Testimonials

"I’d like to say thank you SO much for a wonderful “Wings of Isis & Veil” workshop! I had a SUPERB time! I liked how you first split the workshop up into the section of solely mastering specific veil and wings techniques, and only afterwards we got to put the techniques together with the choreography. By the way, I have to say that the choreography was absolutely AMAZING!!! Overall the workshop was very informative, interactive, fun and inspiring! Keep it up!"

- Aida Mustacich

"You are so wonderful, and I truly want to have the opportunity to have a class with you again - sooner than later. I have been drawn to "wings" for quite some time, and my first time ever wearing a pair was at your workshop! I hope you have another workshop or class that I can attend!"

- Sara Sorensen

"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the workshop and the dance choreography was so beautiful....we have to practice it soon before so we don't forget it. Cris, you danced so beautifully at Soho. I always love watching you!"

- Denise Berdan

"Thank YOU for teaching our class! You're an excellent teacher and you provided such great support and inspiration!"

- Coni Edick

The BellyDance Land of Cris! Basimah on Facebook

New Workshops and Classes coming up in August!

Cris Basimah! Belly Dance Teacher Come explore the beautiful world of middle eastern dance in a fun, supportive, and relaxed environment!

Upcoming Classes: Wednesdays, August 4-25, 2010

This will be a 4-week session aimed to choreography and performance. Students will learn a dance to be presented at the Moon over Morocco Festival (MOM), on Saturday August 28^th (time TBA). This year the MOM Festival will join forces with the Santa Barbara Dance Alliance's International Dance Day at Chase Palm Park, Santa Barbara. It will be a great opportunity to improve your performance skills!

Beginner class: 5:45 - 6:45 pm

This class will focus on learning a choreography and performing it (optional) at the Moon over Morocco Festival (MOM), on Saturday August 28^th (time TBA). Since this is a short session previous belly dance experience is a must.

Intermediate Level: 7 - 8 pm

This class will learn a Latin-Arabic Fusion dance to be performed (optional) at the Moon over Morocco Festival (MOM), on Saturday August 28^th (time TBA). Students must have previous belly dance experience in addition to either have taken the Latin-Arabic Fusion workshop with me or any previous Latin dances experience. If you haven't done that yet I'll be teaching a Latin-Arabic Fusion workshop on August 8^th. See more information below on this page.

Class Location

Gustafson Dance Studio (Gail Towbes Center for Dance building. Free parking) - see map
2285 Las Positas Road
Santa Barbara, California 93105

Fee and Registration

4-class session - $55
No Drop-ins
Payment by cash or check.

Registration can be done in class or by mail to:
Cris Dixon
PO Box 14344
Santa Barbara, CA 93107

All fees are non-refundable. Exceptions may be made by instructor under extraordinary circumstances at instructor discretion.

What to wear

First, a smile! You're supposed to have fun in class. Wear comfortable clothes that are not too loose so you can see the moves on your body: workout or yoga pants, a tank top, tee-shirt or a leotard, and a hip scarf for your hips. Coin hip scarves will be available for purchase in class.

Most dancers enjoy dancing barefoot. But for those who wish to wear foot covering, I suggest soft-soled dance shoes like ballet slippers and jazz shoes (Hermes sandals is also an option).

Liability Release

New students are required to fill out and sign an agreement and release from liability before they start taking classes (minors must have form signed by parent/guardian). If you'd like to fill out this form before coming to class (saves time!), just click on the following links to download the form: Microsoft Word or PDF.

For more information, e-mail Cris! Basimah at cris @ bellydanceland.com (just remove the spaces around @ ) or call (805) 685-0058.

Workshops and Classes with Cris!

Upcoming Workshops

Latin-arabic fusion workshop

Cris! will teach a hot and exciting workshop on Latin-Arabic Fusion for Belly Dance at Dance Garden Studio in Los Angeles, CA.

This workshop will teach you simple and flavorful combinations mixing Brazilian Samba, salsa and cha-cha moves that can be incorporated into your own belly dance routine. All levels welcomed, including salsa, samba and modern dancers who would like to learn some belly dancing!

When: Sunday August 8, 2010 :: 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Where: Dance Garden Studio (driving directions)
3407 B Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

Fee and How to Register
$35 in advance / $45 at the door. Please visit LARaqs website to register.

Saidi - Raks Assaya (cane) workshop (#5)

We will explore the contagious and fun rhythm Saidi while learning a modern and sassy Raks Assaya choreography. We will also learn folkloric moves and steps which are characteristic of this Upper Egypt dance style. This class will teach you how to work with the assa (cane), including balancing it on your head. Bring a headband and a cane or purchase one at the workshop.

When: Friday August 27, 2010 :: 3:15 - 5:15 PM

Where:Goleta Valley Community Center, Room # 8
5679 Hollister Ave. Goleta, CA 93117 (see map)

Fee and How to Register
$35 - $45 (depends on how many workshops you enroll). Please visit Alexandra King's Moon over Morocco Festival to register and select workshop #5.

Cris! is booking for 2010. Other workshop styles (Wings of Isis, Veil, Drum Solo, Taksim, etc.) also available. Please contact her at cris @ bellydanceland.com (just remove the spaces around @ ) or 805-685-0058 to present this workshop at your event.