Hip Hop Belly Dance was created by instructor and troupe director, Megan(Sharifa) Sarantis Rodriguez, as an opportunity for women to dance and get fit, while learning a new technique, in a fun and stress-free environment.
A Saginaw native of Greek descent, Mrs. Rodriguez had been dancing from early childhood, performed statewide for many years with a local Greek dance troupe, and has been around belly dancers since a young age. She began belly dancing in 1985 and danced with the Habibi Dancers of Lansing, MI. After moving back to Saginaw in 1996, and the birth of her son, she explored the possibility of taking classes from experienced local instructors or joining a troupe . The lack of opportunities prompted her to create Hip Hop Belly Dance in 2002.
What Is Hip Hop Belly Dance?
Hip Hop Belly Dance incorporates traditional belly dance moves with more non-traditional and modern American, Arabic and Greek music. The music is all up-beat and hip. It is an excellent form of low-impact exercise. All that is required is a positive attitude and the desire to learn. This dance form increases your heart rate (for a great cardio work-out), strengthens and tones your whole body and makes you work muscles you never thought you had. There are also more personal benefits. The DIVAS promote belly dance as an art form which showcases the beauty of being a woman. Friendships are made, bonds are created, and a sister-hood is formed. Most of all - it empowers a woman! It builds an even greater self confidence! It makes them aware that their body is beautiful no matter what age, shape, or size they are! Plus, it's just a whole lot of fun!
Who Are The Belly Dance Divas?
From one small class Hip Hop Belly Dancing has evolved to offering five levels, from beginning to advanced, and troupe classes, with over 175 women taking classes weekly, and the formation of a troupe called the 'Belly Dance Divas', Michigan's largest belly dance troupe. The Belly Dance Divas are a professional dance company and have a unique style all their own. Their performances are fun, exciting and an excellent form of family entertainment. This makes the Belly Dance Divas very venue specific. They perform in such venue types as stage productions, corporate and charitable events, art fairs, and other Troupe events.
Where Can I Learn To Dance?
Thanks to the Essexville/Hampton Community Education Dept., who gave Megan her start, the response has been overwhelming. Hip Hop Belly Dance has become the hottest dance/fitness class to take in the Tri-Cities. Classes are also offered through the Saginaw Township Community Education Department. Due to increased demand limited classes will also be available in the Thumb (Caro/Millington) area.
In addition to classes, private and semi-private lessons, in-home mini workshops and nationwide workshops are also available. For additional information contact The Belly Dance Divas!
Training Schedule:
BAY CITY
ALL CLASSES ARE ONGOING AND HELD AT GARBER HIGH SCHOOL
For a complete class schedule and how to register contact: Essexville Hampton Community Education Dept. - Phone: 989-894-9718 or register online at www.e-hps.net.
HIP HOP BELLY DANCE - TUESDAY NIGHTS
HIP-HOP BELLY DANCE I
Join the fun in the hottest, hippest dance/fitness class in the Tri-Cities. Learn traditional belly dance moves to music like Shakira and Beyonce and modern Greek and Arabic. Each class will teach you technique and a new choreographed routine. Explore your inner 'Diva' with Megan Rodriguez, instructor and troupe director of the "Belly Dance Divas".
HIP HOP BELLY DANCE LEVEL II
Loved Hip Hop 1, then you'll enjoy this class, too. We'll add even more moves and learn another routine. Taking your dance abilities to the next level. Prerequisite Level I.
HIP HOP LEVEL III
The new routines are fast, flashy, extensive, and more difficult. We'll be drawing on your current skills and teaching you even more technique, movement, and choreography. Prerequisite Level 1 and 2.
HIP HOP BELLY DANCE - THURSDAY NIGHTS
ADVANCED BELLY DANCE & DIVA APPRENTICES
This class is for those that have completed Level 3. This is the night where we will learn all the Diva's show numbers. Be prepared, this class will be intense. This class is for those advanced dancers that want a great workout and to take their dance to the next level. All DIVA Apprentices are required to attend these apprentice sessions to prepare you for joining the DIVA'S Troupe.
BELLY DANCE DIVA'S TROUPE NIGHT
This class is for the Diva's Troupe only. This is the night where we will learn all new choreography for DIVA shows. Review of show numbers for upcoming performances will also be conducted during this class. All DIVAS (performing and non-performing) are required to attend this session.
SAGINAW CLASS (WEDNESDAYS)
CLASSES ARE ONGOING AND HELD AT SHERWOOD ELEMENTARY IN SAGINAW TOWNSHIP.
For a complete class schedule and how to register contact: Saginaw Township Community Education Dept. - Phone: 989-797-1847 or register online at www.celighthouse.org.
BELLY DANCE WORKOUT
Love to dance but hate working out. Then this is your type of class. A fun, stress-free workout using traditional bellydance moves. Wear comfortable workout attire for this great form of low-impact aerobic activity. You'll learn moves you never thought possible plus use some muscles you never thought you had. Class taught by Megan (Sharifa) Sarantis Rodriguez, troupe director of the Tri - Cities premiere belly dance company and largest belly dance troupe in Michigan - The Belly Dance Divas.
MILLINGTON - (MONDAYS)
Ongoing classes. Go to our website for complete class and registration information.
A COMPLETE CLASS LISTING, WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCES, PLUS GREAT SHOPPING AT OUR BOUTIQUE ARE ALL AVAILABLE ON OUR SECURE WEBSITE: www.thebellydancedivas.com
All classes run in 4 week sessions and cost $28 per session.
Former dancers who are interested in becoming a part of the DIVAS are also encouraged to audition to determine their skill level. Auditions are held privately with Sharifa. Contact the Belly Dance Divas if you're interested in auditioning and for further information.
Introduction
Training Schedule: