Make Your Event Unforgettable

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Book Shabnam and Ooh La La and have your event be what everyone talks about tomorrow. With her gracefully athletic style, authentic Persian heritage, and charismatic presence, Shabnam has won all of the top competitive bellydance awards. From Zellerbach Hall, to The Palace of Fine Arts, Shabnam will bring the prestige of those venues to your private occasion. +More Info

Book Shabnam or Troupe Ooh La La

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Bellydance and Dance Fitness Classes

Learn an art form that has been practiced for over a thousand years. A dance that promotes beauty, fertility, and physical discipline. Develop your skill with Persian-American bellydance champion Shabnam.

Class Location

580 Grand Ave., Suite #304, Oakland, CA 94610

Basics:
Bellydance Basics

Session Starts on February 1st, 2012
For students with little or no experience. This semi private women only 4 week class will focus on the mastery of liquid hip, torso and abdominal based waves, rolls and undulations. Proper execution of movements is emphasized along with educational information on the dance genre. Every class will conclude with an inspiring belly dance combination. Finger cymbals are used in the third class and can be purchased for $23 dollars.
Day(s): Wednesday
Time: 06:00 PM - 07:15 PM

Intermediate:
Arabic Rhythms & Layers

Session Starts on February 6th, 2012
For students that have studied Bellydance for a minimum 3 years. Please inquire. This women only semi private 4 week class will focus on mastering Arabic rhythms in finger cymbals, movement, dance and drum. All classes include inspirational dance combinations and musicality training. All classes conclude with drumming. A must workshop for all aspiring or professional Bellydancers.
Day(s): Monday
Time: 07:45 PM - 09:00 PM

Advanced:
Arabic Rhythms & Layers

Session Starts on February 6th, 2012
For students that have studied Bellydance for a minimum 3 years. Please inquire. This women only semi private 4 week class will focus on mastering Arabic rhythms in finger cymbals, movement, dance and drum. All classes include inspirational dance combinations and musicality training. All classes conclude with drumming. A must workshop for all aspiring or professional Bellydancers.
Day(s): Monday
Time: 07:45 PM - 09:00 PM

Flexibility:
Acro Dance Flexibility Training

Session Starts on January 9th, 2012
Shabnam Flexibility Training is an acrobatic and dance based stretching program focusing on the mastery of front and center splits in addition to acrobatic movements with an emphasis on feminine aesthetics. This 4 week women only semi private class includes passive stretching and over splits for seasoned students. Please dress in layers and bring yoga mat and strap (stretchy long scarf is fine). No experience needed.
Day(s): Monday
Time: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Contortion:
Intro to Contortion

Session Starts on February 6th, 2012
This women only semi-private 4 week class is for students who have completed one full session (8 hours) of Flexibility Training. Syllabus includes the strengthening of the abdominals, legs and back in addition to extreme stretching for the mastery of standing backbends and backward driven acrobatic tricks. Please dress in layers. Passive stretching for veteran students.
Day(s): Monday
Time: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Drills:
Isolation Drills & Zills

Session Starts on January 16th, 2012
Gain precision and clarity in your isolations. This group format weekly women only technique drop in class meets every Monday and focuses on three isolations and the drilling of them in slow, mid and fast tempo. Every class ends with finger cymbal drills. No experience needed, multi level class.
Day(s): Monday
Time: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM

Workshop
Ballet Basics

Session Starts on January 25th, 2012
Ballet is the foundation for dance forms of all disciplines. Improve your posture, perfect your lines, build strength and fluidity. This revered workshop taught by Alicia Gonzales is a group format class that will focus on the body mechanics and fundamentals of ballet. Proper execution and technique is emphasized. No experience needed and dancers of all levels encouraged.
Date: January 25th, 2012
Time: 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Testimonials
Afreen and Ciarian

"Thank you so much for making our wedding so much more colourful and spectacular with your performance. Guests haven't got out of the trance your performance has put them into, they don't seem to stop to talking about you :-)
All I want to say that it was a privilege and an honour to have you at our wedding.”
 
Loads of Best Wishes and Love,
Afreen and Ciaran
Client

Testimonials
A. Aranda

Shabnam is an outstanding teacher. She is very technical and detailed and will give you the individual attention to correct you and coach you. She hypnotizes me every time I see her move, she is just amazing!!!!!. Once you see her sharp, precise yet delicate movements, you won't see belly dancers the same way.
Student

Testimonials
Mialeen Wright

Shabnam completely holds your attention when she takes the stage. I've gone to several Belly dance and cultural dance shows and Shabnam always steals the show and takes my breath away.
Client, Fan

Testimonials
Karimah Keene

I've been dancing with Shabnam for several years now. The experience has been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Attending classes is a good opportunity to learn and improve dance technique, improve physical fitness and relieve the daily stresses of life!
Student

Testimonials
Diana Prendergast

As a student I must say that I've never experienced such individualized attention during class with any other instructor (and I've had a few!). Shabnam's classes are small, and she will focus on each student in order to break down movements and ensure that they are done correctly. Her attention to detail in each class is impeccable, and she stubbornly continues to work with me every week!
Student

Testimonials
Emily Taft

I am a newbie to Shabnam dance studio, but have been dancing for many years on the east coast. Never have I had a teacher so devoted to the success and happiness of her students. Shabnam's classes are worth every penny! The class is structured in a positive, comfortable environment where the students are encouraged to express themselves and discover the beauty of belly dance.
Student

Testimonials
Michelle Burch

Thank you so much for your performance at our wedding on July 16th. You were amazing. Everyone there was delighted and impressed by your beautiful dancing and your interactions with and involvement of the guests were perfect.
Client

Testimonials
SF Chronicle

Shabnam Dance Company’s precision and skill were abundantly apparent - three oscillating dancers perched atop wine glasses earned rousing response from the audience.
Mary Ellen Hunt, S.F Chronicle
Press

Testimonials
Allan Ulrich, Voice of Dance

Shabnam’s undulating midriff and pelvic dislocations exuded sensuality and a kind of stylized elegance.
Press

Testimonials
Elly Ham

Shabnam is gracious, classy, and a very giving person. She'll push you, but she is well versed in injury prevention and doesn't push us beyond our limits. Since taking her Flexibility and Contortion classes, I've lost about 20lbs in 12 months. On a 5'1" body, that's quite a bit of weight. I've also noticed significant improvement in my dance lines and my stage presence as a salsa/mambo dancer.
Student

Testimonials
Maeve Lilly

She is dedicated to bringing out the best in all her students, with lots of individualized attention and encouragement. I love how Shabnam emphasizes musicality and lyricism in her classes, as well as technique. It's also great to be able to see her dance - the combos that she comes up with in class are beautiful! Her classes are a weekly inspiration!
Student

Testimonials
Johanna

What a fabulous show today, Shabnam! I can honestly say that you are the reason why I bought today’s Ethnic Dance Festival ticket. My only beef is that your piece was so short – my daughter and I wanted more! But technique, costume, lighting – superb! And your technical skill was amazing. My daughter is 6 and would love to take dance classes…do you teach children? In any case, bravo for a masterful performance!
Fan

Testimonials
Prasanna Kumar

Khati and I went to attend Ethnic Dance Festival (First Weekend). It was a very good experience. Had good time watching different dance types of different countries. Most notable was "Shabnam".
Fan

Testimonials
Amaryllis Salome Rosario-Carter

Killer, killer workshops! I need tiger balm so bad right now!

The day started with a burning warm-up that targeted the core and leg muscles - hurt so good. Shab is amazing at breaking down technique and body mechanics. Her floorwork and transitions are tight!!! She is an excellent teacher!!! Can't wait to take another workshop with her."

-Amaryllis Salome' Rosario-Carter
www.shimmythis. Com
Student

Testimonials
Susan Borrero

"Shabnam's excellent technique, wonderful style, amazingly happy and encouraging, yet disciplined, disposition make her one of the most wonderful teachers I have ever had and I have been dancing, teaching, taking classes over 48 years.Thank you.

Student

Testimonials
via youtube

Lovely sinuous movements -a beautiful snake-woman.
Fan

Testimonials
Yuki Okamoto - Raqs Art

I met Shabnam at the Ethnic Dance Festival 2010 in San Francisco. In this festival of dancing styles from all over the world, other dancers were performing in groups, because the theater’s stage was very large. However, Shabnam performed by herself, but her dancing had the power to attract a large audience. I felt the rhythm of the music visually through her Raqs Sharqi. In the party after the festival, I immediately asked Shabnam for a dancer’s interview, because her dancing and dramatics were amazing. Shabnam is very friendly, and I was moved by the nice and charming personality that she has besides her dancing skills
Press

Testimonials
Cynthia Bazan - www.cynfuleats.com

First off, let me start by saying that this is not just a class, it is a "school" of bellydance. If you are looking for a kumbaya type of class where everything you do is "great" or "beautiful" then this is not the place for you. Her classes are challenging both physically and mentally as she makes it a point to ensure that you are not only learning something, but being respectful of the dance as well. You will learn to manipulate muscles that you never knew existed and in turn those muscles will come back to haunt you (in a good way of course.) My posture, self image and physique have all benefitted from my time with Shabnam and if you are dedicated and hardworking, you can reaps the benefits of Shabnam's knowledge and talent as well.
Student

Testimonials
Sarah Benitez

Sore already- arms,core, quads, calves! Great to be reminded how much of an innovator you are. Thanks!
Student

Student:
Sarah Benitez

Sore already- arms,core, quads, calves! Great to be reminded how much of an innovator you are. Thanks!

Student:
Cynthia Bazan - www.cynfuleats.com

First off, let me start by saying that this is not just a class, it is a "school" of bellydance. If you are looking for a kumbaya type of class where everything you do is "great" or "beautiful" then this is not the place for you. Her classes are challenging both physically and mentally as she makes it a point to ensure that you are not only learning something, but being respectful of the dance as well. You will learn to manipulate muscles that you never knew existed and in turn those muscles will come back to haunt you (in a good way of course.) My posture, self image and physique have all benefitted from my time with Shabnam and if you are dedicated and hardworking, you can reaps the benefits of Shabnam's knowledge and talent as well.

Student:
Susan Borrero

"Shabnam's excellent technique, wonderful style, amazingly happy and encouraging, yet disciplined, disposition make her one of the most wonderful teachers I have ever had and I have been dancing, teaching, taking classes over 48 years.Thank you.

Student:
Amaryllis Salome Rosario-Carter

Killer, killer workshops! I need tiger balm so bad right now!

The day started with a burning warm-up that targeted the core and leg muscles - hurt so good. Shab is amazing at breaking down technique and body mechanics. Her floorwork and transitions are tight!!! She is an excellent teacher!!! Can't wait to take another workshop with her."

-Amaryllis Salome' Rosario-Carter
www.shimmythis. Com

Student:
Maeve Lilly

She is dedicated to bringing out the best in all her students, with lots of individualized attention and encouragement. I love how Shabnam emphasizes musicality and lyricism in her classes, as well as technique. It's also great to be able to see her dance - the combos that she comes up with in class are beautiful! Her classes are a weekly inspiration!

Student:
Elly Ham

Shabnam is gracious, classy, and a very giving person. She'll push you, but she is well versed in injury prevention and doesn't push us beyond our limits. Since taking her Flexibility and Contortion classes, I've lost about 20lbs in 12 months. On a 5'1" body, that's quite a bit of weight. I've also noticed significant improvement in my dance lines and my stage presence as a salsa/mambo dancer.

Student:
Emily Taft

I am a newbie to Shabnam dance studio, but have been dancing for many years on the east coast. Never have I had a teacher so devoted to the success and happiness of her students. Shabnam's classes are worth every penny! The class is structured in a positive, comfortable environment where the students are encouraged to express themselves and discover the beauty of belly dance.

Student:
Diana Prendergast

As a student I must say that I've never experienced such individualized attention during class with any other instructor (and I've had a few!). Shabnam's classes are small, and she will focus on each student in order to break down movements and ensure that they are done correctly. Her attention to detail in each class is impeccable, and she stubbornly continues to work with me every week!

Student:
Karimah Keene

I've been dancing with Shabnam for several years now. The experience has been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Attending classes is a good opportunity to learn and improve dance technique, improve physical fitness and relieve the daily stresses of life!

Student:
A. Aranda

Shabnam is an outstanding teacher. She is very technical and detailed and will give you the individual attention to correct you and coach you. She hypnotizes me every time I see her move, she is just amazing!!!!!. Once you see her sharp, precise yet delicate movements, you won't see belly dancers the same way.

Client:
Michelle Burch

Thank you so much for your performance at our wedding on July 16th. You were amazing. Everyone there was delighted and impressed by your beautiful dancing and your interactions with and involvement of the guests were perfect.

Client:
Mialeen Wright

Shabnam completely holds your attention when she takes the stage. I've gone to several Belly dance and cultural dance shows and Shabnam always steals the show and takes my breath away.

Client:
Afreen and Ciarian

"Thank you so much for making our wedding so much more colourful and spectacular with your performance. Guests haven't got out of the trance your performance has put them into, they don't seem to stop to talking about you :-)
All I want to say that it was a privilege and an honour to have you at our wedding.”
 
Loads of Best Wishes and Love,
Afreen and Ciaran

Press:
Yuki Okamoto - Raqs Art

I met Shabnam at the Ethnic Dance Festival 2010 in San Francisco. In this festival of dancing styles from all over the world, other dancers were performing in groups, because the theater’s stage was very large. However, Shabnam performed by herself, but her dancing had the power to attract a large audience. I felt the rhythm of the music visually through her Raqs Sharqi. In the party after the festival, I immediately asked Shabnam for a dancer’s interview, because her dancing and dramatics were amazing. Shabnam is very friendly, and I was moved by the nice and charming personality that she has besides her dancing skills

Press:
Allan Ulrich, Voice of Dance

Shabnam’s undulating midriff and pelvic dislocations exuded sensuality and a kind of stylized elegance.

Press:
SF Chronicle

Shabnam Dance Company’s precision and skill were abundantly apparent - three oscillating dancers perched atop wine glasses earned rousing response from the audience.
Mary Ellen Hunt, S.F Chronicle

Fan:
Prasanna Kumar

Khati and I went to attend Ethnic Dance Festival (First Weekend). It was a very good experience. Had good time watching different dance types of different countries. Most notable was "Shabnam".

Fan:
via youtube

Lovely sinuous movements -a beautiful snake-woman.

Fan:
Johanna

What a fabulous show today, Shabnam! I can honestly say that you are the reason why I bought today’s Ethnic Dance Festival ticket. My only beef is that your piece was so short – my daughter and I wanted more! But technique, costume, lighting – superb! And your technical skill was amazing. My daughter is 6 and would love to take dance classes…do you teach children? In any case, bravo for a masterful performance!

Fan:
Mialeen Wright

Shabnam completely holds your attention when she takes the stage. I've gone to several Belly dance and cultural dance shows and Shabnam always steals the show and takes my breath away.

General Information

Learn an art form that has been practiced for over a thousand years. A dance that promotes beauty, fertility, and physical discipline. Develop your skill with Persian-American bellydance champion Shabnam.

Online and Offline

facebook.com/oohlalabellydance
Blog bellydanceday.tumblr.com
info(at)oaklandbellydance.com
580 Grand Ave., Suite #304, Oakland, CA 94610

1st Place Awards

Troupe of the Sierra
First Place Troupe
Bellydancer of the Universe
First place
Los Angeles
Hips of Fury
Shabnam First Place
Los Angeles
People's Choice Bellydancer
Shabnam First Place
San Jose
Best Bellydance Duo
Shabnam & Mandanah First Place
Oroville CA
Wiggles of the West
Shabnam & Mandanah first place
Las Vegas
Bellydance Duo of the Year
Shabnam & Mandanah first place
Walnut Creek CA
Bellydance troupe of the Year
Shabnam Dance Company first place
Double Crown Bellydance Competition
Shabnam first place
Double Crown Fusion Soloist
Shabnam first place
Portland CA
People Choice Bellydance Troupe
Shabnam Dance Co first place
San Jose CA
Hips of Fury Fusion Soloist
Shabnam first place
Los Angeles CA
Bellydancer of the Universe Peoples Choice
Shabnam first place fusion category
Los Angeles CA

News

Find out what's going on with Shabnam Dance company

Troupe Ooh La La @ Uptown
January 2nd, 2012

Troupe Ooh La La performing some decadent new works.

Where:The Uptown Club @ 1928 Telegraph
When:January 2nd, 2012 @ 09:00 PM

Glitter Gala Show & Launch Party
December 10th, 2011

Saturday will be a very exciting special day for us at Shabnam Studio. We will be premiering our brand new website along with our Glitter Gala party.

Where:Shabnam's Dance Studio @ 580 Grand Ave Suite #304, Oakland, CA 94610
When:December 10th, 2011 @ 07:30 PM

January Class Sessions begin 1/4
January 2nd, 2012

Do something Grand for yourself by learning stretch & bellydance in 2012! The Basics session begins Wednesday January 4th and all Monday Classes including Circus Stretching, Drills & Conditioning and Intermediate/Advanced begin January 9th. New Year, New Belly, New Acro tricks :)

Happy Holidays!
December 24th, 2011

Happy Holidays from Shabnam Bellydance Co! Dance School is closed until Jan 4th, we are busy shimmying our tail feathers! We'll see you and your wonderful self in 2012!

A New Web Site!
December 10th, 2011

After 5 years of the same old colors and images, we finally have a new look. I hope you guys like it. The background images were taken by two San Francisco-based photographers. The uber-talented RJ Muna, and the incomparable Liza Heider. Make sure to check out the video links to the left. Stop by tonight's Glitter Gala party.

Thank you for your continued support and love for dance! For tickets, click here

Shabnam T shirts!
January 15th, 2012

Shabnam and her school will finally have some new chic swag! They will be available for purchase at our studio.