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Amel Tafsout
“Amel ‘s teaching technique “focuses on sharing the spiritual energies” and her “movements come from inside and is charged with pure energies. While Amel, the Berber woman, moves closer to the souls of the women, they in turn become more aware of their own strength and are able to recover their spiritual balance through dance. The word 'healing' is not mentioned but what happens here is nothing less than that.'”
-Gizella Hartmann, in 'Orient Magazine', Germany, nr 1, 2002
'Watching a performance by Amel Tafsout' Strong woman, passionate, formidable cultural ambassador, internationally acclaimed, spiritual, Medicine woman, patient, gentle, academic, linguist, powerful ambience surrounding her' - All true. But there is the rest: the humor!'
-Marian Watson
'Watching Amel dance, is a cathartic experience. She dances from the very core of herself. sensuality is expressed as power and generosity. She has a direct stare, a presence that can only come from the true knowledge of herself and her art. She is a unique performer and there is no one else who dances like her.
-Beatrice Parvin, in Habibi magazine, Vol.18. No 1. 1999, Santa Barbara, U.S.A.
Amel Tafsout will seem to you like a voyager between countries, culture and languages. Having worked and lived all over the world, unsurprisingly, migration has been a constant theme in Tafsout's work. Her name means 'Hope of Spring', and she is among the most charismatic and acclaimed professional world performers and master dance instructors of North African traditional and contemporary Maghreb Dance of our time. With an M.A degree in Sociolinguistics and research in dance anthropology, Tafsout is keenly aware of the impact culture has in the art of dance. Raised in Algeria among the finest traditional dancers and musicians. Tafsout was fascinated by dance and music as a small child.
While traveling the globe as an adult, she studied dances of her neighboring countries as well as Middle Eastern, European folk, African and Afro-Cuban dances. In her early twenties Tafsout moved to Germany where she founded the Pan Arabic dance company 'Banat As Sahra'. In the late 80s Tafsout moved to London, U.K. where she taught and performed at various dance and music festivals and founded 'The Tafsoutettes' Dance company.
While currently performing and teaching worldwide Amel is living in the U.S.A. Tafsout has lectured, danced, taught, sung and conducted anthropological research in many countries. She also published many articles related to dance and Maghreb women in academic and popular magazines. Her research focuses on the Ritual in Maghreb dances as well as looking at dance as a healing form.
She uses her expertise to teach master classes in dance, drumming and singing for students from various countries and backgrounds. Her progressive style of teaching, enhances the spontaneous fusion between dance and music, sound and vision.
www.ameltafsout.com
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The Maghreb (North Africa) has always been a crossroad of cultures, a gate between the West and the East, the North and the South - Where Africa meets the Orient .
Maghrebi (North African) people are Arabo-Imazighan (Berber) people with various backgrounds , such as Amazigh ( Berber), Arabic, African and Mediterranean elements.
In Maghrebi countries music and dance are associated partly with Middle Eastern culture (Arabic and Turkish) as well as Arabo-Andalusian elements of Medieval Spain , and partly with Amazigh and African roots
Amel will be sharing a number of MAGHREB DANCES with us this year.
"ABDAOUI & RAHHABA - AMAZIGH (BERBER) DANCES"
ABDAOUI DANCE: FERTILITY DANCE OF THE FAMOUS ‘AZRIYAT:
This dance is from the Eastern Algerian Aures mountains where Amel Tafsout comes from. It is performed at various festivities such as the Harvest, weddings and specially during the Bendou festival in the spring: a dry branch will be decorated with the fruit of the season as a symbol of fertility. The dance is mostly performed by the female professional singers and dancer called Azriyat (translation:women without men). It is also called CHAOUI. The dance is performed in duets on a 8/8 rhythm with small steps giving the impression as if the dancer is gliding. The chest stays straight. The dancers cross each other, dance back to back with unexpected foot stamps then suddenly they separate while holding the sides of their dress using them as wings and giving the impression of flying birds, it is why they call the dancers H'djilette (little partridges).
RAHHABA - THE WELCOMING LINE DANCE
It is a line dance inviting every guest to join the line and dancing together in various formation. Men and women are including this will be relation to the rules of each village. Amel Tafsout will be teaching technique and for the choreography she will include the partridge steps. Please bring a long sari or a long veil for the dance. For costuming and head-dress combinations bring many shawls.
3 hours - Semi-Private Class - Hotel
"WAHRANI & ALLAOUI - DANCING TO RAI MUSIC"
*WAHRANI::: It is a semi-city dance performed by women only, originating from the country and known in the sea-port of Wahran (Oran in French), West of Algeria. The Wahrani dance also known as Rai dance consists of continuous shoulder shimmies, hip movements and hip shimmies with very small steps. The dancer is wearing dresses mainly in silk or lace.
*ALLAOUI:::It is a warrior line dance known in the West of Algeria near the Moroccan border. The line of dancers has a leader, the rais, who imposes changes of formations. The dance is representing the warriors coming back from Andalusian Spain.
*DANCING TO RAI::::For Algerian people the term Rai means 'opinion' or advice but also embodies the concept of freedom of opinion. Rai music and dance are both based on improvisation. Like ya Leyl in Egyptian music, the term Rai became one kind of stop-gap when the singer lost his inspiration in his poetry. The roots of traditional Rai music were performed in the shioukh music (plural of Sheikh) or masters in the beginning of the 20th century, but also by the females performers: The MeddaHat and the Shikhat. The MeddaHat are singers and musicians who play violin and percussion and perform for women only always beginning with religious sacred songs, praising the Prophet or a local Saint. The Shikhat are female performers in West Algeria and Morocco, who perform for men and women, singing and dancing at various festivities including weddings, birth and religious holidays.
Amel Tafsout will teach various techniques of the mentioned dances. She will include these dances in a her own choreography. Dancing to Rai is having the fluidity and the sensuality of Arabo-Andalusian roots, the strength and energy of the mythical Amazigh priestess, the Earthyness of the African soul, the Inspiration of the Sahara-Desert and the expression of the great Mediterranean Seaport Wahran.
2 hours - Hotel - Semi-Private Class
"TUNISIAN DANCE & RAKSAT EL MAHRA"
*TUNISIAN DANCE -In Tunisia there are many dances but there is one popular dance performed countrywide. this dance has Bedouin roots. The
dancer will use particular foot steps where the right foot goes forward and backward while stamping to the strong rhythms of the derbouka. The right foot hitting strongly the ground leads to the twisting of the right hip being accentuated by the melia or fouta dress. The arms are not moving. Every region has a particular movement. In some areas the dancers will do some jumps, in other areas the dancer will dance on the spot with very small steps with specific belly movements.
*RAKSAT EL MAHRA - Raks El Kheyl/Horse dance - Raks El Kheyl/Horse dance - The dance originates from the real story: a married couple and a horse on a journey. The husband giving all his attention to his horse and neglecting his wife, because the horse could dance. In order to win her husband's attention the housewife decided to imitate the horse. She not only won her husband but became famous and was invited to perform her horse dance at various festivities. This dance is full of energy, hip-twists and jumps, it is earthy, energetic and very balanced! Not to do with full stomach!
Amel Tafsout often combines these dances together into combinations or a choreography.
2 hours - All Levels - Gallery
"Body Art: Symbols, henna and tattoos in the Middle East and North Africa"
1 hour - BackStage - Lunch Lecture
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Kami Liddle
Kami has studied various dance styles throughout her life, but found her true passion, Belly Dance, when she was 18 years old. She began to study cabaret style belly dance until she found Fat Chance Belly Dance and began to study their videos religiously. Today Kami refers to her style as a modern fusion of an ancient dance. As she began to perform as a soloist she began to incorporate other styles into her ATS repertoire such as modern, hip hop jazz and bhangra dance. Kami has earned a degree in Art with a Minor in Dance from the University of Nevada, Reno and has been nominated for 'Best Interpretive Artist" for 2005 and 2007 by Zaghareet Magazine. She joined Bellydance Superstars in 2005 and is a contributing choreographer as well as the director of the Tribal Superstars.
www.kamiliddle.com
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Tribal Fusion Choreography
Learn an original choreography by Kami, complete with slinky isolations, shimmies, turns, layers, locks, ticks, breaks and more.. à la fusion style! This class is recommend for strong intermediate to advanced dancers who have 'tribal fusion' experience. Water and a dance journal are essential.
4 hours - Advance Level Semi-Private Class - Hotel
Bhangra infused Tribal Fusion Choreography
This workshop will focus on a choreography Kami has created which infuses touches of Bhangra influence. This isn't a Bhangra class, but bit and pieces of Bhangra dance will be taught. Small Bhangra embellishments will be combined with rolls, lock and waves to create a fun fusion to perform to that favorite Bollywood remix you've been dying to dance to. This class is open to all levels. Bhangra is an energetic form of music and dance which originates from the Punjab region of India.
2 hours - Large Format Mixed Level Class - Gallery
Move It!
This class is about moving beyond standing in place and executing hip work, pops, locks and what have you. The focus of this workshop is to get you moving and traveling across the floor. Various footwork, spins and traveling steps will be broken down, embellished and put into combinations that you can add to any dance routine.
2 hours - Large Format Mixed Level Class - Gallery
Fluid Arms and Upper Body
Chest isolations, shoulder work, head embellishments, and fluid arms and hands will be the focus of this workshop. We will begin and end with a gentle yoga flow and stretch to help lengthen, stretch and strengthen the muscles needed for strong upper body isolations. We will explore the space around the body to create interesting lines and shapes with the arms and hands in order to create a more expressive dance. A yoga mat is helpful, but not required.
3 hours - Semi-Private Mixed Level Class - Stage
Kami – Semi-private TBA - Why not let Kami surprise you!
2 hours - hotel
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Ariellah
Ariellah studied classical ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance of London for twelve years, beginning at age three. After a four-year break
from dance that included two years in the Peace Corps on Africa's Ivory Coast, she returned to the United States eager to learn the dance of her Moroccan ancestry.
Ariellah is an international performer and instructor of fusion belly dance. She has studied and performed belly dance for the past eight years, both with Janine Ryle of Danse Mahgreb and as a founding member of The Indigo with Rachel Brice. Her style infuses many genres of belly dance, all with a modern dark flavour that is uniquely her own. She is featured on many DVDs, including the first of its kind "Gothic BellyDance" DVD and her first instructional DVD, "Contemporary BellyDance and Yoga Conditioning" and she also won first place in Siren's Insanity belly dance competition in 2004. She is considered a leader in the innovative new genre of Dark Fusion Belly Dance and is known for her strong technique, precision of movements and her artistry.
www.ariellah.com
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Super Strength and Slinky Combos
Learn the basics of Ariellah's style of fusion belly dance by intensely strengthening the body, as well as fine tuning technique by way of yogic and pilates-based exercises. This workshop will also work through basic fusion style combinations to gain a firmer grasp on this genre of belly dance.
2 hours **Mixed Level Workshop** - Large Class Format
Advanced Technique: Elevate Your Dance (Master Class)
Take your dance to the next level. Learn to make isolations, flexibility, and technique an inherent part of your repertoire. In this workshop the dancer will work through posturing, building strength to create an elevated energy in their dance, opening the body in order to gain a dancer’s flexibility, some advanced layering work and isolating core muscle groups for stronger movement.
4 hours **Advance Level Workshop** - Hotel - Semi-Private Class
Drawing Down The Moon: Drawing Inward, Reflecting Outward, Building Expression and Cultivating Creativity
What moves your soul? Why do you dance? Who or what is your muse or inspiration? What do you want to tell the world? What do you have to offer up? And who are you and what do you want to express? These are the myriad of questions we must ask ourselves in order to dance with more intention and as artists, give of ourselves to the dance, to ourselves, and to the audience. Work through expressive and fluid movements with Ariellah in this intense and creative workshop.
2 hours **Mixed Level Workshop** - Stage - Semi-Private Class
The Artist’s Workshop: A primer for the well-rounded dancer
What does it take to be a well rounded, modern day belly dancer? Find out in this workshop that focuses on mastering fusion movements and offers up dynamic, inspiring combos, while discussing the fine art of dance and all things that combine to create a dancer that sets her or him self apart from the rest…
3 hours **Mixed Level Workshop** - Large Class Format
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Samantha Riggs
Samantha Riggs is the Founder, Artistic Director, Choreographer and Lead Dancer for both Boom Boom Bollywood and The Sexy Scallywags Dance Circus in Tempe, Arizona, and is a performer with Jamila Lotus Renaissance bellydance troupe and Fyrae fire arts troupe. She was the assistant director as well as a core dancer, teacher, musician and choreographer for Domba Tribal Fusion Dance Troupe (winners of the 2006 Zaghareet "Best Troupe" award) from 1996 until their dissolution in October of 2006. Samantha has traveled the world teaching Bollywood Style Dance, Bhangra, Tribal Style Bellydance, Tribal Fusion, Fire Arts and "Pirate" Bellydance. She has sold out classes at TribalFest every year since 2005. Her innovative "Minnat Kare" choreography won Boom Boom Bollywood first place in the Aashiyana All-Indus Dance Competition in 2007.
For Samantha, Art is really all about Love and about expanding the small definition of Love present in mass consciousness to a pure, unadulterated, consuming, spiritual, feral existence without fear. Lately, this belief has inspired her to expressions in her choreography of hope for an alliance against the worldwide enslavement regime.
Samantha is also a tall ship sailor and gunner. She can often be found somewhere off the west coast of the United States or Canada, 70-90 feet in the air in the rigging, hauling like mad on a halyard, happily covered in pine tar or firing the black powder cannons of the brig Lady Washington. She has recently formed a non-profit organization dedicated to building a replica of the USS Porpoise, a brig launched in 1836, which was involved in hunting slavers off the west coast of Africa in the 1840s.
ww.boomboombollywood.com
http://www.sexyscallywags.com
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Why Is The Rum Always Gone?
Pirate Bellydance is the culmination of Samantha’s experience with tribal fusion, stage combat, Bollywood and Bhangra, African fusion, comedy theatre and tall ship sailing… plus a little bit of madness… or brilliance (it’s remarkable how often those two traits coincide). Imagine the dynamic action of shipboard sword fights, the physicality of Bhangra and African dance, and the tongue-in-cheek humor of drunken Bollywood or Pirate movie comedy scenes and you may begin to scratch the surface of the spirit of Pirate Bellydance. In this workshop you will learn to do drops, spins and shimmies all while keeping your bottle safe! This workshop covers the coordination necessary to transfer an open bottle from hand to hand as a dancer transitions from fancy footwork to athletic floor work. These skills can be applied to almost any hand-held prop (rum bottles, fire props, swords, etc.) and will also come in handy at parties. Please bring a plastic water bottle (at least partly filled with water) to use as a prop in class and if you need knee, ankle or foot support for floor work and drops, please bring that too!
2 hours - Level: All (athletic). Some Bellydance experience is helpful - Large Class Format
Tribal Fusion Combos for Adventurers
Samantha’s training and experience has covered so many areas of dance and the arts that she is not sure where one leaves off and the other begins, anymore… she just boldly does. The moves taught in this workshop draw from multiple inspirations and are guaranteed to be fun and exciting. If you would like some tribal fusion combos to add to your repertoire that are original, innovative, theatrical, athletic and possibly irreverent then this is the class for you. If you need pads for floorwork or knee/ankle support to do deep knee bends, please bring it (alternate moves will be available for those with knee issues). If you wear a skirt, be sure to wear something under it as we will be jumping and spinning! Also, please bring your senses of humor and adventure.
2 hours - Level: All. Some Bellydance experience is helpful - Stage - Semi-Private Class
Bollywood Anima :
Definition of “Anima” – The feminine inner personality. Bollywood “Anima” will teach some of the most graceful and feminine moves from Hindi cinema. This class will focus on the intricate lyrical expression and group formations as depicted in ""Silsila Ye Chahaat Ka,"" from the movie Devdas (one of Bollywood's most popular and enduring dance numbers), and the Rajasthani-styled coyness of “Minnat Kare” from the movie Paheli (with Samantha’s original, award-winning choreography). We will examine controlled technique and the skills required in maintaining formations through a choreographed number. Samantha will also demonstrate how to use elements of the dances as modular combinations. This class is suitable for women, men who wish to learn a feminine style, young people at least 12 years of age – beginners, intermediate or advanced students in the Bollywood Style. If students wish to wear a skirt, pants or shorts are recommended underneath it – there will be some spinning and a little bit of floor work.
3 hours - Level: All –Some dance experience is helpful - Large Class Format
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Onca O'Leary, Bandit Queen
A director, event producer, and career entertainer, Onca's touring project for 2008-2009 is "The Mezmer Society", a collaboration with Balkan accordionist August Hoerr and their musical ensemble. The Society presents a delicious melange of Eastern European music, powerful bellydance technique, goodwill, bad behavior, and sultry oddements. The year 2008 saw The Mezmer Society as featured instructors at TribalCon & Southern Fried Tribal in Atlanta, TribalFest in California, Tribal Revolution in Chicago and TribOriginal in North Carolina.
Director of Baraka Mundi Live Music & Dance Ensemble since 1999, Onca has long been known for her evocative stage presence. Baraka Mundi pioneered tribal bellydance in the Carolinas and was nominated for 'Best Kept Secret'. She was the first in the world to be Certified in General Skills by Carolena Nericcio, founder of American Tribal Bellydance. Her annual dance camp, TribOriginal, was nominated in 2008 as 'Best Event' in the national Golden Belly Awards. She is also an internationally published author and illustrator under her given name, Lauren O'Leary.
For more info on Onca, visit
The Mezmer Society: Luscious Cabaret & Balkan Ruckus & Baraka Mundi at www.barakamundi.com/mezmer
TribOriginal: Tribal Dance, Music & Culture Camp at www.triboriginal.org
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August Hoerr, Esoteric Instrumentalist
August taught himself to play accordion as angsty teenager, and after discovering Middle Eastern music, began working with Tribal dancers in 1999. Discovering a mutual interest in Balkan music and quirky party songs, he formed The Mezmer Society with Onca (Baraka Mundi) in the Autumn of 2007. They have taught and performed at events including Tribal Fest, TribalCon, and Tribal Revolution, and they are scheduled to continue touring throughout the United States. The Mezmer Society is fully committed to spreading the aesthetic of hafla joy as quickly and loudly as possible.
In addition to to The Mezmer Society, August is a member of the quartet Ashes in Order, and maintains a career as an internationally represented figurative painter. He is the president of the Institute for the Advancement of Occultism and Aerophonics (previously Asheville Accordion Club), and he has released albums with the cinematic trio Soora Gameela, and Greek fusion band Makari. August lives in Asheville, North Carolina and is currently working on material for his first solo album.
www.augusthoerr.com
Youtube Videos of Mezmer Society
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qiKyu8RmWc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8uuzwReKgY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz7_8hB0R8M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jyhHnSvo1E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_nUHr-8n3w
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Onça O'Leary - Creepy Combos
Best known onstage for her highly emotive performance, let Onça share with you some favorite Bandit Queen combos with 'Alternative' content: this is creepy, Kali, not-your-grandma's pretty bellydance. Starting with serious warm-ups and drills for internal work, this material is great for gothique, nightclub and storytelling bellydance. And, Wicked fun!
2 hours - Stage - All Levels - Semi-Private Class
Onça O'Leary - Every Dancer's Must-Have Tools: Fan & Cane, Foxy & Folkloric
Both of these props offer limitless potential to the working artist: It's all how you handle their intrinsic power to flirt, assert, and defend.
Fan is an indispensable part of the working artist's toolkit. Onça's fan fusion is long on emotive power, attitude and upper body strength. Savor the flavor of Duende (passion). Most standard fans will work: feather fans and fan veils will be discussed, but are not usable for the purposes of class. Cane, or 'Raks Assaya', is a traditional woman's dance art that offers tremendous creative expression to Fusion, Burlesque, and Vaudeville artists. Learn sustainable cane technique and explore combos with attitude. Great for developing both troupe precision and the theatrical face of fusion. Onça's preferred canes & fans will be for sale at the event, or bring your own!
2 hours - All Levels - Large Class Format
Onça O'Leary - Narrative Bellydance: The Next Level of Expression
Truly compelling performers communicate through a thousand subtleties of body language, intention, and theatricality. In this workshop, explore a range of evocative moods and their movement nuances - spirited, celebratory, passionate, tragic ...maybe even a little bit of evil. This high-spirited, concept-driven intensive offers tools and tips for creating more powerful performance. Its frolicsome format invariably has dancers laughing, creating community, and pushing creative boundaries. Onca is on a serious mission to nurture authentic self-expression among the world's bellydance Fusionistas. To make your experience that much more memorable, there will be the ultimate bellydancer's luxury: delicious live accompaniment! More about Onca O'Leary and August Hoerr at The Mezmer Society: Luscious Cabaret & Balkan Ruckus.
2 hours -Semi-Private -Stage
August Hoerr : Live Music: Because a Round of Drinks is Cheaper than an iPod
Live music can take your performance to a new strata of stage presence, power, and community pleasure. Musicians love dancers that can clearly describe what they need, and dancers love musicians that honor those needs while making them look wonderful. This high-spirited, interactive workshop addresses etiquette, effective communication onstage and off, and tips on how to successfully collaborate while being aware of everyone's interests. These fun exercises in creating strong entrances, transitioning tempos, and ending fabulously will all be accompanied by the (strains, wheezes, and mellifluous sounds of the) Accordion.
2 hours - Stage - Everyone Welcome!
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n.o.madic tribal
n.o.madic tribal hails from New Orleans where we perform Tribal style bellydance...straight up, no chaser.
We were born of circumstance, nurtured with commitment, and persist with love. Here's our story: When our troupe leader and teacher Megha Gavin, director of Devyani, moved away in 2003, we continued to foster what she had created, but under the name n.o.madic tribal. The n.o. honors our beloved New Orleans, where we performed every single week from our inception until late 2008 (sans Katrina, of course), perfecting our improv skills and developing our own voice. We became adept at thinking with one mind and dancing from one source, creating synchronized magic on cue. Since then, we've been working on (gasp!) choreography and larger productions.
We're known for our one-group-mind and our ability to create a sense of tension and drama among dancers, and we can spin all day, so we thought we'd bring these skills to the 3C crowd. If you have any questions about our workshop offerings, feel free to e-mail us at info@nomadictribal.com or check our our website: www.nomadictribal.com (We're on Tribe, MySpace, and Facebook, too).
We have a few videos shot by professionals, but since 99% of our performances take place in dark, smoky bars, we don't have as much great footage as we'd like. Here are a few:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSMPVVY8aIU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B62d79Zr_C4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZngMrQ8sbg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy5NCzorkMU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph2DjbfNznU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIBJzYAhh2o
http://www.nomadictribal.com/vid_den2.htm
http://www.nomadictribal.com/vid_oya.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko4seOT6-XI
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Magnetic Tension
Creating that dynamic pulsation of energy between dancers is common in partner dances, but is often missing on the Tribal stage. Bring that sense of tension into your dance with these n.o.madic moves that will move everyone watching. Perfect for the duo or quartet, but these moves are entrancing and powerful regardless of the number of dancers, so soloists welcome!
2 hours - Mixed Level Class - Large Class Format
Turns and Spins
Two hours of turns and spins that will dizzy your audience more than you. We'll cover n.o.madic signature moves and combos, as well as the classic spin. Don't worry about losing your lunch, we'll share techniques to keep you on your feet and you and your dance partners utterly in sync. NOTE: NEVER FEAR! ~ This class is geared toward the spin challenged!!!!
2 hours - Stage - Semi-Private Class
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BellaNaTana
BellaNaTana is a fusion-based belly dance troupe in the DFW
area. Katy and Brandi both come from award winning and nominated
performance troupes. Brandi has over 18 years of teaching
experience and 8yrs of belly dance. Katy is a jewelry and
costuming artist, has been dancing for over 90 years and is
very wise. They have been dancing together for a little over
two years now. In the first year they danced together with
friend Heather as Liquid Hips and now dance together as the
duo Bella Natana. There is more behind the name, "Bella" is
the Italian word for Beautiful and "NaTana" means dancing
in Sanskrit.
www.BellaNaTana.com
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Improv Combos and Mini Choreographs
What have we been up to this year you ask? Come find out what special goodies we have in store for your improv or even to add some fun and grace to a new choreography. Ever feel like you are repeating one move over and over and over? In this class we will be focusing on how to best combine moves to make transitions seamless and keeping our improv fresh and moving. Don’t get stuck in rut and come join us.
2 hours - Some dance knowledge required - Large Class Format - Gallery |
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Yusefina
"Gypsy dancers have no homes, only their hearts can hold them."
For over a decade, Yusefina has traveled the world. In California, southern France, the desert of North Africa, New Orleans, New York and Alaska she has immersed herself in the teachings of Danse Orientale, El Mundo, Dunyavi Gypsy, Improvisational Tribal Style and American Tribal Style Belly Dance. From each place and from each teacher she has taken precious learnings and beautiful moments. Yusefina has refined this knowledge and these experiences into the movements that characterize the "Western Gitane" style she has been teaching for eight years. "Western Gitane" is always moving, always evolving. It is a passionate, elegant fusion of traditional and modern styles of Belly Dance.
In addition to being a student and teacher, Yusefina is also an accomplished performer and choreographer. She has performed extensively, not only as a soloist, but as a member of Urban Gypsy in Houston, Texas, Lailaa Chandani in Arcata, California and as Assistant Director of Meyva in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2004, Yusefina co-choreographed “Ishwari”, a Modern/Belly Dance fusion for Alaska Dance Theatre's Performing Ballet Company.
Yusefina currently resides in Northern California where she teaches, performs and continues her dance studies.
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A Choreography Just For You!!!!!!
Take it home, make it your own, and perform it on any stage. In this class, Yusefina will teach you a Modern Dance inspired Tribal Fusion Piece, splashed with undulations, isolations and of course lots of sass. This 2 hour class will be packed with moves and combinations filled with strength and emotion, all tied together to create this unique choreography. After learning these combinations, we will drill, drill, drill until the dance is in your muscle memory, in your soul!! There will be time to film at the end of class, and don’t worry about bringing a pen and paper….the choreography notes will be provided!!!!!
I cannot wait to share this one with you!
2 hours - Mixed Level - Semi-Private Class- Hotel
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Shelly Plaisance
Shelly began playing music over 30 years ago in his school band. The consummate fusionist, Shelly's life has led him to study as much as possible about every style of music that has crossed his path so that he can have a clear understanding of what it is he's twisting out of shape. From heavy metal to western swing, African poly-rhythms to traditional Arabic music, Shelly embraces it all. As a teacher of percussion for the last ten years, Shelly has worked with adults and small children alike, helping every group and individual to achieve a better sense of rhythm, timing and musical awareness. Shelly's methods speak to everyone, allowing new perspectives on a subject that may have previously seemed out of reach for many. Born and raised in South Louisiana, Shelly's heart and soul live in music. Living on River Road, just across the street from the Mississippi River, Shelly draws on his every day life for musical inspiration, combining the sounds of nature and industry to create his unique fusions. When he's not playing music, Shelly is thinking about guitars or how to make music. When he's not thinking about guitars or music, it's because he's playing with swords in his back yard or riding dirt bikes along the levee of the Mississippi River. Shelly has self-produced two albums in the last 3 years, "Beyond the Levee" a Darkest Heart project and "Gulf Coast Bellydance" a Blue Lotus Society project. Both are available through CDBaby and online at www.darkestheart.com
www.bluelotussociety.com
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Shelly Plaisance of Darkest Heart & Blue Lotus Society
Eastern rhythms for the Western Ear and Group Musical Dynamics
The class is actually geared toward GROUPS AND TROUPES. Why? Because it's my theory that as dancers, if you all learn how to breathe and move and make rhythm together, you are not only closer and more cohesive, but more authentic and engaging as performers! Now, imagine yourselves performing, the audience on the edge of their seats... and from no where, you begin to make rhythm with your bodies and maybe even small percussion, or BIG percussion ... AND THEN you all begin moving, dancing, creating SOUND & MOVEMENT all on your own! No electronics, no CD, just the organic nature of humans making rhythm. And that my friends is the premise of this class :) Hopefully you'll learn a little more about how to recognize and identify rhythms, but more importantly, hopefully you will learn how to hear rhythm in a way that will allow you to become one with your music.
2 hours - All levels of dancer or musician are welcome - Semi-Private Class - Stage
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Shamsi
Shamsi (Charlie Pettus) is a professional dancer and healer with a background in Middle Eastern, North African and Turkish dance, Bharatanataym, Yoga and Tai Chi. In addition to being a certified teacher of Dancemeditation, Shamsi is a Certified Angel Practitioner and a Level III Reiki Master. Owner and co-founder of BayouShimmy Dance Studio in Baton Rouge, La., Shamsi offers classes in Dancemeditation, bellydance technique, and general fitness in addition to offering personal healing sessions and readings. Shamsi's teaching and healing are guided by a desire to help awaken our sleeping inner beauty, reconnecting spirit into our daily lives. When she is not dancing, you may find her paddling through the South Louisiana waterways with Shelly in their canoe, or possibly dirt bike riding along the Mississippi River levee south of Baton Rouge. For fun, Shamsi and Shelly play with swords (katanas) in their back yard, cutting up large fruits and rolled up grass mats.
www.shamsidances.com
YouTube Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CharlieGirl333
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Spin like a Bad-Ass: Dazzling, Effortless, Spins for Soloists
Working with internalized techniques based on Sufi whirling practices, we will learn how to navigate our body's internal balance and forces of momentum along with personalized footwork and body posture. Starting, stopping, body placement, body awareness, dynamic tempo changes and giving one's self over to the pure joy of freedom of spins and turns will all be addressed. Adding Veils for the latter half of the class will include understanding basic principles of momentum, veil material, ""going with the flow,"" and working with the veil rather than working the veil. It's recommended that students wear ballet or some other soft slipper or socks due to repeated turns. *Silk* veils are recommended, but I'll have a few extra for loaners and sale just in case.
2 hours - Intermediate dance level requested - Large Format Class
Zils From the Body
Playing what your body wants and translating it for choreography or improvisation. Learn to love finger cymbals, playing them, and adding them to yours or anyone's dance. When we listen to our bodies and understand what wants to come out, it can become easy to accompany our movements with rhythm. Begin from a place of stillness and add fire with sound, simple techniques and basic drills will enhance our dance and bring dynamic layers of sight and sound to our performances. Learning to convert these improvisational and seemingly un-restricted meters into something that can be used in a choreographic setting will be covered as well.
2 hours - All levels of dancer or musician are welcome - Semi-Private Class - Hotel
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Lorelei
Lorelei is a diverse artist whose talents include fire poi,
belly dance, and videography. Based in her hometown of Houston,
Texas, Lorelei began her performance career in high school
and community theatre. A National Merit Scholar, Lorelei graduated
from the University of Houston where she also managed the
student-run television station.
In 1999, friends introduced Lorelei to the art of poi spinning
and it wasn't long before she became a featured member of
Empyrean Fire Tribe, creating unique fire performances for
Six Flags Astroworld (2003) and the Texas Renaissance Festival
(2004). She also became a sought after instructor, developing
a curriculum and methodology for teaching poi that she has
refined over time.
www.EmpyreanFireTribe.cc
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Poi Spinning for Belly Dancers
This class is designed for the dancer who wants to incorporate the art of poi as a prop within her dance. Special emphasis will be given to poi patterns that provide freedom of movement in the core of the body. Several combinations will be introduced and drilled. A familiarity with poi is encouraged, but not required. The beginning student will be able to practice the basic patterns that are incorporated in each combination.
2 hours - Gallery
Hooping with Bellydance FLAIR
2 hours - Limited to 6 Students - Courtyard
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Rose Harden
Rose Harden,Tribal Fusion belly dancer, has been an active member of the San Francisco belly dance community since 1999. As a long standing member of Ultra Gypsy, and founding member of the Barbary Coast Shakedown, she has shared the joy of this dance form through performance and instruction through out the United States and Europe.
During her 3 years as co-director of Ultra Gypsy Rose has been a contributing force in the company's dynamic choreography and innovative costuming. She is the original designer of the very popular Rosehips skirt, which can be seen on tribal fusionistas around the world!
Rose worked collaboratively with Wendy Darling to create the Ultra Gypsy costumes seen in Peko Record's Belly Dance Underworld and the Marie Antoinette inspired piece seen at Neaveau Nights and Ultra Gypsy's Pacific Northwest tour. She has extended her costuming skills to The Lifesize Mousetrap and Stars and Garters Theater company, and most recently she has worked with Zoe Jakes to create an ensemble costume for the tribal dancers in the Belly Dance Super Stars Art of Belly Dance Tour.
Rose is inspired by the diversity of the San Francisco performance and dance community. She also tours with the Cyclecide Bike Rodeo and The Lifesize Mousetrap when not managing Rosehips Designs.
http://www.rosehipsdancer.com/
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Costume Construction
This hands on workshop focuses on practical advice. bring in that belt, bra or skirt you're working on. learn tips culled from years of trial and error for dance costuming. we will cover construction, fit, what works for different shapes and sizes, how to approach costuming for stage and more.
"UPDATED" - we're happy to announce that we've expanded the Basic Costume Construction workshop to include Hair and Makeup for Stage. We will cover how to make shapes with you hair and securing headdresses as well as tips on getting your makeup to pop on stage, creating the right shape for that essential dark smokey eye, the right brushes and products, and more! These additional topics will be hands on so you'll feel confidant about applying these tools and techniques at home.
2 hours - Back stage
Creating Character Costumes (or Beyond The Coin Bra)
Taking theatrical ideas and creating a costume that reflects a cohesive vision of idea, music, concept, intent and overall aesthetic. This is the creative process in action, and can be applied to solo or troupe costumes. Students will start with a concept, piece of music, or costume and will be given guidance and feedback to take it in a dynamic direction. Learn how to explore your ideas and transform them in to amazing and unique costumes!
2 hours - Back stage
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Goddess Mychele
Mychele, unbeknownst to her, began her henna training as a young
girl getting in trouble for doodling on herself with pens and
markers. Many years later, when she saw henna for the first
time on a troupe of belly dancers, the magical connection was
made. Her love of henna has taken her all over the United States
learning and teaching the art of henna and its history, as well
as creating her special recipe that is made with all natural
ingredients and pure essential oils. Mychele has been commissioned
and fashioned her creative henna designs on hundreds of pa-trons
at the House of Blues, Walt Disney World, Gaylord Palms, The
Peabody, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Sea World
Orlando. She has also toured from coast to coast with Simon
d'Tour Live. Her specialty is in using henna to create an experience
which includes re-laxation and stress relief through aromatherapy,
life coaching, positive energy exchange (which she calls "Henergy"),
symbolic designs for health and healing, and making and using
only her own henna for her clients. Mychele's ability to combine
henna with her in depth knowledge of belly dancing, acting and
stage make-up, has made her a favorite henna artist throughout
the belly dancing community. Because she understands the unique
needs of a performer, Mychele has become an expert at creating
customized designs that capture the performers personality while
enhancing their costumes, a spectacular combination. Along with
many local and regional belly dancers, Mychele has also been
honored to be commissioned to create her henna designs for Carolina
Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance, Belly Dance Superstar Rachel
Brice, Megha Gavin of Devyani Dance and Zymirrah of Urban Gypsy.
She approaches her workshops with the same passion and positive
energy, a powerful combination not to be missed. You can visit
her on the web and experience the beauty of her henna artwork
at : http://goddesshenna.com/
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Henna Fun for Everyone
Come learn how fun doing henna can be!!! Release your inner rock star henna goddess- yippppeeee! Whether you want to do henna for yourself or your friends, this class will show you how to break down complex designs with ease, how to apply henna, how to care for your henna and other interesting little henna tidbits that will have you hennaing like a pro in no time! It doesn’t matter if you’ve done henna before, you’re an artist or you can’t draw a stick figure, this class offers something for everyone...yes, even you!
No experience needed! All supplies for class included in tuition. Additional henna available for purchase through Mychele.
*wear a feather boa and get an extra special surprise!!
2hours - HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - Limited Class size
Glitter Galore, Henna and More!!!
In this 1 hour lunchtime special, we’ll be exploring how to apply the basic principles of henna design and application using a special glitter gel, gilding and gems!!! Use them with henna or alone to create stunning effects! If you are addicted to sparkle, this class is for you!!! You do not need to know how to do henna for this class. No experience needed, just come as you are! All supplies included for some glittery fun!
*We will not be using henna, only glitter, gilding and gems- that’s right, just sparkly fun!
**wear a sparkly hat and get an extra special gift!!
1hour - Back Stage - Lunch Lecture
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Maria
Kateri
Since her youth, Maria Kateri McGuire has ventured across spiritual
and creative plains unearthing her purpose to teach, heal, and
create. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Maria studied ballet through
her youth before discovering Bellydance in 1999. When she moved
to Knoxville, TN, Maria studied at Sara Griscom's Gypsy Hands
Healing Arts Center. In 2006, she taught her first belly dance
classes at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, in 2008 she taught yoga
as well. After years of wishing, Maria joined Gypsy Hands' management,
practiced Massage Therapy, and taught Healing Bellydance. She
provided massage for Tribeoriginal ‘07 & ‘08 (and taught Chakra
Energy Work), Tribal Con '08, and Spirit of the Tribes ‘08.
At age 13, she discovered her gift, ‘laying on of hands,' and
began her journey into energy work. With 2 Reiki Attunements,
a background in Neuromuscular, Ayurvedic and Craniosacral Therapies,
Maria's approach to healing work is both scientific and spiritual.
Today she practices massage therapy, teaches bellydance, writes,
and fuses bellydance with modern dance. Maria experiences life
through various forms of creativity. Her classes often evolve
from technique to story-telling through archetypal characters/creatures,
or customized chakra cleansing moves based on her students'
needs. To Maria, dance is whatever the dancer needs to be: Medicine,
Passion, and Play.
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Archetypal Movement
Archetypes are the architects in our lives. As symbols, not only do they reveal psychological and emotional patterns, but they also represent a face and a function to the elements of our uniquely divine nature. With guided visualizations and improvisations, your intuitive imagination will draw you into the characters that awaken your potential. Our sacred and interpretive dance will carry us through our life stories, embracing our child-self, our inner mystic, etc, and respecting our often misunderstood shadow natures.
2 hours - Stage - Semi-private Class
Sacred Feminine in Dance and Daily Living
Somewhere in the midst of our hectic, western lifestyles, we gather to celebrate our sacred and ancient dance, with its roots in ritual, community, healing, and divine femininity. However, the evolution of our culture challenges us to reconnect with the spiritual aspects of our dance, often debasing it to a mere form of entertainment or simply fun fitness. In this workshop, we will dine together and excavate the pure sacred feminine in our dance, its history, and profundity. We will also share ways in which we can connect with the sacred feminine in our secular lives, in ritual, meditation, and craft.
1 hour - Lunch Lecture - Back Stage
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James Hazlerig
James Hazlerig is a therapeutic hypnotist and tribal musician who helps artists of all stripes tap into their creativity and enhance their performance.
His first experience with hypnosis occurred when he was born; his mother used trance to control the pain of giving birth. In her words, the pain was there, but it was on the other side of the room, having nothing to do with her. He spent a good part of his first ten days backstage at a theater, and he's been hooked on performing both music and hypnosis ever since.
Hazlerig plays electric fiddle for bellydancers in the Austin-based tribal band Belaharr (www.Belaharr.com). With the Bedlam Bards (www.BedlamBards.com), he travels around the country, performing Celtic music at renaissance festivals and science fiction conventions. In between the music, Hazlerig teaches people how to use their minds to improve their lives at his hypnosis office near Smithville, Texas (www.HarmonyHypnosis.NET).
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Dance Like a Goddess: Group Hypnosis
Any true art form is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical. In this interactive workshop, students will use naturally-occurring trance states to enhance creativity, remember choreography, connect with the rhythm of the music, dance with the whole body, and shine with charisma and confidence. Students will learn self-hypnosis techniques for banishing stage fright, enjoying practice, and employing mental rehearsal, which studies have shown to be essentially as effective as physical rehearsal. Please bring a yoga mat/cushion for your seating comfort while on the floor - for those not comfortable on the floor - there will be a few chairs available. Students will leave class feeling like they've had a weekend at the spa! An optional reinforcement CD will be available after class for a modest fee.
2 hours - BackStage - Very Limited Class Size
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Akasha Afsana
Akasha Afsana grew up dancing, literally. She took tap, ballet, and jazz starting at 3. Her advantage was that her parents had their own dance studio. Ballroom, Disco, Asian, and Latin were some of the styles they taught. Teaching her all the forms of dance they knew, she performed regularly with them and on her own. She loved it, and was very comfortable in front of an audience! Her first bellydance lesson was from her mother when she was just 7 years old. Outfitted in homemade Paisley harem pants and a scarf artfully tied around her chest, she was exuberant to learn. It was her favorite style of dance!
Akasha took up bellydancing full-time in 2002, studying at Cassandra Shore’s Cassandra School, Ammala Middle Eastern School of Dance, Sahar School of Middle Eastern Dance, and Al-Bahira Middle Eastern School of Dance. She has also studied under Moria Chappell, Sharon Kihara, Kami Liddle, Ariellah, Darshan (Cammi Vance), Urban Gypsy, Frederique, and Silvia Salamanca.
Having grown up performing so many forms of dance, it’s natural that Akasha would fuse many styles together. This is the foundation for her world-fusion dance troupe, Afsana, based in Minneapolis, MN. As Creative Director of Afsana, started in 2006, Akasha performs many styles of dance, including Tribal Fusion, Dark Fusion, Folkloric, Bollywood, Balinese, Asian, and Steampunk.
In 2006, Akasha quit her corporate day job to pursue dance full-time and start up her costume dance wear company, Akashawear. She caters to the Tribal Fusion genre, and has recently started designing Steampunk clothing and accessories.
www.akashawear.com www.afsanafusion.com
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Steampunk Savvy
Steampunk is a newly emerging style of dance, not yet cultivated, but has been a style of couture, popular among Fashionistas and Sci-Fi lovers for several decades. Akasha loves this neo-Victo-futuristic style, and decided in the fall of 2008 to fuse this genre to dance. Steampunk Savvy starts out with a discussion of what Steampunk is, the stylizations of it, how it fits within bellydance, and how to make it your own. Be sure to bring a notebook and floor mat, as there will be a plethora of information and visual aids! Be ready to explore steampunk styled dance exercises in the latter portion of the class; Akasha will teach combinations that you can work into your own choreographies.
2 hours - Semi-private class -Hotel Dinning Area
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Nx5ftOdw8
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NARI
Described by audiences as old world elegant with a modern twist, Nari combines grace, hilarity, and masterful technique into her uniquely theatrical performances. She is well-known for her integrative teaching style which incorporates technique, emotion, energy, and intent from the beginning level of instruction through the intermediate and performance levels.
Nari has been studying bellydance since 2003, and performing professionally since 2005. She performs regularly at a variety of venues throughout the Houston area, and has danced at several events and venues including Hotel Zaza, The Velvet Hookah, Texas Renaissance Festival, and Turkish Festival.
Nari's background and passions within dance range from Egyptian to ITS to Romani to Modern to Jazz to Tribal Fusion. In addition to co-hosting 3rd Coast and other events, Nari is director of Vagabond Bellydance, a monthly showcase of local talent, and Vagabond Cirque, an annual charity event featuring various artists from a myriad of mediums from the Southern Central region of the U.S..
Video of Nari:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aEbqkL1tG8
Video of L'imprevu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr38orpS59U
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Electrovintage Bellydance
Join Nari for a rollicking foray into the fabulous world of vintage fusion! Described by audiences as old world elegant with a modern twist, Nari will focus on using advanced technique to accentuate and interpret electronic music with vintage flavor. Through a short choreography, you’ll learn or improve your ability to milk every movement for that graceful and effortless effect, incorporate facial expression as part of your dance, and use your body as an instrument of the music. Group work may be incorporated into this workshop, so bring your dancing buddies! No partner? No worries! I'll get one for you. This is a more intermediate to advanced workshop, but adventurous beginners are welcome!
2 hours - Semi-private class - Stage
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Urban
Gypsy
Urban Gypsy has its roots in Houston, Texas ~ where they have nurtured tribal dance and fashioned a path for the tribal style to emerge and grow. This year you will see Silvia, Sahira and Zymirrah all teaching at 3rd Coast.
Sahira and Zymirrah are founding members of the troupe and also serve as its leadership. In 2006, they had the honor (& thrill!!) of being the first tribal dancers invited to teach at Ahlan Wa Sahlan, the largest bellydance festival in the world, in Cairo, Egypt. The troupe consists of nine incredibly talented and dedicated dancers, passionate about bringing to life the beauty and grace of our dance. Sahira also dances with Belladonna in Houston and tours as a solo artist.
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch
Silvia Salamanca is a life-long dancer from Mallorca, Spain. She started her career as a belly dancer in 2001, when realizing the enormous benefits that this art-form brings to women in both body and spirit (something that she felt truly missing in other dance practices). From her first teachers, Tasnim Melendres and the acclaimed Nur Banu, two natural born-Egyptians, she realized how with the practice of belly dance that women can get closer to their self identity and discover oneself in a new level, increasing self-esteem, releasing stress and getting deeply in touch with the feminine essence in their soul. With her work in the field of Zambra Mora (spanish gypsy-oriental dance fusion) Silvia has gained international recognition and is currently invited to teach workshops and perform in major festivals in Europe and across the USA. Silvia is a member of Urban Gypsy, Co-Director of Shunyata and also tours as a solo artist.
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch
Urban Gypsy :
urbangypsy.tribe.net and www.urbangypsy.cc
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Sahira & Zymirrah -Synchronicity in Movement – Focus on Duets
Learn some tricks to make different body types, different strength levels, long legs, short legs, long or short torsos ALL look enough alike to paint the picture you envision. You will take home some exercises to help make you more aware of the differences and to help get you in sync with your dance partners! We will then put into use some of our newly discovered tricks & awareness to flawlessly execute a few combinations designed just for duets. No need for a partner - we will be pairing folks and changing partners through-out the class.
2 hours - Large Class Format - Gallery
Sahira & Zymirrah - Folkloric, Folkloric, Folkloric!
Urban Gypsy was inspired to “get back to our roots” in 2006 during our trip to Egypt. Since then we’ve searched out more material and inspiration to further arouse that joyous, playful, earthy feel of the country side in our dance…. And we want to share that with you! Our folkloric feeling repertoire is constantly growing. Let us share our newest (but really old) material with you! Join us… become a part of our village party where we DANCE!
2 hours – Semi-Private Class - Stage
Sahira & Zymirrah - People have asked! This is how we do it ....Troupe Biz, Gigs, Harmony, Rehearsals & Ethical Marketing -
90 minutes - Q & A Session - Backstage
Silvia Salamanca - Zambra Mora: The dance of the Spanish gypsies.
In this workshop we will learn the art of the beautiful hands and arms from flamenco and how to combine it with your oriental dance to add spark to it. Plus, we will get you spinning like a passionate Gitana too! Can we ask for more? Yes! A modern time routine based on this ancient art! Ole!
2 hours - All Levels - Large Format Class
Zymirrah - Feeling Kinky?
Work out your kinks from the weekend. Yoga & focused stretching with Z. Be good to yourself, help avoid "the day after" muscle aches. Two treats in one! Good for you ... PLUS a wonderful indulgence. Hey you even get to sleep in! Please bring a yoga mat & water!
90 minutes - All Levels - Semi-Private Class - Hotel
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