THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2006

Everyone, please note that there are five classes going on simultaneously in five different classrooms. Check the Quick-Peek buttons to find them easily or just be very, very careful as this page is HUGE.

MAIN AUDITORIUM - 86 person limit in this classroom. Teacher is onstage with a headset mic so all can hear and see. The floor is rubber sectional dance flooring and there are no mirrors. Dance shoes can help with turns on these floors, as well as a pinch of cornstarch or baby powder applied to the ball of the foot.

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Class Title: Odissi Dance
Instructor: Vishnu Tattva Das
Type of Class: Traditional / Classical
Skill Level: Open to All
Description: Odissi dance is a classical form of traditional ritual temple dance from the state of Orissa in Northeastern India. It is characterized by two basic stances, CHOWK (square), and TRIBHANGI (three bends). While executing these stances, the torso is moved in isolation from the hips. It is this sublime and subtle movement, combined with the chowk and tribhangi, and intricate hand positions and gestures, which gives Odissi its beautiful sculpturesque form and characteristic fluidity among the classical Indian dances. Odissi is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Jagannath, an expression of Krishna as Lord of the Universe. Originally the dances were performed in the inner sanctum of the temple as a form of prayer and ritual worship. The dance today retains this sacred aspect, even while it has emerged from the temple onto the modern stage in the last 50 years. Odissi dance is taught in a systematic fashion, developing coordination and fluidity through a series of specific excercises, or "steppings", and postures of the whole body, which build on one another, and which eventually are the basis for all the choreography and dances. In this two hour workshop, Vishnu will choose 5 "stepping" exercises, using both Chowk and Tribhangi stances, and torso isolation. The workshop will begin with warm-ups to stretch and condition the body for the stepping exercises, including deep knee bends, torso bending, torso isolation, and hand and arm mudras. This will be followed by the stepping exercises, which are each performed in three speeds; the workshop will conclude with eye exercises, torso isolation, and an explanation and practice of the single-handed and double-handed mudras used in both the story-telling and pure dance.

Bio:
Vishnu Tattva Das is the only male exponent of Odissi dance presently teaching in the United States, and is Director and Founder of Odissi Vilas: Sacred Dance of India, Dance School and Company. A master of the form, who himself studied under the greatest guru of Odissi dance in the last century, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (recently passed away), Vishnu embodies the subtleties of the dance as well as a perfection of movement and grace; his expressive gestures convey with great feeling the divine love between Krishna and Radha, a recurring theme in the repertoire of Odissi dance. Vishnu has toured throughout India, Europe and the U.S., and conducts ongoing classes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He brings to his classes a deep knowledge of the art, culture, history, and spiritual background of Odissi dance, as well as a committment to sharing his sublime art form with others.

Odissi Vilas: Sacred Dance of India - The vision of Odissi Vilas is to establish a center for the performing arts in the Odissi style of Indian classical dance. Its mission is to preserve cultural heritage, promote, educate and delight audiences with the mystical beauty, grace and spirituality of Odissi dance. It is our dream to share this sacred dance form with our community and the world; to build cultural bridges between diverse groups of people, to keep the art form alive for future generations, and to nourish the human spirit.We strive to enrich artists and spectators alike with a taste of Rasa, the inherent essence of all the arts of India. Please visit our website: www.odissivilas.org

Time: 12:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Class Title: Let Them See You, Let Them Hear You: Fun With Cymbals
Instructor: John Compton
Type of Class: Traditional
Skill Level: Open to All
Description: Learn to layer simple to advanced syncopated finger cymbal patterns over various Hahbi 'Ru style Old World steps and combinations. Focus will be on strong hip work with cymbal patterns to give them that extra PUNCH!
From The Producer: Don't miss this now rare treat to study with John! He's moved from his home of decades in San Francisco to the warmer climes of San Diego, so he's not just another famous belly dancer we can take for granted in the Bay Area anymore! If you don't know who John is, well read The Tribal Bible! No, really, check out his bio below.

Bio: The eyes - brilliant and blue. The gaze - captivating and mysterious. Poise, grace, hypnotic movement and many years of discipline create the mystique, the magic that is John. John Compton is America's first dancer in the "Khawal" genre since the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. John's years of dance experience, a dynamic style and genuinely warm personality make him a superb instructor as well as a truly exciting performer. His amazing track record of major shows, night clubs, media appearances and workshops extends through the U.S. and Canada. He initially studied under the legendary Jamila Salimpour and received additional training in the folkloric style from Patti Farber. He first performed as a featured soloist in Jamila Salimpour's Bal Anat in the early 1970's, then in Patti Farber's folk dance ensemble, Baba Ganooj. In 1976 he formed his own show, Kos-Kadas, the opening extravaganza for the King Tut exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Hahbi'Ru Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble.

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Class Title: Not Your Average Sword Routine: Dangerous Sword Dance Improvisation for Duets and Troupes
Instructor: Sabine
Type of Class: Sword Work, with elements of Tribal Fusion and ATS / Group Improv
Skill Level: Open to All
Description: It's anything but routine! Moves and cues for improvisational sword dance will fill your troupe sword dance with energy--and you can apply them to your solo sword performances as well. This class focuses on group sword dance using multiple balance points, clean isolations, and Sabine's own Dangerous Sword moves, like "Stalker", "Kayak Switch" and "Taffy Pull" using cues and lead-and-follow format for improv.
This is a multi-level class with something for everyone, from Beginner to Advanced dancers. ALL dancers please bring a headwrap or scarf (preferably cotton) and a yoga mat or towel to help protect the floor while we try a few crazy things with our blades. Kneepads are recommended for the floorwork section. In order to protect the floors in the big hall, Kajira has asked that all Beginner dancers and those who are new to sword work bring wooden props to practice balancing, or practice with a sheath instead of a blade. Some wooden swords will be available to borrow. Intermediate/advanced dancers can bring a sword for the class, but absolutely no "battle ready" (ultra-sharp) swords will be allowed. (From The Producer: If that is what you normally use, please wrap the sharp parts in plenty of bubble wrap and tape tightly, thanks. If you are a beginner, you could try a cheap wooden dowel about navel height or so, and roughen the balance point with sandpaper, though some handle moves will need a great imagination - you may wish to weight your dowel on one end by applying or wrapping something decorative but not pointy in order to have a "handle fascimile".) A few swords will be available to borrow; please email sabinedance@gmail.com to reserve a sword or a wooden sword prop.

Bio: Sabine has been studying Middle Eastern dance for 18 years. Master of the sword balancing and manipulation, Sabine has taught her own special brand of "Dangerous Sword Dancing" in workshops and festivals all over the Northwest. She teaches weekly classes in improvisational tribal belly dance, leads and performs with "Tribalation!" dance troupe and "Sister Celebration" student troupe, and travels to teach workshops in Sword, Tribal, Turkish, and Fusion belly dance styles. Website: www.sabinedance.com


RUSSIAN ROOM - 24 person limit in this classroom. The floor is dance marley (rubber dance flooring) and there are mirrors. Dance shoes can help with turns on these floors, or a bit of cornstarch or baby powder applied to the ball of the foot.

Time:1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Class Title: Possessing The Dark & The Art of Choreolalia ("Speaking in Dance")*
Instructor: Tempest & Anaar
Type of Class: Gothic / Sacred-Ritual Dance
Skill Level: Open to All
Description: Explore the concept of ritualistic trance and possession in performance and beyond, safely and effectively. Throughout the world, there are many dances and rituals focused on channeling energy from within and without ourselves - the Middle Eastern Zar, the Mediterranean Tarantula, the Voudou concept being "ridden", "Drawing Down the Moon" in Neo-Paganism to name just a few examples. Understand what makes these dances so powerful, and how to channel them in your own dancing. Let the dark emotions flow through the music, and through you. We'll explore mental exercises for proper preparation of self, and improvisational movements that will emphasise and conduct the energy of the trance dance. This class will enable the student to explore both for personal use, as well as professional presentation.

Bio: Drawn together by similar interests in the visual and ritual arts, Anaar and Tempest have been collaborating together for nearly 5 years, presenting several ritual dance pieces including "The Becoming", "The Red God Revel" and "The Dance of the Djinn" at Tribal Fest, The Living Goddess Dance Theater, PantheaCon, and TribalQuestNW. Both instructors are long-term practitionars and teachers of traditional Witchcraft and metaphysics (Anaar: The Feri Tradition, Tempest: The Modern Tradition). Anaar and Tempest are dedicated to pursuing the path of the dark arts as a sacred meditation, with a basis in honor, balance, and safe practices.

(*this class replaces Jeniviva's "Dance Macabre", as she unfortunately cannot join us for TF7!)

BOLSHOI ROOM - 24 person limit in this classroom. The floor is dance marley (rubber dance flooring) and there are mirrors. Dance shoes can help with turns on these floors, or a bit of cornstarch or baby powder applied to the ball of the foot.

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Class Title: Neo-Tribal Bellydance Technique and Combinations
Instructor: Jane Archer
Type of Class: Tribal Fusion with ATS / Group Improv
Skill Level: Open to All
Description: Neo-Tribal Bellydance is a classic, solid fusion of ATS & Cabaret. We acknowledge accents & musical changes, tuning into the Raqs al-Sharki model of recognizing downbeats & accents in your body but keeping the Tribal focus. We specialize in group improvisation & self-expression with excellent technique. Starting with the common ATS movements, we'll bring in some of the many variations in Neo-Tribal dance that accentuate the music. We'll focus on simple concepts for putting moves together into combinations while leading your dance partners. We'll look at "families" of moves the music guides you to do so transitions become smooth, easy to follow, & work well with the music. Join Jane Archer, director of Mandala (formerly The Circle Dance Company) for a really great & fun, informative workshop!

Bio: Jane Archer is a highly energetic, supportive dance instructor who found her passion in teaching, performing, choreography, and organizing fun events. Jane is the fortunate owner of Portland’s gorgeous Euphoria Studios. A soulful dancer all her life, Jane's expression is rooted in a diversity of dance experiences - many years of ballet, ballroom, jazz, & swing. She began belly dance in 1985 in the cabaret style, then discovered tribal belly dance & fell in love with its grace, strength, and sense of community. Always reaching for new heights, Neo-Tribal Belly dance was born in 1996, incorporating moves from many other dance styles & bridging the gap between Egyptian Cabaret & Tribal. Forever expanding her creative vision, Jane continues her classical Raqs al-Sharki education with esteemed Master Percussionist Souhail Kaspar, and has assisted him in teaching his workshops. Ms. Archer is Artistic Director of Mandala (formerly The Circle Dance Company) - Portland's premiere Neo-Tribal performance group. "Jane Archer is a great performer with excellent technique, passion & emotion. Her dances are fluid & powerful, possessing impeccable timing and the innate ability to touch the soul & give something extra to the audience." (KP, 2006) Jane often works with Arab music greats Georges Lammam, Naser Musa & Souhail Kaspar. Well known and sought after, her passion for the music is evident in the energy she brings to both classes and performances. www.EuphoriaStudios.net

Time:12:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Class Title: Rajasthani Kalbeliya Dancing on Cups and Plates
Instructor: Amy Luna Manderino
Type of Class: Traditional / Ethnic
Skill Level: Open to All
Description: From the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India, learn Sapera - the "dance of the Serpent"-practiced by the Kalbeliya "Gypsies." In this class you will be introduced to the basic movement vocabulary of this mesmerizing dance of the snake charmer tribe where performers twirl ecstatically and stomp the earth in costumes of ornate embroidery and intricate beadwork. Instructor Amy Luna Manderino shares the dances learned during her 2006 trip to India to perform during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, including Bhavai, a traditional Rajasthani folk dance in which a solo dancer balances a tower of pots atop her head while holding yogic poses and walking on cups and plates, connecting Earth and Sky through her mastery of spinal kundalini (snake) energy. This workshop also covers costume and music elements of the dances.

Bio: Amy Luna Manderino is an award-winning dancer, choreographer and costume designer based in Berkeley, California. An international performer and instructor, she has taught and performed dance in the U.S., Europe, Africa, South America and Asia, most recently at the Beijing International Cultural Festival in China and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival in Rajasthan, India. Her television appearances include KRON4's "Bay Area Backroads" and the PBS arts program "Spark!" and her resume features performances for the San Francisco Opera, Oakland Ballet and Oakland East Bay Symphony in addition to hosting the short film "Bay Area Bellydance" for Turn Here Productions. She has also been invited to perform her famous flaming sword dance while balancing on wine glasses for Robert Mondavi at his world renowned Sonoma winery. A recognized expert in authentic Romani dances, Amy Luna was the Artistic and Musical Director, Costume Designer and Producer of Opre! - Dances of the Romani Trail which received standing ovations during its critically acclaimed 2006 Bay Area performance run. As the Artistic Director of Shuvani, Amy Luna made history leading the first Romani Trail dance ensemble to appear in 27 years of World Arts West's prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. The careful research of authentic Romani dances in Amy Luna's productions has been recognized by their inclusion in the Romani Archives at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, Amy Luna was named People's Choice Bellydancer for 2005 and is the Artistic Director of Lunatique, a dance company formed in 1996 whose repertoire includes tribal, cabaret, folkloric and fusion styles of bellydance. Amy Luna also produces Cafe Bellie, a benefit concert which raises thousands of dollars each year for Bay Area homeless women and children. For more information, please visit www.shuvani.com and www.lunabelly.com.

YOUTH ANNEX, LARGE CLASSROOM - This room holds 36 dancers max, has sprung bamboo floors and mirrors. Bare feet or actual non-marking dance shoes* ONLY in this classroom! (*Some types of ballroom, jazz and Latin dance shoes with heels for the Burlesque Class below may be OK if they are by Capezio, Dance Makers or other such professional companies. Look for a sueded sole on the pivot point and that the manufacturer specifies "non-marking" soles and heels. These are NOT street shoes! Thank you for noting that.)

Time:10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Class Title: Burlesque with Princess Farhana **This class is SOLD OUT**
Instructor: Princess Farhana
Type of Class: Burlesque
Skill Level: Open to All
Description:It's time to strut like a show girl and learn to tease a la Gypsy Rose Lee in the retro-burlesque style! Class will begin with a brief overview of burlesque history, from the 1860's to the present , from key performers of the past through the Neo-Burlesque revival. There will be vintage burlesque costumes on display, costuming tips and tricks, and a demonstration of pastie application. After a rigorous warm-up, we will focus on technique including entrances and exits; showgirl walks, poses, feather boa work, bumps and grinds, floor work and strip tease mechanics. Please bring a pair of gloves, a bra and panties and a feather boa¼some feather boas and gloves will be provided for use in class. Revel in your inner tease! ** THIS CLASS IS PG-RATED: NO NUDITY REQUIRED!**

Bio: Princess Farhana is an internationally acclaimed , award-winning belly dancer and burlesque artist. For the past fifteen years she has performed, taught and written about both Oriental dance and classic American burlesque. A featured soloist in the Velvet Hammer Burlesque for eleven years, she starred in the documnetary on the troupe, "The Velvet Hammer Burlesque", and has also been featured ( both dancing and as an interview subject) in numerous documentaries on Oriental dance, burlesque and exotic dance, as well as in motion pictures, television shows and music videos. Trained in the Egyptian style of belly dance, she is also well-known for her high concept ( and often controversial ) fusion performances. Currently, she is the principle dancer with Margaret Cho's burlesque/comedy review "The Sensuous Woman". For more information on Princess Farhana's events and appearances, and her line of performance/ instructional DVDs please visit www.princessfarhana.com **This class is SOLD OUT**

Time:12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Class Title: Saidi and Nubian Dances
Instructor: Sahra Saeeda (Sahra C. Kent)
Type of Class: Traditional
Skill Level: Open to All
Description:From The Producer: Sahra is on the road and has not been able to send her class description yet, but we have talked and she is confirmed. She will teach elements of both traditional Saidi and Nubian folk dances of Upper Egypt, two of the root forms of all bellydance styles, including Tribal-anything! Meanwhile, enjoy her web sites: Stift-Farbe@t-online.de and www.SahraSaeeda.com and all the juicy info included in the following links:

Bio: "This was grace and artistry and dignity, this was mystery and sensuality, the movements that have lasted through the ages and still mean something" - Pleasant Gehman, Los Angeles Reader, April 22, 1994 Sahra C Kent, "Sahra Saeeda," has performed and taught Egyptian style Orientale and Folkloric dance on five continents. She has lived and performed in Egypt from 1989 to 1995. Since then she has been touring the world teaching and performing Egyptian Orientale and Folkloric dance: A Western bridge to an Eastern Art. The "Sahra Show" performed over 1600 shows in Cairo, Egypt alone. The ensemble included Sahra, Egyptian musicians, singers, folkloric dancers and authentic Saidi musicians and dancers. Sahra is currently director of Ya Amar! Middle Eastern Dance Company (California, USA) and a contributing choreographer to many European dance companies. She is also president of Layali Yasmine Productions , an independent recording and distribution label for Egyptian music, Middle Eastern dance performance and instructional videos.
Ms. Kent has academic degrees in both Dance and Cultural Anthropology, and a MA in Dance Ethnology from UCLA. She regularly gives lecture/demonstrations on Egyptian dance, costumes, customs, ritual and folklore to doctorate-level symposiums, university ethnic dance festivals, museums, and dance ethnology forums. Sahra has many publication, TV and video credits worldwide.
Sahra's latest projects:
* Music of Nubia CD
* Dance Zones of Egypt - continuing research* Ya Amar! Dance Co. 10th Anniversary Show - May 20 & 21, 2006* "Journey to Egypt" DVD * New choreographies for her worldwide Tours

Time:2:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Class Title: "Gypsy" Spins and Stylings
Instructor: Zafira Dance Company
Type of Class: Tribal Fusion
Skill Level: Open to All
Description:Explore the distinct Zafira style in this workshop full of unique "Gypsy-style"movements and lots of spins. You will learn combinations using "Gypsy-inspired" moves and play with different spins: spins with others, how to spin in time with dance partners, moves with spins. (Don't be afraid of spins, they are not just for professional dancers.)

Bio: Zafira Dance Company performances are opulent vignettes that combine Bellydance with contemporary and ethnic dance forms. The result is an ornate performance that blurs the boundary between old and new; performer and audience, earthy and elegant. Guided by the mood of the music, Zafira draws the viewer into each piece by shaping rhythm and melody into gesture and form. Liquid movements, staccato accents and textured choreographies capture a timeless beauty that expresses both the sensuality and strength of the female form.

Zafira Dance Company members work together as a collective. Christine Andrews, Maria Hamer, Jennifer Imashev and Olivia Kissel have been teaching and performing together since 1996. Their friendship and love of dance shines through in each performance. Each member is a contributing artist and brings something unique to the company. This collective approach allows Zafira to offer a unique and powerful dance experience like no other. Zafira teaches and performs regularly in venues that range from intimate café settings to full-scale theater productions in Pittsburgh and at dance festivals around the country. Visit www.zafiradance.com for class, workshop and performance information.

YOUTH ANNEX BUILDING, SMALL CLASSROOM - This room has a rubber sectional dance floor and some mirrors. It holds 19 people maximum for dance classes. Dance shoes, slippers or sandals will aid turns, or a pinch of cornstarch or baby powder applied to the ball of the foot.

Time:2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Class Title: "Swimming Through Honey": Slow Moves & the Mind-Body Connection
Instructor: Politti Ashcraft
Type of Class: Tribal Fusion
Skill Level: Open to All
Description: In order to control how the body moves, one must first control the mind. The focus of this 2-hour class will be slowing down, breathing through and controlling slow moves used in Tribal and Tribal Fusion Bellydance. Class will start with a Yoga & Pilates inspired warm-up, followed by an extensive series of stretches, conditioning, drills, and technique exercises for shoulders, arms, hands, ribcage, abdominals, and hips. Once we are warmed up and connected, we will look at sections of our bodies and how to move them slowly and effortlessly in tempo to many different styles of music. If time allows, we may also touch on combining slow with fast moves with consistent flow.

Bio: Politti Ashcraft has studied bellydance for over 12 years, with a strong focus on the beautiful and varied styles of Tribal Bellydance. Inspired by the diverse cultures of the world, her progressive dance style is an engaging blend of the sacred and contemporary, by way of fluid movement and grace. Politti teaches weekly classes in the Inland Empire (So. Cal), offers specialty workshops in ATS and Tribal Fusion, and performs regularly in and around So. California, either as a soloist or with the gorgeous dancers of Blue Damsel. A teacher and performer, Politti is also an eternal student of Tribal Bellydance. She has studied with some of the most talented and gracious dancers in the industry, and continues to learn and grow in her dance by frequently promoting and attending Bellydance workshops and festivals. She is a graphic artist with her own business: "Obsidian Graphics - Window to your soul", creates and sells extraordinary tassel belts and Asian inspired "HairChops" hair sticks, and is an importer of fabulous "BlingBindis". Politti feels that Tribal Bellydance is unique in that while it is based on dance forms from around the world, it continues to grow and evolve into its own art form. She strives to honor the community aspect of the dance in her classes along with an emphasis on studying this art form as a discipline. She enjoys instilling her students with a passion for the dance, just as her teachers before her did. Those who have deeply touched her life and encourage her art include: Rachel Lazarus Soto: Creative partner and friend, Frederique David: A constant inspiration, Mihoko Sukura: Beloved Japanese Dance instructor, Carolena Nericcio: The source, Krisha Kazimira: First Bellydance instructor and "Mama" in dance, Diana Glance: The most supportive friend one could ever ask for. Politti dedicates her dance to the memory of her mother. Visit Politti Ashcraft on-line at: www.tribal-stuff.com and www.obsidiangraphics.com