Category Archives: Beginner Classes

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/

Love your Body

Love your body. Be proud. Your awesome as you are! 

There used to be a point in my life where I did not love my body.  I had suffered a lot of issues that stemmed back into my childhood days.  

This started with not being able to get up from the table until all my food was gone…it didn’t matter if I was hungry or not.  

Going into my teens I heard you thighs are big, you look like a football player, look at those bold legs…get the idea?  This sent me down a spiraling path of destruction…poor body image.  

It took me years to unravel these ideas and thoughts of what I believed to be true.  It has not been easy to say the least.  I’m talking a good 25 years of ups and downs.  

Being a fitness instructor helped but then there was still this idea that I had to be a certain way in regards to my body.

I got into Bellydance Cabaret Style.  All the glitter!  There though was this focus on body image but the way we moved it felt good in my body.  I still struggled.  

In 2010 it really started to change.  I found Global Caravan Bellydance!  This was different!  All where welcome and this is really when I began to understand and love my body!  

I was not just taught dance but about movement and loving yourself for who you are!  Because I’ve struggled and I truly have a passion for helping others; I have developed a 6 month course just for you. 

Metamorphosis Through Movement, Healing, & Dance

With Allie Joseph 

6 Month Series Coming to you, 

In Person Classes

We start next week Monday 6:30-7:30pm


I am so thrilled and excited to bring this very special dance course. Over the past year, I have been working excitedly on this series and I am ready to launch it for you!

Why did I develop this?

Over the past 20 years in my fitness and dance career, working through my own body struggles, I have been drawn to and worked with other women who have similar body-love issues and procrastination on allowing themselves to feel good.

There has been this one common theme.

They want to be able to learn how to move their body again, or even perhaps, for the first time..

To feel good. To feel connected. And to have fun – something just for them!

My 6 month series will be broken down into 3 different 8 week series, with different themes.

Each  8 week series starting with Movement & Play be your beautiful self and move in your unique way. Movement through Healing balancing the body as we continue different movements to release, strengthen and let go. Movement through the femine power of dance fun & easy developing confidence and strength.

With  the theme of metamorphosis, unique as we grow and expand, and will build upon each week, as we move our bodies and experience a new way of moving and being connected in our own skin.

Is this what you have been missing in your body, and your life? You know that it is time to move and enjoy your body as you are. If so, you will not want to miss any of this dynamic and inspired class.

This course will help you solve the many issues we face daily in our lives.

  • Feeling stressed out?  Through this course you learn how to alleviate stress through different types of movement.
  • Loss of connection in our bodies.  I will help you reconnect to your body and loving it through organic simple movement.
  • Loss of self worth.  I will help you build confidence back and to feel good  about yourself in a warm, loving, safe place.
  • To bring back some fun in your life!  I will help you to reconnect to your childlike self.  As adults, we forget or are told we can not play!
  • Play and movement is critical and it will help us bring back joy and fun!

This series will help you feel 

  • More balanced
  • Stronger in your body & mind
  • Empowered & confident
  • Lighter & alive
  • Enjoy the release of emotions & trauma that no longer serves you
  • Bring back a sense of play and fun
  • Relieve tension & pressure of your daily life
  • More self love & care for your beautiful self

Metamorphosis Through Movement Level 1

*The first 8 weeks

Movement & Play. I will guide you through simple & easy movement. 

 You will be able to move at your own pace and move your body that fits you. There is no right or wrong. To just be your beautiful self.

 We will  move and play. Letting go, gaining self confidence, to feel light and balanced in our skin. 

This will help you bring in more self love and care, relieve tension and raise your confidence and feel empowered.

Metamorphosis Through Healing Level 2

*The second  8 weeks 

Learning to  heal our bodies and mind through more movement, stretching and strengthening the body.  

Incorporating, breath/meditation work. 

Allowing to bring the body and mind back to its natural state, releasing old stories and trauma that does not serve us.  

You will feel lighter, bringing a sense of peace & joy back.

 Metamorphosis Through Dance Level 3

*Final 8 week series

We will explore basic feminine glorious movements of Global Caravan belly dance that are  fun and easy, as we continue to connect our body, mind, increase flexibility & strength.

We will take the movements we have learned while moving and grooving, being playful and having fun to relieve stress and feel good while gaining confidence and having a strong connection in your body.

I Invite you to Join Me Now…

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! 

All body shapes and ages are welcome.

Come as your unique, beautiful self!

Course Details:

January 10th, 2022-June 20th, 2022 (No class on May 30th), In Person Only, 

Pre-registration necessary please! 

Contact Allie at najlasdance.com@gmail.com or najlasdance.com@gmail.com

Class will be at: The Foulke Block 14 South Paint Street, Suite 23, 2nd floor (Elevator Access)

Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

Payment Details for Metamorphosis Through Movement, Healing & Dance

*Full 6 month course paid in full: Special price $240.00 savings of $150.00 (390.00 value)

Includes a 30 minute private healing session with Allie!

*Need to Pay every 8 weeks? Join me for just $80.00 each 8 weeks, save $50.00 ( $130.00 value)

This plan includes a 10 minute private healing session with Allie

REGISTER NOW: https://najlasdance.com/product/metamorphosis-6-month-series/

Celebrating a year of success and a gift for you!

Celebrating officially being in my new space & new studio for one year! It has been such a great year and there have been so many changes and new things happening! My new space/studio is called Najlas Dance-Metamorphosis through dance, movement & healing. Why did I decide to go with this? I was called to create space where those that are looking for a safe, supportive and nurturing environment to feel more confident, empowered and to connect to themselves through all the modalities I offer! It has been exciting to see it grow and I have so many ideas for the future. Helping others is what I am all about! I mostly work with women, helping them find themselves through movement, dance & healing. I can also say no one in my area offers the variety and the specialized classes and healing modalities under one space!

I am offering a special gift for you! If you have not been to my class Metamorphosis through movement and healing and have been curious and want to check it out. Now is your chance! For the month of October I am offering a free class just for you! This is available in person and zoom! Spaces are limited in person! I am really excited about this and it is such a very special class! This will help you relieve stress and feel calmer and rejuvenated! You will connect to your body and move in a very easy and beginner friendly way.

Check out the video here as I explain a bit more about:https://youtu.be/w-En1ngglFs check it out and subscribe to my YouTube channel! To get a free class email me at: najlasdance.com@gmail.com

Facial Expressions

This past week one of my students asked a very important question when it comes to facial expressions.  Facial expressions helps bring the emotion that you are trying to conceive with the movements more alive and it is the finishing touch to your dancing.  When performing or even practicing you should always be aware of the expressions you are making with your face.  What is most important is to try and relax and realize it is not necessary to always smile.   When dancing and performing it must be full bodied;meaning emotion comes from every aspect and adding emotion with the face is the key to communicating to the audience the story that you are telling because when we dance we are telling a story.

“Face expression draws attention to the dancer
One of the best tools of the trade is learning to facially adapt to the dance. Audience eyes are drawn to those dance performers who learn how to master the emotion and expression within the set choreography. The mood of the dance is what audiences interact with through interpretation, reciprocal emotion and psychological illusion. It is the actual connecting factor between the dancer and the audience, and one of most importance. ” from Dancehelp.com; article, “Just Face it”.
Tips on Facial Expressions:

  • Always be aware of the expression on your face when practicing
  • keep relaxed and really letting yourself go (this takes time)
  • let the music guide you
  • always keep your head and chin up
  • try not to have the deer in the headlight look ( yes, I have had this happen to me)
  • practice in the mirror

With all this in mind, I am working on hopefully some very cool exercises that we can have some fun with during class on expression of the face!  Just remember with all of this it takes time, patience and alot of practice!

The picture above I think really represents the emotion that a dancer portray’s when dancing.  This picture was taken by WG Images.  Copy Right June, 2011