• Session Starts:
  
• typically 3rd week of Jan/Apr/Sept running 8-10 weeks with time off for statutory holidays and unavoidable dance travels.
  
• Winter (Jan,Feb,Mar), Spring (Apr,May,June), Fall (Sept,Oct,Nov)
  
• Cutoff to Join:
  
• join by 3rd week of classes. Yes, you'll be fine. No, you won't be behind. We start with pre-conditioning and build momentum over weeks and you can take extra make-up classes if you want.
  
• Get Informed:
  
• about this Dance and how I teach by reading the side column articles - very useful. To reduce buyer's remorse please make an informed choice so we find a good fit.
• Choosing Teachers
  
• Common Questions
• See Instructor and Teaching Style mid-way below.
  
• Check: Class Schedule
•  for the Day and Time that works for you. Descriptions are below under Class Types.
  
• On-line Sign-up saves your spot - pay at class.
  

This dance is very misunderstood. Facts to know:

1. true nature: 1) festive entertainment and 2) social dance for the general population (young/old, women/men) as well as 3) a complex musical, lyrical, technical artform.  It is not considered sexual display
   
2. true name: raks sharki or "Eastern dance" in Arabic is commonly known as Oriental Dance(Eastern not Chinese vs Occidental/Western).
   
3. role of men: men had significant roles from the present day to centuries past. Currently, many top master teachers are men but I believe more than 99% of practitioners are women (elite, professionals, enthusiasts, hobbyists).