Fascinating Finger Cymbals

Join Aziza Nawal for a special finger cymbal workshop online! She will teach her playing techniques, core patterns to common Middle Eastern rhythms and movement combinations that can accompany them. Whether you are new to finger cymbals or have been playing for years, this class is for you!

Only $15 plus EventBrite fees. Register Now

Aziza Nawal has developed a mastery of the art of Finger Cymbals during her two decade journey as an Oriental dancer. She attributes her skill to her teachers, most notably Aziz of Salt Lake City, Cassandra and John Compton who studied with Jamilla Salimpour.

The art of playing finger cymbals has its roots in ancient Egypt, Turkey and Greece. In the latter part of the 20th century, Oriental dance experienced increased popularity with immigrants flocking to places like New Your City and San Francisco to open restaurants and nightclubs featuring live music and dance performances. Finger cymbals were an integral part of an oriental dancer’s performance.

In recent years, Modern Egyptian style has become more popular which dispenses with extensive use of veil and rarely includes finger cymbals with the exception of a folkloric routine. During this time, American Tribal Style breathed new life into playing finger cymbals drawing on the legacy of the Salimpour School.

Aziza Nawal has been an ambassador for the art of finger cymbals by including it regularly into her curriculum.

Online Classes Available Now

Tuesdays Thru-May 5, 2020:
7pm-8pm Beginner Fundamentals!
8pm-9pm One Minute Choreography!
We are excited about this next series of Tuesday classes with Aziza Nawal!! Tuesdays March 31- May 5

Aziza Nawal will teach a different one minute choreography each week in BOTH classes. A variety of styles will be represented including veil, tribal, folklore and more. Drop-ins welcome or you can save money by purchasing the session.

7pm – All levels
8pm – Intermediate – Advanced level
Drop ins are welcome ($10 in advance, $12 on day of class)

Click here to register for 7pm Fundamentals or 8pm HardCore

New Classes start February 11

New 6 week session begins February 11, 2020

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Beginner Choreography @ 7pm

In this 6 week session, Aziza Nawal will teach a special choreography for beginners to be performed at the upcoming Atlanta’s Got Talent Show on March 22. In order to perform, you must attend all 6 classes to learn the choreography, practice on your own and attend one rehearsal. It’s your time to shine!

Register now

Hardcore Folklore @ 8pm

Aziza Nawal special focus on folkloric dances returns with a focus on line dances of the Mediterranean! In this 6 week session you will learn the steps used in Greek and Lebanese line dances. This will be performed at the upcoming Atlanta’s Got Talent Show on March 22. Class and rehearsal attendance required.

Register now

Jillina’s BDExperience comes to Atlanta February 7-9

My long time friend and mentor, Jillina, is returning to Atlanta in 2020. She is bringing her latest production, Wizard of Oz, as well as offering a weekend of  workshops.

I have had the honor and pleasure of performing with Belly Dance Evolution on two tours – Alice in Wonderland and Fantasm: Odyssey of Dreams. Working with Jillina and her talented staff was an inspiration not only to my personal experience as a performer, but as an instructor as well. 

When it was announced that Jillina was returning with BDExperience, I was thrilled to learn there were opportunities for a lead role.  I decided to go for it. I’m proud to say that I was selected to play the part of the Scarecrow! Which, by the way, was my favorite character from the original movie.

We are working hard to learn the choreography via online coaching and will assemble for a little less than a week in February to rehearse. Many of us will be meeting each other for the first time! One of the things I have enjoyed by being a part of the expanding Belly Dance Evolution family, was connecting with dancers from across the US and the world. I have learned so much from everyone involved and not just incredible feedback on my dance skills, but what it takes to make a show like this happen.  This has informed every show I have been involved with since and I have Jillina to thank.

Follow me down the yellow brick road on February 9 @ 4pm – this is an incredible opportunity to see a brilliant production and support your local artists. Dancers – don’t miss out on an opportunity to study with Jillina and her co directors Jill Collins and Luna.

Get ticket info here. See you there!!

Aziza Nawal

I’m Back! Fall Class session starts Oct. 1

6-week HardCore Folklore: Fall Edition

Class meets Tuesdays Oct 1- Nov 5 @ 8pm-9pm
Intermediate – Advanced Level
Performance opportunity! This choreography will be performed at the pre-show for BDE’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz which takes place in Atlanta Sunday February 9, 2020! More details to be discussed in class.

Attendance at all classes and rehearsals is required in order to perform. Any exceptions must be discussed with and approved by Aziza Nawal in advance.

Register for Hardcore Belly Dance now: https://atlantafusionbellydance.com/upcoming-events?date=2019-10

 

Intro to Restaurant Performing on January 26

A group of us Atlanta-area Belly Dancers have teamed up to develop a series of workshops and seminars to help prepare dancers for restaurant dancing, private/corporate events, festivals and more!  I am proud to be a part of this amazing series!

Collectively, this group has decades of experience and lessons-learned to share with anyone interested in dancing (belly dancing) professionally!

I will be kicking off this series with a guide to restaurant performances! From costuming, to working the room, to music selection and understanding the restaurant business, I will provide you with a great overview to get you started!  Deatails below!

Sincerely, 

Aziza Nawal

Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 12 PM – 2 PM
Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance
1015 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318
Tickets · $32.64
$30 plus fees thru January 7! Rates increase on January 8, 2019! Register now

Learn more here

Hardcore Zills – Part 2 starting September 11

Starting September 11 – Oct 16 (no class Sept 25), join Aziza Nawal for Part 2 of Hardcore Zills with a brand new choreography that will be performed at the upcoming Spooktakular Soire on October 21!

In this 5 week class you will learn a choreography that will be performed at the Spooktacular show on October 21st at Nicola’s Restaurant. Attendance to all classes and one rehearsal prior to the show is encouraged. Aziza Nawal will have the final say on who will perform based on your participation and commitment. 

Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance – register here – choose the 6 week choreography option to save $$
1015 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318

 

Hardcore Zills starts August 7

Special 4 week session – Tuesdays August 7-28 @ 8pm
*Part 1 of 2, next session meets September 11 – October 16, no class September 25*

Part 1:
Join Aziza Nawal for this special 4 week Hardcore Belly Dance class focusing on zills (finger cymbals) and oriental dance (Belly Dance) technique. New to zills? No problem – this class will feature drills of common rhythms and patterns that is great for all levels of experience. This is an intermediate to advanced level dance class so knowledge of belly dance fundamentals is recommended.

Aziza Nawal recommends using quality finger cymbals for this class to get the most benefit – Saroyan and Turquoise International are trusted vendors. Miss Belly dance carries Turquoise International zills as well.

Part 2:
Hardcore Zills part II: Chroegraphy Class Sept 11 – Oct 16 (no class Sept 25). Take the skills you learned in Aziza Nawal’s previous session and apply them to learning this original choreography by Aziza Nawal.

In this 5 week class you will learn a choreography that will be performed at the Spooktacular show on October 21st at Nicola’s Restaurant. Attendance to all classes and one rehearsal prior to the show is encouraged. Aziza Nawal will have the final say on who will perform based on your participation and commitment. 

Here are links to purchase zills:

http://www.missbellydance.com/Belly_Dance_Zills_Detailed_2_1_4_Diameter_p/zill17.htm

http://www.missbellydance.com/Belly_Dance_Zills_Plain_2_1_2_Diameter_p/zill15.htm

https://www.saroyancymbals.com/store/welcome-to-saroyan-mastercrafts/arabesque-mc-300/

If you purchase these from Miss Belly Dance please specify you want Turquoise International Zils wither 2 1/4″ or 2 1/2″ diameter – these are the ones Aziza Nawal recommends.

2018 Dance Classes with Aziza Nawal

Aziza Nawal teaches at Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance Studios on Tuesday evenings Sessions vary so please check back for details.

Beginner Belly Dance Tuesdays 7pm

Hardcore Belly Dance Tuesdays 8pm

That’s right Tuesday is Aziza Nawal day at AFBD! Level 1 drop-in classes at 7pm for all new to belly dance and those who just want some good old fashioned technique. We will drill isolations, step combinations and shimmies essential to Middle Eastern Dance.

Then at 8pm, Aziza Nawal will teach the Intermediate/Advanced level class. Topics may include: combinations to different Middle Eastern rhythms each week explaining the structure and sound, how it is used in music of the region and most importantly – how to dance to them. Class will consist of drills across the floor with a focus on technique for the Intermediate to Professional level dancer as well as intense warm-ups. get ready to learn and train!

Drop-in classes are $10