Spring Session: Join us!

Try it! Your first class is free!

Welcome to The Cassandra School

Belly dancing for fun, fitness, and grace! Join women of all ages, sizes, and levels of experience to participate in the creative expression as well as the health and fitness benefits of Middle Eastern dance. The beauty of this dance form is that it makes you feel wonderful in your own body, no matter its size or shape. We challenge all students to achieve a personal best!

New Students

If you've never danced before, or even if you have done another type of dance, Level 1 is the perfect class for you: basic dance movements, rhythms, dance combinations, conditioning, isolation practice, and introduction to finger cymbal patterns with dance steps. Wear comfy clothes, your bare feet, and a big smile! 

Classes are not expensive: only $18 for an hour and a half class, and some discounts! Your first class is free. Try it! You’ll like it! Still not sure? See the FAQs for answers to the many questions we know you have! Then give Level 1 a try—we know you’ll have fun!

About the School

The Cassandra School is the teaching arm of the renowned Jawaahir Dance Company, the premier professional Middle Eastern dance company in the Midwest.

Our school was established in 1978 and offers year-round classes in Middle Eastern dance ranging from beginning to professional. All our teachers are members of Jawaahir, and have many years of teaching experience.

We run four 10-week sessions each year, with more than 15 classes per week in Minneapolis and Bloomington.

At The Cassandra School, …more > you benefit from the artistic vision of Cassandra Shore, Artistic Director of Jawaahir. She's dedicated to presenting Middle Eastern dance in its authentic form, adhering closely to its original movements, musicality, cultural context, and emotional tone. Cassandra's deep roots in the field of Middle Eastern dance and her regular research trips to the region allow her to provide insight that takes you beyond technique to a deeper level of expression and understanding. < less  

Here's a short clip of our director, Cassandra, performing Feb 18 with the band Amwaaj.

Want to Perform?

The Cassandra School has a multi-level performing group, Khazanah, that performs at local events around the Twin Cities. It's open to current students.

Cassandra herself choreographs pieces specifically for this performing group. Ask your teacher how to join. These are the requirements:

  • Please be 39 years old or over. 
  • Be available for weekly rehearsals on Thursday evenings.
  • Take at least 3 classes per month at The Cassandra School.

What Students Say

I really want to express my extreme satisfaction in the classes we've had! Our instructor infuses humor into everything, has made us feel right at home, has explained everything just wonderfully, and has helped each of us individually at each class.

We came to The Cassandra School feeling a little intimidated to study with the masters here in the Twin Cities area. We have been so pleased, and we really wonder why we didn't come to you earlier.

Stay in Touch

If you need to get in touch with us, call the office at 612-872-6050 or email us.

Subscribe: We email class flyers, a quarterly newsletter, and notices of special events. If you’d rather receive paper in the mail, just add your address to the email that opens when you click the subscribe link. Of course, you may unsubscribe at any time.

You can find The Cassandra School on Facebook and YouTube.

You can, of course, also find Jawaahir on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Spring Session

April 2 — June 10. (Spring pdf) Check the Calendar for current info.

We have streamlined the class registration process.

  • Your first class at The Cassandra School is free.
  • Levels 1 and 2: Classes are $18 for a single class or $160 for 10 classes (12% off).
  • Levels 3 and above: Classes are $20 for a single class or $180 for 10 classes (11% off).
  • Student Discount: Show your current student ID to your teacher for $10 off a 10-week session. Register at your first class.
  • Monthly Class Cards: Good for one calendar month of unlimited classes. Levels 1 and 2, only $105. Levels 3 and above, only $115. Buy the cards at class. No carryovers to a different month.
  • Refunds will not be issued after the first week.

Level 1

This is the perfect class for beginners: basic dance movements, rhythms, dance combinations, conditioning, isolation practice, and introduction to finger cymbal patterns with dance steps.

*Kathy's Saturday Level 1 class is moving on May 19th only from Mpls to Bloomington.

1 L1 Mon Mpls Cassandra 6:00-7:30p $ 160
1 L1 Mon Bloom Kathy 7:30-9:00p $ 160
1 L1 Tue Bloom Kathy 6:00-7:30p $ 160
1 L1 Sat Mpls* Kathy 10:00-11:30a $ 160
1 L1 Sun Mpls Renee Noon-1:30p $ 160

Mixed Levels 1-2

Basic dance movements, rhythms, dance combinations, conditioning, isolation practice, and using finger cymbals with dance steps. Coordination of dance movements and music.

1 L1-2 Wed Mpls Angela 8:05-9:35p $ 160

Level 2

Dance movements built on the basics learned in Level 1. Continuation of basics, conditioning, isolations, and addition of more complex movements. Introduction to veil dancing, with additional work on finger cymbals and coordination of dance movements and music.

*Kathy's Saturday Level 2 class is moving on May 19th only from Mpls to Bloomington.

1 L2 Mon Bloom Kathy 6:00-7:30p $ 160
1 L2 Mon Mpls Lauren 7:35-9:05p $ 160
1 L2 Sat Mpls* Kathy 11:30-1:00p $ 160

Level 3

Introduction to advanced rhythm and movement concepts, improvisation, intermediate cymbal and dance techniques, and layering of specifically Oriental dance movement. More rigorous conditioning. Introduction to Arabic/North African folk styles. Continuation of all prior techniques.

1 L3 Wed Bloom Kathy 10:00-Noon $ 180
1 L3 Wed Bloom Jenny 6:00-8:00p $ 180
1 L3 Sun Mpls Renee 10:00-Noon $ 180

Mixed Levels 3-4

Advanced rhythm and movement concepts, improvisation, intermediate cymbal and dance techniques, and layering of specifically Oriental dance movement. More rigorous conditioning. Continuation of folk styles and rhythms.

0 L3-4 Mon Mpls CANCELLED 10:00-Noon $ 180
1 L3-4 Wed Mpls Renee 6:00-8:00p $ 180

Level 4

Advanced movements, layering, combinations, choreography and concepts, improvisational class work, individualized performance exercises; continuation of folk styles and rhythm explorations. Advanced cymbal proficiency with movements.

1 L4 Thu Mpls Cassandra 6:00-8:00p $ 180

Level 5

Professional class — all of the above and enhancing performance skills!

1 L5 Tue Mpls Cassandra 6:00-8:00p $ 180

Technique Intensive

Technique Intensive focuses on mastering technique — making it your own, incorporating it into body memory and vocabulary until you can command it effortlessly to express yourself through music and dance. We drill techniques with their variations and ornamentations. Appropriate for Level 3, 4, and 5 students. (Check the Calendar to see if class will be held, since Cassandra is often teaching out-of-town workshops.)

0 TI Sat Mpls Cassandra 1:00-3:00p $ 20/class
or drop in for a single class, or buy a monthly class pass below.

Monthly Class Pass

Good for one calendar month of unlimited classes. Levels 1 and 2, only $105. Levels 3 and above, only $115. No carryovers to a different month. 

1   CP1 Levels 1&2 April 2018 $ 105
1   CP2 Levels 3+ April 2018 $ 115

Registration

To register for a class or classes, click on a class above to highlight it, fill out the information below and click Submit.

Classes Selected
Total Due $ 0
Captcha test:

Registration Complete

You have successfully registered for class. Payment is due by the first day of class.

You have three ways to pay:

  • Pay now using a credit card whether or not you are using PayPal, by clicking the PayPal button. Check out with PayPal
  • Bring payment to the first class.
  • Mail a check to the office.

Note: The decision to cancel classes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances is made 2 hours before class. To find out if your class is cancelled, click the Today's Classes button at the top of this page.

Registration Failed!

We're sorry, but something went wrong with your registration. Please try again or call the office at 612-872-6050.

Locations

Minneapolis

3010 Minnehaha Avenue So, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Our main entrance is off the lot on the south side of the building. Go through the glass door that is in the part of the building that juts out in the northwest corner of the south parking lot, and turn left. Our secondary entrance is off the lot on the north side of the building, next to the police station. Go through the glass door. Our studio is down the hall and to your right, through the purple door.

Parking is easy. Parking options include the parking lot on the south side of the building, the parking lot on the north side of the building next to the police station, and ample street parking.

Transit Information: Bike racks are right outside the studio door. We are on the 7, 21, 27, and 53 bus routes (info), and we are 2 blocks east of the Lake St-Midtown light rail stop (info) on the blue line.

Bloomington

9050 Lyndale Avenue So, Bloomington, MN 55420

Our Bloomington studio is located 7 blocks east of I-35W at the 90th Street exit. It's in the lower level of the Great Bear Shopping Center. The entrance, below the lit Cassandra School sign, is near the center of the mall.

FAQs

Yes, there will be women of all sizes in the classes. The beauty of this dance form is that it makes you feel wonderful in your own body, no matter its size or shape.
Too old? Never! Our classes are filled with women of all ages, mostly 20s to 70s, and we do accept girls as young as 13. Classes are geared toward the adult learner, so girls younger than 13, due to shorter attention spans, must be accompanied by an adult. 
This depends on the type of injury and your doctor’s advice. Speak with your teacher about past injuries or body weaknesses so that she can give you alternative exercises or movements if necessary. Mostly you need to learn the difference between good and bad pain so that you don’t aggravate the condition. Some conditions can actually be improved through proper exercise. For example, lower back problems may be lessened by strengthening your abdominals. Learn to listen to and respect your body. 
Our Level 1 classes are geared for non-dancers. You will learn basic movements and then build upon them.
Yes. You may progress more quickly than a non-dancer, but you need to learn the basics, as they are the building blocks for more advanced technique. Again, belly dance uses the body in very different ways than other dance forms. You will also need to learn how to play finger cymbals. 
No. As you develop as a student you may choose to perform or not. Many students take classes just for their own pleasure. If you do wish to develop performance skills, there will be student opportunities that your teacher will let you know about. Whether you wish to perform or not, attending performances is very educational. 
Belly Dance is a term for a beautiful feminine dance form from the Middle East. Its movements are thousands of years old and are based on traditional folk dances. Belly dance differs from Western dance forms by emphasizing the torso and using isolations to express the rhythmic and emotional qualities of Arabic music. Traditionally, it is an improvised solo dance — a dancer’s personal interpretation of the music. Attend Jawaahir’s performances and you will get a better feel of what the dance is about and its roots! 
Yes! The dance is a great total body workout that builds strength, is easy on your joints, and increases your flexibility. Belly dance is also a great emotional release because it is fun and creative!
The classes start with warm-up and conditioning exercises to help you prepare for the movements you will learn. Classes continue with instruction in dance movements mixed with finger cymbal instruction. The classes close with stretching and cool-down exercises. All of this is done to an array of fun Arabic musical selections.
The Cassandra School offers year-round classes in 10 week sessions. Beginner and Level 2 classes are 90 minutes long. Levels 3-5 and some special classes are 2 hours long.
  • There are three ways to take classes: show up and pay for a single class, register for a 10-week session, or buy a monthly card at class.
  • Your first class at The Cassandra School is free. Get your coupon here.
  • Levels 1 and 2: Classes are $18 for a single class or $160 for 10 classes (12% off).
  • Levels 3 and above: Classes are $20 for a single class or $180 for 10 classes (11% off).
  • Student Discount: Show your current student ID to your teacher for $10 off a 10-week session. Register at your first class.
  • Monthly Class Cards: Good for one calendar month of unlimited classes. Levels 1 and 2, only $105. Levels 3 and above, only $115. Buy the cards at class. No carryovers to a different month.
  • Refunds will not be issued after the first week. 
This will depend on the teacher. Traditionally the dance was and still is improvised, so a choreography or dance combinations are only tools to help you learn how the dance works with the music. The fun creative part comes when you learn to dance your own dance, as you feel it!
Of course, and it will help you learn faster!

The decision to cancel classes due to inclement weather is made 2 hours before class. To find out if your class is cancelled, click the Today's Classes button at the top of this page.

If you want to get email reminders, just go to Calendar, double click on your class to open the details window, and in the upper right corner select Reminder. Put in your email address and CalendarWiz will automatically send you an email reminder every time your class meets. If class is cancelled, the class title will include CANCELLED.  Be sure and set the reminder time to be within 2 hours of your class time. 

Every teacher has a different style, and we completely understand if your teacher is not right for you. If that happens, feel free to switch to a different class.
Like most dance schools programs, students remain at a level for about a year before moving to the next level. So usually a beginner student has studied for 0-1 years, Level 2 for 1-2 years, Level 3 for 2-4 years, etc. There is a lot of material to learn and master at each level which the next level will build upon. All this depends on your ability and, oh yes, how much you practice. Your teacher is your best guide and will tell you when you have mastered a level and are ready for the next.
If, by week two of a new session, there are fewer than 3 students registered for a class, that class may be cancelled for the remainder of the session by The Cassandra School. You are more than welcome to find another class that will work for you and make up any missed classes within the session.
We recommend beginning dancers start Level 1 within the first 3 weeks of a session because the class is progressive. We want you to have fun and not get frustrated by not understanding the movements and isolations, and zil patterns that have been taught and are being built upon.
If you can’t wait for the next session, call the office to see whether we have an opportunity for you to join a class already in session. No guarantees, but we’ll try to accommodate your enthusiasm.
There are two ways to register for class:
  • Register at your first class. We accept cash, check (written in blue or black ink), and credit cards.
We do not carry over missed classes from one session to the next. If you pay for a session you may make up missed classes any time during the session. If you are in Level 1 you may attend any other Level 1 class by simply showing up and telling the instructor you are doing a make-up. Students in Level 2 and above may attend any class at their level or a level close to their level.
Wear workout or dance wear, something comfortable to move in that you don’t mind sweating into! 
We dance barefoot, so you don’t need special footwear. Some students do wear dance slippers, half sole shoes, or sandals, but that is a personal choice.
You are welcome to bring or purchase a hip scarf to accentuate the movements, but it isn’t necessary. We do have some hip scarves available for purchase should you develop a craving we call bead lust, the strong desire for something sparkly!
We teach all students how to play finger cymbals, or zils, starting at our beginner level and continuing through all levels. The Cassandra School does provide zils you can use during our beginner classes. We sell them and encourage you to purchase your own so that you can practice on your own.
No. This is a good workout — it would be too hard on the fine fabrics of a costume.

If you still have questions, call us at 612-872-6050.