Open Studio: RHYTHM TOGETHER with Myrto

cymbal music and belly dance for all

Belly dance, also known as raqs sharqi in Egypt and tsiftiteli in Greece, invites the mover into self through gentle, sensual, poetic movement. Flowing, winding, and twisting, the body attunes to its own mysteries. Stretching, strengthening, and cardio are intrinsic to this dance form.

In this special workshop, we'll begin with a finger cymbal lesson, learning and playing the 'zills' to Arabic and Greek belly dance rhythms (chiftiteli, baladi, maqsum). Next, we'll flow into movement, learning the dances that correspond to each rhythm. Class culminates with a Greek line dance called 'Kalamatiano,' uniting our group in fun communal celebration.

Like all offerings at the Studio, this is a friendly practice for movers of all backgrounds, and no experience is required.

Tools: Belly Dance, Finger Cymbals, Sensual Attunement, Mobility Exercises, Core Activation, Breathwork, Creative Flow

Feels: Rhythm, Waves, Joy

From Myrto

I'm a first-generation Greek-American dance artist and teacher. I've spent the last 16 years studying and performing belly dance and other social Mediterranean dances. I'm also an herbalist, astrologer, tarot and coffee cup reader, and the producer of Cafe Aman Project—a performance group celebrating Greek Anatolian music and dance with monthly shows in Brooklyn. I approach my crafts with endless curiosity, always researching and studying new aspects of divination and movement. I believe the two are very interconnected because the Body is always delivering messages from our intuition and environment. My goal is always for my clients and students to feel a bit more connected to their knowing, their body and expression. In addition to this special workshop, I teach a weekly belly dance class here at the Studio.