BellyDance @ StorieBrook
We are so excited to partner with the talented Madja Anwar to make these classes & workshops available in the StorieBrook community or "Rainbow Room."
The first event will be a gentle introduction on Sunday afternoon, August 11th.
To learn more, or to sign up, visit Madja's website
About the Class - Belly Dance for Larger Bodies 2-Hour Workshop
Join us for a belly dance class that celebrates body diversity and inclusivity, specifically designed for larger bodies but open to everyone. In this supportive and welcoming environment, you'll learn beginner-level belly dance techniques that promote self-confidence and body liberation. No experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to move! Our trauma-informed approach ensures a safe space where every body can express joy and find community through dance. Embrace your unique beauty and experience the transformative power of belly dance with us.
Date: Sunday, August 11th, 2024
Time: 1pm ET - 3pm ET
Location: StorieBrook Therapy & Consulting, LLC
4268 Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30066
About the Instructor - Madja Anwar
Majda has nearly three decades of Middle Eastern dance experience and has studied a diverse range of belly dance, including classical Egyptian, American Tribal Style® (ATS®),) and tribal fusion, making her a versatile dancer and instructor. She began dancing when she was five, imitating and learning from her aunts at family social gatherings. When other children might have been watching Saturday morning cartoons, Majda devotedly watched the great Egyptian dance stars, such as Nagua Fouad and Sohair Zaki, perform with their 40-piece orchestra. She sought her first formal training after seeing a belly dancer at the Georgia Renaissance Festival when she was 11. Since then, she has continuously studied various stylizations and techniques. In April 2007, she earned her General Skills Certification in ATS® from Carolena Nericcio-Bolhman of FatChanceBellyDance®. In 2015, she began studying at the Salimpour School of Dance, where she holds a Level 2 certification in the Suhaila Salimpour Format and Level 2 in the Jamila Salimpour Format.
Majda has taught belly dance since she was 16 years old. She has offered classes from classic Egyptian style to tribal fusion. From 2005 – 2009, Majda taught multi-level, weekly classes at Georgia Tech where she earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing at the School of Business. She has taught workshops all around the United States and is a well-recognized teacher in the Atlanta metro area.
About the Space - StorieBrook Community Room
StorieBrook's Rainbow Room aims to create a community space that is warm and inviting, where our beloved community can create connection, learn, grow, unwind and share joy! The space has a gender-neutral bathroom that is accessible and equipped with pull bars around the toilet. The room is accessed via an accessible ramp leading from the parking lot. The space is equipped with a permanent bench, lots of folding chairs, yoga mats, and lots of other props for making our activities there comfortable on the hardwood floors. The chairs are all without arms, at least 18 inches wide, and at least 500lb capacity. Our goal is for this to be an inclusive and sensory-friendly space, so we try not to use the overhead florescent lights, and to keep the noise low. There is some ambient noise from the highway outside, and a fountain in the room that can be unplugged if this noise is unpleasant for any users. There is an adjacent office that can be used as a quiet space should anyone become overstimulated. There are chairs and places to sit should people need a break during the event. There is a fan and additional air-conditioning unit in the space in order to keep it cool and comfortable, and lots of blankets should anyone feel cold. Please, make yourself at home - there is tea on the counter, and the kettle is always on!
At our events, all bodies are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary! These classes are spaces where all bodies are celebrated and fatphobia and body shaming will not be tolerated. We celebrate working with bodies with all levels of strength, mobility and access, and are excited to create and encourage adaptations as needed.
All of the offerings at StorieBook aspire to our values of access, anti-racism, body liberation, collaboration, cultural humility, diversity & disability justice, education, inclusion & affirmation, and trauma-informed care. We can't wait to meet you!
Covid Policy: Masks are welcome and optional. Please consider taking an at-home Covid test before attending this gathering and do not attend events at StorieBrook if you have symptoms of illness.