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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





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






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


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




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

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


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.


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.

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.

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.



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'...."



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



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

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



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 .