Just Keep Scrolling Down the Page !

 


 ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR - DRAKON


Photo by Teel Family

Drakon has been studying with national and international teachers
for the past 14 years now, and in his classes he teaches the various techniques, layering and combinations he has accumulated in those workshops.  Every 6 weeks begins a different choreography. 
Each student receives a music CD, a written handout and sometimes a DVD of Drakon performing that particular choreography. And, even when a new choreography is introduced, the previous ones will still be reviewed in class.  Bear in mind, that it is sure a lot cheaper to come take one of Drakon's classes than it is to travel and take a full workshop somewhere else...so, treat yourself and come build up your repertoire !

 Here's what his students have said...

Nuray: "Having Drakon as my teacher was a bonus - his dedication
and patience really showed and he made learning easier
and always fun."

Jodi: “I had an absolute blast in class.  Drakon is so good to us, he never made us feel intimidated and we always had a good laugh at something.”     

 Yolanda:  “We all really enjoyed belly dancing classes, Drakon really made a very difficult 6 sessions extremely fun and comfortable.  His wonderful soul and kind nature shows in his incredibly patient and true desire to teach others his talent. 
His eyes always smile along with the rest of his face and we all thank him and
look forward to continuing classes."
 

Why should a woman even consider taking a "Belly dance" class from a man?

Consider what most people use as criteria for hiring a "Belly Dancer". - Gorgeous, slim, young, female, good dancer, in that order. 

Probably 99.95% of all paying performances are taken by women dancers; so when taking classes from a performing female, it is possible that your instructor will view you as potential competition and delay or limit your development.

The feeling of being less than beautiful can certainly be magnified when comparing oneself to a Diva,
but when your instructor will never be a beautiful or gorgeous woman like you and he knows it,
that feeling need not be a concern.

Drakon sees the beauty of every female and encourages each to embrace and celebrate their own Unique Beauty.

 Why would a man ever consider allowing his significant other to take
"Belly Dance" classes from a male teacher?  

Consider why she might want to.  Male dominance is an ungodly attitude that presumes female inferiority. If enforced, it colors a relationship with fear or resentment, both being anti-love feelings.

What Drakon says about himself !  Interview with Thumbtack.com

What do you like most about your job?

The freedom to express my emotions in dance.  I think that of all the things I like about being
a belly dancer, being constantly surrounded by beauty or just the sheer joy of dancing 
(I am not sure which) is tops.

What is the worst thing about teaching ??

For sure what I dislike the most is insecure men who forbid their wife/girlfriend to go to class and look at some guy's tushie.     

Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

I am a professional performing male classical Egyptian belly dancer...there are not very many of us ! Over the past 12 years, I have attended many, many workshops around the nation, and I do not hesitate to share the "good stuff" I have gleaned with my students. Because I am male, I feel no need to suppress my students progress so they will not "out-dance" me and since I know that I will never be competing with the females for the paying gigs, I can relax
and enjoy performing and teaching.

What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

How long will it take me to learn to belly dance ? That depends on how much you practice at home. Like any skill, practice makes the difference. Some people catch on quickly, some take years. Everyone is different.

If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets
to share?

That it is an amazing exercise form. Muscles are used correctly, so there is no strain on the body, joints become more flexible and the posture is improved greatly.

Do you have a favorite story from your work?

Not really. My wife loves to watch people watch me dance. She says the facial expressions
are priceless.

 


ABOUT THE CLASSES

All of DRAKON's Classes are Ongoing Dance Workouts
 With Isolation & Drill Practice - plus a completely different choreography taught every 6 weeks !

Suitable for All Ages, All Sizes,
All Levels Beginning to Advanced

$15.00 per class OR buy 6 in advance for $75.00

Mother & Daughter "Combo" (child under age 14)
$25.00 per class for the pair or buy 6 in advance for $125.00
 

PRIVATE CLASSES BY APPOINTMENT     1-1/2 hours $75.00
Prices are the same for all locations,
unless indicated otherwise,
or if prior arrangements have been made. 

CASH ALWAYS PLEASE

and also note that.....

Out of respect for student's busy lives, no long term contracts are required; however, out of respect for the teacher and fellow classmates, regular attendance is encouraged.
Therefore, there are no refunds for missed classes.

Hip Scarves, Veils, Canes & Swords 
are Available for Student Use in Class
Just wear something comfortable
and bring a water bottle !

                           

3 CLASSES
@
3 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Weds      6:30-8:00 pm     Sue's Dance                Georgetown

Thurs    10:00-12Noon     Dance Unlimited          Buda

Sat        10:00-12Noon     Dance Unlimited          Buda

                      KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR MORE DETAIL & PICTURES !!

 

 

 

EVERY
WEDNESDAY EVENING
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Designed for Beginners-Intermediate

Sue's Dance
2544-B Shell Road, Georgetown, Texas 78628

DIRECTIONS: From Northbound I35 – take Exit #261, Hwy 2338, Andice Road,
Williams Drive - Lake Georgetown - Turn Left, go back over I35, and travel West
on Williams Drive for 3.1miles, until you come to Shell Drive (traffic light #5). 
Turn right (North) and travel 2.5 miles. 
There will be a grouping of white buildings on the right called Shell Road Business Park.
Another way is to continue north on IH35 through GT, take the exit to Florence (Hwy 195), turn left, going back  over IH35 - go about 2.5 miles on Hwy 195 to the first light.  That is the other end of Shell Road, turn left, and after about 1.5 miles, the Shell Business Park will be on your left. 

If you get lost call (512) 295-2036 or (512) 630-8355 

This is the approach, heading north on Shell Road, Building 2544 is the 4th in the row
Sue's Dance Studio is that small purple door just to the left of the red SUV (which probably will not be there and that garage door is already gone!)

 And there is a big sign out by the road !

 
Pictures get changed often  so keep checking back here !

Drakon & Studio Owner, Sue Barton

 

The following pictures are from the 2-02-11 Georgetown classes.............

L-R in line: Christina, Tracey, Drakon, Nikki, Becky & Sue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L-R Back : Christina, Drakon, Nikki Center: Tracey, Becky Seated: Sue


L-R: Christina, Tracey, Drakon, Nikki, Becky, Sue


 And as we say, the class is designed as a workout while
having fun, but what were they doing here ??? 
And there are too many pictured to even name them all....

 

Occasionally, Drakon teaches a more advanced private class.
(This is Connie learning a new choreography and polishing her techniques.)


Sometimes, Drakon brings in Guest Instructors to help teach a specific style or technique.  Back on January 9, 2010, the Intermediate-Advanced Students participated in a 3 hour intensive workshop with Amethyst from Fort Worth.   


L-R: Ruya, Connie, Barbara, Drakon, Amethyst, Heather & Becky

 

 

EVERY THURSDAY MORNING
 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
This is an ongoing Beginning-Intermediate Level Class
Designed for a Workout
(while practicing several different choreographies)

Dance Unlimited
 1019 Main Street (485 Loop 4)
 Buda, Texas 78610
www.danceunlimitedbuda.com

 

 

EVERY
Saturday 
MORNING
 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

This is an ongoing Beginner - Intermediate Level Class designed for a workout while practicing several choreographies.

Dance Unlimited
 1019 Main Street (485 Loop 4)
 Buda, Texas 78610
www.danceunlimitedbuda.com

Beautiful studio with wood floors and mirrors !!
DIRECTIONS: Go south on I35, Take Exit #221 Main Street (under Toll 45 Bridges),
then at the Main Street light, turn right and go west towards Old Town Buda.  
Go past the light at Cabela's Drive, then look on the left for the 5th building -
a white limestone building with a bright blue metal roof. 
Note: The sign out front still has the old address 485 Loop 4 -
but BOTH the Post Office and Google Maps says it is 1019 Main Street !

If you get lost call (512) 295-3667 or (512) 295-2036


L-R: Marisol, Delia, Dawn, Drakon, Elizabeth, Angie


L-R: Marisol, Delia, Dawn, Drakon, Elizabeth, Angie
(that's Melissa in the background - it was her first day and she was watching the "Say Na Say Na"
choreography being performed by the rest of the class.) 


Drakon (blue), Lori (orange) Delia (red) and Erica (black)


 L-R: 'Lyzabyth, Diya, Drakon, Nuray, Jessica, Erika, and Delia
Comments from a Student

I love our Saturday morning work out in Buda at Dance Unlimited! It is such a wonderful time to look forward to.
Great exercise, artistic outlet and so much fun!! The two hours fly by.  Drakon is an uplifting presence and a wonderful
and talented teacher. I am so glad to be studying the art of belly dancing with him.

   

 

Keep Scrolling Down
for Upcoming Performance Opportunities and lots of pictures
from past performances

 

OTHER TYPES
OF CLASSES

Sometimes, Drakon teaches in a private setting, and the latest one was a lot of fun.  A group of Sorority Sisters asked him to perform at their annual party, and he has a unique way of getting everyone involved.  In full costume, he demonstrated a short 4 min. choreography to “Warda” (with a fun drum solo tacked onto the end) then spent an hour teaching the choreography.  At the end of the lesson, the students were able to perform the choreography by themselves.  He gives them a CD with the music, a written copy of the choreography and a link to purchase a silk veil.   Afterwards, there were excellent Middle Eastern refreshments.   The next time you are looking for entertainment, keep Drakon in mind. 
It is certainly fun and everyone loves it

 
These two pictures were at a sorority reunion party ! 
Drakon taught a complete choreography that night, and they loved it.


 


The above picture is Drakon and Nuray leading a demonstration class in Georgetown.  Connie Brown (in blue) is the owner of the beautiful home.

and the next picture is at a birthday party -
Drakon was a fun surprise gift !!

 

$200.00 for a 5 minute performance & 1 hour class

To book one of these parties......choose a location, make sure it has room to move, and contact Drakon to schedule your fun evening.  mailto:mlilah@desertpassion.com

 

 

UPCOMING STUDENT PERFORMANCES !!

An interview with instructor and founder, Drakon, "There comes a point in every dancer’s progression, when the only thing that is going to really help them improve is to perform. Drakon works with the students individually to choose their music and polishing their techniques and M'lilah assists with their costuming.  Naturally, the students as members of the Desert Passion Dance Company can perform in any and every Desert Passion show they want to, but as the Company's Manager, M'lilah is constantly searching for other dance opportunities.

SCHEDULE

December 3rd, Dance Unlimited

There will be more, but this one for sure !

 

PHOTOS FROM VARIOUS STUDENT PERFORMANCES

 


Casa de Luz 11-11-11 Lucila's Show
     LR: Angie, Delia, Drakon, Connie & Christina


Price Activity Center - San Marcos

World Dance Showcase October 26, 2011
L-R:  Angie, Diya, Delia, Connie, Drakon,
Christina (hidden behind Drakon) 
 


'Lyzabyth


            'Lyzabyth on far Right


      Connie at In'trigue 5-20-11


L-R: Lori, Delia, Diya, Connie, Drakon, Christina, 'Lyzabyth & Becky


                                    L-R:  Nuray, Delia, Diya, 'Lyzabyth, Angie


 



 

January 14, 2011 - Dougherty Arts Center - ABA Jukebox Show


Nuray by Gene Bednar


'Lyzabyth & Diya by Gene Bednar

December 4, 2010, Eternal Way Center
Drakon & Connie performing a duet to "Istanbul"
Photo by Valerie






December 3, 2010 'Lyzabyth & Diya at
Rakasa Review
Photos by Claire Stone



November 6, 2010 at Eternal Way - Annual World Dance Show
DPMEDC (Drakon, 'Lyzabyth & Diya) performing a Nubian Folkloric Number
Photos by Erica Wilson













  October 29, 2010 at In'trigue Gallery, Austin, Texas
'Lyzabyth & Diya performing "Marco Polo"
Photos by Phillip Shurtleff & Franco


                Diya & 'Lyzabyth - "Marco Polo"


 


         'Lyzabyth (Light) Photo by Phillip Shurtleff
 
      
    Diya (Dark)  (Photo by Franko)
             


'Lyzabyth as a Wild Bird by Franco


'Lyzabyth by Franco


Drakon & 'Lyzabyth by Valerie


Photo by Phillip
October 16, 2010 at Carousel Lounge, Austin, Texas


                                              Nuray by M'lilah
 

                   
                                          Nuray & Drakon by M'lilah


OCTOBER 16, 2010 @ Hip Circle Hafleh & Atash El Sol y La Luna
               'Lyzabyth with Sabaya and other Local Dancers

Sabaya Bellydance Collective was excited to host this year's “Hip Circle Hafleh” as part of Sahara Nights at the Copa Bar and Grill, 217 Congress Avenue, Austin.   The show was a collaborated effort of three belly dance instructors (Bahaia, Najla and Stacey Lizette) who wanted to create an intimate, relaxed environment to showcase their students for family and friends.  Along with student group and solo performances, Sahara Nights featured solo performances from the teachers themselves, along with solos from Sabaya.

Quoting ’Lyzabyth, “I had a great night at the Hip Circle Hafla hosted by Sabaya and afterwards at the Atash show. I have been a student of belly dance with Drakon for about two and a half years and with Stacey Lizette for a little over half a year. I enjoy both of their teaching styles and feel fortunate to have such fantastic teachers to study with. I danced a solo at the Hip Circle Hafla with Stacey’s students and felt really honored to take part in this yearly student show. It was fun to perform on the Copa stage in a night club atmosphere.”
Photo by Diya

  Later, that same evening, a local band, Atash, along with members of Sabaya Bellydance Collective and Sunny from Lannaya West African Drum and Dance Ensemble
headlined at show at El Sol Y La Luna, 600 East 6th St., Austin, and
‘Lyzabyth was invited to perform onstage with the band.

  
Photo by Diya

”And what a thrill to dance with Atash live, to share the stage with them was an unforgettable moment! It was special to be part the Austin downtown night life scene;  I had the time of my life! Atash is such an awesome band!  To get to dance with them, wow! I want to thank Stacey and Rania for the performance opportunities and thanks to my girl Dawn for taking the pics!”
 
Atash's curvaceous Indian-Middle Eastern melodies with addictive percussive rhythms, and the delightfully seamless infusion of Western jazz, rock, and classical music traditions, along with Mohammad Firoozi's captivating vocals with lyrics sung in Farsi, is a their collective expression of love to the world. http://www.atash.com/media_docs/docs/ATASHPressKit_907.pdf
 

October 2, 2010 at Dance Unlimited, Buda, Texas
Bella Donna Show

     
 'Lyzabyth by Valerie
                        
                         
              Diya & 'Lyzabyth by Valerie     
                                          
                                  
                                                Fairy Dance by Valerie                            

   
Erica by Valerie     


Fire of Anatolia y Phillip

 July 31, 2010 - Austin Troupe Competion - Scottish Rite Theater - Austin


'Lyzabyth and Diya  Placed 3rd in Duet Category


'Lyzabyth, Drakon & Diya in "Fire of Anatolia"
Placed 3rd in Small Troupe Category

          June 5, 2010    1st Thursday in Buda, Texas
 

Diya, Drakon & 'Lyzabyth at "Sue Ellen's Outdoor Cafe" in Buda


    






















             
                          'Lyzabyth, Diya, Erica and Drakon dancing "The Fairy Dance"


    May 15, 2010   Shimmy by the Sea - Corpus Christi, Texas

      Diya & Connie joined Drakon in the dramatic "Fire of Antolia"

 

                January 9, 2010, Sue's Dance - Georgetown

Connie performed solo.......





Then Heather joined her for a duet.........




October 9, 2009 - ABA'S 
"A Year and a Day of Dance" @ Dougherty Arts Center 

Both Pictures L-R:  Delia (Buda), Barbara, Diya (Buda), Heather, Drakon, Connie, Denise, Becky, Viviana (Austin)





                     L-R: Viviana, Denise, Connie, Drakon, Barbara, Delia, Heather, Diya, Becky


      October 3, 2009 -  Windermere Event Center, Pflugerville

 
                          L-R: Connie, Becky, Heather & Barbara (Georgetown Intermediate Class)


       September 19, 2009 @ SUE'S DANCE  STUDIO

                         Heather, Becky, Barbara and Denise

                           This is Barbara's 1st Solo

                            And Afterwards .....


                              L-R: Denise, Becky (1st timers), Connie, Heather & Barbara
               They were so proud of themselves...and should be !  Drakon says he is proud of them also.....


MARCH 27, 2009 @ LEANDER HIGH SCHOOL

As part of a Multi-Cultural Performing Arts Festival, the Company was asked to perform a short "Middle Eastern Dance Performance".   How to portray the broad range of styles in 20 minutes or less was a difficult question to answer, but Drakon, finally, chose to present three numbers....

The first was the class veil choreography.  After putting in some extra practice time,
Connie (left) and Heather (right) made a few alterations of their own.  
They are Intermediate Level students and did very well !



For the second number, Drakon chose to do a modern Egyptian love song with a strong folkloric flavor.   He wore this particular costume as it seemed more "traditional" for a man's costume, and he did not want to surprise the students more than a man belly dancing had already !



Then for the third number, Heather, Connie and Drakon performed the "Drum Solo" class choreography.  M'lilah explained before hand that in Middle Eastern music the drums are the pulse of the music, but in a "drum solo" the drums alone are the music.



The response was good, though the kids just kinda "sat there" watching, applauding at the end..........but, afterwards, there was lots of interest in a class there at the high school .... we will see what happens ! From Drakon  "Many thanks, Connie and Heather, for being a part of this cultural event, I really hope you enjoyed your experience !" 
 Since they actually were paid (a little) for doing this, we all went out to enjoy Mexican food and Margarita's afterwards !

September 20, 2008 @
McCoy Elementary
1313 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas
 


L-R: Connie, Jennifer & Nassma


L-R: Connie, Nassma, Heather & Jennifer


L-R: Gabriela & Sofia


Gabriela



Sofia - Angel Wings



Nassma


Gabriela & Drakon, 1,001 Nights Story
 

June 27, 2008 @ Studio in Motion

(Joined by Nassma)
 

L-R: Connie, Barbara, Drakon, Heather, Nassma

The following 2 are the Intermediate/Advance Level

L-R: Nassma, Drakon, Connie

Collection of Miscellaneous Pictures
September 1, 2007 @ ABA's
"Dougherty Arts Center" by Julia Bednar
L-R:  Jennifer, Nassma, Kura, Drakon, Stephanie, Connie and Secora



Gabriela, Drakon, Flo and Secora Private Party

Next 2 Pictures: At Casa de Luz


Gabriela & Drakon