Dance Classes
Myrto teaches online and in-person group and private dance classes for people of all levels. She teaches multiple styles hailing from the Eastern Mediterranean basin. Myrto’s teaching style is informed by her deep desire to respect the cultural roots and history of these dances, which have been hubs for community celebration and joy.
All genders, body types, ages, and levels are welcome! These dance styles have been proven for hundreds of years to support the pelvic floor, spine, hips, and belly – especially for pregnant and postpartum bodies!
Ela! Yalla! Come dance!
About Belly Dance
Dance is a cultural somatic practice that brings us in connection with ourselves, our communities, and the land around us.
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Raqs Sharqi means ‘Oriental Dance’ in Arabic. The origins of the dance can be traced to the late 19th/early 20th century in Cairo and Alexandrian cabarets. Stemming from traditional, indigenous dances of Egypt such as Baladi, Ghwazee + Saidi, Raqs Sharqi became it’s own unique interpretation of classic Egyptian music. Elements of the West slowly became incorporated into the dance as well. By uncovering the belly, utilizing ballet techniques, becoming part of the cinema + entertainment outside of the community setting. Today it is what most people refer to when they talk about ‘belly dance’. Although its birthplace known as Egypt, this dance is practiced throughout West Asia and Africa with unique rythmic, costume + cultural differences.
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Blooming from the lands of Cappadocia, the greater Anatolia, Greece, and Cyprus, Tsiftiteli is a dance woven through song and stories, with movements inspired by the ocean and the fire in the hearts of the people of these places.
In Tsiftiteli classes, students will learn about the origins of this dance, while dancing and imbibing in the beautiful music of the region. Tsiftiteli is expressive, uplifting, and healing for the spine, heart, and sacral center.
DANCE WITH MYRTO
DANCE WITH MYRTO
Raqs Sharqi
Drills & Combos Series
Open to students of all levels.
Drills and Combos classes give students the foundation they need to succeed at whatever kind of dancer they hope to become! In this six-week virtual series, students will learn the basics of the classic Egyptian Raqs Sharqi style. We’ll explore the history of this vibrant dance, its most memorable classic songs, and modern music.
In each class, we’ll begin with simple warm-ups and then dive into combinations and drills to help develop your muscle memory, which is half the challenge with this dance. You can’t get there without practice, practice, practice!
Whether you’re brand new to this type of dance or are an intermediate dancer looking to expand your repertoire, you can expect to leave this 6-week session with a grounded and thorough approach in Raqs Sharqi.
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Tuesdays from 6:30-7:45pm EST
1/24/23 – 2/28/23
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We will begin our series with an orientation to what Raqs Sharqi is, its history, and continue to meet over the course of six weeks to explore this dance style.
All classes are 75-minutes long and held online via Zoom with a group of fellow dancers. Recorded replays of the classes will be provided within 48 hours of the class.
Students will also be given a playlist for the 6 week session as well as resources to learn more about the history of the dance.
Myrto will be available via email in between sessions for additional support, if needed.
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There are two payment options available for this class:
1x payment of $210, due upon registration
1x payment of $105 due upon registration, 1x payment of $105 due 2/7/23
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What should I wear during class?
Dress comfortably in stretchy pants, skirt, or shorts, with a hip scarf.
Is this class open to complete beginners?
Yes!
Do I have to attend every week live?
Live attendance is preferred, but not mandatory as you will receive a recording of each class.
Golden Era Choreography Series
Best suited for intermediate students and those who already have a foundation in belly dance.
We will be learning a beautiful choreography to the legendary Oum Koulsoum’s song Alf Leila We Leila. Students will learn the meaning of the song and watch her documentary. Students will learn about the influential Golden era’s dancers and influences by watching vintage clips together. Students will learn about musicality and vintage golden era style moves.
This era of dance (which is really multiple decades with distinct differences), is known as the ‘Golden Era’ of Raqs Sharqi. The great dancers such as Samia Gamal, Naima Akef, Kaity Voutsaki, Tahia Carioca and Suheir Zaki danced in Egyptian films and plays. They set the stage for an unforgettable era of dance, costuming, and magical energy. This series will dive into the past and honor the part of the roots of modern Raqs Sharqi today.
At the end of the last class, students are invited to stay late to watch some of these incredible Golden Era clips together!
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Tuesdays from 6:30-7:45pm EST
3/14/23 – 4/18/23
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We will begin our series by learning the beginning of this choreography and familiarizing ourselves with this song and Oum Koulsoum. Then we will continue to learn drills and combos of Raqs Sharqi through the six weeks.
All classes are 75-minutes long and held online via Zoom with a group of fellow dancers. Recorded replays of the classes will be provided within 48 hours of the class.
Myrto will be available via email in between sessions for additional support, if needed.
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There are two payment options available for this class:
1x payment of $210, due upon registration
1x payment of $105 due upon registration, 1x payment of $105 due 3/28/23
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What should I wear during class?
Dress comfortably in stretchy pants, skirt, or shorts, with a hip scarf.
Is this class open to complete beginners?
No – if you are a complete beginner, please start with the Drills & Combos series in January–February 2023.
Do I have to attend every week live?
Live attendance is preferred, but not mandatory as you will receive a recording of each class.
Bundle to Save on Enrollment
Save $35 by signing up for the Raqs Sharqi Drills and Combos and Choreography series classes together. Invest in 12 weeks of dance learning, growing and creativity!
If you are a local student who would like to learn from Myrto in person, join her for a drop-in class or inquire to schedule a private lesson.
Upcoming Online Classes
Online Tsiftiteli Courses
Drills and Combos Series
A SELF-PACED CLASS SERIES IN THE TRADITION AND ART OF TSIFTITELI – Open to students of all levels!
In Tsiftiteli Drills and Combos, students will learn the foundations of Tsiftiteli style beginning with the classics and ending with modern Tsiftitelia.
Together we’ll dive into the history of Tsifiteli, learn various warm-ups, and dive into combinations and drills so you can build an introductory repertoire of this dance. Students will leave the 5-week session with a grounded and thorough approach to this style.
Bundle to Save on Enrollment
Save $35 by signing up for the Tsiftiteli Drills and Combos and Choreography series classes together. Invest in 12 weeks of dance learning, growing and creativity!
MEET MYRTO
MEET MYRTO
Meet Myrto
Yiasou! Thank you for being here.
I have been dancing many different styles of so-called belly dance for 12 years. I began dancing with my dear friend, Bethiah Rosa, at the age of 16, then continuing my exploration by joining a dance troupe in college.
I grew up in a Greek home, frequently going back to visit my family. I knew there was such a thing as Greek belly dance, but it isn’t codified the way Raqs Sharqi is, so I went on a journey. I first heard Roza Eskenazi when I was 19 and I learned Tsiftiteli with her voice guiding me.
Growing up my family would mostly dance traditional circle dances at gatherings. Of course, some members would twirl their wrists and bump their hips to the sky, the simple, yet beautiful Tsiftiteli we all love!
I was mostly self-taught in Tsiftiteli style until I found my teacher Athena Najat. Based in Turkey, Athena has studied Tsiftiteli and created beautiful renditions of our dance in her career!
I have studied with Wael Mansour, Sadie Marquadt, Samira Masreya, Yousry Sharif, and Badia Star in the Raqs Sharqi styles. I have also really enjoyed learning Moroccan Chaabi and Algerian Rai from Esraa Warda. I am a history nerd, so I really love to take time to learn the historical, political, and social origins of any dance I learn.
For me, dancing is as essential as breathing or drinking water. I can’t live without it! It brings me ultimate peace, and joy and challenges me to keep growing! It is such a pleasure to share what I know and watch dance touch people’s lives in beautiful, uplifting ways.
Filakia! (Kisses)
