I have always loved to dance, but have always been that "slow," hard-to-teach student who struggled through class feeling awkward and, sometimes, hopeless. Malik got through to me and my muscle memory in a way no teacher has before. In addition to being an inspiring dancer, Malik is a gifted and organized teacher. She structures her classes very thoughtfully, and works with students on multiple levels -- to overcome self-consciousness, to build coordination, to develop strength and grace, to learn to isolate muscle groups, to relate music and movement together, to learn choreography, to build community among the class members, and to have a good time! Malik uses different strategies to help her students learn -- she doesn't just show a move and expect us to copy it. She also explains when needed, gives helpful images so we can visualize the move, describes how moves should feel, and helps us position our bodies properly. She's excellent with adapting classes for people with physical limitations (I have some chronic joint problems). Malik has also been extremely encouraging to her students, working with us "where we are" and helping us to grow into stronger dancers. I no longer feel like the "problem kid!" Thanks, Malik!
Strengthen, Stretch, & Shimmy - Yoga & Bellydance for Girls
This class is designed for middle school aged girls to learn more about yoga and bellydance. Malik Turley, bellydance instructor and Lela Beem, yoga instructor will provide participants with an introduction to the mindful, empowering and engaging forms of movement that women do around the world. Malik and Lela will teach about the connections between the ancient arts of bellydance, which originated in the Middle East, and yoga, which originated in India.
Through weekly practice in poses and postures, YOU will:
Increase flexibility and build focus with yoga
Learn to use dance moves and feel more comfortable in your body
Spend time with friends in a peaceful, non-competitive and healthy environment
Learn about world cultures through movement and meditation practices
What to wear? Comfortable yoga-style pants and a fitted, stretchy top are best for both yoga and bellydance. The class will be conducted in bare feet, and a yoga mat is recommended.
Lela Beem, E-RYT 500, has been leading group Hatha yoga classes full-time since 2005. She specializes in working with youth of all ages and has worked as an after-school program instructor and wilderness therapist for middle school and high school-aged kids, as well as a therapeutic yoga teacher for high-needs kids in foster care. Lela enjoys sharing the gifts of yoga with girls, helping them build strength, confidence and inner peace. She co-owns Grateful Yoga of Evanston, 1108 Davis Street.
Malik Turley, certified group exercise instructor, has been bellydancing as much as possible since 2004. Malik relishes opportunities to share her love of bellydance with girls and women of all ages. A mother of 3 wonderful children and a birth/parenting professional, she fuses dance, fitness, and parenting into her newest “baby” - Hip Circle Studio.
Upcoming Events for this Class
None at this time.
