Sick of weekends spent wandering aimlessly about town? Well, Bitesize at the Esplanade is offering 2 $10-workshops (they don’t involve science experiments – we all know how well that went) in Jul to keep young, restless souls occupied with music and dance.

Alternative Beats

After the hype of the Singapore Drumfest, take a break away from the typical drum set and engage with Middle Eastern percussion instead. Under the guidance of Israeli musician/writer Amit Gilboa, you can expect to be introduced to unusual rhythmic styles produced by such instruments in different music genres. You’ll be put in good hands as Amit has been playing Middle Eastern percussions for more than a decade and has performed before audiences that include President S R Nathan.

You know you’ll love the awestruck look on your friends’ faces as you demonstrate your newly-honed percussion skills, so go beat away! Note that such drums can cost from anything from $42 to $160 depending on the kind.

Price: $10

Date: 22 Jul

Venue: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio

Time: 11 am (90 min)

Hips Don’t Lie

If you’ve secretly or openly admired Shakira and Beyonce for their bootylicious moves, this workshop may just make you the object of your own and other people’s admiration as you dance in front of the mirror.

Join reputable belly dancer, Maia, regarded as the “best Egyptian belly-dancer in Singapore” after she won the “Cairo Cairo” Solo Bellydance Competition in 2006 judged by top Egyptian Dance Masters”, as she teaches you the ropes to basic belly dancing moves. Amit and his entourage from the Alternative Beats workshop will also supply the class with live music accompaniment.

Other than learning how to dance to Amit’s Middle Eastern rhythm, you’ll also be taught how to incorporate belly dancing into the modern day context known, through the use of a Shakira song no less. So now you know what you can do to impress that guy/girl on the dance floor.

Price: $10

Date: 22 Jul

Venue: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio

Time: 2 pm (90 min)

Psyched already? Then hurry up and grab your tickets fast, because the first 10 people to sign up at the Esplanade Box Office will also receive an exclusive hip scarf! All the more to dance with!

Plus if you head on down to the Singapore Art Café and Mrs.Fields @ Esplanade after class (or before, but only on the day itself), you’ll get to enjoy a 10% discount upon presentation of your Bitesize ticket stub. Terms and conditions apply.

Tickets available at Esplanade Box Office and all SISTIC’s authorised agents.