Ariellah

Ariellah is an international modern, belly dance performer and instructor. She has an extensive dance background that includes strict classical ballet training for 12 years with the Royal Academy of Dance from London. She has studied and performed belly dance since early 2001. She began her training with Janine Ryle of Danse Mahgreb and as a founding member of The Indigo with Rachel Brice. Most recently Ariellah began training in classical Indian Odissi dance, studying in India at the Shakti School of Dance. Her style infuses many genres of dance, all with a modern dark flavour that is uniquely her own. She is featured on the first of its kind "Gothic BellyDance" DVD and has also released her first instructional DVD.

www.ariellah.com

Ariellah 2.0: Dance harder
Test your stamina, test your endurance, test your strength, your body, your mind.   Ariellah takes you on a purely physical journey.
All Levels – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

Creepy Complex Combos
Work with Ariellah on a study of intricate unlikely combos that will hopefully challenge both mind and body. Allow yourself to think and dance outside the box but also add that darker touch, that darker flavour. Put all of your technical, movement and expressive skills to the test.
Intermediate – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL…
At the heart of it all is convergence of dance, technique, flexibility, strength, mind, spirit and art. Train your mind with technique, train your heart to dance and all else will fall in place. In this dance training course emphasis will be placed on the combination of not only technique but an equal counterpart of dance expression. Creative processes and internal work written and oral will also be discussed. The workshop will include an intensive technique and body conditioning section. This mini intensive course is designed to give the dancer the encouragement and tools necessary to take home and incorporate into his or her own practice in order to reach the next level, the next challenge. NOTE: This is an advanced class meant for the experienced non-hobbyist, aspiring professional, or professional dancer.
Advanced –  17 Students Max – Hotel – 4 hours

Belly, arms, chest
Work intensively on belly, arms and chest areas in this workshop with Ariellah. Learn to strengthen and open the chest, arms and belly by working these areas exclusively. Students will discuss and work through any problem areas by repeated drilling and through the use of repetitive combination work.  NOTE: This is intended to be a beginner focused class – of course all levels are welcome
Beginner – 17 Students Max – Stage –2 hours

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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

Lyrical Choreography
The concept of lyrical dance is to convey the emotions of a song's lyrics. This choreography is rooted in belly dance yet borrows from ballet, modern and jazz techniques in order to create a dance that tells a story. No previous experience in any other dance form other than belly dance is required.
All Level Class - 47 Students Max -3 hours

Taking It To The Next Level
This class is specifically designed for those wishing to take their dancing to the next level.  How to communicate with the audience; create an emotional connection to the movement, and how to interpret the music through your body.  NOTE: This is an advanced class intended for the experienced non-hobbyist, aspiring professional, or professional dancer
Advanced – 17 Students Max  - Hotel – 4 hours

Breakin' It Down
The focus in this class is all about posture and breaking down exactly what muscles are used with basic belly dance movements.  Kami will explain how to move the body safely and at the same time how to maximize your range of motion, strength and flexibility.  This class is perfect for beginners, those who wish to refine their movement or those who experience any back pain while dancing.  This is intended to be a beginner focused class – of course  all levels are welcome.
Beginner -  17 Students Max  - Stage – 2 hours

Good Old Fashion Hip Work
In this fascinating form of fusion dance we sometimes forget to utilize the basic power and beauty of hip movement! We are gonna bring it back to the roots and focus on creating clean and precise hip work. This class will move beyond basic circles and figure 8's, utilizing folkloric steps, 3/4 shimmy variations and sharp hip pops and locks.
All Level Class - 47 Students Max -2 hours

Jeremiah Soto

Since 1986, Jeremiah Soto has been writing music in a story telling fashion. 1987 saw the birth the gothic duo Kokuien with Dann M. Torres of now famed Knossos. In 1990 Jeremiah and Dann formed Eventide which followed very closely with the legendary Dead Can Dance. With the demise of Eventide in 1995, Jeremiah ventured on to finding his hidden talents for Arabic percussion and rhythms. Upon this new love for Middle Eastern grooves, Solace became his alter ego to pursue and provide a musical alternative for belly dancing. Since 1995, Jeremiah has released 10 studio albums with number 11 on the way. He has been featured on countless compilations from Japan, Spain and the UK, a multitude of music licensing for DVDs and a song used in a major motion picture called “Eternal”. It is the beginning of a new decade and Jeremiah has 2 new side projects in the works. What we’ll see next is but a glimpse. So much to do, so little time…

soundsofsolace.com/solace/about.html

The Basics
-Learn the three fundamental hits of Arabic drumming, Dum, Tek, Left Handed Tek (or Ka),
-Strengthening drills, and call and answer exercises (split into groups)
-Learn basic rhythms such as Beledi, Maqsum, Saidi, Ayyub and Cheftitelli.
All Levels – 20 Students Max - Stage – 1.5 hours

How to Build a Composition
OPEN TO ALL MUSICIANS - PERCUSSIVE AND MELODIC
-Rhythm knowledge and exercises,
-Build fills and transitions,
-Layer and construction, choosing a leader,
-Execute and perform.
All Levels – 20 Students Max Stage – 1.5 hours

How to Communicate with Dancers   
OPEN TO ALL DRUMMERS & DANCERS
-Open discussion, what dancers expect, what drummers expect,
-Break into groups, discuss arrangement and composition,
-Execute and accommodate.
All Levels – 20 Students Max - Stage – 2 hours

Intermediate/Advanced Technique
“Intermediate/Advance Technique” ~ Super Semi Private
NOTE: 1st CLASS SOLD OUT.... SECOND CLASS ADDED !!
Super Semi Private – The needs of the Intermediate to Advanced Level drummer will be met in this class. i.e. Material covered will be tailored to the desire of those in attendance.
Super Semi Private – Back Stage Dressing Area –  6 Students Max - 2 hours

Donna Mejia

Donna Mejia is a choreographer, lecturer, teacher, administrator, and performer specializing in contemporary dance, traditions of the African and Arab Diaspora, and emerging fusion traditions in world electronica. For 10 years she was a faculty member at Colorado College and Director of the Colorado College International Summer Dance Festival. For twelve years she served as managing director of the award-winning Harambee African Dance Ensemble of CU-Boulder. Donna is an authorized instructor of Brazilian Silvestre Modern Dance Technique and is the primary person assisting in codifying this esoteric study of dance and the body. Donna was the Guest Artist in Residence for Smith College Dance from 2006 through 2009, and now balances her time teaching part-time for Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College, directing the Sovereign Performance Collective, and touring internationally to teach, choreograph and perform for colleges, dance festivals and private organizations. She consults for several publishers, theatrical productions, community organizations, and nonprofits, is writing articles based on her research and teachings in the evolving field of Ethics/Integrity in Global Dance Culture, and presents lectures on the deconstruction of the femme fatale in dance.

http://donnabodyvision.com/

Lecture & Film
Spotlight on Hyper-sexuality: Historical Perspectives, Projections, Gender Expectations, and Our Choices
Historically, “bellydance” and Near Eastern dance has frequently been categorized as licentious, unrefined, artless—and in cases of extreme misunderstanding—vulgar. Yet despite this regrettable labeling and caricatured imaging, the dance form persists in attracting practitioners from all communities and walks of life. Near Eastern dance movements are the oldest to survive industrialization. For that reason alone the dance deserves careful examination, study and reflection on its continued relevancy and ongoing transformations throughout the ages. In this presentation, Donna Mejia will provide an overview of the historical, social, legal and religious influences that continue to perpetuate discriminatory views of Near Eastern dance as hypersexualized. She then highlights developments in gender studies that challenge our coding of what society presumes to be masculine and feminine, or “inherent” in gender differences. With her usual candor and humor, Donna will address the very controversial issues we have all encountered… at one time or another… in our love for, and dedication to, this genre. As a special treat, Donna’s presentation includes rare film footage and a recommended reading list for further study. Notebooks and pens are highly encouraged!
All Are Welcome – Theater – 2 hours

CROSS TRAINING FOR FUSION DANCERS: Silvestre Technique
Silvestre Technique is a contemporary modern dance training system rooted in the symbology and gestures of Brazilian dance and movement culture. It is astonishing to watch, and a revelation for dancers who’ve studied it. It is a strongly technical system, whereby dancers grow to possess strength, versatility, speed, elasticity, precision and elegant expression in their bodies. The Silvestre Technique is not only a system for training of the physical form, it also provides a paradigm for how humans relate to, receive and manage subtle energies/life force from the universe as they are embodied through the elements of nature: Earth, air, water and fire. It is an esoteric approach to training the body in which dancers deepen and refine their subtle senses to new dimensions. The system originated with Rosangela Silvestre, a powerful and exquisite choreographer from Salvador, Bahia (Brazil) responsible for developing an entirely new language in contemporary dance.

Silvestre technique gives equal importance to physical alignment, athleticism and emotional/personal expression. The technique seeks to support dancers in identifying and expanding their maximum potential as expressive beings. To cultivate a harmonious awareness of these values, class begins with standing meditation and slow, methodical attunement of the subtle energies and life forces within the body. Throughout the warm up silence and occasional stillness are revisited to allow awareness to flourish and deepen.

Dancers are encouraged to concentrate exclusively on their practice and set aside all distractions in the room, and in their minds. To build practitioners’ responsiveness to subtle changes, tempos fluctuate, and musical accompaniment changes constantly. As practitioners grow accustomed to the sequences, they shift their focus to the subtle emotional and energetic cues arising in their field of awareness. Silvestre technique also presses dancers to acknowledge their present limitations and work intelligently to achieve new growth without forcing the body’s capacities. Positions and sequences can be modified to help dancers match their ability in a manageable way, and avoid the consequential damage that can be done by trying to aggrandize their movement beyond their present ability.

The atmosphere of a Silvestre class is typically intense, electrically charged and evocative. Personal examination is a key value and participants are discouraged from side-stepping their weaknesses.
All Levels – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

Donna Mejia’s Curves, Slides, Waves and Hits
In this workshop, critically acclaimed dancer Donna Mejia details signature moves that she is asked about most frequently. After a vigorous warm up and substantial stretching, dancers will receive a variety of stationary and moving progressions that are intended to give heavy emphasis to the end of musical phrases and powerful downbeat accents. This workshop is all about responding to, and punctuating, the percussiveness in the music we enjoy.
All Levels – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

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Eva Cernik

Eva Cernik comes to you to share her knowledge and experience of Middle Eastern dance, having danced for 28 years, performing for audiences from Denver to Kansas City ... the long way around ... via Tokyo and Istanbul! Her strong influences are the Turkish and Romani styles, Sufi spiritual practice, and the classic music of Egypt.

Eva researched Oriental dance, its music and context with 23 trips to Egypt and 9 to Turkey as well as lengthy study and work in Iraq, Iran, Spain, Morocco and thirteen other countries. Her research is not limited to the night-clubs of Cairo and Istanbul. It extends to the villages where Ghawazi, Romani (Gypsies) and "folk" dance to traditional acoustic music at their festivals, weddings and in their homes.

Eva offers her findings to the dance community through seminars, affordable tours, occasional articles published in dance magazines, and by documenting Ghawazi and Turkish Romani dancers on video, as well as her own dances of which she has completed three, two-hour volumes. She has produced many concerts with live music utilizing traditional Oriental dance to express themes concerning spirit and life. Above all, however, it is the pure dance that has remained her priority. Her audiences are moved by the beauty she creates when aligning with forces far deeper than culture.

www.evadancer.co

"Turkish Vintage Oriental" - Moves and characteristic styling of Turkish nightclub dancers in Istanbul, New York City, and L.A. during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. 
This is a style that I "grew up with" as a baby dancer in New York City, studying with Anahid Sofian, and later when I traveled to Istanbul on numerous occasions. With the proliferous use of satellite TV, Youtube, and digital media in general, the distinct Bellydance styles of various Middle Eastern regions rapidly imitated each other, each one finding the other so "exotic"! Now the styles have become quite often hard to identify or distinguish. I still practice this style, as it is so close to my heart and temperament.  It is a very energetic style, with many movements that appear exaggerated, yet some with understated detail ... it is graceful and liquid, and at times rapid and sharp.  The Turkish dancers of the time also did 9/8 Karsilamas in their performances, but I will cover that in the Turkish Romani style workshop.  This Oriental workshop will use various tempos of chiftetelli music, with possibly some 2/4 as well. Big circle-cut 2 panel skirts were typically worn, and I will cover some moves that utilize such skirts.  If you can't get a hold of one with two panels, then a very full circle skirt will be ok. Not all the moves will involve skirts. Some of the famous dancers of this style were of course, Anahid Sofian, Necla Ates, Helena Vlahos, Dahlena, Tonya, Artemis Mourat, Sibel Baris, Tulay Karaca, Sema Yildiz, Saliha (Anahid's teacher) and of course, so many more that I have not mentioned.
All Levels  – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

"Turkish Romani Style"
This dance style, known as Turk Roman Karsilama, is done as a folkdance at Romani family celebrations as well as clubs throughout Turkey.  It is also done as part of Oriental dance performances in Turkey, usually near the end, as perhaps a Saidi cane dance might be done in Egypt as part of an Oriental dance performance.

Eva will present to you the Turkish Romani (Gypsy) style with their particular interpretation of the 9/8 rhythm, with characteristic accenting and footwork, which is quite different in feeling from the 9/8 styling commonly used by American Bellydancers.

We'll also focus on attitude and some of that famous (and some infamous) gesturing done during the "heavy" style, so much enjoyed by dancers from Sulukule, Istanbul.  Please bring your zils, if you have any.  We will work with zils only long enough to "get" the unique accenting.  Written hand-outs will be given and some CDs of Turkish Romani music will be available for sale.  Big skirts are not necessary for this workshop.
All Levels –17 Students Max -  Stage – 2 hours

"Sufic Spiritual Work & Whirling Dance" Sufi techniques leading to ecstatic dance
In two hours we will give an overview, and some experience and insight into what could develop if you continue the practice often.  Whirling technique and practice can be taught. There is preparation necessary before one expects to whirl with effective and significant impact on the psyche and Spirit.  I will lead you through such preparatory exercises and techniques, so please expect to sit on the floor part of the time.  Some techniques involve vocalizations, stretches, meditation, dance movement, and possibly some game-playing.  Please bring a blanket to sit on. For 13 years, I studied intensively with Adnan Sarhan of Baghdad. This training filled me with a deep love for Arabic music and with techniques to practice dance as a spiritual path.  For 20 years after that, I have consistently applied those techniques to my dance and my everyday life ... often resorting to whirling to get me through intense or critical times. You can click around my website  www.EvaDancer.com  to find my "Stories of Whirling".  They are quite remarkable and will give you a picture from the inner experience of a whirler.
Intermediate – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

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Miabella

Miabella has been teaching & performing for nearly 30 years. Her breathtaking sword performances, accessible  and detailed teaching, sense of humor and easy manner make Miabella one of the most sought after teachers and dancers in the metroplex.  She consistently receives standing ovations for her outstanding work as a performer and seminar presenter.  
As the owner of Crescent Moon Belly Dance Studio in Fort Worth, Texas she has produced some of the best belly dancers in the area. She is well known for her emphasis on arm & hand movement, transitions, and giving your dance emotion and professional finishing touches.

http://sites.google.com/site/miabellacm/home

Sword/Floor Choreography, set to: a funky rendition of Miserlou. 
Combinations in the choreography can be adapted to almost any slow song that runs about 5 minutes. Special attention will be given to graceful transitions and stylized hands. Please warm up before class so more time can be devoted to technique & choreography. Please bring your sword, your ability to balance your sword and knee pads.
All Levels – 16 Students Max - Stage – 2 hours

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Blue Lotus Tribe

Chicago's Blue Lotus Tribe is one of the up-and-coming forces in the tribal bellydance world.  Heralded for their tight improvisational skills, original choreographies, impeccable technique, and party-like stage presence, Blue Lotus Tribe is working hard to bring the Midwestern tribal scene to the forefront.  Each member of Blue Lotus Tribe has an extensive background in tribal and tribal fusion dance, but they are also all accomplished in the art of Egyptian style bellydance.  Most of the dancers of Blue Lotus Tribe have studied for several years with internationally recognized Egyptian style dancer, Jasmin Jahal, among others, and they have all become professional solo artists of Egyptian style bellydance.  Blending Egyptian technique, composition, and musicality with the tribal movements, music, and aesthetic, Blue Lotus Tribe has successfully created a new twist on tribal, taking it to the next level and calling themselves "Egypto-Tribal Fusion Bellydance."  Blue Lotus Tribe continues in their quest for new inspiration and ideas by traveling across the country and taking classes with the masters of both Oriental and Tribal bellydance, creating a bridge between the two that honors the ancient art of Middle-Eastern bellydance while still moving forward with today's modern tribal fusion movement.  Apart from their popular local performances and workshops, Blue Lotus Tribe has had the honor of teaching and performing around the country to enthusiastic students and appreciative audiences.  In addition to this, they are the hostesses of the Midwest's only tribal bellydance festival-style event, Tribal Revolution, now in its sixth year.

http://www.bluelotustribe.com/

Saiidi-Tribal Fusion Combos
Bringing our extensive Egyptian Folkloric Bellydance training into play, take a new look at some folkloric Saiidi moves and put them into combinations that will liven up your improv vocabulary. We will teach simple zill patterns for these combos, so make sure you have yours with you!
All Levels – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

Dancing to a Different Beat: Tribal Improv in 6/8 time
Why limit your tribal improv to 4/4 music? Blue Lotus Tribe has created a system by which you can take your basic tribal improv moves and reset them to fit with all that 6/8 music you've been dying to use. After getting used to the basics in a new time signature, Christina of Blue Lotus Tribe will teach several transition moves and combinations that work with a 6/8 count and can be used in your improv format or in a choreography. By the end of the workshop you'll have enough moves to perform an entire song as well as the foundation knowledge you'll need to alter or create your own moves and combinations to work for 6/8 music.
All Levels – 17 Student Max – Hotel – 2 hours

Reetu Jain

Reetu Jain has trained and performed nationally and internationally for over 27 years.  Her repertoire includes Indian classical (Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi), Bollywood, Indian Folk and Gypsy (Garba/Raas, Bhangra, Rajasthani, South Indian), East African, American Tribal Style Bellydance, Flamenco basics and fusion dance methods.  

After 12 years of Indian classical dance training at the Anjali Center for the Performing Arts and 15 years of Indian folk dance and Bollywood training, Reetu continued to enrich her dance skills in tribal bellydance as a founding member of Urban Gypsy.  She has incorporated an array of styles into her choreographies for unique performances such as at Dance Houston and Dance from the Heart.  She traveled and performed with the Music Masala international cruises to Alaska, the Bahamas, and Mexico.  In the spring of 2007, Reetu trained in Ugandan traditional dance at the Ndere Centre in the capital of Kampala; in the spring of 2008, Reetu trained in Odissi and Rajasthani gypsy dance in Pushkar, Rajasthan. 

Throughout her career, Reetu has instructed various local and international students in group and private classes, including Indian dance training at the Spanish Institute of Dance and at workshops in Mumbai, India and Beijing, China.  Reetu regularly collaborates and performs with artists such as the Rajamani Ensemble.  As Executive Director of her dance nonprofit Pangea Beat, she strives to increase self and cultural awareness through dance and create oneness in the world.

pangeabeat.org/

BollyBelly - Expression. Sensuality. Playfulness   -  A great way to get in touch with yourself through this fusion of bollywood and bellydance.  Come learn a vivacious choreography straight from the likes of the silver screen! 
All Levels – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

Rajasthani Kalbelia Folk - Get your blood flowing to this fast and high-energy gypsy dance form from the Thar Desert!  The Indian gypsy Kalbelia tribe, known for catching snakes and trading snake venom, perform to celebrate joyful moments in the community as an integral part of their culture.  Bring your water and get ready to bond with the earth!
All Levels – 17 Students Max – Stage – 2 hours

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Anahata

Known as the heart chakra, Anahata describes a state in which we are no longer fighting or confronting what we love but moving with it in graceful harmony. With this mind, the ladies of Anahata Bellydance Company come together in a creative pursuit which celebrates their friendship as well as their love of dance.

Rasha, Malika, Kinza, and Caroline began performing together in 2005 and quickly gained recognition for their innovative choreography and energetic stage presence. Since then, under the Artistic Direction of Rasha, they have pushed the boundaries of contemporary bellydance while always seeking to honor their traditional Middle Eastern dance roots.

http://www.anahatabellydance.com/home.html

All That Jazz (Fosse Fusion)
Bob Fosse + Bellydance = Fusion Perfection!  If ever there was a dance style that was made to be fused with bellydance, this is it.  In this class, we’ll take the smooth and playful style of Jazz pioneer Bob Fosse and mix it with all your favorite bellydance moves to create sassy little combos that will make you wanna shimmy till your garters break!  Garters optional !   
All Levels – 17 Students Max – Stage -2 hours

Choreography Creation
Composing choreography may seem intimidating but with the right tools, anyone can unleash their inner choreographer.  Let Rasha show you how!  Join us as we explore the choreography process from both a structural and creative perspective.  Rasha will walk you step-by-step through her personal method of constructing dance pieces and provide you with techniques and exercises designed to help you create your very own choreography.  Participants are encouraged to bring a notepad.
All Levels – 10 Students Max -  Back Stage Dressing Area - 2 hours

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 four 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

Fluidity of Movement
In this workshop we will work on melding movements and counts to create a seamless performance. With a short chorography and some new improv moves, fast and slow alike, we will show you how to smooth out the edges and add a fluid grace to your dance. Come play with us!
All Levels – 17 Students Max – Hotel – 3 hours

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Ayana

Ayana began dancing 20 years ago, her first lesson taking place at the Sirrom School of Belly Dance in Houston, TX.  After eight years of being a dedicated student, she began teaching in local Houston studios.  While she taught beginner classes for years, her focus now is on the high level Intermediate to professional dancer, and taking Oriental and fusion dance to theatrical venues.  The dance company she founded, Qantara, made its debut in 2007 and is still going strong, now under the leadership of Aisa el Hindi.  Ayana has also studied ballet, modern, ballroom, Israeli and sacred dance, using facets from each of these areas of dance when presenting fusion pieces.

Ayana's performance experience encompasses 30 years and several venues, including: acting (stage and television), singing, dancing and music.  She plays several instruments, piano being her first love, and began recording original material at 17.  She played and sang with several bands of differing styles before deciding that the business took all the fun out of the music she loved.  Oriental Dance served as her introduction to playing percussive instruments with finger cymbals (zills, or sagat), taught her a new way to listen to music... and gave her the ability to express what she heard.  Her background in theatre gave her a strong foundation in performance and production, and a desire to see Oriental Dance presented in a different way.

Ayana is the President of Dance From the Heart, and works as a soloist, company member, workshop teacher and guest choreographer for the Bere'sheet Ballet Company.

www.ayanahouston.com

Let The Music Move You
This two hour class is designed for all levels of dancers that are struggling with breaking down complex layers of music to answer the eternal questions:  WHAT do I dance to in this music?  Do I follow the rhythm... the melody... an instrument... the singer?  What's the name of that instrument I hear?  How do I know what type of movement goes with a particular instrument or mood?

Ayana will help you identify instruments, help you train your ear to separate the layers in your music, and show you how to tell your story using the music and your emotion as your guide.  Use this information when developing choreography or as a tool to increase your improv skill and comfort level - no matter the dance style, this class can help you sort it all out!

Class materials will be handed out, but bring a paper and pencil/pen for taking notes.  This class is primarily lecture, but will include some exercises to help you use what you're being taught immediately. If you have a piece of music that's been challenging you, bring it along and get some suggestions in an open forum!
Due to the level of interaction required in this class, it is limited to ten students.
All Level – 10 Student Max – Back Stage Dressing Area - 2 hours

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 Kami Liddle, Moria Chappell, Sharon Kihara, Ariellah, Darshan (Cammi Vance), Urban Gypsy, Frederique, Onca 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   www.tctribal.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Nx5ftOdw8

Learn a new dance movement form that puts the steam in your dance.  Workshop will consist of learning bellydance movement combinations specific to Steampunk, developed by Akasha.  Somewhere between Tribal Fusion and 80’s poppin’ n’ lockin’, you’ll discover Steampunk Bellydance.
All Levels – 17 Students Max – Hotel – 2 hours

Anaya Tribal

Anaya Tribal is evidence that peer pressure works! At the young age of 13, Tiffany of Anaya Tribal began her bellydance pursuits. Fate intervened as she met Cari a few years later and said, "Come to belly dance class!" The stars aligned and Anaya Tribal was born.
After years of cabaret training, Tiffany and Cari found tribal with Domba! Trained in tribal by Domba! and FatChance and influenced by Zafira and Unmata, Anaya Tribal has been performing a unique blend of tribal incorporating both their cabaret and tribal backgrounds since 2003. Dancing at venues such as the AZ Renfaire and teaching locally, Cari and Tiffany built the Anaya Tribal name in Arizona.

In 2007, with Cari as a costume designer and Tiffany as a business/marketing wiz, the Anaya Tribal name became international with their costume pursuits as www.anayatribal.com to only build the name further through their home studio Plaza de Anaya in Tempe, AZ two years later. Vending their wares has brought them to performing and teaching nationally at West Coast belly dance and SCA events and now onto 3rd Coast!

http://anayatribal.com/

Fly by the Seat of Your Pants w/ Moves and Cues You Can Really Use!

Been to too many workshops that you can't really add to your repertoire? Whew! Well now finally you can. Whether you're a beginning level tribal dancer or a seasoned troupe member, Cari and Tiffany of Anaya Tribal will funk up your vocabulary Anaya Style with the bomb, the airplane and more! Fly and explode w/zils incorporated - bring 'em if you have 'em.
All Levels – 47 Student Max – 2 hours

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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). 

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.
All Levels - 2 hours - BackStage Dressing Area – 10 Student Max  - Semi-Private

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 patrons 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

Hands on Henna
Hands on Henna is a fun, educational, relaxing evening for anyone who wants to explore this ancient, beautiful art form. Whether this is your first time doing henna or you’re an experienced artist, there will be something for everyone!! In this short, sweet and to the point class we will focus on how to apply henna with a cone, how to build intricate looking designs easily, and how to take care of your henna to get the best, longest lasting stain! **Share a haiku or limerick about what an awesome goddess you are and receive a bonus gift!!!**  No experience necessary. All supplies included.
All Level Class - 17 Students Max – Hotel – 90 minutes

Superstitions, Folklore, Mysteries and Meaning of Henna Throughout the World
Henna is an ancient art form that has been practiced for over 9,000 years. During these many years, henna has developed a veil of mystery that carries into our modern world. Discover some of the fascinating superstitions, folklore, mysteries and meanings as we explore henna designs from many cultures. **Bring/wear something for good luck and receive a bonus gift!!!**
Lunch Lecture  - 10 Students Max - BackStage Dressing Area - 1 hour

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.

Iconic Geometry
In bellydance, you create and compile, or layer, shapes into movement, which, when viewed simultaneously, is a completed structure.  From her experiences in the classroom, Maria has customized her approach to teaching both artists and scientists, using geometry as well as visualization techniques.  After exploring the aspects of healing in dance and archetypes in our dancer personalities, she has taken the leap to understand the Steampunk influence in bellydance from a romanticized healer's perspective, and how it not only affects vintage-modern stylization and costuming, but the intention behind movement.  Here we will explore the parallels between nature and our world with the movements of the shapes we create.  In essence, every sequence of we make in dance is a completed work of architecture, an archetype of our intents.
In this class, we will play with the bellydance moves, spirals, pops, locks, and undulations we are already comfortable with, exploring their geometrical significance in the world around us, from sacred architecture, to plant life, mandalas, and cosmology.  A salute to the new waves in bellydance, you will be guided to explore your connections from your internal dance to the world around you.
7 Students Max - BackStage Dressing Area – 2 hours


The Artist In Me
So, you long for the creative life, to surrender yourself to the forces of nature, the universe, and devote your heart and energies to a creatively, satisfying life.  Maybe you are already, or maybe it's time to drop the books and actually do the work!  But, where to begin?  In this hour, over lunch, Maria will entertain you with an account of her journey and commitment to creativity, and continual progress toward creating an art-filled, life of dance and craft.  This facilitated discussion will expose the creative resources already present in ourselves and divulge new and approachable tactics to attracting creativity.
Lunch Lecture  - 10 Students Max - BackStage Dressing Area – 1 hour

NARI

Described by audiences as old world elegant with a modern twist, Nari combines grace, hilarity, and masterful technique into her uniquely theatrical performances.  Nari’s performing arts background includes various styles of bellydance, modern dance, acting, and singing.

Nari began her training in bellydance seven years ago with Cynthia Todd of Tribal Feat and continued her study under teachers throughout Texas such as Katy Fenley of Bella NaTana and Sahira of Urban Gypsy.   Nari 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.

In addition to co-hosting 3rd Coast and other events, Nari is director of Vagabond Cirque, an annual charity event featuring various artists from a myriad of mediums from the Southern Central region of the U.S. .

http://www.facebook.com/naribellydance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aEbqkL1tG8

http://vimeo.com/10914278

DANCE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
What moves you the most when you watch your favorite dancer perform? How is it that every time he or she takes the stage you feel you've been invited on the dancer's personal journey? The best dancers emote, communicate, and become instruments of the music. Nari invites you to discover the difference between dancing and performing. Learn how to manipulate combinations rich in layers and contrasts to develop dancer expression. We will drill solid technique in layered moves and combinations and the energy and intent behind movement as we work towards the expansion of dance musicality and audience communication. Upbeat, high energy music will be used as well as slower, darker pieces. A solid foundation in bellydance is recommended, but all levels are welcome. Please bring a bottled water, a note pad, and a yoga mat to the workshop.
All Levels – 17 Students Max – Stage – 2 hours

MEANINGFUL PRACTICE: A TOOLKIT FOR DANCERS OF ALL LEVELS (LECTURE-BASED)
Now that you have seriously committed yourself to the study of belly dance, you need tools to help you meet your goals as a technician and artist. Because dance comes from the heart and mind as much as from the body, dancers need to be able to incorporate all three in their personal practice. Join Nari in this nurturing and supportive workshop where you will learn to develop a personal practice regardless of your style or skill level and become the dancer you want to be.

Learn how to choose the drills you need to truly challenge yourself, how to effectively and kindly critique dance and take constructive criticism from others, how to reflect on your dance and set goals, and how to begin the choreography process. Reflect on and begin to develop your own philosophies about this art form.  Additionally, learn exercises to help you bond with other dancers before and during performance, get into the mind of a character, and relieve stage fright.

Please feel free to send a 30-second clip your choreographed piece to naribellydance@ yahoo.com, bring one to the workshop with you, or perform 30-seconds of choreography during the workshop as part of the critique section of this class. All levels are welcome to attend this intimate workshop in a safe and supportive environment.
All Levels – 10 Students Max – Backstage Dressing Area – 2 hours

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 Amiya, 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 (and 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 eight 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.

urbangypsy.tribe.net and www.urbangypsy.cc
Performance Video from Egypt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7NzsrxXqKw

Silvia Salamanca

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 artform 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 tours as a solo artist, is a member of Urban Gypsy and Co-Director of Shunyata.

http://silviasalamanca.com/

Urban Gypsy
Urban Gypsy Improv Movement with Zills
Tired of the same old zill patterns? Want to add some complexity to your rhythms and technique? Sahira and Zymirrah will teach a series of common sense patterns to match tribal basic moves and some not-so-basic moves.
All Levels – 47 Student Max – 2 hours

Ghawazee Influenced Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) Vocabulary
Take the dance back to its roots! Inspired by the folk dances of Upper Egypt, Urban Gypsy brings you a "brand new" (but really old!) vocabulary of sassy and earthy movement. Originated during their time in Cairo and fueled by their continuing study of dance ethnology, this vocabulary continues to change and grow – never the same class twice! Hearken back to the days of dancing in the desert with Urban Gypsy. Don't forget your zills!
All Levels – 17 Students Max – Hotel - 2 hours

Amiya
Hoop with Amiya
Hoop w/ Amiya is a non-stop, multi level hoop class that welcomes all! Whether you want to learn the basics, add tips and tricks to your repertoire, or simply want to burn a few calories, this is this class for you! We will cover the fundamentals of hooping, moving and dancing with the hoop, introduce show stopping tricks, and work with double hoop. There will be a few extra hoops available, but please bring your own if you have one. Let’s HOOP!
All Levels – 25 Student Max – 90minutes

Silvia Salamanca
“More Zambra!! Spanish Gypsy Partner Dance with Skirt and FANS!! - Let´s have fun like the Gitanas!”
By popular request, we are back with more fire and fun for all the Gypsies at heart in the world!   NEW CHOREOGRAPHY WITH SKIRT and FANS – Created just for 3rd COAST!!!   In this workshop, suitable for all levels, we will start breaking down the elements of the Zambra Mora (Spanish Gypsy dance). Then we will learn a new routine designed to dance in couples like the Gitanas do Spanish Gypsy women dance with each other…and they have fun!  Be ready to feel proud, joyful and fiery!
Bring a skirt, fans and your very best ole!
All Levels – 17 Student Max –Hotel – 2 hours

Sahira & Silvia
Modern Dance for belly dancers: Everything ballet can do for your dance without the injuries!
Become a more well-rounded dancer, and expand your dance vocabulary with true Modern Dance technique.  Modern dance is known for its fluid and organic nature, yet requires incredible strength and balance to master. In this workshop, Sahira and Silvia will take you through several modern dance drills that will start you on the path towards a stronger, more balanced belly dance style. (It's great for spins and turns, as well as creative floor work!) We will use these drills to build a short choreography that fuses belly dance technique with your new modern dance ideas.

Sahira has been studying Modern Dance for three years and currently studies under Jane Weiner of the Hope Center in Houston.  Silvia has a degree in ballet and performed professionally as a modern dancer in major European festivals with the contemporary dance company of the University of Barcelona.
All Levels – 47 Students Max – 2 hours

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!
All Levels - 17 Student Max – Hotel – 90 minutes