Specialties
Belly dance classes for beginner through professional. Technique classes, choreography, troupe performance opportunities. Class content may include finger cymbals with live percussion accompaniment, sword, veil, double veil, fusion as well as Egyptian classical and modern styles, understanding musicality, musical structure, instrumentation, rhythms and using various time signatures. Belly dance for fun, health, technical proficiency and artistry. Belly dance classes are taught by Maya, who has had 15 years in the field, and continues her training with master Suhaila Salimpour. Maya is SSBD and JSBD Format Level 2 certified. Additional classes at Eighth Wonder include Cuban salsa, Ballet for Belly dance and Dancehall, all taught by instructors who have been hand-picked for excellence in their field.
History
Established in 2008.
Founded in 2008 by Christy Greene, Eighth Wonder studio emerged after years of training, performing and contract teaching led Christy to build her own home space. With the support of some amazing women and long time students, classes began once a week at Eighth Wonder and have since grown to a full schedule of bellydance classes 5-6 days a week. The studio has also begun to offer complimentary classes for dancers interested in expanding their repertoire. Additional classes now include Ballet for Bellydance, Cuban Salsa and Dancehall. All instructors are handpicked for excellence in their field. Eighth Wonder also offers student troupe performance opportunities as well as professional dancers for hire at your event.
Meet the Business Owner: Christy G.
Christy Greene (Maya) has an extensive background in performance as an actor and dancer for film and stage. Outstanding moments include receiving the 2001 Ampia award for Best Actress and in 2007, she produced her first dance film. Christy has studied Oriental dance since 1998 and has continued professional development with Linda, Hind Haymour, Dina, Aziza, Hadia, Mira Betz, Zoe, Sahra Saeeda, Cassandra, Yousry Sharif, Tamra-Henna and others. Christy's repertoire of movement has also been complemented by continued studies in Ballet, Modern, Jazz and immersion in Yoga. In 2007, Christy discovered the Suhaila Salimpour Format, which has become her greatest dance influence to date. She travels to San Francisco multiple times each year to continue her training with the Salimpours, and is Level Two Certified in both Jamila and Suhaila Salimpour formats. Christy dances regularily at many Calgary restaurants, arabic nightclubs, stage shows, weddings, fundraisers and produces theatrical events