Meridian Dance Company: About Us

Meridian Dance Company has been dancing in Baltimore for over six years. We are based in Baltimore, Maryland. You have seen us at your festivals, weddings and fundraisers for years, and we are happy to be a Baltimore based dance company. We receive lots of questions about Meridian and we want to answer them.

Who is in the Company?

Meridian Dance Company consists of about 15 core dancers and is supplemented by additional members who have the option of feeding into the company. Meridian is directed by R'aina, with musical direction by Elizabeth.

Our company features a variety of dancers with different dance styles. Some of our featured dancers are known for their sword or veil work, while others flying zills or the kind of stage presence that can not be taught. They all share a dedication to middle eastern dance and enjoyment of performing.

How do I join Meridian Dance Company?

The company feeds directly from the classes. If you have never danced before and you want to join, 1) come to class and 2) practice, is the best advice I can give. Click here for more information about classes.

Do you perform with live drummers or recorded music?

Yes. We perform with both live drummers and recorded music. Which we choose for any given event depends on the availability of our drummers and the requirements of the venue.

Where does Meridian Dance Company Perform?

We perform at the Meridian Dance Company hafleh held the 4th Sunday of each month (check our event page for confirmation). The hafleh is held at Minas in Hampden in the upstairs gallery. The haflehs feature the company, some of the company dancers and a few dancers each month from outside of the company.

We also perform at events throughout the area. We have danced at festivals, weddings, all kinds of parties, fundraisers, restaurants etc.. Some of these are public events and are listed on our event page, while private events are not generally listed. We have performed all over the Baltimore metropolitan area and the eastern shore as well as Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware. We have danced with all kinds of different bands, live drummers, recorded music and live middle eastern musicians. This lets us perform just about everywhere. Contact us to perform at your next event.

Who does your website?

The amazing Bill Welliver (He has printing presses and does business cards too)

Can I link to your website?

Sure. Just drop an e-mail first.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing you can move in. Most people dance barefoot, but you can wear socks or dance shoes if you prefer. The floor is hardwood.

What is "open session"?

Open session classes mean that you can start at any time. Belly dancing is largely based on the concept of layering. What that means to a beginner, is that you will work on the most basic part of the step (for example, a slow balanced movement that will lead to a shimmy), while more experienced dancers will work at their level (maybe taking a shimmy up to tempo, or sliding it around, or walking tossing their hair, chewing gum and shimmying) The point is that you work at your level. The first time, you will be a beginner and feel like a fish out of water. Hang in there; it is only your first time once. (next week is someone else's turn) --- and remember everyone had a first time.

How much are classes?

$10 for drop in classes, or $50 for 6 classes in a row, (no refunds for missed classes.)

Where is Homewood Friends Meeting House?

3107 N. Charles Street: From the front porch, follow the stairs down to the dance space. Get a map and directions!

(At the intersection of Art museum drive and Charles Street)

Who teaches Meridian Dance Company Classes?

The majority of the classes are taught by R'aina. She is the director and choreographer. She has taught in Baltimore, Ocean City, DC and Malta.

What about private lessons?

We do teach privately, it generally costs $45/hour, or $12/person/hour if you have a group of 4 or more. We would set up a time and location that workes for the dancer and the teacher. Prices may fluctuate depending on location.

What is your "philosophy of dance"

Dance is a performance art. If you want to be a dancer, you should dance (and practice). Thus we have beginner choreography, designed for (shocker) beginner dancers. With this company, you can perform when you are ready to perform. (We won^Òt let you do it before you are ready - promise)
You will be the best dancer you can be when you develop your style and enjoy dancing it.
Dance is fun. Smile - this is fun!

What if I never want to perform, I just want to learn to dance?

Dance is good exercise regardless of your motivation.

Do you offer Certification?

Yes. Workshops are offered intermittently. They are usually topic specific and are open to anyone. Past workshops have included: zills, veils, swords, floor work, traveling combinations, costuming. I also teach private workshops based on interest and requests.

How do I get to the Finger Cymbal workshop in Wyman Park?

Take University Parkway to 40th St.
Turn LEFT onto Keswick Rd.
Turn LEFT onto 36th St.
Travel about 1 block to Beech Ave (36th St dead ends onto Beech).
Wyman Park will be down the hill on the far side of Beech St (see map below).

For a map, please click here. Wyman Park is the green area to the left of Johns Hopkins in the center of the map.