Bellydance is SO good for you! Core strength, flexibility, improved posture... all this with a low-impact workout that can be adapted for physical limitations. We practice radical body acceptance in this dance form. No one comes to bellydance with the 'wrong' kind of body. If you can execute the movements, you can learn to dance with us!
Dance as a Second Language is the overarching organization comprised of Smoke Tribal Bellydance and its student troupes, all under the direction of Sam Brenneman. Sam has been teaching bellydance since 2005. She holds certifications in the American Tribal Style® format of group improvisation, as developed by Carolena Nericcio in San Francisco. Learn more about ATS® by visiting fcbd.com.
Smoke began headquartered at Intuit Dance in Oak Park, as did its student troupe ruth+barbara bellydance (everyone should), a group for those who want to learn performance skills, or who want a less demanding performance experience. Smoke maintains a second student troupe from Triton College, Gülbahar ("rose of spring"). New in 2015 was Arba'a (Arabic for 'four'), a student troupe formed at Arabesque Dance and Fitness in Chicago. Whether you are looking for new steps to integrate into your own dance, a good deep workout, or to learn challenging and beautiful group improvisation, Dance as a Second Language can speak to you! Arabesque is where the D2L combined work happens, the most advanced teaching is available, and dancer formation is the main focus.
Sam teaches both structured and drop in classes. She can be reached through this interactive wall: http://padlet.com/sam_brenneman/danceas2ndlanguage On it is information about upcoming classes, as well as other useful video, music, and notes. Smoke performs around the greater Chicago area, as does the combined troupe Dance as a Second Language. News about performances can also be found on the padlet.
You may e-mail her at danceas2ndlanguage@gmail.com, or follow her on facebook as Hanan Tänzerin.
