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Tribal
Fest 11 Detailed Workshop Schedule – Thursday May 19, 2011 *
Please be aware that there are 5 different classrooms with classes
held simultaneously on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 classrooms on Friday,
and 2 classrooms on Saturday and Sunday. Read carefully to avoid
signing up for two classes that overlap. * * SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT EVENT!
Meet-n-Greet the Tribal Fest teachers and participants!
Also, the cool part is that we have invited all of our Tribal Fest
11 teachers to vend. Just teachers, nobody else. Most of our teachers
sell during their classes but this will give you more of a chance
to see their offerings, so bring your checkbook or cash.
Main Hall, 7:30-9:30 p.m. *
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Teacher: Description: Learn
new possibilities in the realm of Hula Hooping and Tribal Improvisation,
as Experience needed: all dance levels welcome, no hooping experience needed What to bring: sunscreen, water, a Hoop—there will be some hoops to borrow and for
sale *This
workshop will be outside, so please come prepared w/water and sunscreen
and wear comfy clothes* Since
childhood, She
is the pioneer of a new arena of Hoop Dance—Hooping Improvisational
Tribal Style (HITS), which fuses and incorporates aspects of Improvisational
Tribal Style (ITS) Belly Dance and Hula Hooping to create a fresh,
fun, and energizing menagerie of live group performance art! Links: http://www.roustabouttime.com/meet-ritzy-rouge.php http://www.youtube.com/user/AlaskaJPiper MAIN HALL – maximum
capacity 86 people 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Teacher: Samantha Hasthorpe, a.k.a. The Vagabond Princess Description: Skill Level: Advanced Beginners and upwards (optional level increases for those who
want em!) What to Bring: Water. Yoga Mat. What to Wear: Comfy Dance workout clothes. Samantha‘s Bio: Samantha
Hasthorpe aka Vagabond Princess (of the True
to the original spirit of American Tribal Style, her improvised Tribal Fusion routines combine skills gleaned from her studies
with the creators of the genre here in the She
started her dance journey in 2005 thanks to Carolena Nericcio and
Rachel Brice. She joined The Bellydance Superstars in 2007 touring internationally full-time and also featuring on several
BDSS DVDs. She continues
to travel globally, instructing intensive workshops and enjoying
collaborative and solo performances. Samantha is a committed teacher
as well as performer. Her accessible teaching style reflects
the fact that she considers herself to be a beginner student, always
hungry for more training and new ideas. She
is fast becoming known for her fun, engaging performance style,
making audiences the world over smile. She is based in the 12:15 – 2:15 p.m. Teacher: Amy Sigil Class Title: Hella Quick Description: Skill Level: Dance experience helpful (athletic) What to Bring: water What to Wear: dance attire Amy‘s Bio: Amy
Sigil, director/choreographer of UNMATA, and owner of Hot Pot Studios
in
Teacher: Colleena Shakti Class Title: Indian Fusion
Belly Dance Description: Rajasthani dance has many movements that
one might describe as trance inducing, such as the various spins
and the repetitive footwork. Rajasthani
classical dance (Kathak) also offers many types of spins, as well
as elegant lines created in the body…
and of course mudras and focused expression (Abhinaya). Theory is always an important base Colleena
establishes in her workshops… She offers depth and intention to each
movement that is passed on. The
goal is to uphold the essence of her dance lineages in Indian dance,
as well as developing integrity in the movements she has translated
into a fusion vocabulary of her own design.
With clear intentions, communication happens through our
art… Skill Level:
Open, some dance experience
helpful What to
Bring:
Please come to this class with a large skirt, water, a notebook…
and please do not eat just before class… we will be spinning! What to
Wear: Bring
or wear a large skirt Colleena‘s Bio: Colleena has devoted her life completely to dance upon arriving in
India in 2001 when she meet her Odissi Guru, Padma Cheran Dehury
and settled in at Bhubaneswar, Orissa- the capital of Odissi dance.
The task of training in Indian classical dance in a very traditional
manner is not an easy thing. Just as the life of a Yogi must be
disciplined and strict, so is the careful transformation into an
Odissi dancer. In Odissi sacred dance Colleena has found deep connection
to the Divine through the art of dance. Her work in all dance forms
centers around this principle in her life as a devotee. Her Odissi
Guru has constantly been the driving force and flow of inspiration
that allowed her to see the possibilities of a ‘dance life’ and
do the work to manifest it under his guidance. It was a long awaited dream for Colleena to come to Rajasthan and
saturate herself in its rich artistic culture. Upon arrival in Rajasthan
in early 2002, Colleena meet a tribe of Khalbelia ‘Gypsies’ who
agreed to let her research their dance. Immediately attracted to
their wild ways and natural manner of functioning in a tribal society,
she began a friendship which has grown to be an important part of
her life. Khalbelia people are some of the last semi nomadic tribal
people on the planet, and have remained that way by developing dramatic
personalities, clever wit and an extremely loyal nature. Thus, it
was a long process which took years to finally know the truths which
lay behind the stories of these people. Today, Colleena feels most
at home in the ‘Gypsy’ camp, sharing much of her time in Rajasthan
with this tribe of Khalbelia and performs with them throughout Colleena is
a woman with a clear vision and strong beliefs. Her work with traditional
dance focuses on understanding both the movements and cultural context
equally, so that the essence of the dance remains vibrant. This
principle is important in her work of creating a fusion Belly Dance,
so that the different personalities and histories of the movements
are honored within the vocabulary and the quality remains rich.
Colleena’s system of dance begins with a foundation of yogic philosophy;
which unlock many keys to having clear focus and strong movements
in dance, as well as the methods in movement and sacred intention
of Odissi dance. Colleena maintains a love and respect
for the dance form which initially inspired her - Belly Dance. She
acknowledges the influences of some of the great dancers who developed
what we call Tribal Belly Dance and it's many facets. Recently
Colleena and Carolena Nericcio have teamed up to share their love
of tribal cultures that inspire our dance vocabulary. They
have launched Nakarali - an exquisite collection house and producer
of Indian tribal silver jewelry: www.Nakarali.com The
project involves much more than simple jewelry... come and see the
vision! For more information contact Colleena
directly at: www.colleenashakti.com or colleenashakti@gmail.com
Description: Rachel’s Bio: Rachel Brice first fell in love with Belly Dance while watching John Compton's famous Hahbi'Ru at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. She began classes immediately.
10 years later she relocated to acquire a Bachelor's Degree in Dance Ethnology from San Francisco State. While in the Bay Area she studied with Jill Parker, the creator of Tribal Fusion, Carolena Nericcio, the creator of American Tribal Style, and Suhaila Salimpour, daughter of the legendary Jamila Salimpour and creator of the equally legendary Salimpour Format.
In addition to performing and teaching internationally, Rachel studies Viniyoga with Gary Kraftsow, and co-directs The Indigo Belly Dance Company with Miss Mardi Love and Zoe Jakes. 2007 marked The Indigo's first self-produced, full-length show Le Serpent Rouge, which sparked an old-timey revolution. Rachel lives in the Pacific Northwest.
* SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT EVENT!
Meet-n-Greet the Tribal Fest teachers and participants!
Also, the cool part is that we have invited all of our Tribal Fest
11 teachers to vend. Just teachers, nobody else. Most of our teachers
sell during their classes but this will give you more of a chance
to see their offerings. So, bring your cash or checkbook!
Main Hall, 7:30-9:30 p.m. * YOUTH ANNEX, LARGE ROOM – max
capacity 36 dancers
Teacher: Frank Farinaro Class Title: Snakes & Ladders This workshop is designed to show the dancer how to control the audience’s
view, so not a single "wow move" is missed. Effective
performance tools will be given to teach a dancer how to think like
an audience so you can project the freakiness that they want to
see! Skill Level: Some dance experience helpful What to Bring: water What to Wear: dance workout attire Frank‘s Bio: Frank, a life-long dancer, is Since 2005, Frank has performed and taught classes and workshops at events
in over two dozen cities cities and eight states
across the In 2010, he won Tribal Soloist and
Alternative Wiggles at Wiggles of the West, and Male Soloist Runner Up at Yaa Halla Y'all. He also received
a standing ovation for his athletic solo at Tribal Fest 10. Frank's current project is developing his signature Hammerhead Sharqi
Dance Technique, a style of dance and dance instruction which focuses
on artistic dance fusion, athletic
body conditioning and new-age meditative practices,
all of which turn the technical into the instinctual. 12:15-2:15pm Class Title: Shimmies - Sassy to Sizzling! Skill Level: Solid undestanding of basic movement vocabulary and ready to travel with
it! What to Bring: water and a towel What to Wear: dance workout attire that shows your knees and feet Tempest's Bio: Tempest has studied extensively many forms of traditional bellydance - from Turkish Oriental, Romani, Classic & Modern Egyptian, American Cabaret, Folkloric & Trance dances of North Africa and the Mediterranean. Tempest regularly studies with masters of the dance, particularly focusing her study on traditional and folkloric forms of the dance - as she feels that the best fusion comes as close to the source as possible. In particular, Dalia Carella, Artemis Mourat, Amel Tafsout, and Lee Ali are treasured teachers and inspirations. While many others in the Gothic genre work and teach from a Tribal/Tribal fusion base, she distinctly blends the Gothic culture with the more traditional & folkloric forms of bellydance, earning her style the appropros description of "Gothic Oriental." She finds inspiration for her dances in many eras, places, and faces, from ancient cultures and spiritual myths worldwide, to the work of silent film star and original vamp Theda Bara, and turn-of-the-century dance goddess Ruth St. Denis. She is particularly well-known for her Nouveau Noir Dance performances - which transport the audience back in time to the early 20th Century as well as the fantasy realms of Steampunk and Retro-Futurism, and sacred-fusion, ritualistic forms of belly dance. Her devotion to art, creativity and innovation in dance marks her as a stand-out, must-see performer who continues to evolve and set the bar for others in the Gothic & Fusion Bellydance genres. In addition
to being a world-renowned dancer and instructor, Tempest is a professionally
trained visual artist, receiving her BF in Printmaking from the
Rhode Island School of Design. Her artwork has received awards and
honors worldwide. She is also very well-known for her unique costuming
designs, including the original "corset belt" design,
the "skorset", the "corset bra" and other designs.
Her work can be found on dancers and other design aficionado across
the world, from individuals to whole troupes and dance companies
(including Ultra Gypsy, Urban Tribal, Frederique, Atash Maya, Asharah,
Dalia Carella, Suhaila Salimpour, and many more). 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Teacher: Carolena Nericcio – Day 2 of 3-Day Intensive
(See Wednesday’s Schedule for info.)
Teacher: Onça O’Leary Class Title: Essential Stagecraft for Dancers Description: Skill Level: Some dance experience helpful
What to Bring: Notebook What to Wear: Comfy dance workout attire Onça‘s Bio: Onça
is a career entertainer, and one half of the Mezmer Society. If
the greatest expression of Rebellion is Joy, the Mezmer Society
is the party band for the militia of merriment. The Mezmers defy
genre, blending Balkan party music, bellydance antics, comedy, torchy
vocal duets, and a touch of sulfur. Madame Onça delivers character-driven
performance and will do just about anything to spread the gospel
of Luscious Cabaret & Balkan Ruckus. BOLSHOI ROOM – maximum
capacity 24 people 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Teacher: Rachel Brice – Day 2 of 3-Day Intensive (See
Wednesday’s Schedule for info.)
12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Teacher: Asharah Description: Skill Level: Open What to Bring: A notebook may come in handy - for $5, a large handout can purchased
in class from Asharah. What to Wear: Comfy dance clothes Asharah‘s Bio: “Being
true to your self isn’t easy. It’s perhaps the hardest thing an
artist can do. But the rewards are worth the struggle. I have sought
to remain true to my convictions, to never compromise my art to
make myself more appealing or popular, to continue to grow and learn
and seek knowledge from my mentors and colleagues both in and out
of the dance world, and to be an example for dancers who are seeking
their own artistic path.” - From Asharah’s “A Statement of
Purpose”, Spring 2009. Asharah
is internationally renowned for her strong technique and dramatic
fusion of tribal and cabaret bellydance, and she has extensive experience
in Turkish, Egyptian, and American bellydance. She
graduated from In early
2008 she released her first instructional DVD, Modern Tribal Bellydance
with Asharah, which has received rave reviews from dancers around
the world. As a student of Middle Eastern history, she believes
that every belly dancer must know the history and culture of this
dance, whether she is performing it in its traditional forms or
fusing it with others. Read her blog on dance, art, integrity,
and business at www.bdpaladin.com,
and learn more about her upcoming events at www.ashara 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. Teacher: Michelle Manx Class Title: Pin-up Flair and Vintage
Hair Description: Following
playtime with hair, the dance part of the class will begin with
a warm-up and conditioning exercises to help create those fabulous
Vargas-like poses. Michelle will discuss how to incorporate the
persona of the classic pin-up girl into your performance. Michelle
will teach fusion bellydance choreography inspired by pin-up girls
and Skill Level: Open What to Bring: Hairpins, hot rollers optional What to Wear: Dance wear or a pin-up costume Michelle‘s Bio: Michelle’s love for dance started at the
age of six when she began participation in ballet and tap classes.
She became interested in bellydance when her mother enrolled in
a bellydance class in the 70’s and with her background in anthropology,
the study of ethnic dance was a natural progression. She can be contacted at info@pin-upbellydance.com
Teacher: Quinn Donovan Fradet Description: Give
a voice to your movements with finger cymbals, an “instrumental”
and exciting element of Tribal Bellydance. Create your own music
(ever had a Time the Music Died? ;)) and captivate your audience,
for a multi-layered, textural dance performance. With
Improvisation at the heart of our dance, Gypsy Fire has expanded
our use of zill patterns in our Tribal repertoire. In
this class, we will build upon basic RLR , learn new patterns, and
link them to ATS, Gypsy Fire, and others’ moves. Workshop will include
time for Zill Capella-All Zills, All the Time! Come
join Gypsy Fire for a fun, raq’ing workshop, and we’ll put these
tools and concepts at your fingertips! Skill Level: Must have proficiency with ATS standard RLR pattern, and be able to dance and play RLR to ATS
basic moves: Shimmy, Choo Choo/Pivot Bump, Arabic, Egyptian, Arabic
Hip Twist and Turkish Shimmy. What to Bring: Finger cymbals What to Wear: Dance attire or ATS wear Quinn‘s Bio: Gypsy
Fire was formed in 1998 in Quinn
has since completed the FCBD Certification for
General Skills and Teacher Training, and is considered a
General Studio (ATS-based, not exclusively FCBD movements). She
has continued her studies both in the Jamila and Suhaila Salimpour
formats (currently Jamila L1), as well as being inspired by workshops
with many talented Tribal teachers. We
treasure the aspects of creativity, communication, trust and community
that Tribal Bellydance fosters, and we are ever thankful to our
Dance Mamas, FatChanceBellyDance, and all the troupes that keep
this art form alive and thriving. Gypsy
Fire teaches and performs locally, regionally, and internationally,
and we are always thrilled to grow our Tribal Family!
We have recently celebrated our 10 year anniversary, and
look forward to the next 10! For
more information, visit: www.gypsyfirebellydance.com RUSSIAN ROOM – maximum
capacity 24 dancers 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Class Title: Skill Level: understanding of general What to Bring: What to Wear: Tempest‘s Bio: Tempest has studied extensively many forms of traditional bellydance - from Turkish Oriental, Romani, Classic & Modern Egyptian, American Cabaret, Folkloric & Trance dances of North Africa and the Mediterranean. Tempest regularly studies with masters of the dance, particularly focusing her study on traditional and folkloric forms of the dance - as she feels that the best fusion comes as close to the source as possible. In particular, Dalia Carella, Artemis Mourat, Amel Tafsout, and Lee Ali are treasured teachers and inspirations. While many others in the Gothic genre work and teach from a Tribal/Tribal fusion base, she distinctly blends the Gothic culture with the more traditional & folkloric forms of bellydance, earning her style the appropros description of "Gothic Oriental." She finds inspiration for her dances in many eras, places, and faces, from ancient cultures and spiritual myths worldwide, to the work of silent film star and original vamp Theda Bara, and turn-of-the-century dance goddess Ruth St. Denis. She is particularly well-known for her Nouveau Noir Dance performances - which transport the audience back in time to the early 20th Century as well as the fantasy realms of Steampunk and Retro-Futurism, and sacred-fusion, ritualistic forms of belly dance. Her devotion to art, creativity and innovation in dance marks her as a stand-out, must-see performer who continues to evolve and set the bar for others in the Gothic & Fusion Bellydance genres. In addition
to being a world-renowned dancer and instructor, Tempest is a professionally
trained visual artist, receiving her BF in Printmaking from the
Rhode Island School of Design. Her artwork has received awards and
honors worldwide. She is also very well-known for her unique costuming
designs, including the original "corset belt" design,
the "skorset", the "corset bra" and other designs.
Her work can be found on dancers and other design aficionado across
the world, from individuals to whole troupes and dance companies
(including Ultra Gypsy, Urban Tribal, Frederique, Atash Maya, Asharah,
Dalia Carella, Suhaila Salimpour, and many more). 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Teacher: Princess
Farhana Class Title: You Give Great Face! Exciting Stage Make-Up Description: You look like a million bucks in that amazing costume you just put We will go over a step-by-step make-up map, getting your face ready
for performance, with tips and tricks for all face shapes, different
facial features, skin colors, and ages! Skill Level: Open to all levels. What to Bring: Please bring a set of false eyelashes
and your own make-up and applicators. What to Wear: Comfortable clothing Princess Farhana‘s Bio: Internationally
acclaimed dancer Princess Farhana has appeared in She is
known for her exquisite technique - including her mind-boggling
abdominal work. With dramatic stage presence and theatrical flair,
The Princess is Egyptian-trained (by Zahra Zuhair and Raqia Hassan
in addition to many others) but is also a high-concept fusion performer,
and travels constantly performing and teaching workshops all over
the globe. Princess
Farhana has a line of 11 self-produced DVDs, and has been featured performing in
many belly dance compilation DVDs, and has also danced and acted in many motion pictures, music videos, and television
shows; as well as dance documentary
films both performing and as an interview subject. Her warmth,
enthusiasm and adventurous spirit - on and off stage - captivate
audiences and students alike.
Teacher: DJ Amar Class Title:
Mastering Your Mix - A music mixing workshop for dancers, by DJ
Amar Skill Level: Open to All What to Bring: A notebook and an inquiring mind What to Wear: Comfy clothes DJ Amar‘s Bio: Amar is amongst a handful of local DJs whose taste cuts a path through
an abundance of musical selections and leads dancefloors into a
hypnotic sway like snakes before the charmer. In this instance the
muse is a masala that brews sounds from the For Tribal Fest 10, Amar joined the legendary roster of teachers,
introducing his music mixing workshop for dancers. On stage at Tribal
Fest, he mixed a set using techniques taught in his workshop for
tag team performances by Tjarda, Sherri Wheatley & Calamity
Sam with special guest MC Shoop (see video: http://vimeo.com/12211239
). 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Class Title: Kalbelia and Flamenco Learn
a fusion choreography! This composition is based on the influence
that the “Gypsies” (Domani) of Rajathan realized on Flamenco. We’ll
study the common points between both dances and the different techniques,
and how such different countries’ dances can fuse together. (NOTE: Patricia is teaching two other Flamenco-based classes on Wednesday.
Please check Wednesday’s info if interested.) Skill Level: Open, some dance experience helpful What to Bring: Water What to Wear: Dance class wear, skirts OK Patricia‘s Bio: Patricia Passo, creator of the Oriental Fusion method, is a graduate in
Scenic Arts from She was brought in touch with Oriental dance through the Her interest in field research made for her to live in From her investigations into ethnic dance, and at the foundation of the
creation of a fused and innovative language which seeks to coherently
integrate several concepts of oriental dance, a necessity was born
to give an analytical view of movement, which would allow them to
be systematically integrated by the academic world. This manner
of teaching and interpreting dance, has enabled the creation of
a style which is studied in the Patricia Passo dance centres, in
the academic world and in other collaborating centers. Thanks to
this systemization, it is possible to offer the oriental dance the
benefit of an analytic vision of its movements. Parallel to the didactic efforts of the school, Oriental Fusion dance is
performed by the dance group that Patricia Passo choreographs. Always connected to the academic world, she started her career when she
joined the Gama Filho University of Rio de Janeiro as Dance Coordinator.
Since 2001, she has been teaching at She has created and teaches the first Academic Diploma in Oriental Dance
in Europe, accredited by Fusion Art and the YOUTH ANNEX, SMALL ROOM – max
capacity 19 people
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Teacher: Troupe Hipnotica Description: Who says improv has to be big and loose? In this class, Troupe Hipnotica
will share moves that blend sharp accents and flowing turns, rhythmic
and arrhythmic elements and let you finally utilize all of that
perfectly medium tempo music. In addition Troupe Hipnotica will share our double
sided method that allows you to utilize all sides of the body and
stage without re-learning your current improv moves or causing your
head to explode! A basic knowledge ATS or improv moves suggested. Skill Level: Some Tribal Style Group Improvisation experience helpful What to Bring: Cymbals, just in case What to Wear: Dance clothes or ATS wear Teachers’ Bio: Troupe
Hipnotica Tribal Belly Dance was formed eight years ago and has
created a unique variation of ATS that has set the standard for
high energy and mesmerizing performances. Co-directors
Adriene Rice and Julia Demarest bring over 14 years of belly dance
experience each to their workshops. As a former member of FatChanceBellyDance,
Adriene Rice had the opportunity to appear in instructional videos
and perform in a variety of venues from international festivals
to cafes and private parties. In addition to the eight years
dancing with Troupe Hipnotica, Julia Demarest has performed and
studied all facets of belly dance to include American Cabaret, Tribal
and Folkloric. Troupe Hipnotica workshops
are infused with humor and hard work while leaving no detail unturned.
Teacher: Zoe Jakes Class Title: Drilling Better Smarter Faster! Skill Level: Open What to Bring: Water, and possibly a sweat rag! What to Wear: Dance attire Zoe‘s Bio: Zoe
is a proud member of The Indigo,
recently on the road touring their new show Le Serpent Rouge.
She has been touring with Bellydance Superstars since the
fall of 2005 and can be seen performing on their new Tribal Fusions
DVD. She recently finished filming her debut instructional DVD,
to be released in the fall. Combining talents with David Satori
and Tommy Cappel to form the band Beats Antique,
which released the album Tribal Derivations last spring,
Zoe is currently working on its sequel. Her
web site is www.zoebellydance.com 4:45 – 6:45 p.m. Class Title: Exploring Djinn This workshop will explore the fascinating
realm of the Jinn and their relationship to dance. Jnun (plural
for Jinn) are invisible spirits believed to inhabit the earth and
influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans, animals, or
even part-human/part-animal. Much like ancient Goddesses, Jnun are
strongly identified with forces of nature and the natural elements
of fire, earth, water and wind. Like Godesses, Jnun have names,
personalities, and come from different regions of Africa and the
In modern culture, we deal with our anxieties
and emotions thru shopping, eating, drugs or alcohol, to name a
few. Modern individuals live more in isolation than tribal folks.
We modern folk are typically left alone to work thru problems on
our own, or with a doctor. In contrast, traditional societies tend
seek emotional healing within a community experience involving music,
chanting, drumming and "dancing in the spirit." When they
feel out-of-balance they attribute feelings of depression and anxiety
to a spirit inside of them that must be tended to… appeased and
released. And, so, a community ritual is held in honor of the
restless spirits that are bringing worry and stress to their human
hosts. When the music starts at sundown, those who feel the calling
get up and dance, often into the dawn. When the ritual is complete,
the spirits are appeased and the dancers are renewed. I think of
these rituals as an ancient form of Prozac. THE WORKSHOP WILL BE TAUGHT IN 3 PARTS.
PART 1, we will learn about the history
and folklore of the Jinn including artwork and artist’s interpretations
of the Jinn. We will compare similarities and differences among
spirit rituals including Egyptian zar, Moroccan guedra, North
African hadra,and Gnawa lila. As I travel through North Africa and
the Lalla Aisha, daughter of the river and
mountains Lalla Mira, daughter of fortune Hajja Malika, crone with a crown of silver Skill Level: Open to All What to Bring: Please eat lightly before class and bring knee pads, as we will be working on the floor. What to Wear: Comfortable dance attire Lee Ali‘s Bio: Lee Ali is a specialist in Greek and Moroccan folklore. Known for her explosive passionate performances,
Lee combines history, performance art, and social commentary to
create ethnic dance theater. She is dedicated to teaching American-born
dancers the beauty and value of ethnic dance and delights in passing
on the traditions she learned as a child. As
a teacher, Lee is a multi-cultural shape-shifter who moves between
the free mindset of an edgy, modern artist, and the forbidding mysteries
of the ancient Raised in a Middle Eastern ethnic ghetto
by a Moroccan mom and a Turkish-Armenian dad, Lee began her career
as a child performer in the 1970’s, the golden era of old-style
American cabaret belly dance. Lee is a “home-schooled” bellydancer,
groomed in cultural traditions as an apprentice to her parents.
They taught her to dance, drum, sing, play musical instruments,
and to design and sew her own costumes. At age 13, she became a working dancer,
performing only with live musicians, 5-nights a week in the ethnic
night clubs of In 1996, Lee wrote and produced the documentary
film, “Belly Dancing In
America: Importing Middle Eastern Dance”. In 2000, she formed
the Berber Ballet, a dance and drum ensemble specializing in 6/8
rhythms and theatricalized trance dances of |
*
SPECIAL OUTDOOR CLASS! TODAY ONLY! MEET AT THE BACK OF THE MAIN
HALL, OUTSIDE. *
2:30
– 4:30 p.m.
10:00
a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
4:45
– 6:45 p.m.
2:45
– 4:45 p.m.
12:15
– 4:30 p.m. * Special 4-Hour Intensive!