Philosophy History & Evolution of Dance

In this course you will be introduced to the Belly Dance style of Stefanie Masters as well as the
philosophy of DFTS.  Through movement and discussion we will begin to learn how the breath brings
awareness into the body, which in turn leads to a posture of dignity.  It is through this awareness and
dignity that we increase self-esteem, and confidence, reaching our full potential to succeed in all things.  
We will experience this concept of breath and posture through a full one-hour class lead by Stefanie.  
We will discuss how the dance has the potential to release negative thought patterns in a very safe and
holistic manner that promotes over all health.  

Philosophy and ethical beliefs of DFTS will be examined in depth along with professionalism in the
dance community, proper etiquette in the classroom and performance.  We will discuss the concepts of
being a role model in and out of the classroom, and what it takes to become a professional belly dancer.  
We will discuss the use of music in class or performance and the significance of music licensing and
obtaining permission from the musicians.  You will learn about the history of The Dance, cultures,
different styles of dance as well as who’s who in the Belly Dance and Middle Eastern music world.  We
will explore the evolution of The Dance from its cultural beginnings to its current status in the United
States.  In this class we will view several performance, and instructional videos.  An overview of the
program will be given as well as what will be expected of each student.

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, IAMED Second Annual Awards of Belly Dance video, and  DFTS Belly
Dance Teacher Training Catalog


DFTS20: Beginning Belly Dance Technique, Building A Personal Practice, Lifestyle,
Goal Setting & Fitness

In this course we will learn how to execute basic Belly Dance technique using The Masters Format ™
with attention to safe body mechanics.  All categories of technique will be covered as well as time spent
on their individual emotional, physical and spiritual benefits.  You will be introduced to drills and
combinations, choreography, improvisational technique and the basics of making The Dance your own.  
You will learn different ways to format your personal practice and build moving meditations.  You will
be taught lifestyle and goal setting skills, as well as fitness and nutrition basics as a model for healthy
living.  Technique includes arms and positioning, hips, chest, shoulders, movement patterns, level
changes and examining the 10 basic concepts of the Masters Format ™ for improvisational technique.  
You will also gain a deep understanding of the different venues that offer Belly Dance classes and how
to gear your curriculum to the venue.

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, Zills, Hip belt  


DFTS30: Middle Eastern Rhythms, Music Theory, Zillar, Drums & Choreography

In this course you will learn music theory and be introduced to basic Middle Eastern rhythms.  We will
examine the four elements of music and how the body can react to these elements through movement.  
You will gain an understanding of Middle Eastern rhythms, their timing and modifications and how to
properly cue transitions.  These rhythms will be explored through the use of visual aides as well as
verbal.  You will learn to play basic Middle Eastern rhythms on the drum and zills while gaining
essential knowledge in how the body can respond to the music through dance, allowing you to create
dynamic improvisational and choreographic pieces.  

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga Mat, Zills, Drum, Uncle Mafufo’s 25 Essential Rhythms CD, Rhythm Of The
Dance CD by Solace


DFTS40: Body-Mind-Spirit Connection/Healing Through Dance & Holistic Health
Modalities

Here we will examine how to use the dance to connect the body, mind & spirit as well as facilitate your
own personal healing from within.  Once you have an understanding of how the dance can heal from
within, you will have direct experience to be able to discuss and help others who wish to explore this
type of healing through movement.

Self-responsibility, what it means and how it applies to everyday living as well as identifying and
pursuing your passion in life will be presented in depth.  We will explore other methods of holistic
health, group healing, and identify emotional patterns in the body, and how to release them.  In this
module you will be introduced to The Masters Method for Health, Healing and Living ™, along with an
in depth look at moving meditations, how to create them, sound and how it heals, energy and chakras.  
This module will focus on creating a safe space to promote internal healing in a group atmosphere.  

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, Zills, Drum, Sacred Women Sacred Dance book, Body Mind book


DFTS50: Intermediate Belly Dance Technique, Special Populations & Modifications

In this course we will learn how to execute intermediate Belly Dance technique using the Masters
Format with attention to safe body mechanics.  All categories of technique will be covered as well as
time spent on their individual emotional, physical and spiritual benefits.  Your education will continue
with intermediate drill, combinations, choreography and improvisational technique.  Technique includes
all beginning and intermediate Belly Dance movements, floor work, overlaying, Whirling Dervish
spinning and dividing movements with locks and pops.  Using the zills while dancing will be expanded
on.  You will learn about special populations, (pregnancy, elderly, injuries, and postural defects), and
their specific modifications to keep students safe.

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, Zills, Hip belt


DFTS60: Teaching Methodology, Class Design, Leadership & Communication

We will look at effective teaching methods that focus on individual differences and various learning
styles as well as the Enneagram and the 9 personality types.  You will effectively build skills for
facilitating emotional breakthroughs during classes.  You will gain skills for effective public speaking,
how to maintain control of a class or a disruptive student, leadership techniques and how to teach multi-
level classes in a group setting.  An in depth discussion will take place on student/teacher relationships,
and emotional detachment in your decision making.  You will learn detailed class design and lesson
planning, the Masters 10 parts to a class, 8 parts to technique, common mistakes and how to correct
them, how to make adjustments, verbal cueing, breaking down a movement, ensuring a safe space for all
your students, and personal safety issues.

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, Mesmera’s Dance of the Serpent video, Hip belt, Zills


DFTS70:  Advanced Belly Dance Technique & Props

In this course we will learn how to execute advanced Belly Dance technique using the Masters Format
with attention to safe body mechanics.  All categories of technique will be covered as well as time spent
on their individual emotional, physical and spiritual benefits.  Your education will continue with
advanced drills, combinations, choreography and improvisational technique.  Technique includes all
beginning, intermediate Belly Dance movements and concepts, an introduction to advanced technique,
back bends, and drops, as well as difficult isolations.  You will be  introduced to using your dance space
appropriately, understanding emotion in the dance, and props (balancing sword and veil).  In this module
you will continue to expand your working knowledge of verbal cueing, instructing classes and the
detailed verbal breakdown of technique.

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, Zills, Veil, Sword


DFTS80:  Anatomy, Physiology & Fitness Basics for Dance Instructors

We will study anatomy and physiology in order to develop an understanding of how the body works and
to promote physical safety in the classroom.   The 13 systems of the body, including the cardiovascular,
respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems will be gone over in depth in this module.  We will discuss
major muscle groups and how they affect Belly Dance technique and posture.  Structural disorders and
weak muscles will be discussed in depth and how to help students strengthen and build proper body
alignment and flexibility levels.  Muscular strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness as taught in a
group setting will be studied as well as how to incorporate them into your classes for total body fitness.  
Stretching, warm ups and cool downs will be expanded on to include proper foundation, positioning and
adjustments.  We will also tie together the holistic side of science and energy and how it applies to the
body, mind, emotions and the spirit.

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, Human Body book, Concise Book of Muscles


DFTS90:  Business, Advertising, Review, Practical & Final Evaluation/Public
Performance

In this module the ethics of teaching and performing will be reviewed as well as an introduction to
advertising and marketing your services as a Belly Dance instructor.  You will receive business forms
and contracts to be used in the day to day running of your business, gain an understanding of why they
are important to use, as well as learn how to create your own forms and contracts to meet your
individual business needs.  

Building your personal mission statement, creating a niche, certification and insurance will be discussed
at length to help foster a better understanding of each students personal and professional goals.  You
will learn how to put together events for your students using proper communication, leadership,
advertising and marketing skills.  

All students must participate in a public performance to achieve certification from this program.  All
students must perform in a venue approved of by Stefanie Masters and within the time period allotted.  
Students will be given the opportunity to use their new skills to organize the event as a group effort
including business, advertising and leadership and communication.  Each student’s performance must be
at least two minutes in length and demonstrate the spirit, ethics and overall philosophy of DFTS as
taught in this program.  The instructor will provide a written critique for each student to help foster
positive personal growth in the dance.  Students will have 2 months in which to complete this module.  
No additional costuming is necessary for this performance other than a hip belt and skirt.  We will do a
full review of all program material to make sure each student is confident in their skills and knowledge
before the practical and written final exams are administered on the last day of this course.

Classroom Hours: 20
Cost: $300.00
Required Materials: Yoga mat, all modular manuals, both anatomy books, Zills, Veil, Sword, Drum


CPR & First Aid Training for the Professional
This class is not offered at the school but is a requirement before receiving your DFTS Certification.  
Classes can be taken online, through the Red Cross, or The American Heart Association.
Dance for the Soul