Classes & Workshops

NEW CHOREOGRAPHY CLASSES!

4 week Beginner Belly Dance Choreography Class:
Learn a short and sassy Drum Solo to perform at Gulf Coast Culture Festival on May 22nd! This drum solo is suitable for Beginning Level Belly Dancers on up. Commitment to perform May 22 (performance time to be determined) as well as availability to meet for all classes required. Some inexpensive costume pieces may need to be purchased; I may be able to lend some pieces as well. We will learn the whole routine (under 3 minutes) during the class time meetings (Monday nights 7:30-9:00pm) for this 4-week session. I may also send you video links for at-home practice. This is a fun way to bond with other dancers and enjoy the performing experience in a nurturing, supportive atmosphere!
$40 for 4-week session
Class Meeting Dates: 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, and 5/17.
To register, please go to www.breathepcola.com and click to Scenic Schedule and -mindbody- link. Make sure you choose the Special Series / Beginner Belly Dance Choreography for $40. Call/text me with any questions/issues: 770-361-7341.

Intermediate-Advanced Belly Dance Choreography Class:
Learn a super cute Saidi cane dance to perform at Gulf Coast Culture Festival on May 22nd! This dance is suitable for Intermediate/Advanced Level Belly Dancers. Commitment to perform May 22 (performance time to be determined) as well as availability to meet for all classes required. Required costume is Saidi/Baladi dress from Dahlal.com:
https://www.dahlal.com/aziza-black-holographic-striped.../ and a metallic cane
https://www.dahlal.com/egyptian-performance-cane/
We will learn the whole routine (under 5 minutes) during the class time meetings (Thursday nights 7:30-9:00pm) for this 3-week session. I may also send you video links for at-home practice, and we may be able to schedule some other practice times in at the studio if we are all available and studio is available.
$30 for the 3-week session
Class meeting dates are: 5/6, 5/13, and 3/20.
To register, please go to www.breathepcola.com and click to Scenic Schedule and -mindbody- link. Make sure you choose the Special Series / Intermediate-Advanced Belly Dance Choreography for $30. Call/text me with any questions/issues: 770-361-7341.

8 week Belly Dancing for Beginners:
Learn the basics of Belly Dancing. This course focuses on posture, isolations, basic Egyptian technique, and vocabulary of movement. It is designed to give students a great low impact workout that improves flexibility, coordination, and muscle tone. Belly Dance is appropriate for all ages and body types; plus, it's fun! No prior dance experience necessary.
Suggested Attire: Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for working out. Although not required, you may tie a scarf around your hips (fringed shoulder shawl is an inexpensive option). Bare feet preferred.
Mondays 7:30 - 9:00PM June 7 - July 26
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION THROUGH MAY 31: $80
REGULAR REGISTRATION JUNE 1 - JUNE 6: $100

To register, click below and choose the Breathe Yoga Scenic Schedule and -mindbody- link:

Breathe Yoga

Class Policy:
**THIS CLASS IS AN 8-WEEK SESSION.
No Refunds, Prorates, Drop Ins, or Makeups.

8 week Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance (by invitation only):
This invitation-only class is designed for dancers already possessing fundamental belly dance vocabulary who wish to elevate their practice to the next level. Layered movement, shimmies, turns, and traveling combinations are featured in this Egyptian-styled Oriental class. Students will acquire a greater knowledge and understanding of classic Oriental rhythms and music. Emphasis will be placed on personal development, stagecraft, performance skills and improvisational skills. Please contact Gina at glwnolan@gmail.com for questions regarding level placement.
Thursdays 7:30 - 9:00PM June 3 - July 29 (skip July 15)
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION THROUGH MAY 27: $80
REGULAR REGISTRATION MAY 28 - JUNE 2: $100

Class Policy:
**THIS CLASS IS AN 8-WEEK SESSION.
Full payment required to hold your class spot.
No Refunds, Prorates, or Drop Ins. Makeups available with Belly Dancing for Beginners class on Monday evenings 7:30PM.
To register, click below and choose the Breathe Yoga Scenic Schedule and -mindbody- link:

Breathe Yoga

Breathe Yoga Scenic is located at 3101 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, FL 32503. It's on the left-hand corner of the strip mall which is next to the Shell gas station.

Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by Breathe Yoga are solely those of Breathe Yoga and do not necessarily represent those of Emerald Coast Belly Dance. Emerald Coast Belly Dance is a politics-free oasis focused on dance and cultural education.

A TASTE OF BELLY DANCE
When: June 5, 2021 / 1-2pm
Where: Symmetry Integretive Health / 430 NE Racetrack Rd, Ft. Walton Bch, FL 32547
Cost: $25 at the door

Enjoy all the amazing benefits of dance while experiencing Middle Eastern music and culture! In this one-hour introductory class, I will start with a short warm up, then thoroughly explain basic posture and technically break down some foundational belly dance movements. Finally, we will put these movements together to get you dancing your first fun and easy combination set to Middle Eastern music!

About the Instructor:
Gina Nolan is the Director of Emerald Coast Belly Dance. Gina is an award winning Oriental (AKA: “Belly”) dance instructor, choreographer, and performer in Pensacola, Florida. Dancing since the age of nine, Gina has a strong background in ballet, jazz, modern, and musical theatre dance. She received her BFA in Dance and Theatre Arts from East Carolina University. As a jazz dancer, she performed in every conceivable venue; from cruise ships to theme parks, dinner theatre to outdoor drama, concert stages to Las Vegas production shows. An unfortunate knee injury led to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 1999, and it was upon completion of her own physical therapy that she became a certified Post-Rehab Pilates Practitioner. Gina was introduced to Oriental Dance by going to an audition for what she thought was character work at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in August of 2000. She got the job, and was told her role would be one of the “Jewels”, a troupe of Oriental dancers. This gig launched her formal training in this ancient dance art. She has since studied with notable American, South American, Arabic, and European Oriental dancers. She is inspired by these artists as well as by her own ballet and jazz background. Gina’s elegant, refined style brings both passion and grace to any occasion. She has performed in venues ranging from the intimate gathering to the large gala; from weddings and parties to corporate events and conventions. Gina also enjoys giving her time and talent to charity events hosted by organizations such as Shimmy Mob and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Gina’s awards in the Oriental Dance world include the following Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition honors: Champion of Champions 2010, Champion Drum Solo 2010, and 2nd Runner Up Fusion 2010. She was also chosen as the 2017 Shimmy Mob Choreographer.
Gina’s Belly Dance classes meet at Breathe Yoga Scenic in Pensacola. When she's not teaching dance, you can find her relaxing on the Emerald Coast’s fabulous beaches.

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT: Pensacola Raqs Workshop & Showcase takes place November 13, 2021 featuring the Fabulous Master Instructor, VIRGINIA!
LOCATION: Filipino-American Community Center - 234 W. Oakfield Rd. Pensacola, FL 32503
WORKSHOP CLASS TOPICS:
"Dancer Steps Every Belly Dancer Should Know": 10AM - 12PM
There are a series of fundamental dance steps that are the foundation for all Oriental Dance. Immerse yourself in this “True Dance Class” where Virginia will teach you the techniques necessary to master these steps in order to perform these movements with grace, strength, and flexibility. You will also learn the proper names in dance and in Egyptian dance for these moves. Create a stunning high level of performance by incorporating these steps into your Oriental dance vocabulary today!
"X Factor": 1PM - 3PM
Want to stand out from the crowd? In this workshop, Virginia will give you everything you need to make yourself an extraordinary presence on the stage! A Dancer with that “je ne se quoi”, X Factor! She will share the fundamentals of “Star Quality” performances by integrating the necessary elements needed to create unforgettable moments! Virginia will focus on how to ignite emotion and presence through movement and how to perform with passion, focus, and discipline. She will share the elements necessary to create that “Star Power” and will give you key ingredients to help you incorporate it into your own choreographies and improvisations. Applied Theory will give your performances more dynamics, emotional expression and pure presence on the stage! A wealth of knowledge will be shared to give you all the necessary tools you need to captivate the audience with a stunning performance each and every time!
(Lunch Break 12PM - 1PM: Limited snacks available, bring your own lunch, or restaurants nearby)
Pensacola Raqs Showcase 2021: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Workshop participants invited to perform in the show. First come, first serve sign-up through October 30, 2021. Workshop fees, music, and completed Performer Information Form all due by October 30, 2021, or performance slot will be forfeited. 5-minute time limit for soloists; 7 minutes for troupes. Please email Gina at glwnolan@gmail.com if you are interested in performing.
Vendors welcome! Please email Gina at glwnolan@gmail.com for registration information.
PAYMENT AND FEE INFORMATION:
Send Paypal to: paypal.me/GinaNolan (either click or copy/paste the link into your browser).
OR
Pay by check: Please make the check out to Gina Nolan and mail to:
6271 Lake Charlene Drive
Pensacola, FL 32506
** Checks accepted through 10/31/2021 only.
EARLY BIRD PRICING (through 10/2/2021):
Full Package: $125. Includes both 2-hour workshop classes and one free Showcase ticket.
A La Carte: $75 for one 2-hour workshop class.
REGULAR PRICING (10/3/2021 - 11/13/2021):
Full Package: $150. Includes both 2-hour workshop classes and one free Showcase ticket.
A La Carte: $85 for one 2-hour workshop class.
SHOWCASE TICKETS: $10
*Cash ONLY will be accepted the day of the event!
*NO REFUNDS*
About Virginia:
Having brought audiences to their feet and to tears, Virginia has captivated a worldwide public with breathtaking performances, a dynamic presence, and a soulful interpretation of Oriental Dance. She has crossed all borders leaving her indigenous mark on a diverse audience with performances that ignite the human spirit and illuminate the soul.

Considered to be one of the most influential and sought after performers, a gifted choreographer, and one of the most profound master instructors of this ancient art form, Virginia has been presented in the most prominent theaters and festivals across 5 continents and over 70 countries, including Egypt for 10 years.

Utilizing her innovative musicality and ingenious choreographic prowess, Virginia is known for constantly reinventing the dance. She dares to elevate the dance to all new levels while staying true to its indigenous roots. Her theatrical productions are touted as the perfect embodiment of contemporary relevance steeped in ancient traditions. A testament to this Mahmoud Reda has presented her theatrical work alongside his in the theatre Institut du Monde Arabi in Paris, France.

Respected by legendary artists and students alike as one of the world’s foremost instructors, she is also considered to be one of its most generous. Constantly creating motivating and articulated workshops, Virginia shares a wealth of knowledge each and every time she instructs. She is personally invested in each student’s growth, and devotes one on one attention throughout the teaching process. True to this reputation she has created 7 instructional DVD’s, 4 theatrical productions, and 3 Oriental Dance Music CD’s, all critically acclaimed by the Bellydance and Arts Communities. She has also taught and choreographed for the Masters in Fine Arts Program at Florida State University and has performed for the FSU Dance Sarasota Program.

“Her energy is contagious and her work is inspirational”, Lorena Sedran. Regarded by many dancers as a great inspiration, she has been extremely influential in creating competition winners, and stunning performers worldwide. She has been featured globally in theaters, television productions, magazines, newspapers and films including, MTV, People Magazine, and Good Morning America. She is the founder of C.O.M.E. Dance & Rakstar Productions as well as the director/ choreographer for her award winning professional performing company, Virginia’s Wa Nour Al Ayun.

Admired by many as the premiere protégé of Mr. Yousry Sharif, Virginia is proud and honored to be a part of his lineage.