AIEWA School of Cultural Dances, Victoria, BC, Canada

AIEWA presents our 2008 STUDENT GALA
Belfrey Theatre Studio May 25 - 7pm - Tickets $12
Contact AIEWA, 889-5557.
info@aiewa.com
also available at OTfitwear
1006 Broad St - Victoria, Hillside Centre - Victoria,
Woodgrove Centre - Nanaimo (Opening Soon)
OFfitwear.com

AIEWA Dance is an exciting blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Being bold enough to try new things and firmly anchored in a strong basis in Middle Eastern dance,

AIEWA Dance Company produces innovative and exciting dance. "..engaging and entertaining..."
Monday Magazine "

... visually stunning costumes... accomplished and highly entertaining"
Egyptomania, Royal British Columbia Museum

"... wonderful performance... thoroughly enjoyable... beautiful selection of authentic costumes"
Amica

Founded in 2002 by Christina Bates after returning from an extended contract in North Africa AIEWA School of Cultural Dances trains students in 5 locations weekly in, Victoria, British Columbia. AIEWA School of Cultural Dances believes in promoting strength and grace in its dancers and in building cross cultural awareness. AIEWA believes in teaching its students a solid base in technique and a deep understanding and respect of the dances both historically and in the modern context. AIEWA works to bring out the best in everyone and helps to develop individual confidence and self assurance.

"I'm using muscles I didn't even know I had."

" Lara is amazing with my daughter. I can't believe how well she is doing in only a few classes. She is really enjoying it!"

"I joined belly dancing for exercise and to strengthen my back and abs. I found Christina's course to not only meet my expectation but exceeded it! Christina's classes are well balanced and so much fun." "Christina is such an inspiring instructor, her enthusiasm and energy really breathes life into the classroom and she makes learning so much fun. Thanks Christina, you're amazing!"

"I didn't know much about belly dance before I started taking courses with AIEWA, but I was so drawn by the Arabic music and rhythm I just had to try it out. I am so glad I did, I just love it!"

"I have watched many different shows at the McPherson Theatre, but never did I think I would be a performer on the McPherson stage. WOW! La Danse Orientale, what an experience, one I will treasure always! The show was top notch, all the lights, sound and staging. And the outfits were amazing! It was a very emotional night ... the audience adored us!"

CHRISTINA
Christina is the artistic director of Aiewa Dance Company. The path of Middle Eastern Dance has led Christina on a wonderful adventure, from dedicated student to inspired teacher and performer. She has performed professionally in her home country Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe and North Africa. By continually traveling back to the lands of origin and working with some of today’s greatest teachers and dancers Christina keeps close to the heart of Middle Eastern dance. Staying status quo is not enough though. Christina works hard to be innovative, always looking to the horizon to include that next concept that will bring Middle Eastern dance to a wider audience. "Once I was able to experience the joy of Middle Eastern dance in Egypt, both at homes and in the professional settings I knew I wanted to bring it back to Canada to share. This dance is a way for us all to connect. To experience the subtle strength of women coming together to celebrate."

LARA
Lara is a principle for the AIEWA Dance Company as well as a soloist in her own regard. Lara is a regularily performing dancer at Millo’s in Victoria BC. She has been teaching for five years and brings her special talents to teach for AIEWA. With her experience as a bellydancer and her natural talent she has developed a special poise and confidence about herself. She is truly a child at heart which is why AIEWA has chosen her to lead our children’s program. Lara is fun and communicates that to her students. She is dedicated to helping her students develop self esteem and confidence. Laras' success as an instructor has grown and she now teaches at UVic and other locations around Victoria.

NICKY
Nicky's study of dance began at the age of 5, in pink tights and a leotard. Ten years of jazz, 6 years of ballet, and 5 years of tap got her started with a good foundation in co-ordination, flexibility and grace. Throughout these same years, she studied various musical instruments which have also helped her develop a strong sense of rhythm. Nicky has always thrived on studies of musical and/or bodily awareness. While in university, she spent a few years on the social dances; ballroom, swing, and latin; before moving into martial arts practice. Eight years of karate-do have broadened her understanding of movement and balance; and amplified her levels strength, agility, and flow. Nicky began learning Middle Eastern dance with Aiewa nearly 5 years ago, and has been totally inspired by the unusual (read: crazy!) eastern rhythms, the fantastic energy of live drums & zils, and the precision required to isolate and contract muscles that were previously unexplored. She is captivated by the constant discovery of the abilities of the human body, and thoroughly enjoys sharing this journey with interested students.

MICHELLE
Michelle’s journey in dance began at the age of six with her first ballet class. After several years of classical ballet training, Michelle expanded her dance studies to include jazz, flamenco, tap and modern theatre. Michelle completed her Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) Tap examinations up to the advance level, and her Modern examinations up to the intermediate level. She was later awarded her Associate in teaching for both disciplines. In 2001, Michelle was introduced to Middle Eastern Dancing. Since then she has become dedicated to performing and sharing this wonderful art form. Michelle has studied extensively with local Victoria teacher and performer Christina Bates, as well as international performers Hadia and Aziza. While traveling in Egypt, Michelle had the opportunity to study with master instructors Dua Sallam and Mohamed El Hosseny. Continuing studies in human anatomy and fitness theory give Michelle an understanding of the basics of body mechanics and ensures that she share her knowledge in a safe manner. The biggest influences in Michelle’s dance career come from local Victoria teachers Arabella Martin, Gina Sinclair, and Christina Bates. Their artistic impact is evident in Michelle’s lyrical interpretations of Egyptian dance. Today Michelle performs at local festivals and events with the Aiewa School of Cultural Dance Company. She considers it an honour to share her passion, and hopes to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

GARY
Gary has been the AIEWA lead drummer for three years. He plays in the band El Wedha Ensemble and teaches the drum classes. His experience and fun attitude make it easy to learn from him and a pleasure to dance to when he plays. Gary has been drumming since he was a child. He has been a long time member of several local bands in Victoria.

SEMESTER SCHEDULE
Sept - Oct, Jan - Feb, May - June, Nov - Dec, Mar - Apr, July - Aug

Tabla Practice - Certain classes are open to all tabla players beginner to advanced to build up their chops. Tabla players are invited into the dance class to begin to experience working with dancers and to gain more experience with the rhythms.

Beginners Tabla Classs - Come learn the heartbeat of middle eastern dance with AIEWA's lead drummer Gary Johnson. Learn how to play the drum and get introduced to the rhythms of the dance.

Children’s Class 5-9 Years - This children’s bellydance class is specially designed for the 5-9 year old. Dance is very beneficial for the young and it helps them to develop co-ordination, confidence and self awareness. The classes are designed to be empowering and positive. It will encourage children to improvise and use their imaginations!

Children’s Class 10-14 Years - This class is a fun way to build confidence and poise. It offers all the benefits of the younger class but is a bit more structured.

Beginner's Classes - 8 week program - Weeknight classes - This introductory course emphasizes posture and body alignment with a thorough explanation of movements. Warm-up, isolations, basic steps, small combinations and a short choreography are included.

Intermediate Classes - 8 week program - Weeknight classes- Building on the foundation learned in beginner's we work to develop a more Arabic stylization of bellydance. Emphasis is on North African and Middle Eastern style of movement. Familiarity with specific rhythms is also a highlight. Be prepared to use finger cymbals. Combinations and choreography are included.

Advanced Dance with Tabla Class - For dancers with experience with finger cymbals this class is a fun and intense 90 minutes meant to tune you into the drummers. Drummers, you get the opportunity to work with dancers who are training to work with live musicians.

Private and Semi-Private Classes are available to individuals and groups looking to have focused attention.

AIEWA Student Troupe Rehearsal - Ongoing - A student must be currently enrolled within the school to attend. All students of AIEWA School of Cultural Dances are encouraged to work within these rehearsal times. We work to achieve better performance skills, strengthen our choreographic knowledge and ability to dance with others.

AIEWA Dance Company - By invitation only - This time is set aside to working with our dancers who have professional aspirations.

WORKSHOPS - Build your own from these ideas: - Raks Sharqi/ Oriental Bellydance - Veil work - Raks Assaya/ Cane Dance/Saidi - Egyptian Folk Styles - Turkish Rom (gypsy) - Mohamed Ali Street Style - Rhythm Study - Finger Cymbals - Drumming - Drum solos - Knowledge and history of bellydance in various countries

Aiewa School of Cultural Dances believes in giving their student every opportunity to perform. We host popular student nights, produce dance programs for the many festivals in Victoria, dance at retirement homes and private parties, giving our dancers many chances to learn to perform.

DANCERS:
www.jumanah.org ~ Jumanah - Calgary, Alberta
www.abirscasbah.com ~ Jamilee - Calgary, Alberta
www.bellydancer.ca ~ Ramona - Sydney, BC
www.hadia.com ~ Hadia ~ Montreal, Quebec

INFO:
www.shira.net ~ All things belly
www.gildedserpent.com ~ Lots of articles
ORGANIZATIONS:
www.meda.bc.ca ~ The Vancouver, BC, M.E. Dance Association