illuminari...

Neo-Tribal/World Fusion Bellydance

love to dance?  want to try something new?  come out and see what tribal and world fusion bellydance is all about!

SUMMER SESSIONS 2009!

Thank you to everyone who participated in
Tribal Explorations 2009
 
 
I had a wonderful time explorting those cultures and dance stylings that make up the tribal that we all love so much.  Come join the circle once again for
Tribal Explorations 2010
 
 
Information, class times and dates will be posted April 2010
 
 
 
RECAPPING Tribal Explorations 2009
Two years ago I presented Tribal Explorations, which was a series of classes that explored Tribal Style bellydance, its history, costuming and evolution.  Join me and continue the journey in this new 2-part Exploration of dance and cultural influences
 
Session 1 classes will be focused on the dance and cultural influences of the Ouled Nile, Bal Anat and traditional Middle Eastern dance on American Tribal Style and Tribal Style bellydance. 
 
In Session 2 we explore Spanish/Flamenco dance, Algerian and Morrocan music and of course Rom.  This exploration takes us into the fire and spice of tribal. 
 
 July 2, 9 and 16
Session 1 -- dancing into the past
An exploration of dance and cultural influences in tribal style belly dance
 
August 13, 20 and 27
Session 2 -- sisters in a circle
A continuation of stylalistic and dance influences on today's tribal, neo-tribal and fusion bellydance
 
 
 Special Sessions/Workshops

Tribal Explorations is a three-part series of instructional sessions that introduces participants to tribal style and neo-tribal belly dance by exploring its origins, costuming and its characteristic group chorus improvised presentation style.

 
The sessions are open to all regardless of previous tribal belly dance or belly dance experience.  Participants can register for individual sessions or a reduced rate for registering in advance for all three evenings. 
 
Make it a weekend!  Why not spend a weekend relaxing, dancing and taking a tribal journery.  Book a Tribal Exploration retreat for you and your friends. 
 
Our first Exploration
Tribal Explorations -- the journey begins
 
Session 1 -- A Tribal Evolution
 
An evening of discussion and dance exploring the origins and evolution of tribal style belly dance movement and music.
 
Topics
  • Origins of a dance form -- the first steps and movements of tribal style belly dance
  • Generation next -- the evolution of tribal style and the advent of small group and solo performances
  • A style for all ages -- Goth, punk, experimental and neo-tribal; exploring music that pushes tribal to new limits and expression
Participants are to come prepared to dance in this session -- prior training is not required
 
Session 2 -- Style it Tribal
 
This session will explore tribal style costuming, its many variations and answer the question "but is it tribal?"
 
Topics
  • Head to toe -- elements of tribal style costumes
  • The tribal trio:   Turbans and headpieces; Ornamental bras; Tassel belts and ultimate belts
Participants can request a supply list if they would like to work on one of the pieces to be discussed during the evening
 
Participants are also asked to come prepared to dance in this session as part of the evening will be spent exploring costume movement.  Tribal dancers who are attending are asked to bring a standard tribal (full) skirt to this session.
 
 Session 3 -- Syncronicity -- dancing in a tribal chorus
 
This final session explores the concept of the tribal chorus and the role of improvisation and non-verbal communication in tribal belly dance
 
Topics
  • Fundementals of the chorus formation
  • Applying chorus fundementals to other formation types
  • Improvisation and dancing in a chorus

Participants are to come prepared to dance.  All participants are welcome regardless of tribal experience  as basic tribal steps will be instructed and used as the focus of this session is on the structure and movement of the chorus group.