Category Archives: Beginner Classes

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