For more information, please join our Tribe: http://bsbd.tribe.net and visit our site: www.BlackSheepBellyDance.com or call 24/7: 808.891.8891. We can be found on YouTube as BlackSheep BellyDance and on Facebook as Kajira Djoumahna.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS FOR KAJIRA DJOUMAHNA

We will focus on moves and combos from Kajira's format that can be used achingly slow, magically medium and furiously fast! Please do not wear loose-fitting tops or skirts. Instead, opt for something that is form-fitting (tank or midriff tops, cholis, etc.) with dance or yoga pants so I can best see your posture. Bring finger cymbals or other hand percussion if you have them, as well as a hip band, scarf or belt that fits straight across your hip bones. All classes are open to all levels and I do not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, sexual orientation, weight, height or any other superfluous criteria. I always credit my teachers, sources and inspirations as well. Warm-ups are kept brief and "dancey" as possible so we can use our time together actually DANCING! Stretches are included at the end of each class.

Kajira's BlackSheep BellyDance (BSBD) format for Synchronized Group Improvisational (SGI) BellyDance (BD) is radiant, inspirational, joyous, powerful, mysterious, playful, elegant, sensual, strong, musical and completely amazing! Tribal BellyDance fosters community because we learn to rely on one another while dancing, we give and take, we learn trust and responsibility, we learn to communicate non-verbally, we free ourselves of choreographies to remember and just dance, in the NOW. Through this practice, one may gain new friends, self-confidence, courage and determination, healthier self esteem, more power, strength, balance, musicality and flexibility - all by having FUN while you learn one of the newest forms of the world's oldest dance! This dance style is a gift, one that if practiced well can be completely life changing. *Are You Ready?*

DETAILS ESPECIALLY FOR WEEKEND WORKSHOPS :

Depending upon the length of our time together, my goal is to: (#1) Teach moves and combos useful for your own troupe or solo work (this is the best option for a 2-hour class), and if time allows, (#2) Teach everyone how to lead and follow, how to give away and steal leads, how to use various formations for any stage situation including diagonals, staggers, Vs, diamonds, circles (facing in and out), in-the-round (with an infinite number of "fronts") and more, using material taught in the class/es. Prop and fancy chorus work can be included in longer classes, so bring a book or bag of rice or beans wrapped in a towel for this option if we have more than 4 hours together (as in a weekend workshop on the second day). Floorwork is also possible in longer workshops, so kneepads are a good idea as well.

Weekend workshops build upon material presented the previous day, as well as new material learned the second day, but not necessarily to the point that if you cannot attend the first day you will be completely lost (though attendance in all classes is of course, optimal). More basic ideas and moves are usually taught on Day 1, with more challenging material on Day 2. If we have lots of time together, I can answer any questions you may have about this dance style's history, costuming, fusions and anything else that's on your mind. I love questions - and have answers from my 16+ years in the field! Whether short or long, your time spent with Kajira will be most fun and informative!

(1 hour workshop for those who are new to ATS), Workshop 1:
Intro to Tribal BellyDance
(Open Level)

Never taken a Tribal (or any) BellyDance class before? Perhaps you are experienced in other dance styles but not this one? If that's you, what are you waiting for? Join us today and see what it's all about! I promise you will leave with an understanding of the form's development and the basic idea of how synchronized group improvisation, the hallmark of this style and single most important development in the world of dance since Martha Graham, works. Bring questions and an open mind. Notebooks are optional.

(2 hour workshop), Workshop 2:
Dance and Play! Finger Cymbals and Tribal BellyDance
(Suitable for Beginning and Intermediate Levels or Anyone Wishing to Play Cymbals with Their Dance)

Tribal Style Synchronized Group Improvisation is bellydance, though it is not representative of a particular style of Middle Eastern dance. Show the band and your audiences you know what you're doing. These instruments have always been an integral part of any Middle Eastern-or-derived dance and ATS is no exception. Kajira's method of teaching zills (zillar) with basic ATS moves like Hip Bump (aka Choo-choo), Egyptian, Arabic and Turkish makes one wonder why they haven't been playing all along, it is so easy - guaranteed! Learn how to count simple music, find the "one" or downbeat, count the steps and a few basic patterns to start with or to use as embellishments to basics you already know. You won't even know you're working, this will be surprisingly simple. Bring your sagat and a notebook and pen, and prepare to have fun!

(2-3 hours), Workshop 3:
Tribal from the Ground Up, BlackSheep Style!
(Suitable for Beginning and Intermediate Levels)

Have an idea how ATS and finger cymbals work and are ready for more? This class is for you! The next step is to continue learning the basic tribal movement vocabulary common to all styles of ATS or SGI from FatChance to BlackSheep. Differences and innovations will be taught, as well as BSBD's famous use of both sides of the body for Synchronized Group Improvisation. Moves such as Takseem, Maya and Ribcage Circles with Turns, Level Changes and Cues; up to four different Bodywaves, even Circle Step and Torso Twist with third Turns if time allows. Egyptian Basic Full, Half, Side-to-Side and 1/4 Turns, Hip Bump (aka Choo-choo) with Vines and Arcs, Turkish with several Turns, Cues and possibly more will be covered with easy-to-understand breakdowns. Please bring your cymbals, notebooks optional.

Sunday Ideas
(2-3 hours), Workshop 4:
BlackSheep BellyDance Signature Moves & Combos
(Open to those who have taken the previous Workshop/s or of an Intermediate or Higher Level of Understanding of SGI or ATS)

Learn a few more slow, medium and fast tempo moves and combos with corresponding cues and cymbals (when appropriate) specific to BSBD. Also learn our famous "cut-it-in-half" Pestle Rule and more innovations. These steps and combos will be different from Workshop #3 so you can continue to learn and grow over our time together. You don't have to be an advanced Tribal Dancer to take this class, though having a working knowledge of the form will be helpful. "Intro to Tribal BellyDance", "Dance and Play!" and/or "Tribal from the Ground Up, BlackSheep Style!" can be used as Prerequisite classes. If new to Synchronized Group Improvisation (SGI) or ATS, please attend all classes offered prior to taking this class. And of course, bring your zills! Notebooks optional.

(2-3 hour class), Workshop 5:
Changing Leaders, Directions, Formations & Chorus Innovations
(Intermediate or Higher Levels, or for those who have attended the other classes over the weekend)

Learn Kajira and BlackSheep's unique innovations for your SGI or ATS chorus, various formations for your groups and different ways to change leads, including more work from Right Hip Lead to Left Hip Lead as innovated by BSBD for use in ATS. Working knowledge of Tribal BellyDance and/or attendance in all previously offered classes is suggested to get the most out of this workshop. Notebooks optional bring cymbals and open minds!

*"DIFFERENT" CLASS DESCRIPTIONS with KAJIRA DJOUMAHNA
*(By "different" I mean not in the KD/BSBD Format for SGI BellyDance)*

Instructor: Kajira Djoumahna
Title: History of Belly Dance* - Interactive Lecture
Class Length: 1-2 hours
Type of Class: Lecture with plenty of time for Q-and-A!
Skill Level: Open to All

*It is also possible to make this a "Tribal-Only" Interactive Lecture.

Many people are interested about the history of The Dance, since the trend in many of today's classes are focused more on technique than on all of the other components that give us personal power and connection to our lineage as dancers. Knowing our origins is empowering and educational for beginners and essential for fellow teachers.
All of your questions will be answered and lots of solid, researched information given. I will discuss the ancient Paleolithic origins of the World's Oldest Dance (and the newer evidence that it even predated that time period) and how we got from there (approx. 60,000 years ago) to here. We may even speculate together upon where The Dance may be going in the future!
We will spend some time talking about The Romani Trail that deeply affected our dance during the diaspora out of North India into the MidEast and further during the 10th and 11th Centuries. We will also spend some time emphasizing the last 100 years or so, speaking about the significant developments that have happened in the 20th Century that have affected Middle Eastern Dance, such as: Ruth St. Denis, The Russian Ballet, Modern Egyptian Dance, American Tribal Style (ATS), Tribaret, Gothic, and Tribal & World Fusion forms and their differences and similarities.
Also covered in depth will be the History of American Tribal Style BellyDance, how it started, who were the early proponents and how it developed in an isolated environment. Where did Tribal Fusion come from as well as the various other fusions now popularizing the world's stage?
We shall talk together about which countries can now claim some style of bellydance as their own and how it may no longer be only a dance from the areas surrounding the Mediterranean, all in the context of history, religion and laws in recent and not-so-recent history. Currently, every continent in the world has bastions of bellydancers!
We'll delve into the plentiful examples of men dancing throughout history, something that is denied in many teacher's exclusive classes. How do the men's dances differ from the women's traditions? How are they the same? How did they develop?
I shall allow plenty of time for Q-and-A, so come with those burning questions, about anything and about any style. Please wear comfortable clothing (you will be sitting for this class) and bring your notepads.
SPONSORS PLEASE NOTE that this offering can be tailored for Tribal Style specifically. Just ask!

AND, ONE OF MY FAVORITES:

Instructor: Kajira Djoumahna
Title: Moroccan Guedra Blessing Ritual
Class Length: 2-3 hours

Type of Class: Traditional Trance Blessing Ritual
Skill Level: Open to Everyone

This ritual comes from the branch of Tuareg Berbers known as The Guedra, who are also one of the several Tuareg branches known as "The Blue People" or "Kel Tagelmous". Guedra tribes inhabit parts of Mauritania, Morocco and the High/Upper Atlas Mountains. This group of people are unique in that they are matrilineal and councils are egalitarian. In this unique Berber branch, the men veil but the women do not (the reason will be revealed in class). The word "Guedra" has many meanings as well which will be discussed. Plentiful handouts will be provided, as well as supporting material passed around. Your handouts will include one of the many chants with translations, which are sung in a language called Hassanic Berber, a mix of Arabic and Berber dialects.
You will listen to actual field recordings, learn call-and-response chants as well as claps and counter-claps. You will learn the meanings behind the gestures and the movements that go with T'bal (the optional standing portion) as well as Guedra (done kneeling). A CDR of these field recordings will be available for purchase before and after class for a low fee.
It is important to know that Guedra is not at all like Hadra or Zar, as is not an "exorcism" or a "dance" but an actual ritual used only for blessing purposes.
If time allows, we may have a Guedra circle in which at least some of the participants will be able to come out for a few minutes and try it while being supported by your tribe of classmates who will be clapping and chanting for you, creating the possibility of a light trance state. You will have the tools to go deeper with your friends outside of the busy classroom setting by the time you leave, to try on your own!
Please bring: An open heart and inquisitive mind! A non-slippery dark opaque piece of cloth or textured veil (not silk). Any shade of blue or black are preferred. This cloth need be only large enough to cover your head and can be larger. The remainder of the costume for this ritual will be discussed, photos passed around and components talked about in class. Bring kneepads. People with knee, back or neck problems will be asked to take it easy and know your personal limitations. You can still do the T'Bal (standing) section, which is done traditionally as well.

STILL MORE INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE SPONSORS
I am available for workshops nationally and internationally. I can teach alone or travel with one or two members of BlackSheep BellyDance (BSBD) to team teach and perform our unique style of Synchronized Group Improvisation (SGI) in your evening show. Two teachers facilitate learning by students being able to see demonstrations of leading and following mechanics, cue systems, etc. done by at least two dancers as it would be in a performance situation. This aids the learning process immensely, though I am completely capable of doing this myself as well. (I simply won't be able to perform what I teach, that's all. I do have other styles I perform solo.)

Fees for my workshops are somewhat negotiable. Here's a good place to start negotiating from: I request a minimum of four hours for a workshop out of state, and even better, the whole weekend, so students can really learn and retain all the information I can pack into 8-10 hours over the two days. I am available for retreats and dance camps. I prefer a guarantee of $800 for a one-day workshop of 4-5 hours. For a two-day workshop of a total of 8-10 hours, my minimum guarantee is $1,400. I ask that we do 70% of the total registrations - after all expenses are taken off the top so you won't lose money - and pay me whichever is greater, the minimum or the percentage.

If you choose a weekend workshop option, I've found it's best to break the classes after a 3-hour class for a quick (no more than 30-40 minutes unless there's a full bazaar to shop at) lunch that the students will bring for themselves (be sure to tell them), followed by a 2-hour workshop. People tend to "slow down" after the break. (If you choose 4 hours each day, then the break can be smack in the middle of the 4 total hours of classes.)

My offerings are designed to start from simpler moves and concepts into more intermediate and advanced material on the second day, as you read above. Therefore, I advise everyone to take BOTH Saturday and Sunday classes, or only Saturday. It is not a good idea to allow students to take Sunday only unless the individual is very advanced in ATS/ITS/SGI. I suggest you offer a discount for both days to encourage this, and a higher-than-half-price fee for Saturday only.

I also require:
A table on which to vend my DVDs and occasional items from my Bazaar, and a helper if that space is not in the same room as the workshop and I don't have an assistant.
Water on the days of the workshops, and assistance finding a meal between the workshop and show (if there is a show).

Transportation to and from OGG, Maui, Hawaii (Kahului airport) to the airport closest to your event. I must arrive at least one full day before my first class so I can be at my best. Arriving early is preferred and I will personally pay for the additional night if necessary (especially if flying me in on a "red-eye"). Please use United Airlines, even if a touch higher in price (I will personally pay the difference if under $200) and please book as few layovers as possible. A layover will most likely occur from and to Hawaii, and by my experience, it's best to have at least 2 hours (but not more than 4 hours) per layover, since planes can leave late on occasion. *Before you book my flight, let me know so I can supply you with my "mundane" name and frequent flyer/Mileage Plus #. This will enable me to sit in Economy Plus on any UA flight, as well as no fee for second bags AND no additional cost to you!*

Ground transportation from your airport to my hotel and to and from the workshop site, and back to the airport when we are done, unless agreed otherwise. I prefer to leave the day after the workshops are done unless there's cool places you'd like to show me where you live, then the day/s after are fine. In this instance I will pay personally for additional night/s.
I will also need lodging in a clean, private space. Best Western or any Hilton Hotels are preferred. (Hilton Hotels include Embassy Suites, Conrad, Double Tree, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites and the Waldorf Astoria Collection.) Some are surprisingly competitively priced. I have "frequent stayers" programs with Holiday Inn, Best Western and Hilton Hotels.

If you have a shorter workshop in mind as part of a larger event, or other special circumstances, please call or email me to talk about them. It has been very successful around the world to have me teach a weekend workshop followed by a Teacher Training, so if that idea appeals to you and your potential student base (no more than 10 allowed and as few as one person is OK), let me know.