Schools and Instructors
Belly Dancing for Every Woman
Teaching with an entertaining style, Aegela and her instructors encourage students to think outside the box using traditional movements in unusual combinations or "Aegela-isms". Whether you want to dance on stage or just around your living room, the Aegela Centers offer the resources to attain your goals in a uniquely supportive and enjoyable environment.
Multiple Centers Serve the NW Ohio/SE Michigan Region:
The Toledo Center
The Common Space Too (The Martin School)
10 South Holland-Sylvania, at Hill Ave.
Rooms 305, 307 and 208
click here for map
Step into the Middle Eastern decor of a dedicated belly dance studio complete with hardwood floors, a fully mirrored wall, and artifacts collected from Aegela's working dance tours in Egypt.
Also at the Toledo Center are the Aegela Too Studio, a rehearsal/practice space, and A Belly Boutique
, with quality apparel for belly dancers at all levels.
The Aegela Too studio has been created as ideal space for belly dance rehearsal or practice. Complete with mirrors, a hardwood dance floor, and Aegela's unique talent for creating space in Egyptian decor that just feels good, it is designed to allow small groups of up to four Aegela Center students the chance to practice in a dedicated dance environment, free of the competing distractions commonly found at home or other makeshift practice spaces.The space is also suitable for other movement forms or for group meetings.
The Belly Boutique, open by appointment, brings together high quality clothing and accessories from Egypt, Turkey, and all parts of the Middle East. You will find belly dance costumes, hip scarves, jewelry and accessories from another side of the world - along with some of Aegela's own and unique additions: T-shirts, totes, and other fashionable ways to express your enthusiasm for belly dance. Previously available at belly dance seminars where Aegala is frequently invited to show, this little taste of an Egyptian souk is now open to students and friends of belly dance right here in Toledo!
A music/video/DVD library is maintained for use by students.
(Back to top of page)
Introducing Aegela and The Centers' Teaching Staff
Aegela
Since 1978, Aegela’s love of Middle Eastern dance has taken her throughout the US and to the heart of the art---Egypt. She has engaged in several performing tours of Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt. It was on her first tour that Aegela was awarded the coveted Lifetime Performer’s license by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, an honor held by only 11 foreigners. While working in Egypt, Aegela enjoyed the privilege of studying with famed dancer/choreographer Mahmoud Reda, of the Reda Troupe, and with Madame Busi, principal dancer with the National Folkloric Company.
During her teaching career, Aegela has conducted classes for the deaf and hearing impaired, and devised a format for use in occupational therapy rehabilitation programs assisting women in regaining range of motion. Recently, she developed a dance program for women recovering from strokes. These experiences have enhanced her ability to articulate movement and discern what subtle changes are required for the desired effect.
Aegela frequently lectures in major universities on the topics of Middle Eastern art and music, as well as women’s roles in that society. Speaking engagements have included Emory University School of Near Eastern Studies, Georgia State University, and Mercer University. A television special, “Dance Atlanta,” highlighted Aegela as an artist of Middle Eastern dance. She was the featured performer in numerous Middle Eastern, Greek, and Turkish nightclubs, as well as studio director and coach to Atlanta’s premier dancers.
Conducting multi-level classes in her new hometown of Adrian, Michigan, as well as Toledo, Ohio, and as a national seminar instructor, Aegela encourages participants to “think outside the box” using traditional movements in unusual combinations, or “Aegela-isms.” In her classroom, women celebrate their unique images and personalities discovered through the joy of dance.
Aegela is the recipient of the 2004 Stella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Middle Eastern Dance. In 2006, she and co-author, Chelydra (VA), were selected to present their Ghawazee Suite in the Choreographers' Showcase sponsored by Old Dominion University. She was Zaghareet Magaine's nominee for the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award.
She has been written about in books and referenced in academic theses. Now you can enjoy Aegela---a Middle Eastern dance experience!
(Back to top of page)
Staff Instructors You'll be Equally Happy to Spend Time With
The instructors Aegela has selected are all very skilled belly dancers, but each of these women exceed that in an important way. They are effective teachers, leading with contagious enthusiasm, a lot of patience, and more than a pinch of the entertaining presence that has become perhaps the most endearing "Aegela-ism" of all to the hundreds of women who have been Aegela students.
We know you are spending your hard-earned spare time with us, and our instructors all certainly believe you should enjoy it!
Sara Smith
...spent many years as a competitive, and accomplished, gymnast before becoming a teacher in the public school system. She began belly dance classes with Aegela during her eighth month of pregnancy, affirming that this is truly a dance for all women. Sara's vivacious personality make her classrooms lively and fun!
Holly Dombkowski
... has extensive training in tap, jazz and modern dance, yoga and the martial arts. A degree in Studio Art gives her a strong base for the performing arts. Holly began and continues her study of Middle Eastern dance with Aegela, and as an instructor is an excellent example of dedication and technique. Holly frequenty performs at Toledo area Mediterranean restaurants and is a sought after performer for special occasions.
Erin Burns
... has a background in gymnastics, music and various sports. She began and continues her study of Middle Eastern dance with Aegela. As well as being a beautiful, fluid dancer, Erin is a patient, encouraging teacher. On stage, Erin displays exquisite technique with a wow! factor.
Racheal Tafelski
...brings a background in aerobic movement to her classroom and infuses humor and enthusiasm for the dance in her teaching. She began and continues her study of Middle Eastern dance with Aegela. Racheal is a frequent performer at Toledo area events and in Mediterranean restaurants, and is the Editor of the studio newsletter, Camel Tracks.
Sandy Gaietto
... utilizes her background in recreational/movement therapy in the classroom and blends it with her own lighthearted spirit. She is a frequent performer in community events. Sandy is a delightful dancer who began and continues her study of Middle Eastern dance with Aegela.
Tina Heebsh
...is an exquisite example of personality and presence who immediately enchants audiences and students. Tina is a witty, patient and compassionate lady both on and off stage and is a frequent performer in Toledo area events and in Mediterranean restaurants. She, too, began and continues her studies of Middle Eastern dance with Aegela.
(Back to top of page)
|
