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Sadie’s Raqs Flow Training and Certification Program presents students with a comprehensive, in-depth curriculum to learn, experience and explore the rich diversity of the dance form commonly referred to as “Bellydance” in the West or “Raqs Sharqi” or “Oriental Dance” in the East. Students will receive the technical tools and training to gain mastery over the vast and evolving vocabulary of Bellydance movements from the traditional to the modern…
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A Journey of Growth
The Raqs Flow Level system
The Raqs Flow program is designed for students who seek to achieve personal growth and development through completion of all 4 levels. Levels 1 and 2 are open to anyone interested in learning more about Raqs Flow or just looking for in-depth training with Sadie, without the obligation to test. Levels 3 and 4 are closed to students who have completed Levels 1&2.
Raqs Flow Philosophy
Raqs Flow celebrates the belief that our bodies are innately designed for dynamic movement. Dancing is one of the most natural and primitive forms of self-expression, devotion, cultural heritage and social bonding.
Dance is very therapeutic and healing on both a personal and social level and is accessible to all! Aspects and benefits of dance are accessible even to those who are physically impaired or immobile.
Raqs Flow seeks to instill a deep understanding and appreciation of the technique, history and culture of Bellydance as well as examining the art form in terms of its historical and current context, relevance and application.
The training program allows students and professionals a safe, non-judgemental space to discover and study the many facets of the subject on a deeper level than would otherwise be possible.
The program empowers students with the knowledge and know-how of understanding their body and expressing themselves through dance movement; helping to removing all blockages, physical, mental and emotional that keep us from our flow. Raqs Flow respects each person’s unique way of interpreting this art form as well as the journey that brought them to it, while honoring and preserving the traditions of this dance for future generations to enjoy. There is so much wisdom and culture of this ancient yet ever evolving dance.
Flexible Learning for All
Curriculum
The 4 level program— educates, motivates and inspires students through direct interaction and participation in program intensives and immersion opportunities; such as retreats, workshops and tours. The program requires students to fulfill a required amount of hours toward intellectual study, projects, assignments and personal practice which can be done on their own time and at their own pace within the guidelines of the program.
The design of the program allows students to stay dedicated to the style of their preference while exploring and learning about the relevance and importance of all the styles that make up the art form. Students completing and earning certification in all 4 levels of the program will be eligible to participate in advanced level graduate courses which will offer specialized, focused training in certain professional topics. More information will be made available upon enrollment of Level 4.
*Upon registration for Level 1, students will receive a fully detailed program Welcome Packet.
LEVEL 1
Open to experienced dancers only.
Dancers should have some basic training in Bellydance.
Overview and Topics
History and cultural examination
Level 1 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well-being
Implementation of posture and arm positions.
Introduction to applicable classical dance movement techniques and body mechanics
Level 1 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary
Introduction to the Raqs Sharqi movement vocabulary
Level 1 Rhythm identification and timing
Level 1 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
Level 1 Choreography to enhance and develop “Flow”
LEVEL 2
All Level 1 participants welcome.
Open to all dancers who have participated in Level 1 whether they tested or not.
Overview and topics
Continuation of history and cultural examination.
Level 2 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well-being
Posture and Level 2 arm positions and stylizations. Analysis of their modes of use
Level 2 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary, introduction to isolations and layering
Level 2 Raqs Sharqi technique and movement vocabulary
Foot patterns and transitions
Development of spins and turns
Level 2 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
Level 2 Rhythm identification. Introducing finger cymbals and basic darbuka techniques with musician
Level 2 Choreography to enhance and develop “Flow”
LEVEL 2 Prerequisites
Disseminated to students as they register for Level 2. You are only required to fulfill the prerequisites if you intend on testing in Level 2.
LEVEL 2 Additional requirements to certify
Level 2 projects and reading assignments of blogs, research papers and books on related topics of Level 2. The Level 2 written test will test for competency in the reading material
Level 3
Exclusive for Level 1 & 2 graduates.
Closed Level for dancers who have completed Level 1 & 2 and test into Level 3
Overview and topics
History and cultural examination: an exploration of Indigenous and Folkloric dances of North Africa and the Middle East
Level 3 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well-being
Continuation of classical dance movement techniques and veil techniques
Level 3 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary. Incorporating all movements learned to this point.
Phrasing and Transitions
Level 3 Raqs Sharqi technique and movement vocabulary / folkloric dances
Level 3 Rhythm identification. Intermediate finger cymbals and continuing darbuka techniques. Introduction to frame drum and riqq
In depth musicality exploring rhythm, melody, lyrics and Maqam
Improvisation to live music with assigned movements sets.
Stage presence, emotion, tarab and stylization
Costuming
Level 3 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
Level 3 Choreographies to enhance and develop “Flow”
LEVEL 3 Prerequisites
Disseminated to student upon registration for Level 3.
LEVEL 3 TEST
Testing will be scheduled at the conclusion of the Level 3 intensive to evaluate comprehension of the material covered.
The test will consist of:
A physical test
A written test
1 performance presentation
LEVEL 3 Additional requirements to certify
Level 3 projects and reading assignments of blogs, research papers and books on related topics of Level 3. The Level 3 written test will test for competency in the reading material.
Level 4
For Level 3 graduates only.
Closed Level to dancers who have tested and passed Levels 1, 2 & 3.
Overview and topics
Examining the historical timeline of Bellydance, analysis of current context, relevance and application
Level 4 Strength training and conditioning to develop the core, enhance stamina, flexibility, balance, and well being
Level 4 Raqs Flow technique and movement vocabulary, advanced sequencing
Level 4 Raqs Sharqi technique and movement vocabulary / modern styling.
Level 4 Drills designed to enhance stamina, coordination and rhythmic consistency
Level 4 Rhythm identification, performance of a live composition playing your choice of finger cymbals, frame drum, riqq or darbuka
Study, analysis, formulation, creative process and presentation
Staging
Level 4 Advanced professional choreographies to enhance and develop “Flow”
LEVEL 4 Prerequisites
Disseminated to students upon registration for Level 4.
LEVEL 4 TEST
Testing will be scheduled at the conclusion of the Level 4 intensive to evaluate comprehension of the material covered.
The test will consist of:
A physical test
A written test
Level 4 Flow Choreographies
Level 4 Finger Cymbal/Drum Solo (darbuka) choreography as a live group performance, your choice of playing cymbals, frame drum, riqq or darbuka
1 performance presentation
LEVEL 4 Additional requirements to certify
Level 4 projects and reading assignments of blogs, research papers and books on related topics of Level 4. The Level 4 written test will test for competency in the reading material.
Raqs Online is Here!
Sadie’s Raqs Flow
Raqs Flow Student Eve
“Since I took the first Raqs Flow Level 1 in March 2015, I realized what my strengths and weaknesses are as a dancer and especially as a Bellydancer. The course inspired me to try out and continue learning as much and as many different styles of the dance as I can.”
Raqs Flow Student Erin
“I feel as though I have been given the gift of rejuvenation. I have danced consistanly for over 20 years, but I rarely take the time to reflect, drill from the ground up, and focus on foundation.
I absolutely love the all encompassing approach of Raqs Flow. I feel the history and education on culture is invaluable.
This Raqs Flow journey has helped me grow as a student, mentor, teacher, choreographer and more.”
Raqs Flow Student Julia
“All in all, the Level 1 certification went incredibly well. Not necessarily because of reaching some level of success, but for the whole experience. The many dance sisters and brothers I met and united with over laughs and food and of course making it through one of the most challenging physical workouts together! The incredible education Sadie & David provide on the origins, history, culture and rhythms of Oriental Dance. The beautiful movement and appreciation of each and every dancer.”
Raqs Flow Student Liz
“I was surprised at how Sadie is able to make things and movements I had mentally classified as ‘beginner’ hard again. After the weekend, my body was sore and tired! (In a good way.) It definitely was great drilling the fundamentals….”
FAQ
WHY CERTIFY WITH SADIE?
My program offers students a focused, in-depth curriculum to fully immerse themselves into the Oriental Dance arts. Raqs Flow was designed to develop technically strong, educated students who hold a broad understanding and scope of the dance form commonly referred to as Bellydance. Students will realize quickly that Raqs Flow is not about me or learning “my style”. My main premise is to help students find their own voice and their own flow while exploring this rich, diverse art form.
The most common approach to learning Bellydance leads the majority of students to train in classes and “weekend warrior” style workshops that focus mostly on “bestselling” topics to sell out a class. This approach barely skims the surface of what this dance has to offer; if it even touches on it at all and ultimately leads dancers in the direction of imitation rather than creation.
This is a program for students looking to go a journey of personal development. My floor is open to students who are just discovering this beautiful dance as well as advanced professionals seeking a safe, non-judgemental space to continue honing their craft. As your mentor I will push you, challenge you and inspire you!
WHY DID YOU DEVELOP RAQS FLOW? WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED TO DO SO?
As of now, there is no governing body that qualifies or licenses Bellydancers to professionally teach, perform or offer a certification program. At least not by the standards of institutionalized higher education or other certifying agencies such as ACE in the fitness world or the Yoga Alliance in the yoga world. Maybe one day there will be, but for now Bellydance will continue to thrive the way it has for hundreds of years; and personally I think that leaves the frontier open for incredible artistic expression and creativity.
True, anyone can hang a shingle and call themselves a “professional” but this does not mean that there are not really great and worthwhile programs out there with incredible teachers. It just means that you should do your homework in researching dancers. Ultimately it is you who will make the decision on whom you deem qualified based on what you are looking for in a teacher and who you connect with. When seeking an instructor or mentor, align with your personal dance goals and the type of people you want to surround yourself with.
I was motivated to create Raqs Flow by my students and their enthusiasm and trust in me! My ultimate inspiration comes from a place of deep gratitude and a passion to empower others!
In the nearly three decades I have been practicing Bellydance, I have performed and taught thousands of hours and thousands of students, in hundreds of cities in over 50 countries. I have made dozens of instructional videos and shared the stage with some of the worlds greatest legends and stars. I have had the privilege to discuss the politics and issues that are of concern in the Bellydance community with many of my peers and respected artists.
I have learned hard lessons and have been challenged and pushed to my limits. My failures were some of my greatest lessons and now i get to pass that wisdom on to my students. To be great at anything takes patience, self-examination and growth.
To this day I train and study with our living grandmothers and grandfathers of the dance. I train my body through other modalities of movement and I strive to link the connections of a universal dance language as well as appreciate the uniqueness of Raqs Sharqi. Being a foreigner in love with an art form from another culture has inspired me on a lifelong path of learning and discovery. The journey never ends. I am a seeker! Teaching for me is the highest form of education and service.
WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING STYLE?
Raqs Flow is not just a training program, it is a community of supportive, creative individuals. The real magic happens within the community setting. Raqs Flow is a beautiful way to network with other dancers and to find yourself surrounded by a positive, encouraging environment. That is the energy that I attract and uphold for all of my Raqs Flow trainings and retreats. If your looking for tough love and militant style training, then Raqs Flow may not be for you.
As a person who wishes to contribute to the beauty and kindness in the world you will not find any harsh, dogamtic teaching styles with me. While the Raqs Flow curriculum is physically demanding and challenging and I push my students to give their best and to break thresholds within themselves, at the end of the day, I treat all my students with respect for the individuals they are. There is no “one size fits all” conformity mentality in my program.
My ultimate goals is, once again, to empower students and leave them feeling better about themselves. If I can help anyone more deeply connect to their body, mind and spirit, then I know that will positively impact all areas of their life.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
Level 1 is open to all levels of dancers but it is recommended that you have some basic knowledge and experience with beginner Bellydance techniques and movement. As preparation for level 1, you can take online classes with Sadie at www.RaqsOnline.com or work with her DVDs to get familiar with her teaching style.
Level 1 and 2 are open to anyone interested in learning more about Raqs Flow or just looking for in depth training with Sadie without the obligation to test. Levels 3 and 4 can only be attended by students who have tested in after completing Levels 1, 2 and 3.
WHAT STYLE OF BELLYDANCE DOES RAQS FLOW TEACH?
Raqs Flow does not train dancers in any one style of “Bellydance”; it creates students who are aware of their body and helps them understand how to create dance movement. Raqs Flow will explore a handful of different techniques and postures to create the movements of the Bellydance vocabulary. These techniques are broken down into Sadie’s specific format, referred to within the program as the “Raqs Flow Movement Vocabulary” as well as examining and breaking down what is referred to within the program as the “Raqs Sharqi Movement Vocabulary”; these are the core movements and steps that make up our dance form and have been adopted from culturally Arabic dances for as far back as we can historically document. Additionally other regional MENAHT dance styles will be examined within the program.
HOW MANY YEARS DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE?
The 4 level program will take students anywhere from 2-4 years to complete depending on the pace they want to set for themselves. By January 2026, all levels of Raqs Flow will be fully online with Level 1 up now and Level 2 on the way!
DOES CERTIFYING IN RAQS FLOW GUARANTEE A PROFESSION AS A BELLYDANCER?
No. There are many aspects, attributes and qualities a person must posses to succeed at anything in life. Raqs Flow helps students to develop many of those skills. It specifically gives students an edge as a technically trained and skilled dancer, however it is not a pass to success. Many of the graduate programs offered after the Level 4 begin to delve deeper into crafting a profession as a dancer and Level 4 graduates are eligible for professional work and recommendations with Sadie.