Belly dance for women is an ultra feminine work out, it will put you in touch with your inner confidence and sensuality, as well as learn an ancient art form. And talk about a core strengthening  program!!!  Belly dance is for all body types!   Jamilee Abir has been teaching the beautiful art of Middle Eastern Dance since 1980.  She is also well known across Canada for her captivating performances in Middle Eastern folkloric and oriental (belly dance) styles .

Jamilee Abir  is a jovial and encouraging instructor, who loves to lace her Classes and Workshops with plenty of humour.                       Gisele & Jamilee

What people have said about her
WORKSHOPS  

What to wear for Class? - a T-shirt / leotard or midriff top, leggings or shorts is great to wear.  Bring a scarf to wrap around your hips either barefoot or exercise / isotoner slippers and your water bottle.  Advanced classes can bring their props (veils, finger cymbals, canes etc)  Warm-ups are done on the floor, BRING YOUR MAT!!! (Yoga mats are easy to carry and work great...)

Are you 15 years old or younger? please follow this link and read...

Fall Session 2010
Sept to Dec

 Beginner Level 1   
(Pre-requisite -tried it before or ready for a fast pace class!)
At the Dalhousie Community Association
5432 Dalhart Road NW

Session- Sept 14th to Nov 30th - 12 one hour classes $144.00
 To register/fee info  contact Jamilee at jamilee@abirscasbah.com or 403-860-7474
Tuesdays 8:15pm-9:15 pm   
No experience necessary! ! We will focus on  level 1 techniques, having lots of fun as we learn how to individually move sections of our bodies, and shimmy and actually walk at the same time!!! We will work towards expanding our movements into a short choreography so you can show it off to your family & friends! This dance form is a gentle but thorough core work out. Bring your sense of humor, water bottle, mat  (warm-ups are done on the floor) and get ready to move!...
 

The Big Technique Mini WorkShops
For inquiries/registration for The Big Technique Classes/Mini Workshops only, Also Men's folkloric workshops. contact Jamilee 860-7474 / or jamilee@abirscasbah.com
 

 Note to the 15 year olds & under Set:

First of all, thank you so much in your interest in this beautiful art form. I know this may not seem fair, but I think feel a ballet , jazz or hip hop course may be more appropriate for you until you are 16.  Belly Dance IS a woman's dance and to me, children grow up far too fast as it is. 

It is true that children in the Middle East dance as soon as they walk, but only with their families, unless they have been born into performance families (example- Ghawazee).  The music and movement is ingrained, and there is a great respect for the culture. 

Here in North America, bellydance is taught with more of an emphasis on performance and while there is a growing understanding of the music, culture and respect to the ethnic people it belongs to, I personally do not want to teach children to move their bodies like an adult. 

Classes in ballet, jazz, ethnic or hiphop etc will help you to work with your body in all forms of dance as you get a little older.  I hope to see you in a few years!