BlackSheepBellyDance Classes

To find out more about classes offered,
select from the menu below:

- Private Lessons & Workshops

- About Classes with BSBD - HI & CA

- Class Details, Schedule, & More - Hawaii

- Class Details, Schedule, & More - California

PRIVATE LESSONS & WORKSHOP TOPICS
Private Lessons are available in any of the below subjects and more. Watch for my new location in Maui, HI here after September 2004. I am available for workshops worldwide. I suggest you telephone to schedule: 808.891.8891 and for further workshop information and fees, please see "Workshops."

- American Tribal Style (ATS) Bellydance
- American Classical Bellydance
- Turkish Romani Dance and Gesture
- Moroccan Guedra Blessing Ritual
- Prop work: veils, canes (assaya), swords and scimitars, baskets, trays, candles, etc.
- Coaching your existing performance piece or technique, special event preparation
- Choreography design for soloists or troupes, skeletal or full
- Improvisational tools for soloists and troupes of any genre
- Presentation / staging ideas and techniques, including work in the round (choreographed or improvisational, soloists or groups)
- Stage makeup for various types of performance venues, audience and dance style
- Tribal Headdress wrapping and alternative head decorations (many variations)
- Energy work as it relates to dance movement, technique, intention, flow and focus
- Development and adaptation of movements for structured group improvisation and ATS
- Work on specific movements or movement families
- and pretty much anything else you can think of!

Let me know what you'd like to work on. Private lessons are $50 per hour. Share a class with a friend and your semi-private lesson is $40. Are you a troupe? We can talk and arrange something everyone's happy with. Call me. Private lessons must be scheduled by telephone: 808.891.8891.

CLASSES with BlackSheep BellyDance!

Kajira Djoumahna is the founder of BlackSheep BellyDance (BSBD) and is each teacher's teacher in any state or country you see listed on this site. All classes in all locations offer the format she developed along with some members of her groups over the years, which is the Kajira Djoumahna/BlackSheep BellyDance format for American Tribal Style (ATS) BellyDance.

This format does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, religion or lack thereof, race, age, weight, body shape or any other thing that adds variety to life. If you have a chronic physical concern, please tell your teacher before you start class so she can give you ideas for how to modify your movements if needed. BellyDance is one of the safest dance forms on earth and everyone should be able to enjoy it until they die. In fact, it is recommended by many health care practitioners world wide for gaining strength and flexibility at any stage of life.

Our classes are structured for people aged 12 and up. If you can walk into the room, you can dance! If you have a child under 12 who really wishes to attend, please call the teacher in the location near you to discuss the possibilities, as sometimes it depends on the child, or you may be asked to stay in the room with her or him while they learn. If you are a single mom and want to come, please feel free. Bring your child and something to keep them busy while you study. They can sit in a corner (bring blankets and coloring books, or other books or fun things that do not make noise) and if they become disruptive, you can take them outside to calm them down.

ATS BellyDance is characterized by SYNCRONIZED GROUP IMPROVISATION. It is the only dance form on earth that utilizes this feature. Kajira studied for eight years under Carolena Nericcio of SF's FatChanceBellyDance, who is the creatrix of the original form. Kajira then went on to innovate within the form, adding many new elements she felt were missing from the original style. So, all group classes you see listed below are in this style of belly dance, though Kajira offers other styles as well privately. (See her Bio below for more info on that.)

Please read and scroll to find the classes near you. Listed below are classes in Hawai'i and in California. In my Teacher Certification Section you can find classes led by Fee MacPherson in this format in Australia as well!

HAWAI'I CLASSES

Kajira teaches private lessons on Maui and offers worlshops internationally. Please feel free to telephone her at: 808.891.8891

Level One Class Description:
This is the place to start. Learn the basics of this art form and begin building your foundation for the dance. We work on all the following skills in Level 1: muscular isolations, basic shapes (a.k.a. "Sacred Geometry"), finger cymbals, traveling steps, turns, shimmies, slow and fast movements, cue identification for group improvisational choreography and more. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement such as yoga wear, loose pants or skirts, shorts, tank tops or sports bras, etc. No baggy T-shirts, though, I need to see your posture. A strip of cloth or belly dance scarf is nice, as it helps me and you see the movement of your hips, but is not needed.

This class curriculum repeats itself approximately every 8 weeks. You may start at anytime during the cycle. Each week we review the slow and fast move from the previous week and then add new ones as the 8-week cycle progresses, so it is OK to start at any time during the cycle, as you will learn the new moves right along with everyone else. You will also be supported and encouraged by many "big sistahs" who have been studying for a while, to aid in your own learning process.

Level 2 Class Description:

Students who are ready for the next step will use the last hour of class for learning new movements and combinations, working in small groups, learning to cue other dancers while leading, sharpen following skills and further development of nuance and technique of moves previously learned. Some performance opportunities will develop for students of this skill level. Participants must have completed at least one 8-week Level 1 session cycle to qualify for Level 2 class or have prior permission from the instructor (such as if you are already accomplished in other dance forms and pick it up very quickly). Those students in Level 1 working on improving their own skills are encouraged to stay and observe.

KAJIRA DJOUMAHNA'S BIO
KAJIRA DJOUMAHNA is the recipient of numerous awards for excellence in dance, including the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance's (a.k.a. IAMED) "Best Instructor 2001" and "Instructor of the Year" in 2004 from Zaghareet! Magazine's international reader's poll, The Golden Belly Awards. Kajira has also won two awards for "Favorite Event and Promoter" for her Northern California event, Tribal Fest, also from the Zaghareet! Magazine's annual reader's polls, in 2003 and 2005.

She is a staff writer for the international dance magazine, Zaghareet!, in which she has an ongoing "Question-and-Answer" style column on anything Tribal called "Kajira Tells It Like It Is" - 'cause she does!

Kajira is the author of “The Tribal Bible, Exploring the Phenomenon That is American Tribal Style Bellydance,” the definitive resource for this dance form, and has two instructional videos and DVDs in her format for Tribal BellyDance (so far - more are in the works!). Kajira directs BlackSheep BellyDance HI & CA. Also a popular workshop instructor, Kajira travels globally to teach and perform.

Besides her specialty, American Tribal Style Bellydance, Kajira is an accomplished Oriental dancer as well, having first been trained in the Classical American Cabaret style; folkloric styles of various countries; Turkish Dance (both Oriental and Romani); Tribal Fusion; Interpretive Dance and Moroccan Guedra. She is proficient in these styles and can teach them as well as coach or perform them. Individual Coaching in any style is also available.

Kajira offers private and semi-private classes to traveling dancers or those lucky enough to live here in Paradise. Just call to book your times. She also offers Teacher Certifications in her format for ATS, just search this site for "Teacher Certification Program" to find out the info on that. Private lessons are $45 per hour and if you book several hours you will get a deal. ;-)

Check out "Events" on this site to see where she'll be next, or call her at 808.891.8891 for more information. Also please check out and join her Tribe: http://bsbd.tribe.net as that is where everything gets posted first! Be in-the-know and meet other dancers with similar interests on this free board. The most recent photos, news of event registrations, etc., are all released on Tribe first!

Please tell anyone you know who may be interested. For questions if you are kama'aina, please call as I am perpetually behind on emails it seems! 808.891.8891. Messages are OK 24 hours, so if you live out of state, no worries about the time. You can also email, but please be aware that despite my best efforts to the contrary, it is not the best method of communication for me. So, if you must email, please send to my husband: chuck@mauimobilemusic.com or mauimobilemusic@aol.com Mahalo!

BELLYDANCE CLASSES IN SONOMA COUNTY CALIFORNIA

Group classes in California are all American Tribal Style Bellydance. They are held year-round at the Rohnert Park Community Center Complex on the corner of Snyder Lane and Expressway Drive in Rohnert Park, CA, 5401 Snyder Lane. Look for us in the Sports Center, behind the fountain, on Monday and Wednesday nights. Registration for these classes may be done at the Rec Center's office, 5401 Snyder Lane, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., or at the class you are attending. If you need to register at class, please come a few minutes early and plan to pay by check, as we do not have change in cash at night.
Note: Classes are ongoing at this location and are broken into session blocks due to the Rec Center's scheduling. Dates with no class vary, so do check the schedule below before attending, or call Seba for a current flyer. Call Seba at (707) 869-3469 Leave the reason for your call, your name and mailing address on her voice mail or email her at seba@blacksheepbellydance.com

Group classes are taught by professional members of BlackSheep BellyDance. All of my teachers have received their training directly from me, Kajira Djoumahna. The class curriculum will continue as I've had it structured, adhering to the format we've developed together over the years. See Instructional Format further below for details.

CALIFORNIA 2008 CLASS SCHEDULE UPDATED 1/15/2008

FYI: If you have already filled out a customer record with the Rec Center, then you can call in your registration. If you haven't yet filled out anything, you can request the proper forms by fax. Just call the Rec Center and ask!

CLASS LOCATION
Callinan Sports and Fitness Center, Activity Room in the Rec Center Complex behind the fountain. 5401 Snyder Lane at the corner of Expressway in Rohnert Park. From Hwy 101 North or South, exit Rohnert Park Expressway and head East until you come to Snyder
Lane. The Rec Center is on your right.

From this strong foundation we have added many ideas that set our style apart from other established Tribal formats. These new ideas include, but are not limited to:

- use of both rhythmic and arrhythmic slow movements
- new ideas for chorus work, creating greater interest and a flowing backdrop
- three basic leading positions instead of only one (multiple leaders)
- many new movements and variations, both slow and fast
- use of some different props
- different rhythms, including odd time signatures
- use of both hips equally
- a unique and useful format for cueing directional changes and movement variations

BlackSheep BellyDance and I are constantly working on new ideas to share with the dance community within the Tribal Bellydance framework.

As with the style developed by Carolena and FCBD, we also adhere to the premise that this style is built upon SYNCHRONIZED, SPONTANEOUS GROUP IMPROVISATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHY. This is the main difference between Tribal and other Bellydance styles.

Other differences include demeanor, posture, costuming and musical choices. American Tribal Style (ATS) is less flirty and overtly sexy than Cabaret Style, and does not display vulnerability as found in nightclub solo styles of the Middle East. Instead, the Tribal Style favors joyous celebration of strength, mystery and power. Since we are always dancing with at least one other dancer, this style is also characterized by much more interaction between dancers than in other group styles that must rely on choreography, and less interaction with members of the audience than in traditional or solo forms.

Because of these fundamental differences, the Tribal Style excels in the development of self confidence, strength, camaraderie, awareness of self and others and being in the moment. We invite you to come to class and discover the joy of Tribal Bellydance for yourself. It is much more than a series of steps!

CLASS DETAILS

OPEN TO ALL
We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, religion, body shape, age, race, physical or mental "handicaps" or anything else. All sincere persons are welcome at our classes. Children may accompany adults who are enrolled in class. However, the adult must be prepared to take the child out of the classroom if they become loud or disruptive in any way. We suggest you bring homework, a snuggly blanket or a coloring book for your keiki if they need to come to class with you to keep them busy.

CLASS ATTIRE
You can wear any type of clothing that you have freedom of movement in, such as: leotards, tights, sport tops, choli tops, midriff tops, any form fitting top, sweatpants, pantaloons, skirts.... NO BAGGY T-SHIRTS! wemust be able to see your posture.

We have a new floor covering in our dance room, so bare feet are now fine in class and shoes or slippers optional. If you decide you'd like to wear something on your feet, please bear in mind you do not need expensive dance slippers or sandals, though certainly those are fine. Inexpensive options could be: tai chi shoes, house slippers or street shoes - as long as they stay on your feet and do NOT have too much traction. For that reason, most sports shoes do not work well because of the tread. Smooth-soled shoes will give you better results.

AGE GROUP
I welcome all people over age 12. There certainly is no age that is "too old!" Seniors are welcome. You may enjoy the gentle, non-impact workout this type of dance affords. Movements can be tailored to the specific personal needs of each student. This class is supportive and non-competitive. Everyone works at their own speed in Level 1. Repetition of Level 1 as often as desired is common and encouraged. Let me know your concerns if you have any previous injuries or illnesses. We can work around them.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

The material is the same in Level 1 on both nights of the week. Many students find taking class more than once a week greatly enhances their learning and retention of the form. These classes are designed for people who have never danced before, people who have danced but not explored this style, and for perfection and review of technique for dancers already familiar with Tribal Bellydance. Class content of Level 1 includes at least one slow and one fast new movement per class, and a review of the moves covered the week before. As the session progresses, we add all the moves covered up until that day in combinations during class, so students can learn how to transition and how the steps fit together. You will learn to recognize the cues used for our group improvisational style. You will learn a basic finger cymbal pattern to accompany the dance in Level One. We do supply some loaner zills (finger cymbals) in class and furnish them for sale as well. You'll learn isolation techniques, basic shimmies, turns, traveling steps and cues. Each class also includes stretching and strengthening sections. The same material in Level 1 is repeated every session.

Level 2 is the next step for dancers who are ready for a greater challenge, or for those aspiring to perform and excel. Here you'll begin partnering, working in small groups, learn leading and continue to perfect following skills, gain experience in chorus work and other manners of presentation, floorwork, use of props, more advanced finger cymbal patterns and improv, new movements, variations of existing moves, nuances of each move and repetition of all basic moves learned in Level 1. Material for this class requires more than one session to cover and can be considered ongoing. Simultaneous enrollment in Level 1 while moving up is strongly encouraged. Level 1 students are welcome to stay and observe this class anytime.

Level 3 is a high-level performance-oriented class for serious students wishing to become professional dancers and troupe members. This is also the place for experimentation within the genre, exploration of new ideas and lots of dancing together in order to develop that nearly psychic link needed for smooth Tribal presentations. We rehearse and develop new sets in this class. Attendance of this class is by my approval only. NO DROP-INs are allowed to Level 3. Troupe members and aspiring troupe members are required to be enrolled in Levels 2 and 3 simultaneously. I encourage you to continue attending Level 1 throughout your dance career. Once you become an official member of BlackSheep Bellydance, your Level 1 classes will be free of charge. You will be expected to help in classes and at events in exchange for this. Students enrolled in other classes but not yet in Level 3 may stay to observe this class anytime.