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Sadie’s Raqs Flow Training and Certification Program presents students with a comprehensive, in-depth curriculum to learn, experience and explore the rich diversity of the dance form commonly referred to as “Bellydance” in the West or “Raqs Sharqi” or “Oriental Dance” in the East. Students will receive the technical tools and training to gain mastery over the vast and evolving vocabulary of Bellydance movements from the traditional to the modern…

The Raqs Flow Level system

The Raqs Flow program is designed for students who seek to achieve personal growth and development through completion of all 4 levels. Levels 1 and 2 are open to anyone interested in learning more about Raqs Flow or just looking for in-depth training with Sadie, without the obligation to test. Levels 3 and 4 are closed to students who are certified in Level 1 and 2.

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  • Raqs Flow Level system 100% 100%

Philosophy

Raqs Flow celebrates the belief that our bodies are innately designed for dynamic movement. Dancing is one of the most natural and primitive forms of self-expression, devotion, cultural heritage and social bonding.

Dance is very therapeutic and healing on both a personal and social level and is accessible to all! Aspects and benefits of dance are accessible even to those who are physically impaired or immobile.

Raqs Flow seeks to instill a deep understanding and appreciation of the technique, history and culture of Bellydance as well as examining the art form in terms of its historical and current context, relevance and application.

The training program allows students and professionals a safe, non-judgemental space to discover and study the many facets of the subject on a deeper level than would otherwise be possible.

The program empowers students with the knowledge and know-how of understanding their body and expressing themselves through dance movement; helping to removing all blockages, physical, mental and emotional that keep us from our flow. Raqs Flow respects each person’s unique way of interpreting this art form as well as the journey that brought them to it, while honoring and preserving the traditions of this dance for future generations to enjoy. There is so much wisdom and culture of this ancient yet ever evolving dance.

Curriculum

The 250-hour—4 level program— educates, motivates and inspires students through direct interaction and participation in program intensives and immersion opportunities; such as retreats, workshops and tours. The program requires students to fulfill a required amount of hours toward intellectual study, projects, assignments and personal practice which can be done on their own time and at their own pace within the guidelines of the program.

The design of the program allows students to stay dedicated to the style of their preference while exploring and learning about the relevance and importance of all the styles that make up the art form. Students completing and earning certification in all 4 levels of the program will be eligible to participate in advanced level graduate courses which will offer specialized, focused training in certain professional topics. More information will be made available upon enrollment of Level 4.

*Upon registration for Level 1, students will receive a fully detailed program Welcome Packet. 

11 hours of training over 2 days
Open to all levels of dancers though this is not a beginner’s course. Dancers should have some basic training in Bellydance.

Overview and Topics

  • History and cultural examination
  • Level 1 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well-being
  • Implementation of posture and arm positions.
  • Introduction to applicable classical dance movement techniques and body mechanics
  • Level 1 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary
  • Introduction to the Raqs Sharqi movement vocabulary
  • Level 1 Rhythm identification and timing
  • Level 1 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
  • Level 1 Choreography to enhance and develop “Flow”

LEVEL 1 TEST
A 2-hour testing will be scheduled at the conclusion of the Level 1 intensive to evaluate comprehension of the material covered.
The test will consist of:

  • A physical test
  • A written test
27 hours of training over 4 days
Open to all dancers who have participated in Level 1 whether they tested or not.
Overview and topics

  • Continuation of history and cultural examination.
  • Level 2 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well-being
  • Posture and Level 2 arm positions and stylizations. Analysis of their modes of use
  • Level 2 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary, introduction to isolations and layering
  • Level 2 Raqs Sharqi technique and movement vocabulary
  • Foot patterns and transitions
  • Development of spins and turns
  • Level 2 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
  • Level 2 Rhythm identification. Introducing finger cymbals and basic darbuka techniques with musician
  • Level 2 Choreography to enhance and develop “Flow”

LEVEL 2 Prerequisites
Disseminated to students as they register for Level 2. You are only required to fulfill the prerequisites if you intend on testing in Level 2. 

LEVEL 2 TEST
Testing will be scheduled at the conclusion of the Level 2 intensive to evaluate comprehension of the material covered.
The test will consist of:

  • A physical test
  • A written test

LEVEL 2 Additional requirements to certify

  • Level 2 projects and reading assignments of blogs, research papers and books on related topics of Level 2. The Level 2 written test will test for competency in the reading material
40 hours of training over 5 days
Closed Level for dancers who have tested and passed both Level 1 & 2.

Overview and topics

  • History and cultural examination: an exploration of Indigenous and Folkloric dances of North Africa and the Middle East
  • Level 3 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well-being
  • Continuation of classical dance movement techniques and veil techniques
  • Level 3 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary. Incorporating all movements learned to this point.
  • Phrasing and Transitions
  • Level 3 Raqs Sharqi technique and movement vocabulary / folkloric dances
  • Level 3 Rhythm identification. Intermediate finger cymbals and continuing darbuka techniques. Introduction to frame drum and riqq
  • In depth musicality exploring rhythm, melody, lyrics and Maqam
  • Improvisation to live music with assigned movements sets.
  • Stage presence, emotion, tarab and stylization
  • Costuming
  • Level 3 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
  • Level 3 Choreographies to enhance and develop “Flow”

LEVEL 3 Prerequisites
Disseminated to student upon registration for Level 3.

LEVEL 3 TEST
Testing will be scheduled at the conclusion of the Level 3 intensive to evaluate comprehension of the material covered.
The test will consist of:

  • A physical test
  • A written test
  • 1 performance presentation

LEVEL 3 Additional requirements to certify

  • Level 3 projects and reading assignments of blogs, research papers and books on related topics of Level 3. The Level 3 written test will test for competency in the reading material.
40 hours of training over 5 days
Closed Level to dancers who have tested and passed Levels 1, 2 & 3.
Overview and topics

  • Examining the historical timeline of Bellydance, analysis of current context, relevance and application
  • Level 4 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well being
  • Level 4 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary, advanced sequencing
  • Level 4 Raqs Sharqi technique and movement vocabulary / modern styling.
  • Level 4 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
  • Level 4 Rhythm identification, performance of a live composition playing your choice of finger cymbals, frame drum, riqq or darbuka
  • Study, analysis, formulation, creative process and presentation
  • Staging
  • Level 4 Advanced professional choreographies to enhance and develop “Flow”

LEVEL 4 Prerequisites
Disseminated to students upon registration for Level 4.

LEVEL 4 TEST
Testing will be scheduled at the conclusion of the Level 4 intensive to evaluate comprehension of the material covered.
The test will consist of:

  • A physical test
  • A written test
  • Level 4 Flow Choreographies
  • Level 4 Finger Cymbal/Drum Solo (darbuka) choreography as a live group performance, your choice of playing cymbals, frame drum, riqq or darbuka
  • 1 performance presentation

LEVEL 4 Additional requirements to certify

  • Level 4 projects and reading assignments of blogs, research papers and books on related topics of Level 4. The Level 4 written test will test for competency in the reading material.

*Curriculum and course material subject to change at anytime.

Sadie’s Raqs Flow

“Since I took the first Raqs Flow Level 1 in March 2015, I realized what my strengths and weaknesses are as a dancer and especially as a Bellydancer. The course inspired me to try out and continue learning as much and as many different styles of the dance as I can.”
Raqs Flow Student Eve

“All in all, the Level 1 certification went incredibly well. Not necessarily because of reaching some level of success, but for the whole experience. The many dance sisters and brothers I met and united with over laughs and food and of course making it through one of the most challenging physical workouts together! The incredible education Sadie & David provide on the origins, history, culture and rhythms of Oriental Dance. The beautiful movement and appreciation of each and every dancer.”
Raqs Flow Student Julia

“I feel as though I have been given the gift of rejuvenation. I have danced consistanly for over 20 years, but I rarely take the time to reflect, drill from the ground up, and focus on foundation.

I absolutely love the all encompassing approach of Raqs Flow. I feel the history and education on culture is invaluable.

This Raqs Flow journey has helped me grow as a student, mentor, teacher, choreographer and more.”

Raqs Flow Student Erin

“I was surprised at how Sadie is able to make things and movements I had mentally classified as ‘beginner’ hard again. After the weekend, my body was sore and tired! (In a good way.) It definitely was great drilling the fundamentals….”

 

Raqs Flow Student Liz

FAQs

 

WHY CERTIFY WITH SADIE?
My program offers students a focused, in-depth curriculum to fully immerse themselves into the Oriental Dance arts. Raqs Flow was designed to develop technically strong, educated students who hold a broad understanding and scope of the dance form commonly referred to as Bellydance. Students will realize quickly that Raqs Flow is not about me or learning “my style”. My main premise is to help students find their own voice and their own flow while exploring this rich, diverse art form.

The most common approach to learning Bellydance leads the majority of students to train in classes and “weekend warrior” style workshops that focus mostly on “bestselling” topics to sell out a class. This approach barely skims the surface of what this dance has to offer; if it even touches on it at all and ultimately leads dancers in the direction of imitation rather than creation.

This is a program for students looking to go a journey of personal development. My floor is open to students who are just discovering this beautiful dance as well as advanced professionals seeking a safe, non-judgemental space to continue honing their craft. As your mentor I will push you, challenge you and inspire you!

WHY DID YOU DEVELOP RAQS FLOW? WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED TO DO SO?
As of now, there is no governing body that qualifies or licenses Bellydancers to professionally teach, perform or offer a certification program. At least not by the standards of institutionalized higher education or other certifying agencies such as ACE in the fitness world or the Yoga Alliance in the yoga world. Maybe one day there will be, but for now Bellydance will continue to thrive the way it has for hundreds of years; and personally I think that leaves the frontier open for incredible artistic expression and creativity.

True, anyone can hang a shingle and call themselves a “professional” but this does not mean that there are not really great and worthwhile programs out there with incredible teachers, quite the opposite actually. It just means that you should do your homework in researching dancers. Ultimately it is you who will make the decision on whom you deem qualified based on what you are looking for in a teacher and who you connect with. When seeking an instructor or mentor, align with your personal dance goals and the type of people you want to surround yourself with.

I was motivated to create Raqs Flow by my students and their enthusiasm and trust in me! My ultimate inspiration comes from a place of deep gratitude and insatiable desire to empower others! I want people to fall in love with this dance as much as I have!

In the nearly two decades I have been practicing Bellydance I have performed and taught thousands of hours and thousands of students, in hundreds of cities in over 40 countries. I have made dozens of instructional videos and shared the stage with some of the worlds greatest legends and stars. I have had the privilege to discuss the politics and issues that are of concern in the Bellydance community with many of my peers and respected artists.

I have learned hard lessons and have been challenged and pushed to my limits. My enthusiasm to continue dancing has ebbed and flowed. I won’t insult you by pretending that it is all glitter and glamour because it is not. To be great at anything takes patience, self-examination and growth.

To this day I train and study with our living grandmothers and grandfathers of the dance. I train my body through other modalities of movement and I strive to link the connections of a universal dance language as well as appreciate and perserve the uniqueness of Oriental Dance. Being a foreigner in love with an art form from Arab culture has motivated me to understand all that I can about it on a deep level. The journey never ends. I am a seeker! Teaching for me is the highest form of education.

 

WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING STYLE?
Raqs Flow is not just a training program, it is a community of supportive, creative individuals. The real magic happens within the community setting. Raqs Flow is a beautiful way to network with other dancers and to find yourself surrounded by a positive, encouraging environment. That is the energy that I attract and uphold for all of my Raqs Flow trainings and retreats. If your looking for tough love and militant style training, then Raqs Flow may not be for you.

As a person who wishes to contribute to the beauty and kindness in the world you will not find any harsh, dogamtic teaching styles with me. While the Raqs Flow curriculum is physically demanding and challenging and I push my students to give their best and to break thresholds within themselves, at the end of the day, I treat all my students with respect for the individuals they are. There is no “one size fits all” conformity mentality in my program.

My ultimate goals is, once again, to empower students and leave them feeling better about themselves.  If I can help anyone more deeply connect to their physical bodies, then I know that will positively impact all areas of their life.

WHO CAN ATTEND?
Level 1 is open to all levels of dancers but it is recommended that you have some basic knowledge and experience with beginner Bellydance techniques and movement. As preparation for level 1, you can take online classes with Sadie or work with her DVDs to get familiar with her teaching style.
Level 1 and 2 are open to anyone interested in learning more about Raqs Flow or just looking for in depth training with Sadie without the obligation to test. Levels 3 and 4 can only be attended by students certified in Levels 1, 2 and 3.
WHAT STYLE OF BELLYDANCE DOES RAQS FLOW TEACH?
Raqs Flow does not train dancers in any one style of “Bellydance”; it creates students who are aware of their body and helps them understand how to create dance movement. Raqs Flow will explore a handful of different techniques and postures to create the movements of the Bellydance vocabulary. These techniques are broken down into Sadie’s specific format, referred to within the program as the “Raqs Flow Movement Vocabulary” as well as examining and breaking down what is referred to within the program as the “Raqs Sharqi Movement Vocabulary”; these are the core movements and steps that make up our dance form and have been adopted from culturally Arabic dances for as far back as we can historically document. Additionally other regional Middle Eastern styles will be studied, practiced and examined within the program.

 

HOW MANY YEARS DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE?
The 4 level, 250 hour program will take students anywhere from 2-4 years to complete depending on the pace they want to set for themselves and the training offerings. Trainings will be offered more frequently as the program evolves.
DOES CERTIFYING IN RAQS FLOW GUARANTEE A PROFESSION AS A BELLYDANCER?
No. There are many aspects, attributes and qualities a person must posses to succeed at anything in life. Raqs Flow helps students to develop many of those skills. It specifically gives students an edge as a technically trained and skilled dancer who understands the art form he or she is interested in making a profession within, however it is not a pass to success. Many of the graduate programs offered after the Level 4 begin to delve deeper into crafting a profession as a dancer.
Apr
4
Thu
Art of the Belly, Maryland
Apr 4 – Apr 7 all-day
Art of the Belly, Maryland

Join Sadie at one of America’s greatest Belly Dance Fetsivals AOTB 2024!!!

We bring all genre’s and levels of belly dancers together to experience the warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere that is Art of the Belly. We absolutely LOVE our attendees and strive to give all a chance to perform in front of one of the best audiences on the East Coast!  3 Shows,  Intensives,   and numerous Workshops with some of the Top Teachers in the World. We are a mini-vacation, educational experience and family reunion all rolled into one! Come join us and become part of the AOTB family!

Apr
12
Fri
Nights On The Nile Workshops
Apr 12 – Apr 14 all-day
Nights On The Nile Workshops

Join Sadie, Simon & Kamrah for an incredible weekend of dance workshop and performance!

SHOW
Friday, April 12th NIGHTS ON THE NILE SHOW | TICKETS HERE

WORKSHOPS EARLY BIRD PRICE $185 FULL PACK!!!!

Saturday, April 13th, Doors at 12pm

12:30-2:30 Simon – Dabke
Simon will teach a series of combos, special for Sharqi dancers, to cover basic folklore and signature Simon style Dabke with sassy flair. Simon’s style emphasizes the beautiful balance in Dabke that is executed softly at times and firmly at others, but always with power and passion! The song is HOT HOT HOT! Bring your dance shoes and means of hydration! 

3-5pm  Simon – Pop Shabbi
Get ready for Simon’s modern Pop Shaabi choreography, perfect for all levels. Deeply rooted in the essence of Raqs Sharqi classical vocab, this choreography will have some sizzling Simon sassy combos, strong hip work, and travel combinations to spice up your performance.

 

Sunday, April 14th, Doors at 11am

11:30-1:30pm SADIE – Shik, Shak, Shok
One of the most beloved and versatile songs every dancer must have in their repertoire, Shik, Shak, Shok features a lively entrance, taqsim, drum solo and dynamic closer! Sadie has prepared some hot moves, techniques & combos for you to use in creative ways to Shik, Shak, Shok. You can use these as prompts to build a structured improv or piece it all together for a fun new, ready-to-go choreo for your next performance! *** Bring Zills if you’d like to add some playing in at the end.

2-4pm KAMRAH – You Want Me To Do What?
Challenging layers, foot patterns, super fast movements –  learn Kamrah’s signature approach to achieving the Hard Stuff fast – without hating  yourself or your teacher – as well as his favorite drills, layers, and combos. Bring water.  And a towel. And maybe an emotional support friend.  

Early Bird Pricing (Changes April 1st)

Saturday Day $100
Sunday Day $100
Single Workshops $55

Location: Omni Ballroom, Englewood, Colorado. Free parking.

Bring snacks and some layers, dance shoes or socks. 

Questions? Email Sadie @ sadie.bellydancer@gmail.com

 

” Nights On The Nile” Global Dance Spectacular! Denver, CO @ Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Apr 12 @ 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm
" Nights On The Nile" Global Dance Spectacular! Denver, CO @ Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

A Performance Spectacular featuring Empress Dance Collective.

April 12th | 7:30pm-9:30pm | Doors at 7:00pm

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater
119 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205

Tickets

**Your name will be added to the guest list after purchase**

VIP Seating$55 Advanced | $60 Door (cash or card)

General Seating$35 Advanced | $45 Door (cash or card)

Special Access seating available on request

Kids discount in the drop down menu

Group discount (larger than 6, email sadie.bellydancer@gmail.com)

Concessions available. Please bring cash! We will have an assortment of soft drinks, beer and wine for suggested donation.

Purchase Tickets HERE

Apr
20
Sat
Amsterdam ~ From Cairo with Love
Apr 20 – Apr 21 all-day
Amsterdam ~ From Cairo with Love

Join Sadie and Mahdy for a weekend of workshops and Gala Show

May
10
Fri
ODM Belly Dance Festival, Spain
May 10 – May 12 all-day
ODM Belly Dance Festival, Spain

Join Sadie in Spain for one of the biggest and best belly dance festivals, ODM

Oriental Dance Meeting (ODM), a meeting to share experiences and knowledge between lovers of oriental dance. Our mission is to provide a platform that serves as a meeting point between professionals and amateurs, to enrich their love for dance and its art.

Jul
15
Mon
Cairo, Egypt ~ Crazy Nights Festival 2024
Jul 15 – Jul 22 all-day


Egyptian Bellydance Festival!!

Immerse yourself in Egyptian culture and train with Sadie and Master Egyptian Legends in Egypt! Over 40 hours of workshops, Crazy Surprises, Crazy Parties! Touring! Costumes! Shopping! Competitions, Live Orchestra Shows and performance opportunities!

You may join us for the festival week only, or extend your trip and add on a cultural tour. Some favorite attractions include The Red Sea, The White Desert or a cruise down the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor.

FESTIVAL WEEK  July 15-22nd is the Crazy Nights Dance Festival! A week of workshops and performances with legendary Egyptian and International masters. There will also be competitions, parties and many crazy surprises prepared for you including; Bedouin night, Nubian party, pyramids, etc.

TOUR WEEK Egypt is a dream destination for many travelers due to all of its historical sights and rich culture. If you would like to be paired up with other dancers in our group to sight-see, please tell us if you will like to stay before or after the festival. Our festival organizer Mohammed Atta also has a travel agency. He will custom prepare an itinerary for you and make sure to pair you up with other dancers wishing to do the same.

Dance Festival Inclusive Package Offer July 15th-22nd:

  • 7 night’s 5 Star hotel near the Pyramids of Giza (breakfast included).
  • Transportation from and to the airport and all transportation for festival activities.
  • Opening Gala featuring music and dance and other surprises.
  • Day trips including a visit the Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx, Cairo’s famous bazaar Khan El Khalili and an open-air Gala dinner featuring the Crazy Nights Party in the desert behind the Giza pyramids.
  • 40 hours of classes with Egyptian and International masters.
  • Closing Gala featuring performances and live orchestra with buffet dinner.

 

Dance Festival Pricing:

  • $1,400 USD per person for a shared room with another dancer.
  • $1,800 USD per person for a private room.
  • $1,050 USD per person for any family or friends coming to stay with you. This price includes all festival activities and inclusion above except the workshops.

Registration:

For more information and to receive a travel packet with detailed information please email Sadie at: sadie.bellydancer@gmail.com

To reserve your spot in the festival please send a deposit of $250 to Sadie by Paypal at sadie@sadiebellydancer.com (Please use friends and family option to reduce fees)
A full 50% deposit must be made to Sadie by May 31st, 2024 (minus your initial deposit). You will pay the remaining balance due for the festival (and cultural tour if you will do it) to our Egyptian organizer and host, Mohamed Atta upon arrival. Please bring cash, USD to pay. (Due to high conversion rates and fees, this is currently the best way for making payment)

sadie.bellydancer@gmail.com


Aug
15
Thu
Orlando Belly Dance Convention
Aug 15 – Aug 18 all-day
Orlando Belly Dance Convention

Join Sadie in Orlando for this amazing event full of workshops and performances!!

Nov
2
Sat
Costa Rica Bellydance Retreat 2024 @ Hotel Doce Lunas
Nov 2 – Nov 9 all-day

Belly Dance, Yoga  & Healing Nature Retreat

November 2-9, 2024

Payment Plans, Early Bird pricing through June 2024

Featuring SADIE and special guest!!!
Exclusive opportunity to study, dance and retreat into the healing natural paradise of Costa Rica.
The retreat is limited to 22 dancers
The Retreat dance package includes:
-25+ hours of dance, yoga, meditation and other speciality workshops
-Credits toward Sadie’s Certification Program: Raq’s Flow
-Performance opportunities for all interested participants!
-Dance parties, beach haflas and shows, retreat games and other shenanigans you will only experience at this retreat!

The 8 day/ 7 night retreat will take place in our exclusive resort, Doce Lunas http://www.docelunas.com

RETREAT FAQ HERE

***Book your room HERE***

The retreat accommodations package includes your room, food and transportation to and from the San Jose airport. Be sure to read the full info packet for all the details. If you have unique travel plans or food restrictions, Doce Lunas will help you arrange all of that. Just specify in your booking.

The retreat cost of $650 will be paid in advance to Sadie. Your retreat accommodations package will be booked through Doce Lunas, which will differ depending on the package option you choose. There are shared and private rooms available. Doce Lunas RESERVE NOW.  FAQ’s and all retreat details RETREAT DETAILS HERE: To reserve a spot at the retreat you must pay a minimum deposit of $162.50, this will apply to your balance.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!!  Costa Rica Retreat 2024
REFUNDS will only be considered for those who have a certified doctors note for illness. Thank you for your understanding.

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