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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR - DRAKON
Photo by Teel Family
Drakon has been studying with national
and international teachers
for the past 12 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 are saying....
Nuray: "Having
Drakon as my teacher is a bonus - his dedication
and patience really shows and he makes learning so much 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."
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.
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.
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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
Walk-Ins are $15.00 per class
or pay in advance and buy 6 classes for $75.00
Mother & Daughter "Combo" (under age 14)
Walk-ins are $25.00 per class for the pair
or pay in advance and buy 6 classes for $125.00
PRIVATE CLASSES BY APPOINTMENT
1-1/2 hours $50.00
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 !
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4 CLASSES
@
4 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS
Tues 6:30-8:00 pm
Ranch Studio Estates Niederwald
Weds 6:30-8:00 pm
Sue's Dance
Georgetown
Thurs 10:00-12Noon
'Lyzabyth's Studio
Buda
Sat
10:00-12Noon Dance Unlimited
Buda
KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR MORE DETAIL &
PICTURES !!
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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
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This is the approach, heading north on Shell Road, Building 2544 is the 4th in
the row
Sue's Dance Studio is that small white door just beside the garage door just to the left of the red
SUV (which probably will not be there!)
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The small white door !
And there is a big sign out by the road !
Pictures get changed often
so keep checking back here !
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....
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The following picture is the Intermediate Class. Right now, Connie is the
only intermediate student so she takes the regular class from 6:30-8:00pm
and then from 8:00 to 8:30pm
works on more advanced steps.
L-R: Barbara, Heather, Drakon, Connie, Denise, Becky
Occasionally, Drakon teaches a really advanced
private class.
(This is Ruya polishing a few of 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
Belly Dancers have a variety of interests !
The blue
Harley belongs to Kim (pink shirt) and the
other one belongs to Denise (black
shirt -sitting
in the saddle).
L to R in back, Connie, Drakon, Barbara and Heather
Keep scrolling way down for
more pictures
of the
Company's actual performances.
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EVERY
THURSDAY MORNING
10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
This is an ongoing Intermediate
Level Class
Designed for a Workout
(while practicing several different choreographies)
L-R: Diya, Drakon, 'Lyzabyth (and that's 'Lyzabyth's son Benoit in foreground)
'Lyzabyth performing a Saiidi Cane Routine @ Mirage
This is 'Lyzabyth and Diya performing "Rouhi ya Rouhi"
at the
Austin Troupe Competition on July 31, 2010
They placed Third in the Duet Category ! Drakon is so proud of them !
Not just for learning to belly dance, but because
'Lyzabyth wrote this particular
choreography and then taught it to Diya !
Class is Open to Public,
but since it is held
at
a private home studio in Buda
space is very limited
so call
(512) 750-7037 for permission to attend.
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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, at the light, turn right on
Main Street and go west towards Buda.
Go past the light at
Cabela's Drive, then look on the left for the
4th 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
Nuray & Lori Learning to Roll
L-R: Delia, Diya, 'Lyzabyth, Drakon, Erika, Jessica, Brenda
L-R:
'Lyzabyth,
Diya, Drakon,
Nuray, Jessica, Erika, and Delia
And
it also has a young student
(Diya's
daughter) Erica -
she has been taking classes for almost 3 years ! !
This picture was taken at the Nov. 7th Show at
Eternal Way.
Erica
choreographed "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World"
and performed a very
well executed Hula Dance.
Thanks to Nacheska (Fort Worth) for teaching her this style.
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.
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Keep Scrolling Down
for
Upcoming Performance Opportunities
and lots of pictures
from past performances
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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
The above picture is Drakon and Nuray leading a demonstration class in
Georgetown. Connie Brown (in blue) is the owner of the beautiful
home.
These two pictures were at a sorority reunion party !
Drakon taught a complete choreography that night, and they loved it.
and the next picture is at a birthday party
-
Drakon was a fun surprise gift !!
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$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
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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. In August 2000, when we
established DPMEDT, it seemed that there really weren’t enough performance
opportunities and so, we wanted to provide that. Also, this dance is such a
beautiful art form, we wanted to introduce more of the community to it in a
setting where families could bring their children if they wish.
The lineup’s different for each show, but consistently,
whether the
dancers are beginners or professionals,
whether they’re from Austin and the
surrounding area, or from somewhere else around the State, all of the
dancers
are very high-quality with diverse tastes in music and with
unique-personal styles. We have not actually counted, but
it is probably
safe to say, there are a 50 or so different dancers gracing [the] stage each
year and with that many,
we create great opportunities for dancers who may
never have a chance to perform in one of the larger shows or land
a gig of
their own. "
SCHEDULE
There will be more, but these are for sure !
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Sept 10 |
8-10 pm |
In'trigue Gallery,
8650 Spicewood Springs, Austin 78759 |
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Oct 2 |
8-10:30 pm |
Dance Unlimited,
1019 Main(485 Loop 4), Buda 78610 |
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Oct 29 |
8-10 pm |
In'trigue Gallery,
8650 Spicewood Springs, Austin 78759 |
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Nov 6 |
8-10 pm |
Eternal Way,
1122 South Lamar, Austin 78704 |
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Nov 12 |
8-10 pm |
In'trigue Gallery,
8650 Spicewood Springs, Austin 78759 |
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Dec 4 |
8-10 pm
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Eternal Way,
1122 South Lamar, Austin 78704 |
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Dec 17 |
8-10
pm |
In'trigue Gallery,
8650 Spicewood Springs, Austin 78759 |
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RECORD OF PAST
PERFORMANCES
July 31, 2010 - Austin Troupe Competion -
Scottish Rite Theater - Austin
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'Lyzabyth and Diya at Austin Troupe Competition = Placed 3rd in Duet Category
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'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.......
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Then Heather joined her for a duet.........
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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)
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L-R: Viviana, Denise, Connie, Drakon, Barbara, Delia, Heather, Diya, Becky
October 3, 2009 - Windermere Event Center
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
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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
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