Category Archives: Allies Blog

Allies Blog, Beginner Classes, calendar, Intermediate Classes, Kids Class, Najlas Blog

February Classes & Offerings at Hip Love!

Come Join us in February! Whether you are looking for Yoga Classes, dance classes for kids and adults here at Hip Love we have something for all women ages 4 & up! We are now adding Global Caravan Bellydance for Teens and opening up registration for our Wiggles and Giggles course for ages 4-12! Keep reading and thank you for being here!

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February Bellydance classes


Tribal Grooves Fitness!Thursdays 6:25 pm6 weeks of Fitness fun! 2023February 2nd-March 9$48 for full course ( Includes 1 FREE Class)Space is limitedRegistration Required: https://najlasdance.com/product/tribal-grooves/

New to Global Caravan Tribal Belly DanceThursdays 7:30 pm6 week courseFebruary 2nd-March 9 2023$75.00 (Includes 1 FREE Class)This class is almost sold out! Just a few Spaces left.Registration is required: https://najlasdance.com/product/new-to-global-caravan/
Wiggles & Giggles Belly Dance for Ages 4-12Saturdays 10:30 am6 week courseFebruary 4-March 18 2023 (no class 2/25/23)$55.00Registration is required: https://najlasdance.com/product/wiggles-giggles-dance-movement-for-kids-ages-4-12/
Global Caravan Tribal Belly Dance for teens 13-18 years of AgeBrand New just added!meet 2x monthly February 11th/18thSaturdays 11:30 am2 classes for just $20.00Registration is required. Go here: https://najlasdance.com/product/bellydance-ages-13-18/
Pop Up Yoga Classes for February
This month just for the ladies! Pause & Love YourselfPurchase the Package for this month and SAVE!Just $40.00Registration requiredgo here: https://najlasdance.com/product/february-yoga-classes-beginner/
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Allies Blog, Beginner Classes, Kids Class, Najlas Blog, Uncategorized

Belly Dance is for everyone no matter the age

Belly Dance is for everyone no matter the age. It is just one of the very few dance forms where you can say that…actually it may be the only; one more specifically if we are talking about advancing to professional level but lets not focus there.

Over my years of being a belly dancer myself of just now 23 years; I have heard oh I am too old or she is too young, or belly dance for kids? I believe I have written about this a time or too but it has been on my mind a lot more recently. I have had discussed this countless of times with current students, soon to be students about the topic. In general, most of the women believe that they are too old for belly dance….what qualifies for too old??? You have got me!!! But, generally speaking I am going to guess that society suggests on average if you are over 30; your too old…this is far from true!

I myself have had the privilege to teach all women from the age of 3-98! I know it is truly crazy that it can be true but WoW all of these women have amazed me! The average age of women stepping into there first class is age anywhere from 40-50, then we do have those exceptions of course, taking their first belly dance class beyond 75 and up!

Have you thought about trying out classes and then thought, but I am too old? Have you suggested it to someone a friend and you got that are you kidding me look? No matter what I am here to tell you that belly dance is for everyone!

Benefits of Belly Dance for 40 & up (benefits everyone!)

it is a low impact workout so it is easier on your joints & bones.

the movements tend to be natural flow (side to side, up and or down, forward & back, in & out).

It helps with coordination and balance.

Helps with posture and to keep the body strong.

Helps keep the body flexible & agile.

It is fun, promotes confidence & well being

Provides time for community with others while learning.

Helps keep the brain young by learning & remembering moves & steps.

These are just some of the amazing benefits! Plus and this is a BIG ONE!!! It just makes you feel Good! We all love to dance and wiggle around! “When you Wiggle. It makes you Giggle!” (My Mantra).

Benefits for All Keep Reading:

We all want to feel good in our bodies and feel good about ourselves! Belly dance increases confidence, self esteem and you will feel better on the whole just not with you, your body, but outlook on life. This dance really teaches us so much more then dance. You get to share with others, create friendships and lasting memories. I provide a space for all women where you can come and just be you. That has always been my #1 vision. I will teach you how to move your body, with love & grace. To move freely, to connect to your most powerful self that has been laying dormant inside you. To help you to feel better, to be more confident in yourself, to help you grow & bloom. To have fun, community, movement & connection. I currently have classes for ages 4 all the way to adult.

Go here to check out my current schedule: https://najlasdance.com/calendar/

See a class you like? Want more info or to sign up click here now: https://najlasdance.com/shop-2/

If this just sounds absolutely amazing to you I would love to be able to connect with you for a chat: https://najlasdance.com/product/free-20-minute-session-with-allie/

Allies Blog, Najlas Blog

My dream

My dream. To have a space that is safe, open and inviting. To allow those to come to the space as they are. To be themselves. To be authentic and genuine.

I have been thinking a lot about being able to show up in the world as yourself without a mask or pretending you are something your not. My studio Hip Love Studio a dream coming true. Last night, before class a student arrived and excitedly says “I am in my pajamas tonight”

I just loved this that first she was super comfortable enough to come as she was! I want you to be yourself, to shine your light, to show up in the most genuine way. Dance and movement does teach you this. It also teaches us to be confident in ourselves, in our own bodies and skin.

My question I asked my students: besides the studio is there anywhere else you can go that you feel comfortable enough to be YOU? Everyone had to think long and hard and the only comment was Walmart. We should be able to go anywhere and to be ourselves to feel safe, supported, welcomed. These are all basic human needs and when we do not feel safe or supported it can cause a ton of stress and who needs more of that?

Last night at the studio we had 2 full amazing classes of amazing women. I am in awe of these women incidentally all ages from 10 on up! They showed up as themselves and for themselves! That is such an amazing gift we can actually give ourselves and others! They are learning more about who they are and connecting within their own bodies because that is where it starts. Are you ready to join us? We would love it!

Allies Blog, Najlas Blog

Introducing Hip Love Studio

Introducing Hip Love Studio. New name. New look. I am so excited to announce my dance studio space now has a new name. Hip Love Studio. H. I. P healing in physical Love. Empowering women to feel good. Welcome to Najlas Dance & Healing.

Change is inevitable and good as it changes the energy and flow so things can become less stagnate and it shakes things up a bit. Why this change? I wanted something simple, to the point, easy to remember but different. I wanted and needed something that truly encompasses all that I can offer as I am more:

Allie Joseph who is sole owner of Najlas Dance and Hip Love serves Chillicothe, Ohio and surrounding areas. To empower women, giving them confidence and find what has been lost deep within though, fitness, dance, movement classes for women of all ages! In addition, Allie is a Master Kundalini Reiki Teacher, Crystal Healer and a Card reader these are additional services that are held at Hip Love: by appointment.

Why the name Hip Love?

In bellydance we use our hips, it is the foundation that connects our lower body to our upper body. It relates to our pelvic and core region. When we dance our hip flexors are highly active which changes the flow and helps us release feeling better. Over the years in research and tons of learning! I love to learn! Our hips hold most of our emotion! Did you know that?

Think of your hips as a junk drawer. Everyone has one. A junk drawer is where you put things away that you do not know what to do with. It keeps filling up and before you know it your are holding onto so much junk in your hips that you do not even realize it. This is the most simplest terms. Our hips hold stress, anger, anxiety, trauma and more and these signals get sent to our whole body. From movement, meditation, dance, energy healing we can break this cycle and start feeling better, lighter, free!

Hear is what a few students have to say: Keep Reading!

A couple of my dearest friends and students helped me with this new look and we talked about what Hip Love meant to them. Here is a few things they had to say:

Dee Carpenter says: Hip Love: “No judgement. Physical movement which helps the soul emotionally….so you feel love to help the healing process by letting go through motion.”

I just love this what Dee says! This is why when we do move we feel better!

Here is what Angela Dawn says and what Hip Love means to her: “For me it’s and expression of freedom and femininity. Even when we dance the shapes we make sometimes with our hips are hearts! Using dance and movement to heal emotionally and physically.”

Awe! I do just love this and it is sending love to your hips!

Big huge thanks to Dee for coming up with the tag line: Healing in Physical Love...My dream was to open a place for women where they can come and be and what I have created is honestly more then I could ever imagine! I will be talking more on this too!

Join us in Celebration for the new look!

Najlas Dance & Hip Love Studio: Dance & Healing with Allie’s first official Open House! I want to send you a personal invitation. Join us on October 29th, 2022 for free mini classes and more!

We start at 9:00 am with a lovely gathering & refreshments. Then at 9:30 we start with the first FREE MINI class: Women’s Circle meditation/journaling and healing! For this class you will need a journal and yoga mat! Stay for the morning! Bring a friend! Spread & Share! Want to no more…look below

Allies Blog, Najlas Blog

Most Common Questions Asked

Through my many years of teaching often there are several questions that are asked by potential students. These also can be known as myths about the dance in general. Today I will address Just a few questions for you.

“Do I need to know how to dance” or I will often get statements: “I can’t dance.”

First off you do not need to know how to dance! If you knew how to dance then I would not have a job as a teacher. I will teach you, lead you and guide you! When I started 22 years ago, I did not know how to dance. I learned by going to class with various teachers who I studied under. We all start at the same place. The statement: “But I can’t dance” is a common one. Anyone can learn how with practice and patience and being involved in class. Anyone can learn! We learn how to move our body through breaking down movement, drilling and having fun!

“Do I need to show my belly”

This is a very common question. Most people think that when they learn how to bellydance they have to show their belly. This is absolutely untrue. Belly Dance does focus on the core; hence the belly but also involves the hips. It has been known as dance of the stomach because of the undulations that are often seen. Did you know that in Egypt that dancers are not allowed to show their belly? Often they are seen showing a belly cover which is mesh and can be skin color or even the same color as their costume! You will even see them in a dress where the belly is completed covered. Honestly, it is totally up to you! If you want to flaunt your belly go ahead! If not no that it is ok too! There have been many times I myself have danced with my belly covered! Checkout the photo below to see how lovely it can be.

“Am I too old/young?”

I often hear the statement but I am too old more often then not. I am asked how young I teach and I have taught many ages all across the board from as young as 3 years of age to 85! This dance is truly for anyone know matter what the age. Within different age groups it can be presented slightly different based on the general ability of class. Did you know that bellydance is one of the very few dance forms where you can start out at a later age? It is more common then you think! The average age is 40 years of age. There is really something for everyone in this dance no matter how old you are! Look below and you will find the many different ages that have walked through my studio doors. Look at all the beauties! I have so many pictures!

“What do you wear to class?”

Most of my students come in wearing leggings, yoga pants and a top they are comfortable in. It is great to have a hip scarf as it helps accent the hips and will allow you to feel the movement of the hips. Need one? I have some for sale at the studio! We dance barefoot so we can be really connected to the ground. If you would rather you can also purchase a type of dance shoe. something flat and that will not restrict your movement of your feet. You can get something that covers the full foot or only the toes or half of the foot. There are lots of options from something basic or something with a bit of sparkle!

Would you like to know something I did not hit on? I would love to know!

Are you ready to join me? Are you desiring to move your body, feel good and to have fun in a warm, loving, safe and supportive environment? I have a brand new session for beginners starting soon. Join me starting April 9th-May 14th for an amazing 6 weeks of Global Caravan Tribal Bellydance with Master Teacher Allie Joseph. Class time starts at 9:15 am in person at 14 S. Paint Street Suite 23, 2nd floor inside the Foulke Block, Chillicothe Ohio 45601 located downtown.

Preregistration is required and space is limited go here to get started: https://najlasdance.com/product/new-to-global-caravan/