Belly dance is based on traditional social dances, and it's for women and girls of all ages, shapes and skill levels. Put on your comfy dance clothes and get ready to shake, shimmy and get the wiggles out with Najla, one of Austin's leading Middle-Eastern dance instructors, choreographers and performers.

All workshops will be held at the centrally located Tarrytown Dance Center (http://tarrytowndance.com) at Exposition and Windsor, conveniently close to MoPac. Dates are Saturdays: September 18, October 23 and November 20. Check-in will begin at 1:00 PM, workshops will begin at 1:15 and will last approximately until 2:30.

Najla will have jingly hip scarves and flowing veils for you to borrow in class. If you'd like to buy your own to continue the fun and practice at home, Kahramana will offer hip scarves and silk veils in adult and child sizes.

Reserve your place now and get ready to dance! Learn more about Najla and the art of belly dance at her website, www.najladances.com. To keep up to date on Kahramana's workshops and monthly belly dance showcases, follow Rakasa Revue on Facebook and Twitter.

Refund/transer policy: Registrations may be transferred to another date if space allows. Registrations cancelled at least one week before the workshop (or first workshop, if it's part of a package) will be fully refunded minus Paypal and Eventbrite fees. Registrations cancelled 6 to 3 days prior to the workshop will be given a 50% refund. No refunds will be given on workshop cancellations less than 72 hours before the event.

MDBD FAQ:

Q: Do I have to show my belly?

A: That's up to you. The most important thing is to wear comfortable clothes that show your body line--yoga pants and a tank top, for example--so Najla can check your form. Bare feet or dance slippers are recommended.

Q: What should I bring to the workshop?

A: Comfortable dance clothes, bottled water if you wish (there is a water fountain at the studio), a hip scarf and veil if you own them, and cash or your checkbook if you'd like to purchase scarves or veils before or after class.

Q: This sounds like fun! Can I bring my family or friends to watch?

A: It is fun, and we would love to get your family and friends involved. The best way to do that is to invite them to attend your recital--either one hosted by MDBD or one you create for the people you love--and local belly dance showcases. Out of respect for the learning process and the comfort of all our workshop participants, observers are not allowed at MDBD workshops.

Q: I have a child younger than five who loves dancing. Can I sign her up, too?

A: Experience has shown us that preschool-age dancers do much better with a workshop that is shorter and different in content from what we currently provide. We recommend that very young dancers and their mothers work with videos at their own pace and attend belly dance showcases that offer open dances where the kids can get up and dance informally. You can contact Kahramana at KahramanaDances@gmail.com for video and local show recommendations.

Q: Can I register and pay at the door?

A: Enrollment is limited to ten mothers and their daughters per workshop. You may sign up and pay at the door if space allows. The cost per workshop at the door will be $40 per mother-daughter pair and $20 per additional daughter (cash only).

Q: What if I have a question that's not answered here?

A: Kahramana will happily answer your questions. Contact her at KahramanaDances@gmail.com or 512-850-6122.

Tarrytown Dance Center
2425 Exposition Boulevard
Suite D
Austin, TX 78703

Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (CT)

Kahramana

Kahramana is an Austin-area belly dance performer and the producer of the monthly Rakasa Revue Belly Dance Showcase at The Gemini Playhouse in Austin and Mother-Daughter Belly Dance Workshops with Najla at Tarrytown Dance Center.

Kahramana is a member of Bahaia's Kan Zaman Dancers and the Austin Bellydance Association.

To keep up to date on Kahramana's shows and workshops, follow RakasaRevue on Facebook and Twitter.