Class Descriptions:
Tribal Bellies Improv Format (TBIF):
Tribal Bellies Improv Format is a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern Dance and folkloric dance movements from India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. Performed as a “tribe” using synchronized group improvisation, each group develops its own vocabulary of controlled, earthy, and mesmerizing movements and cues, allowing a “lead and follow” format. Due to the improvisational nature of this dance, it is always fresh and ever changing, keeping the dance exciting for dancers and audiences alike. One of the most rewarding aspects of this dance is the camaraderie that develops between dancers from working so closely in an improvisational setting. Each dancer learns to communicate through body language and is mentally aware of her partners at all times.
Level 1: Intro to Tribal Basics:
comfortably and clearly)
II moves comfortably and clearly)
Sword 2
Sword 3
Intro to Silhouette (pre-requisite: none)
Intermediate Level Silhouette
Group dancing in the Silhouette Tribal Style: New moves, early move exits, and duet dancing sharpen your silhouette skills.
Performance Level Silhouette (pre-requisite: advanced silhouette class)
Tribal Bellies Improv Format is a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern Dance and folkloric dance movements from India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. Performed as a “tribe” using synchronized group improvisation, each group develops its own vocabulary of controlled, earthy, and mesmerizing movements and cues, allowing a “lead and follow” format. Due to the improvisational nature of this dance, it is always fresh and ever changing, keeping the dance exciting for dancers and audiences alike. One of the most rewarding aspects of this dance is the camaraderie that develops between dancers from working so closely in an improvisational setting. Each dancer learns to communicate through body language and is mentally aware of her partners at all times.
Level 1: Intro to Tribal Basics:
- Basic moves, posture, isolations, intro to veils, intro to partner dancing
- Creating smooth transitions between steps, introduction to cues used in group improv dancing, musicality, and introduction to zils.
comfortably and clearly)
- Expanding basic vocabulary, variations of basic moves, cues & transitions, group improvisation, extending zils
II moves comfortably and clearly)
- You have the moves and the cues... now learn what to do with them! Interact with fellow dancers to make this dance more exciting. You will work on partnering dynamics, begin using different formations, learn new ways to transition between leaders, learn new methods for switching sides, all while becoming more comfortable dancing your current vocabulary of moves. This class offers everything you need to give an exceptionally exciting stage performance!
- Advanced moves/combinations, group improvisation, group formations
- Advanced moves/combinations, group improvisation, group formations
- Advanced moves/combinations, group improvisation, group formations
- Drill the many "shapes" within belly dance... in this class we will work on isolation drills, to help dancers gain a better understanding of body movement and strengthening. We will also introduce students to
zils (finger cymbals), going over how zil patterns fit with individual moves... this is an excellent opportunity for those who have struggled with zils to break them down and learn how they fit with
individual moves.
- This class is designed to help each dancer refine the skills that she has in order to enhance her technique and soloing ability. We will focus heavily on drilling fundamental movements,
traveling moves, and layering - both with and without zills. There will also be a variety of exercises designed to help each dancer tune in to her individual dance style. This class is great for the brain as well as the body - an excellent place improve your technique, whether your goal is to solo or simply to expand your dance repertoire.
- The sword is one of the most exciting and captivating props you can add to your dance! It adds an essence of power and strength, leaving audience members on the edge of their seats with a sense of nervous thrill. In this class you will learn the basic of sword handling & care, go through a series of strengthening exercises, drill a variety of moves while becoming comfortable with balancing your sword on your head, learn a series of balanced and non-balanced moves, and develop lead & follow skills with your sword.
Sword 2
- Extend your sword vocabulary while learning advanced skills, including floor work and balancing your sword on various areas of your body.
Sword 3
- Fast & Furious Sword: Have a need for speed? In this class we explore the daring world of fast sword through the use of combos in our improvisational format. These exciting combos will thrill audiences, so rev your engines and get ready to turbo charge your sword work!
Intro to Silhouette (pre-requisite: none)
- Introduction to the slow, sinuous, movements of tribal dance. Learn moves, formations, and group leading skills which develop body control, timing, and self confidence. This style is incorporates a 'dual lead' format where you will learn to switch between the left and right lead sides.
Intermediate Level Silhouette
Group dancing in the Silhouette Tribal Style: New moves, early move exits, and duet dancing sharpen your silhouette skills.
Performance Level Silhouette (pre-requisite: advanced silhouette class)
- Performance preparation level contains 'Silhouette only' moves, quick switch to opposite lead side, and Angle & Medicine Wheel formations.
Silhouette Skills:
- Open class covering only the Silhouette vocabulary moves (Levels I – IV), executed with both a left & right lead. Appropriate as a ‘slow dance’ companion class or for solo dancer sets.
Writing Choreography
- This class focuses on developing the skills necessary to write a dynamic choreography that is just as interesting to watch as it is fun to dance. Each student will choose her own song to work with (with no restrictions on tempo or genre), and will be coached in the techniques and processes of writing a solo choreography. Students are asked to bring: A music playing device (ipod/phone/etc.), a pair of headphones, a notebook, and pencil or pen. Interested students can check out some of Gabrielle's choreographies here: https://www.facebook.com/TesseractDanceTroupe/