Tarik Sultan
Tarik Sultan is one of the world’s best-known pioneers of male Oriental Dance (Belly Dancing). He began his formal training in 1985. In addition to classes, he spent countless hours in the Dance Research Library at Lincoln Center, striving to learn as much as he could about the dance, its history, and the culture from which it originated. In 1988, he traveled to Egypt for the first time, observing the dance in its native homeland. This experience allowed him to distinguish the truth about the dance from the many popular myths created by the media.
Inspired by his travels, Tarik began teaching his first class in the early '90s, eager to share all he had learned and observed. Over the years, his talent and dedication to the art have earned him a reputation as a dynamic performer and a gifted, inspiring teacher and choreographer. He has taught many successful seminars across the nation as well as internationally in the UK, Japan, Australia, Trinidad, and Argentina. Some of Tarik’s international performance credits include the Jerusalem Festival, the Dar America Association in Marrakech, Morocco, and Alexandria, Egypt. In 2003, he became one of the first male dancers to perform at the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival in Cairo, Egypt. Other credits include performances at the United Nations, Lincoln Center, and The Museum of Natural History.
Tarik holds the distinction of being the only male dancer to be featured in the top venues in New York City, such as Casbah Rouge, Mehenata Bulgarian Bar, Babylon, Horus, The Habibi Lounge, and Feluca and 1001 Nights in Brooklyn, NY. From 2003 to 2014, he was the premier dancer at Le Souk in NYC. Until recently, he taught regular weekly classes in NYC, The Bronx, and Jersey City. He is available for private lessons, Zoom classes, private parties, and workshops upon request.
Tarik Sultan offers a range of engaging classes at the Bellyqueen School, catering to both beginners and those looking to advance their belly dance skills. For newcomers, the Beginner Baladi class is available on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM and Saturdays from 11 AM to 12 PM. This class introduces students to the fundamental techniques and rhythms of baladi, a traditional Egyptian dance style.
For those ready to elevate their skills, the Intermediate Shimmy, Layer, and Travel class takes place on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 PM and Saturdays from 12 to 1 PM, focusing on more complex movements and combinations.
Additionally, a unique Finger Cymbal Performance Project is offered as a five-week course on Saturdays from 1 to 2 PM, running from November 9 to December 14, providing an opportunity for dancers to enhance their musicality and performance skills using finger cymbals and perform it in front of their friends and family at the Bellyqueen School Winter Showcases on Saturday December 14, 6pm and 8pm.
These classes promise a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience for all participants.
WHEN:
Tuesdays - November 5 to December 10
6.30-7.30pm: Beginner Baladi - Egyptian Style Belly Dance (Drop-In)
7.30-8.30: Intermediate Shimmy, Layer + Travel (Drop-In)
Saturdays - November 9 to December 14 (No class November 30)
11am-12pm: Beginner Baladi - Egyptian Style Belly Dance (Drop-In)
12-1pm: Intermediate Shimmy, Layer + Travel (Drop-In)
1-2pm: Finger Cymbals Choreography 11/9-12/14 (5 Week Performance Project)
WHERE:
Bellyqueen School @Playwrights
440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003
Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator
INVESTMENT:
Drop-In Class: $25, class-cards and unlimited passes apply
Finger Cymbals Choreo 5 Wk Performance Project: $145
Includes
- Tech rehearsal
- Professional photos and video
- Costume and finger cymbals are extra
- Invite at least one paying audience member