Want to start 2026 by dancing with friends? Join Morgan Fay of Baksana to learn home positions and home position variations is a safe, welcoming dance classroom!
The 8-Week Series will get you practicing the basic principles of group improvisation and dance movements based in Raqs Sharqi.
There is also an optional performance opportunity for those who take part in the full series! In March, you can dance with your fellow Baksana students and a few members of Baksana live at a local community show, Marinos.*
Bring your finger cymbals, water bottle, and a notebook if you like to take notes.
*There may be additional rehearsals for the performance.
Location: Studio Datura – 116 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212, USA
Street Parking. Enter through the gate next to Lottie & Zula’s restaurant. Studio Datura is upstairs.
Official Baksana Dance Vocabulary Training Program
Our Thinkific platform ALSO hosts our Official Baksana Dance Vocabulary Training program that teaches students how to dance our unique improvisational format, which is a collection of specific dance combinations that come with their own cymbal compositions. BDVT includes deep study of finger cymbals and musicality alongside dance, with options for performance and teaching certifications. Entry to the program launches once or twice per year. Contact us @ write.to.baksana@gmail.com for more information.
PATREON
JOIN OUR PATREONCOMMUNITY
Want to support us on an ongoing basis, and learn FUN THINGS! Our PATREON page is host to over 100 videos, from dance & technique classes to drum classes, super cute behind-the-scenes of us at our events, performance videos, sneak-peeks into our creative process and more!
You don’t have to be a dancer or want to take classes to contribute to our Patreon. Visit the page today and check out our variety of membership tiers.
In-Person Classes/Workshops Offerings:
Request IN PERSON CLASSES
Contact us directly if you are interested in hosting a workshop, starting up a series, or taking private lessons. Some examples of classes are:
Finger Cymbals & Baksana Notation We’ve developed a system of music notation for finger cymbals and we would LOVE to teach it to you! We will introduce you to the basics of musical counting and note-values, a variety of sounds and their corresponding note-heads, translating common patterns and more! Our notation system is excellent for dancers or musicians who want to take this instrument to the next level and learn to play with a lot of dynamics and creativity.
Free Improvisation Theory and techniques for true improvisation, connecting deeply with the music, and dancing from your heart. Take a look at some of the neuro-science behind making things up on the spot (something we all do, constantly) and become acquainted with the Arabic concepts of “taksim” and “tarab.” Set your dance free!
Original Choreography Full length dances we’ve created for our live sets… OR commission a “Baksana-style” dance for yourself or your group! Beginner-advanced. Very musical, often folky, always fun!
We LOVE our students and strive to connect with those who want to learn with us in an honest and “learner-centered” environment… We ourselves ARE continuous students, devoted to learning and appreciating these dances and their cultures in respectful ways. ALL are welcome in Baksana classes, we provide a safe and welcoming space for practicing music and dance in community.
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What are Baksana Classes like? Baksana classes revolve around core elements of musicality and improvisation. We teach a style of belly dance infused with movements and techniques from various middle eastern and balkan folk dance cultures, while maintaining our personal -contemporary- cultures and training. Baksana classes are typically geared toward intermediate/advanced dancers unless specifically noted as “beginner” though we will always work with any level dancer to get the most out of their learning experience. We begin classes with a warm up, break down and drill key elements, then add complexity, layers, and combinations for students to draw it all together. Come dressed in layers of comfortable clothing, you may desire ballet or soft soled jazz shoes in winter, and bring a water bottle. We can’t wait to dance with you!
We recommend Saroyan Cymbals: http://www.saroyancymbals.com However, finger cymbals (aka zils) are not 100% required for these classes
Thanks for your interest in dancing with Baksana! Baksana classes are team-taught by the group’s core instructor members Danielle Elizabeth, Morgan Fay and Bevin Victoria. This means you’ll get one, two, or sometimes all of us sharing our collective knowledge on all things Baksana!
Private in-person and Zoom lessons write.to.baksana@gmail.com for info and options that fit your needs.
baksanaensemble.com 