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Wednesday Class Descriptions & Instructor Bios
MAIN
AUDITORIUM - maximum capacity 86 participants
Time: 10:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
Instructor: Vicki Virk of Non-Stop Bhangra and Dholrhythms
Class Title: Non-Stop Bhangra with Dholrhythms
Skill Level: Open to All (But be prepared to be Energized!)
Type of Class: Traditional East Indian Folk Dance
CLASS
DESCRIPTION Indulge your body and soul with a unique rhythmic
experience. Learn the art of Bhangra, a dance like no other that
will take your body and soul into new realms. What is Bhangra?
Bhangra is an upbeat, energetic, and vibrant folk dance from North
India, Punjab Region. Traditionally done to celebrate the harvest,
Bhangra can now be seen at any and all festive occasions celebrated
in India particularly weddings. It's perhaps the most vigorous
form of South Asian Dances, but also the most free spirited, down
to earth, and fun.
The main instrument is a large barrel size drum called the dhol.
Its hypnotic beats are so contagious and can lure even the most
dedicated of wallflowers onto the floor. Bhangra is a such a joyous
form of dance that you will be engulfed in its spirit of celebration
as soon as you experience it. From Bollywood movies, to cultural
melas, to the club scene, bhangra is becoming a popular phonemena
and making its mark in the musical community.
This class will be a mini crash course in learning all the basics
of bhangra that will then be translated into a beautiful choreographed
routine that you can use any time you hear the dhol(drum) or incorporate
it into other dance routines and performances. The class will
make you shake your hips, move your arms, stomp your feet and
give you a great cardio workout by indulging your dancing spirits.
VICKI'S BIO
Vicki Virk was born and raised in Punjab, India, where bhangra
originated. She has been dancing to bhangra all of her life. Though
she became an attorney, her love and passion for dance inspired
her to start her own company called Dholrhythms, that allows her
to share her enthusiasm for bhangra through classes, workshops,
performances, and events all over the Bay Area. She currently
teaches as many as 10-14 regular weekly classes at different studios,
and afterschool kids' programs. She also leads her own dance troupe
made up of women from diverse backgrounds, each of whom started
off as a student in one of the classes. Dholrhythms dance troupe
has been seen mesmerizing audiences with their upbeat, and unique
performances at some of the most well known venues in San Francisco
including, Sony Metreon, Fort Mason, The Fillmore, The Mezannine,
DeYoung Museum, The Supper Club, DNA Lounge, 111 Minna Gallery,
1015 Folsom and many many more.
Vicki is also the co-founder of NonStop Bhangra (NSB), a monthly
event in San Francisco which combines live dhol (drum) & tabla
players, dance performances/lessons, visuals, painters and DJ's
all dedicated to celebrating the spirit of Bhangra. Started as
an outlet for Dholrhythms students, the event has grown into an
amazing community that attracts over 400 diverse people every
month that come together to experience bhangra. NSB is making
its mark in the San Francisco Culture and has been voted Top 5
Global events in SF. The event has been featured in SF Weekly,
The Chronicle, SF Bay Guardian, San Francisco Magazine, along
with many other publications.
"I love teaching bhangra because it is a celebration of life.
It's done with energy, zest,
passion, and that's exactly how life should be lived." ~vicki
~For more information on dholrhythms, Vicki Virk, or bhangra,
please visit www.dholrhythms.com
or www.nonstopbhangra.com
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Time:
1:00 - 3:00
Instructor: Kami Liddle of the Bellydance Superstars
Class Title: Spiral, Curve and Bend
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: World Fusion Belly Dance
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This workshop is about moving the body beyond forward back, up and
down. There will be a large focus on the range of motion of the
upper body and moving from your center to create long lateral curves
and carving a sinuous path with the arms.
KAMI'S BIO
Kami Liddle is a solo dance artist born with a passion for movement.
She began taking ballet and tap lessons at the age of four and performed
in numerous dance recitals as a young girl. At the age of eleven,
Kami auditioned for a part as a hip hop and jazz dancer for a youth
performing troupe in Victorville, California and performed with
the group for several years before moving to Nevada. She reunited
with her passion for dancing again at seventeen when she enrolled
in a belly dance class at the local community college in Reno. Kami's
first belly dance instructor was a wonderful woman named Tahari.
She was a gorgeous hula dancer and taught an ethno-cabaret fusion
of belly dance. In addition to studying with Tahari, Kami took an
interest in American Tribal Style and studied the FatChanceBellyDance
videos religiously.
In 1999 Kami joined Asha Belly Dancers, a world fusion tribal group.
Kami performed with Asha at events in Reno as well as various belly
dance festivals on the West Coast. While performing with Asha, Kami
began to choreograph solo dances and took every opportunity available
to perform as a soloist. With her hectic schedule it became hard
to keep up with Asha's busy rehearsal and performance schedule,
so Kami decided to leave the troupe and focus on performing as a
soloist.
During this time Kami was also pursuing her degree in Art at the
University of Nevada, Reno. Although her emphasis was on photography,
she spent most of her energy dedicated to her dance minor, studying
various aspects of dance such as movement theory, dance history,
theory of teaching dance and choreography studies as well as the
various required technique classes. In 2003 she joined the teaching
staff at the university on a letter of appointment and taught classes
there until 2005.
Kami's style is what she calls a modern fusion of an ancient dance.
Although she is primarily a tribal dancer, she pulls from the various
styles of belly dance that she has studied, as well as modern, hip
hop, jazz, and bhangra dance. Her goal is to always be a student
of dance and to constantly expand her repertoire.
In addition to performing as a soloist, she collaborates and performs
with other dancers. She is a guest artist for The Indigo, directed
by Rachel Brice. Kami has worked collaboratively with Samantha Riggs
of Boom Boom Bollywood on choreography and periodically performs
with the company.
Kami has recently finished her degree at UNR and has relocated to
San Diego. She teaches classes at Yaarajaan Studios in San Diego
when she is not traveling. Kami has been nominated for "Best
Kept Secret" and "Best Interpretive Artist" for 2005
by Zaghareet Magazine and won the title "Entertainer of the
Year 2005" at Wiggles of the West. Kami has performed and taught
internationally and is currently touring with Bellydance Superstars.
For information on classes, private lessons, booking workshops or
performances, email: kami@kamiliddle.com
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Time:
3:15 - 5:15
Instructor: Amy Sigil of Unmata
Class Title: UNMATA - Rocking the Tribal Boat!
Skill Level: Some Belly and/or Dance experience helpful
Type of Class: World Fusion Dance
DESCRIPTION
Jump in feet first into the UNMATA Sea of Bellyance Fusion! You
will get wet - but let's see how many moves you can fit into your
tribal boat. This workshop features some rowdy Sigil Signatures
strung together with "make-sense" transitions. Take
it all apart for choppy waters or string it together for smooth
sailing. This workshop is designed exclusively for Kajira, Chuck
and all my friends at TF8. (Thank you, Amy! Awww! - KD & C)
AMY'S
BIO
Amy Sigil is owner and director of Hot Pot Studio in Sacramento,
CA, home of UNMATA. For the past decade, Amy has been developing,
teaching, and performing modern bellydance fusion and her distinct
vocabulary of Improvisational Tribal Style. She danced as half
of Haruspicy Dancecraft for several years, and then formed the
professional fusion troupe UNMATA in 2003.
UNMATA has brought home awards such as Bellydance Troupe of the
Year 2004, Bellydance Troupe USA 2004, Ensemble of the Year 2005,
and Tribal Fusion Group of the Universe 2007.
Amy and UNMATA teach workshops and perform nationally and internationally
at events such as The Spirit of the Tribes, Northern Migration,
Tribal Fest, Tribal Quest Northwest, TribalCon, and Tribal Café.
Amy has judged for various pageant competitions such as Belly
Dancer of the Year and Enchanted Camelot. Each October Amy Sigil,
UNMATA, and Hot Pot Studio hosts The Blood Moon Regale, a themed
weekend of workshops, dance fellowship, and a fully produced showcase
of student and professional dancers. Visit: www.unmata.com
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Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: John Compton of Hahbi 'Ru
Class Title: The Roots of Tribal
Skill Level: Some Belly Dance experience helpful
Type of Class: Folkloric-Style or "Ethnic" Belly Dance
DESCRIPTION
Learn the Old World Technique that gave birth to Tribal Style.
Bring cymbals for layered cymbal combinations and learn the captivating
Renaissance Pleasure Faire Style John and his award-winning troupe,
Hahbi 'Ru, created from his early training as a principal dancer
in Jamila Salimpour's Bal Anat!
JOHN'S 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.
"John brings a solid, aggressive presence to the dance as
he overwhelms crowds with his crisp spins and dramatic tray routines"
Middle Eastern Dance Association, Vancouver British Columbia
"Dressed in the manner of the ancient caliph, he swirls his
way into dreams, it's as if Valentino has come back to life."
San Francisco Examiner
For more info on John and Hahbi'Ru www.hahbiru.com
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| LARGE
CLASSROOM, YOUTH ANNEX BLDG. - maximum capacity 36 participants
Time:
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Amy Sigil of Unmata
Class Title: HotPotTurboTribalTricks
Skill Level: Intermediate and Up
Type of Class: World Fusion Dance
DESCRIPTION
Strap-on your jet-packs. In this workshop you'll get the skinny
on what happens when you let off a lot of steam while dancing
really good, really fast. You'll learn and drill two original
combos snatched directly from the Hot Pot Studio tribal vocabulary,
both equipped for improv and ready for show. You will have fun.
You will sweat. You will be inspired. And after class when you're
sore and on the floor, remember, "Horsepower" is defined
as work done over time. We just teach you the tricks.
AMY'S BIO
Amy Sigil is owner and director of Hot Pot Studio in Sacramento,
CA, home of UNMATA. For the past decade, Amy has been developing,
teaching, and performing modern bellydance-influenced* (and more)
fusion and her distinct vocabulary of Improvisational Tribal Style.*
(*Not like ATS BD due to zero finger cymbals and more influences
from around the world.) She danced as half of Haruspicy Dancecraft
for several years, and then formed the professional fusion troupe
UNMATA in 2003. UNMATA has brought home awards such as Bellydance
Troupe of the Year 2004, Bellydance Troupe USA 2004, Ensemble
of the Year 2005, and Tribal Fusion Group of the Universe 2007.
Amy and UNMATA teach workshops and perform nationally and internationally
at events such as The Spirit of the Tribes, Northern Migration,
Tribal Fest, Tribal Quest Northwest, TribalCon, and Tribal Café.
Amy has judged for various pageant competitions such as Belly
Dancer of the Year and Enchanted Camelot. Each October Amy Sigil,
UNMATA, and Hot Pot Studio hosts The Blood Moon Regale, a themed
weekend of workshops, dance fellowship, and a fully produced showcase
of student and professional dancers. Visit: www.unmata.com

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Time:
12:15-2:15
Instructors: Sahira and Zymirrah of Urban Gypsy
Class Title: Yalla Yalla Y'all: Urban Gypsy Signature Combos
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: Tribal Fusion Belly Dance
DESCRIPTION
Add a little Southern spice to your repertoire with some slow
and fast moves and cues from Sahira & Zymirrah. Is everything
really bigger in Texas? Why is one move called the "pornstar"?
Come to the workshop and find out!
SAHIRA'S & ZYMIRRAH'S BIO
Urban Gypsy has its roots in Houston, Texas ~ where they have
nurtured tribal dance and fashioned a path for other tribal troupes
to emerge and grow. Sahira and Zymirrah are founding members of
the troupe and also serve as its leadership. In 2006, they had
the honor of being the first tribal dancers ever invited to teach
at Ahlan Wa Sahlan, the largest* bellydance festival in the world,
in Cairo, Egypt. *(Your Producer believes Ahlan Wa Sahlan is now
second in size to Tribal Fest - this year TF8 has 59 classes!)
The troupe consists of six incredibly talented and dedicated dancers,
passionate about bringing to life the beauty and grace of our
dance. Zymirrah & Sahira also sponsor the 3rd Coast Tribal
Dance Festival annually in Fort Worth - they are devoted to bringing
talented performers together and sharing them with those eager
to study.
Learn more about Urban Gypsy : http://urbangypsy.tribe.net/ www.urbangypsy.cc
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Time: 3:30-5:30
Instructor: Ariellah
Class Title: The Darker Side of Drilling
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: Gothic BellyDance
DESCRIPTION
In Ariellah's workshop, students will drill and discuss chest
and hip isolations, pops, locks and snake-like gothic belly dance
arm movements, incorporating a dramatic darker side to their dance.
Students will learn a short choreography, which will incorporate
these techniques. Reinforcing fundamentals will bring strength
and fluidity to the student's movements and elevate their dance.
ARIELLAH'S BIO
Ariellah performs and teaches belly dance all over the world.
She has an extensive 12 year dance background that includes strict
classical ballet training with the Royal Academy of Dance from
London. She studied and performed belly dance for the past seven
years with Janine Ryle of Danse Mahgreb and as a founding member
of The Indigo with Rachel Brice. Her style infuses many genres
of belly dance, all with a modern dark flavor that is uniquely
her own. She is featured on the first of its kind "Gothic
BellyDance" DVD (as well as the second Gothic BellyDance
DVD) and has also released her first instructional DVD.
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Time: 5:45-7:45
Instructor: Onça O'Leary of Baraka Mundi Live Music &
Dance Ensemble
Class Title: Creepy Combos
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: Alternative, Gothic, Nightclub, Storytelling &
Tribal Fusion Bellydance
DESCRIPTION
Best known onstage for highly emotive performance, let Onça
share with you some
favorite Bandit Queen combos with 'Alternative' content: this
is creepy, Kali, not-your-grandma's jolly bellydance. This material
is great for gothique, nightclub and storytelling bellydance.
And, Wicked fun!
ONCA'S BIO
A by-the-bootstraps bellydancer, Onça (Lauren O'Leary)
was honored to be the first dancer ever to recieve a certification
in General Skills from the originator of the modern Tribal Dance
movement, Carolena Nericcio of FatChanceBellyDance. Other tribal
artists that have deepened her personal dance practice include
Jill Parker of UltraGypsy, Zi'ah Ali of Atlanta's Awalim Dance
Company, and Zafira Dance Company of Pittsburgh. With ten years
of Brazilian footfighting, her style is fluid, powerful and full
of sass. An author and artist, Onça's World Spirit Tarot
was hailed as an instant classic upon publication in 2000. It
has been translated into Spanish and is sold around the world.
In 2005, Onça's dance company, Baraka Mundi Live Music
& Dance Ensemble, was nominated for both Best Dance Company
in WNC and Best Kept Secret in the national Golden Belly Awards.
In addition to directing Baraka Mundi, she mentors two student
dance companies and travels nationally to teach, lecture and perform
Tribal Fusion bellydance. Baraka Mundi has an album, World Spirit
Melody, and the company's 2004 dance theatre production, Secret
of Ashes, is available on dvd.
As a producer, Onça's most comprehensive projects are Triboriginal:
Tribal Dance, Music and Culture Camp, and ABSfest, the Americana
Burlesque & Sideshow Festival.
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| BOLSHOI
ROOM - SCC Main Building - max capacity 24 participants
Time:
10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Instructor: Rose Harden
Class Title: Core Integration as developed by Rose Harden
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: Tribal Fusion Dance & Fitness Training
DESCRIPTION
THIS CLASS IS A MUST FOR DANCERS WANTING TO GO DEEPER IN TO UNDERSTANDING
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BODY'S APPROACH TO BELLY DANCE AND FOR TEACHERS
WANTING TO LEARN HOW TO ARTICULATE MUSCLE FUNCTION.
The
purpose of this class is to present the essentials of initiating
movement from the core or center of the body as well as increasing
strength and flexability. you will learn how to tap in to under
utilized muscle groups for powerful and controled movements weather
they be locks or undulations, shimmies or spins. THIS WILL NOT
BE A "BOOT CAMP" CLASS, it is more important that you
learn proper form an an understanding of what proper form is and
why so concepts will be introduced in "labs".
We
will cover a basic warm up for the entire body, functional excersices
for balance and working across the mid-line of the body, conditioning
with an emphisis on form, and belly dance drills to apply the
concepts to.
It
is my goal that every participant walks away understanding how
these concepts work and why they are important to safe dancing
and excelent technique so questions are incouraged.
THIS
CLASS WILL BE AN EXCELLENT FOUNDATION FOR ALL OF THE DIFFERENT
CLASSES YOU WILL TAKE AT TF. SEE YOU THERE!
ROSE'S BIO
Rose Harden currently performs and teaches with Ultra Gypsy throughout
the United States and Europe and is a founding member of the Barbary
Coast Shakedown. In the past 3 years as co-director of Ultra Gypsy
she has been a contributing force in the company's dynamicchoreography,
and innovative costuming. As a performing member of Ultra Gypsy
for over 7 years, her style is influenced by Jill Parker and inspired
by the diversity of the San Francisco Bay
Area performance community.
Rose also performs with the Cyclecide Bike Rodeo and The Lifesize
Mousetrap. When she is not performing, Rose manages Rosehips Designs,
her costuming and clothing company. Herbackground in dance and
movement includes Afro-Haitian, Brazilian, Afro-Arabic, West African,
Contemporary dance, Fire dance, Pilates, Yoga, and multiple Middle
Eastern dance forms. She has danced with Ultra Gypsy since 1999
and is an accredited teacher in the Jill Parker format.
Over 7 years of performing and teaching with Ultra Gypsy and her
newest project, the Barbary Coast Shakedown, have given her unique
insight to sharing the essentials of great technique, dynamic
presence and the joy of this dance form.
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Time:
1:00-3:00
Instructor: Jillee, Director of Fire Lilies Performance TroupeClass
Title: Eclectic Fire Fusion Choreography with a Saucy Twist
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: Fire Dance Fusion
DESCRIPTION
This workshop will provide a summary of props: fire fans, fire
bowls, fire swords, fire paper and torches. The essential elements
of fire safety, fire safe costuming and how to build a fire show
will be discussed. A brief warm up will be followed by a choreography
accessible to all dance levels. The choreography will encompass
both fire fans and fire bowls and will present an array of movement
genres which will include jazz, hip hop, cabaret and tribal belly
dance with a touch of vintage showgirl for good measure. Due to
venue restrictions, no fire will be allowed during this class.
Sorry folks, we have to pretend. However, Fire Lilies will be
performing with fire after the show on Saturday night. Don't miss
it!!
If
you have your own props (fire fans or a fire bowl or both) bring
them with you. There will be fire fans available to use for the
class as well as fire fans for sale. As for the fire bowl - you
can make it and we will talk about how to do so in the prop discussion
portion of class. If you would like to get a head start you can
contact Jillee at: jilleej@hotmail.com and I can give you information
on how to make a fire bowl at home. Also, check out the Fire Lilies
on tribe.net.http://tribes.tribe.net/firefusiontribalbellydance
JILLEE'S BIO
Jillee is the Director and Teacher of Fire Lilies Performance
Troupe and offers classes year round at the Sebastopol Center
for the Arts. She is also a troupe member & teaches the Kajira
Djoumahna/BlackSheep BellyDance Format for ATS BD. Her dance roots
are based in tribal belly dance, jazz, tap and ballet. Jillee's
take on fire choreography has been described as "fresh and
unique". Her ability to fuse dance with fire in this unique
fashion has captivated many audiences. She is honored to have
the opportunity to teach a workshop and perform with fire at Tribal
Fest 2008.
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Time:
3:15-5:15
Instructor: Kahlea
Class Title: Swirling Skirts in Tribal
Skill Level: Group Improvisational Tribal Style Bellydance experience
is recommended
Type of Class: Group Improvisational Tribal Style Bellydance
DESCRIPTION
Kahlea brings a fresh approach to improvisational tribal group
dancing by adding a full skirt to dance tribal with as an eye-catching
prop. Referencing a tribal format, for ease of use in group improvisational
dancing, this style is perfect for use in tribal troupes or for
solo routines. Flashes of color, a peek of a satiny pantaloon
or a whimsical striped sock, all make for smiles in your audience
as you "flash" bold streaks of color while doing sassy
moves with your skirt. Kahlea adapted this fusion style with influence
from Domba's Tribal Skirt, and added hints of Flamenco dance,
Spanish styles, Eastern European folkloric flair and of course,
her own feisty influence. This dance is high energy and fun. NATIUM
World Dance has performed this fusion
blend for two years running at Tribal Fest, for years locally
in Phoenix, Arizona and across California. She is proud to share
how to add this feisty dance style to your dance repertoire.
Bring: A 12 yard or fuller dance skirt. 12-16 yards is best. 25
yards is too much, 10 yards may not be enough. Or, substitute:
You may opt to bring a 3-yard, silk veil instead, to improvise
with, but skirts are much better
KAHLEA'S BIO
Kahlea has been studying bellydance since 1998, performing bellydance
since 2002 and teaching bellydance since 2004. Primary influences
in her teachings are tribal and world fusion, and she credits
her tribal momma, Heidi Alexander of Domba, for much her success
today as an instructor (thanks "mama"!), who even today
offers advice and an ear to bend.
Kahlea also directs NATIUM World Dance and Diabolique Unconventional
Entertainment, and adores teaching and watching student dancers
grow into dedicated performers. Kahlea's "naughty evil twin",
Lucy Morals, is also the proud mother of Romantasy Cabaret, an
adult-vaudeville-cabaret that debuted in June of 2007 and has
enjoyed the success of sold out shows since its debut. Kahlea
is also a costume designer and you can shop for tribal and other
goodies on both her website and in her ebay store. www.thegoddessgarden.net
and http://stores.ebay.com/THE-GODDESS-GARDEN-by-K-Lee
as well as each year in person at Tribal Fest! Meet Kahlea at
http://people.tribe.net/k-lee
"If it aint fun, it aint worth doin'...."
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| RUSSIAN
ROOM - SCC Main Building, max capacity 24 participants
Time: 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Instructor: Princess Farhana
Class Title: Intermediate/Advanced American Burlesque
Skill Level: Working knowledge of basic Burlesque is helpful
Type of Class: Burlesque
DESCRIPTION
Learn advanced classic American Burlesque technique such as: bump-n-grind
combinations, turns, spins, level changes and retro strip tease-style
floor work! Hone your prop use and character development. This
workshop will also be about costuming- fastenings and closures;
how to deal with "reverse wardrobe malfunctions"; stage
make-up tips and crowd control. Bring high heels, some undies
and a pair of gloves plus a feather boa. AND fans or a parasol
if you own them. ** THIS CLASS IS PG RATED- NO NUDITY REQUIRED
PRINCESS FARHANA'S BIO
Internationally acclaimed dance star Princess Farhana has performed,
taught and written about Oriental Dance (belly dance) and burlesque
for sixteen years. She has appeared in Egypt, France, Switzerland,
Belgium, The United Kingdom, Portugal, Mexico and Canada, as well
as all over the US, and danced at concerts with Arabic superstars
Amir Diab, Hakim, Natacha Atlas, and Alabina.
Voted "Favorite Oriental Dancer Of 2006" by Zaghareet
Magazine. She has been featured on the cover of the belly dance
publication Jareeda Magazine, as well as the cover of the London
Sunday Review's feature on American Burlesque. She's acted and
danced in numerous motion pictures; music videos ( for Madonna,
Ricky Martin and many others) television shows; and in many documentary
films both performing and as an interview subject.
Since April 2006, she has been the featured dancer in comedian
Margaret Cho's touring variety show, The Sensuous Woman, and also
appeared dancing and being interviewed in a special segment on
Margaret Cho's latest DVD, "Assassin".
A documentary feature film on her dance career, titled "Underbelly",
(directed by award-winning film maker Steve Balderson) will be
released both theatrically on and DVD in the spring of 2008. Author
of six books, she is a regular contributor to belly dance publications
Jareeda, Zaghareet!, The Chronicles, Habibi, and The Belly Dancer
Magazine, Gildedserpent.com, LARAQS.COM and BHUZ.COM and has written
about Oriental Dance, burlesque, the arts in general and pop culture
in many mainstream publications as well. In May 2007, The City
Of Los Angeles awarded her Certificate Of Recognition for a lifetime
of artistic and charitable contributions to the community.
She has produced a number of dance events, as well as seven instruction
/ performance DVD videos. She is known for her outrageous abdominal
work and impeccable technique as well as high-concept , innovative
fusion performances, dazzling stage presence, and glittering,
over-the-top hand crafted costumes. Her warmth, enthusiasm and
adventurous spirit - on and off stage- captivates audiences and
students alike.
Contact Princess Farhana (Pleasant Gehman): (323) 460-4890
Email: pgehman@earthlink.net
WWW.PRINCESSFARHANA.COM
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Time:
1:00-3:00
Instructors: Shakra
Class Title: Power Drills and Chills
Skill Level: Open to all levels, but previous dance experience will
be helpful
Type of Class: Transfusion Dance - with a Creepy element!
DESCRIPTION
Powerful music needs powerful moves. In the first part of this
class, Shakra will show you new and exhilarating movements to
bring strength, power and the need for speed into your dance,
especially for those times when the music calls for more "umph"!
Be warned! We willjump, shout, twist, stomp, slide, bend, drop,
stretch, fling, toss and shake.
For the second part of this workshop, let Shakra lead you on a
dark and creepy creative adventure, showing you how to add an
extra dimension to your dance.
SHAKRA'S BIO
shakra. deviance. evolution. variance.The three performers of
Shakra were brought together in the summer of 2004 with a passion
for dance experimentation and in pursuit of deviating from the
norm. Bronwen, Hilary and Na'la have all been dancers since childhood,
and have studied a variety of western and world dances such as:
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Middle Eastern, American Tribal Style,
African,Persian, Central Asian, Egyptian, Classical Indian, Bhangra,
Swing dance and Ballroom dance.
From the start, they realized they all had a weakness for powerful
music that depicts a story, and they have been creating their
unique choreographies ever since. They combine their dance knowledge
to form an innovative and expressive fusion style that is constantly
developing and evolving. Shakra has termed their unique dance
style "Transfusion" - a name without limitations, like
the dancers themselves.
Shakra is based in the DC Metro Area, and you can find them on
the stages in theaters, night clubs and festivals, or on the web
at shakra.tribe.net
or shakra.tribalgrove.com

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Time:
3:15-5:15
InstructorS: Sahira & Zymirrah of Urban Gypsy
Class Title: Ghawazee-Influenced Improvisation
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: Real Tribal Fusion Belly Dance!
DESCRIPTION
Take the dance back to its roots! Inspired by the folk dances
of Upper Egypt, Urban Gypsy brings you a "brand new"
(but really old!) vocabulary of sassy and earthy movement combinations
from their time spent with the Ghawazee and folk dancers in Cairo
in 2006. Hearken back to the days of dancing in the desert with
Urban Gypsy. Don't forget your zills!
SAHIRA'S & ZYMIRRAH'S BIOS
Urban Gypsy has its roots in Houston, Texas, where they have nurtured
tribal dance and fashioned a path for other tribal troupes to
emerge and grow. Sahira and Zymirrah are founding members of the
troupe and also serve as its leadership. In 2006, they had the
honor of being the first tribal dancers ever invited to teach
at Ahlan Wa Sahlan, the largest* bellydance festival in the world,
in Cairo, Egypt. *(I believe it is second in number of classes
to Tribal Fest - we have 59 classes this year! I think we're larger
than Ahlan Wa Sahlan now, actually. ~ Your Producer.)
The troupe consists of six incredibly talented and dedicated dancers,
passionate about bringing to life the beauty and grace of our
dance. Zymirrah & Sahira also sponsor the 3rd Coast Tribal
Dance Festival annually in Fort Worth - they are devoted to bringing
talented performers together and sharing them with those eager
to study.
Learn more about Urban Gypsy : http://urbangypsy.tribe.net/
www.urbangypsy.cc
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Time: 5:30-7:30
Instructor: Lava
Class Title: "Rock'em Lock'em" Tribal Fusion Drum Solo
Choreography
Skill Level: Open to All
Type of Class: Tribal Fusion Belly Dance
DESCRIPTION
The drum solo is the almighty powerful climax of any bellydance
performance. Give maximum 'punch' to your drum solos that remains
true to tribal, but is not afraid to step outside the box. Soloists,
duets, and large troupes can all 'blow the roof off' with a drum
solo that kicks some serious butt! "Keepin' it Real"
tribal vocabulary favorites with smooth and unpredictable "Fusion
Edge", will feed your performance with limitless possibilities.
In this workshop, Lava will teach an original tribal drum solo
choreography incorporating her fusion stylings of rockin' hips,
soft locks, and smooth serpentine groove. Open to soloists, duets,
and larger groups, Lava will include cool isolation combos and
layered liquid moves with optional transitions, formations and
line changes (adjustable for any number of performers), to add
fresh texture to the tribal connection and interaction between
the dancers, that will be drilled with practice suggestions. Strong
focus will be on "enhanced movement to enhanced music"
in Lava's signature style.
* Finger Cymbals are optional! Some accompaniment of cymbals with
your movements, as another layer of percussion and performance.
Can be done with or without cymbals.
LAVA'S
BIO
Lava (Lana O'Keefe) - director/choreographer of Sisters of Alchemy
in Vancouver, BC (Canada) - has been studying, performing &
teaching bellydance for the past 8 years. Her biggest influence
in bellydance is Carolena Nericcio, with whom she studies as often
as she can in workshops and classes, with dedicated practice.
In 2005, Lava founded 'Sisters of Alchemy' - her tribal fusion
dance company. With a diverse background in theatre, music, yoga,
film & television studies, and many dance forms (ballet, jazz,
tap, modern, hip hop, Can Can, middle eastern dance, Bharata Natyam,
Odissi...), Lava has developed Sisters of Alchemy's style into
its "rockin-lockin" & "smooth-groove".
She is currently producing new works for Sisters of Alchemy, a
full length show, and is honored to be an instructor at Tribal
Fest 8. To find out more about Lava visit: www.lavastudio.ca
and Sisters of Alchemy: www.sistersofalchemy.com
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