone rings and the machine does not pick up - the computer may be in use.