Winter Class Schedule 2025

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Get your dance journey off to a great start this year with Aziza Nawal.

Classes are located at Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance Studios

Tuesdays

5:30pm – Absolute Beginners
This class is perfect for those with no dance or belly dance experience to learn the basics of bellydance and get a great workout! This will lay the foundation for your belly dance journey.

No experience required and drop ins welcome.

6:30pm – Intro to Finger Cymbals
Join Aziza Nawal for and introductory Finger Cymbal class. Each class will include technique and drills with a focus on rhythms, patterns and step combinations. Please puchase finger symbals prior to class. Recommended finger cymbals: https://www.turquoiseintl.com/collections/cymbals

All levels are welcome but some previous experience in belly dance movement is recommended.

Is this class for you? Learn more about Finger Cymbals

7:30pm – Hardcore Rhythms and Movement Mastery
Aziza Nawal’s hardcore classes dig deep into technique and are designed for dancers with a solid foundation in belly dance. You will learn about the Middle Eastern Rhythms that are used in belly dance music from common to obscure. Aziza Nawal will show you several step combinations that can be used with each rhythm as well as providing valuable feedback on your movement technique.

This is an intermediate to advanced level class

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Perform with Banat Nawal

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Already enrolled in dance classes and want to take it to the next level? Want to be a part of a commmunity of like minded individuals with a passion for music and movement? Want to show off for your friends? Whatever motivates you, consider performing with my student troupe Banat Nawal.

Banat Nawal
Aziza Nawal and Banat Nawal at 7 Stages Theatre

Banat Nawal consists of any level student of Aziza Nawal who possesses a working knowledge of Middle Eastern dance essentials, regularly attends class, rehearsals and participates in selected performances with the group. 

Being a part of this troupe is dependent on your commitment to rehearsals and class. Performance opportunities include festivals and studio sponsored shows.

New choreography classes will be announced soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out current class offerings

See past Banat Nawal performances

Finger Cymbals and Raqs Sharki

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What are Finger Cymbals?

Finger Cymbals have been an integral part of a Raqs Sharki (belly dance) performance for decades and perhaps longer.

Known as Sagat in Egypt and Zills in Turkey, these magnificent percussion instruments provide a unique musical accompaniment for a dancer. They can be used with live music, recorded music and even acapella. For American dancers, the use of finger cymbals was a requirement when this dance was featured in the night clubs in places like New York and San Francisco where there was a major influx of Middle Eastern, Greek, and Armenian cultures during the 60’s and 70’s. This even carried through to the 80’s and beyond.

How can I learn to play?

There are a number of class offerings available thru March 2024 at Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance Studios – my class is on Tuesdays at 7:30pm and Majda Anwar teaches a class on Sundays – check out atlantafusionbellydance.com for more information.

If you are not in the Atlanta area – there are likely class offerings in your area or you can look into classes online.

Where can I purchase Finger Cymbals?

I have a few recommendations for great finger cymbals. It is important to get good quality cymbals that will provide a clear sound, have the right dimension and weight for your hands. Below are vendors that I have personally bought from over the years.

Turquoise International – I use the Size B Oriental – 2 ½” but there are many other options and a varity of sizes.

Saroyan Cymbals – a plethora of options here. Very high quality! I have used Afghani style, Saroyan Pro, and Arabesque II. These are fairly expensive but worth it!

Suhaila Cymbals – these are actually made by Turquoise International specially for Suhaila. They come in 3 sizes.

How long will it take to learn?

First, be patient. It will take as long as it takes. There is no formula for how long it will take to get good at playing finger cymbals. The same can be said for learning Raqs Sharki (belly dance). It takes dedication and a lot of practice – focus on the journey rather than the destination.

Fall Class Schedule 2024

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Location: Atlanta Fusion Studios, 5522 New Peachtree Road Suite 111, Chamblee, GA, United States, 30341 Absolute Beginner Belly Dance Tuesdays @ 5:30pmOngoingHave you ever seen a belly dancer and thought, how on earth does she move that way? Join Aziza Nawal to learn all the basics of belly dance. This… Continue reading