Sherena, Northeast Ohio’s premier Middle Eastern dance performer and instructor is sharing her years of belly dance expertise through her new HipCurve Bellydance Teacher Certification program.
“HipCurve is the first Bellydance Teacher Certification program of its kind,” Sherena says.
“This program helps not only to instruct classes in the art of belly dance in a clear, easy-to-follow method, but also teaches you how to build your classes and generate a second income.”
“The program is geared toward individuals who have at least one year belly dance experience and are interested in teaching classes in their community. This can build into a full-time career or a part-time very lucrative second income. I am a full-time studio owner, however, I started in corporate America working 9 to 5 and teaching 2-3 classes per week. I have experience in the ongoing struggle of being a full-time employee, teaching and performing as well as a full-time business owner struggling to find time for my own practice. This is why I created HipCurve. I’ve made mistakes and know what keeps students as what scares them away, what type of advertising brings them to class and want intimidates potential students.”
Sherena knows the dance business. She was born into it. Her mother, now her manager, was a Middle Eastern belly dance performer and instructor (at Popovich Dance studio).
"Middle Eastern dance was something I simply grew up with. I used to watch my mother practice in our living room. This dance has been a part of my life since I could tie a hip scarf around my hips, which was around age 3. I would look at my mother's "Port Said" records and think, "I want to do that one day," Sherena says.
At the age of ten, she performed with the late Bert Balladine. She also studied with Bellydance Superstars' Jillina in Los Angeles. In ballet, she studied with the renowned Edward Villella at the age of fourteen.
"I am involved in many forms of dance - First, ballet, Polynesian, jazz, ballroom, African, Gypsy or ROM, contemporary, tap and many traditional folklore dances," she adds.
"Ballet is my first love. Belly dance ... I feel the same. I perform American Cabaret style that, I feel, is getting lost these days. This is a style that was brought to America in the early 1960's and 1970's by Lebanese, Egyptian and Greek performers. I am insatiable when it comes to performing. I am never satisfied or feel I have learned it all. I constantly try to push myself into new things. I may have Isis wings in one performance, sword the next, different costumes ... I drive my mom crazy sometimes."
HipCurve is her newest endeavor and is close to her heart. She has created a multi-step process toward teacher certification.
“There are four different levels. Each level of certification is held about every three months, each one increasing in difficulty as you go. However, keep in mind if you are a very experienced dancer, Level 1 still keeps you interested! We are not just learning belly dance, we are learning how to teach the very, very beginner, keep it interesting for the instructor, as well as how to run your classes and start your own business under the HidCurve format,” Sherena explains.
“Each level is held in a 20-hour weekend, with lunch breaks and several discussions. Most certifications are held at my studio in Ohio, but this program is also available state-to-state as well as internationally. Prices start at $325 for the whole weekend. Binders are handed out with notes and certificates of completion are mailed after fulfilling the 20 hours. We also hold weekly meetings to help support you through the process as you launch your HipCurve classes. I’m with you 100%. Marketing materials, posters, banners, etc. are in the works as we speak and a full active wear line is soon to be released. I get excited thinking about special bags and zills I’ve designed for the HipCurve brand.”
Classes include HipCurve Bellydance Aerobics, innovative yoga ball exercises, technique incorporating some ballet, combinations and easy-to-learn choreographies.
“I encourage instructors to keep their own style and continue to be true to who they are in this dance and use the HipCurve method as a basic recipe, if you will. Add your own seasoning to your classes!”
Students, so far, have come from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Susan, a student from Pennsylvania says, “It provides a progressive curriculum that is easy to follow, yet challenging enough to achieve a solid foundation of the technical aspects of belly dancing and help women feel god about themselves and build self-confidence.”
Another student, Nicole from Ohio says, “This structure is easy to learn and helps not to overload your students. It is such a fun program with different sections in your class so no one gets bored. Truly a great way to learn, get healthy, gain confidence, have sisterhood and have fun.”
“Janim and Mehira are Cerified Level 1instructors who are experiencing great reviews from students on class structure and are even adding live musicians to their classes,” Sherena says of graduates of her program.
Live musicians are a part of the Level 3 HipCurve program.
“I encourage people to grow their belly dance community whether it be for the serious student or the hobbyist. HipCurve offers classes for both and I show the instructors how to market this.”
“My goal is to make sure people are learning the art of belly dance correctly, that it is approachable and not intimidating and top help our instructors to grow their classes into a small business. The sky is the limit. Get hip to your curves! Add some shimmy to your shake! Join Hip Curve today!” Sherena sums up.
For more information, visit www.hipcurve.net
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