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Meridian Dance Company has been dancing for over a decade and is 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.
Click on a topic below to view FAQs.
 
Who is in the Company?
Meridian Dance Company consists of about 10 core dancers and is supplemented by additional members who have
the option of feeding into the company. Meridian is directed by R'aina.
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 cannot 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 Gallery 788 in Hampden. The haflehs
feature the company, some of the company dancers and may have guest dancers 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 works 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’t 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.
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