Improv Tribal Style Bellydance's topics - tribe.net

New to the tribe and here's mah video.

2008-07-11T16:59:58Z

lol hello everyone. I'm new to the tribe and thought I'd say hello. I've only been bellydancing for a short time but concentrate my dancing around rachel brice and others. I'm also an instructor in the lillington,nc area. hope you all enjoy my video.

Khalida

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=34700468

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 2 replies

new ITS video.

2008-06-30T22:35:02Z

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5ylzr_4th-friday-june-2008-in-downtown-fa_music

plz comment!!

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 0 replies

our clip on youtube

2008-06-21T10:49:24Z

here's a clip from Tribal Jam in RIchmond VA of our group improv style- http://youtube.com/watch?v=cu9Y1qs4vhM

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 7 replies

Professional Tribal Dancers

2008-04-30T06:37:23Z

That good ole thread on ATS keeps going and going; the topic has digressed into a topic on how much the GC certification costs and who will benefit from it.

So I'm curious? How many tribal dancers do we know who are considered professional? Based on the above mentioned thread, the word professional means making your living off it. A hobbyist is someone who has to work another job to support themselves.

So how many professional dancers who make their living based solely on tribal dancing?

If you are in a troupe, is it just your teacher?

If others teach in the studio but are not the directors, do they get paid? Enough to not have to work another job?

Even those who travel teaching workshops on the weekends, are they able to make ends meet without some other kind of income coming in that is not dance related?

Is aspiring to become a professional tribal dancer a practical ambition? Is it only the "rock stars" of this dance able to do it?

I'm am curious because I am still new to all of this and I only know how it works within my troupe. I hear of many caberet dancers are able to, at least that is my understanding. Is it harder for tribal dancers?

Well, we all probably will state Carolena. I'm not aware of anything else she does.
I would assume those in BDSS..but do they do other thing as well?
I would suspect Amy Sigil is, I've seen that girl advertised in workshops everywhere! I'm wondering if she has time to pee!

I'd be very interested to other's thoughts on this subject.

All Love~ JT

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 21 replies

Book Review: "Foundations: Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer, Volume I"

2008-04-22T17:39:41Z

"Foundations: Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer, Volume I"
by Zanbaka

Trade Paperback: 195 pages
Publisher: ZD Publications; 1st edition (2007)
ASIN: B0010BF9LS
Price: $45.00 + S&H

Originally intended as a handbook for her students, Zanbaka's first volume of "Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer" closes the gap between various styles of bellydance. Volume I: Foundations provides a thorough overview of technique and dance theory, with emphasis on developing the "Dancing Mind". It creates a strong spring board, preparing students for a well-rounded journey throughout the world of bellydance. Includes over 170 black & white photos/illustrations, insights and tips for technique, and ten practice sessions.

Content addresses: ~ Injury Prevention ~ Safe Movement Practices ~ Concept Groups for Isolation Technique ~ Learning Styles ~ Imagery and Visualizations ~ Mapping out the Bellydance Body ~ Neutral Posture Alignment ~ Core Originated Isolations ~ Rhythms and Finger Cymbals

Andrea's Review:

Where to begin... This book boggles the mind, and in a very good way! Not intended for any particular style of bellydance, any instructor and/or student can benefit greatly from this wonderfully structured presentation. Zanbaka starts out by introducing the concept of the book, and the series (which will have 7 volumes). She is a proponent of using all learning styles to convey information. The book is meant to be the mental, rational companion of a very physical activity. Zanbaka is a firm believer in first learning high quality technique and isolations before adding stylistic elements, which is why this book is a must for anyone wishing to have a bellydance workbook.

Zanbaka includes a 'how to use this book' section, a brief history and styles, an introduction to learning styles (she defines ten styles), naming conventions of moves and a way to accurately refer to each move. She maps out the bellydance body, showing the regions and individual muscles that come into play during bellydance. Next, she moves on to injury prevention and a unique perspective on stretching and warming up. Posture and balance are addressed, with a simple technique to assure your pelvis is in neutral position. Next, three standard bellydance rhythms are broken down and a basic counting lesson is given. A practice structure follows, showing the advantages of each practice section.

Zanbaka then explains how to verbally orient yourself in the physical world. This is extremely helpful and eliminates the need for phrases like: 'your right' or 'stage right'. Foot positions, basic levels and foot patterns are defined and discussed next. We move on to the two warm up phases. The first phase is a 'get your body going' kind of warm up and the second one includes light stretching and toning. Several basic turns are discussed next.

Zanbaka moves on to isolations, which includes positioning, degrees, contradictory movement, shimmy, shape making, percussive/smooth, undulation and layering concepts. After digesting these concepts, isolations are presented for each region of the body, which include: head, shoulder, hand, wrist, arm, ribcage, abdominal and hip isolations. Greater attention is then paid to shimmies by going into more detail and showing how shimmies can be powered differently.

Flamenco clapping (palmas) and finger cymbals are introduced, followed by a two-phase cool down. Deep stretching is introduced. A brief discussion of transitions closes the instructional part of the book. At the end of the book, there is a 10 Practice Sessions outline, a closing which includes developing presence, gaining constructive feedback and corrections, and raising the bar for bellydance. A bibliography and index are included at the end.

All of this is written in clear, concise and well-defined language. This book is the bridge that has been needed for bellydance students and instructors everywhere. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's only 195 pages long, and it has over 170 illustrations and photos, but it is so packed with information, you will refer to it again and again, whether you are a beginner, a seasoned performer, a student, or an instructor. Well worth the price. It goes on the shelf next to "The Tribal Bible".

This volume will be followed with: II. Shapes, Patterns & Layers, III. More Shapes, Patterns & Layers, IV. History, Styles, & Fusion w/ Fortitude (w/ guest writers), V. Floorwork, Veilwork, Props & Dangerous Diversions, VI. Choreography & Free Form Improvisation, VII. Zanbaka's Repertoire for Tribal Group Improvisation.

To see full PDF excerpts visit: http://www.zanbaka.com/versatiledancerseries.htm

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 3 replies

RAQUY & The Cavmen in Sacramneto!!!

2008-04-22T15:19:47Z

RAQUY & The Cavemen
Progressive Middle Eastern music-HEAVY on the drumming…

Thursday May 8th
Marilyn’s on K
6:30-7:30 drumming workshop
8:30 show
( to sign up for the workshop please email me at shelly@unmata.com )

Performances by:
UNMATA, Verbatim, & guests

$10 show
$25 workshop & show

For direction and parking info go to:
www.marilynsonk.com/directions.htm

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 0 replies

Improv Tribal Bellydance I and II with Lyra- 5 week class starting 3/29!

2008-03-17T19:22:33Z

Lyra of Kallisti Tribal is happy to announce a 5 week mini-mester class for both Improv Tribal I and Improv Tribal II!

Saturday, March 29th- Saturday, April 26th 2008

Improv Tribal I- 11am- 12pm
Improv Tribal II- 12pm- 1pm

$15/class drop-in, $60/all five weeks

Aura Movement

-------------------------------------------------------

Improv Tribal Belly Dance is a series of moves that are woven together through hand and verbal cues. In this sense, it becomes a universal dance form wherein anyone who learns the moves and their cues can dance together in an improvisational lead and follow fashion. It's a very liberating, proud and joyful dance form that celebrates women in all of their shapes, sizes, colors and emphasizes spontaneity, interaction and a fusion of both individual and group dynamics. Class will focus on American Tribal Style moves as well as other fusion and tribal choreographies that draw from various forms of dance, including Cabaret, African, Indian, Middle Eastern and Greek. Note: This is not an ATS only class. Improv Tribal Bellydance mixes ATS movements with various Improv Tribal Combos not created by Carolena Nericcio and Fatchance Bellydance.

Level I: 11am-12pm This class is suited for beginners and those with previous improv tribal dance experience who are still focusing on perfecting the core movements of Improv Tribal Bellydance. This class will refresh basics for those with previous experience and teach those with little or no experience the posture, formations and movements that comprise improv tribal bellydance. This is a progressive class which will focus on solidifying the fundamentals of improv tribal bellydance. By the end of this course, students will have a firm grasp of basic improv tribal bellydance movements and will be introduced to the formations used in leading/following. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please come in form fitting clothes that ensure easy movement and comfort.

Level II: 12pm- 1pm This class is focused towards students with 1+ years of Improv Tribal Bellydance experience who are completely comfortable with leading and following the basic movements introduced in Improv Tribal I. This class will focus on incorporating more traveling movements and turns, as well as touching on music interpretation and soloing. Studentes may only register for this class with the approval of Lyra (that's me!) to ensure that they have fully grasped all level I movements.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please come in form fitting clothes that ensure easy movement and comfort. NO COIN SCARVES OR DISTRACTING ACCESSORIES ALLOWED. Please be kind and respect the right of your fellow students to learn in non-distracting environment. Shawls and hip wraps are fine, as long as I can still easily see your muscles/hip movements.

Online registration will be available shortly via www.kallistitribal.com or you can pay for the full session at the first class. Please email me at lyra AT kallistitribal DOT com to reserve your space, as well as to ask any questions about level placement. Classes will be limited to 15 Students max, to ensure proper attention is given to each student. NOTE: this class is not featured in the "First Class Free" promotion offered by Aura Movement.

Hope to see you in class!

Lyra/Kallisti Tribal

--
jusqu ici tout vas bien.... jusqu ici tout vas bien..... jusqu ici tout vas bien

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 1 reply

What Inspires You?

2008-03-11T18:48:44Z

Recently I've had to put together a costume for a show where I'll be playing the part of a lynx in a Native American legend. Surprisingly, it's been a really inspired process thus far. So it got me thinking...what inspires you? And I don't mean just in dance itself, what about costume, music? What inspires you to dance, create, and do what you do?

I just figured it's been WAY too quiet here, so I'd try and get things going again...so what do you think...?

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 4 replies

Improv Tribal Teacher Needed in NJ - Chatham/Madison

2008-02-18T17:57:39Z

Hey there! I'm currently teaching Improv Tribal Style classes at Studio Yoga in the Chatham/Madison area. I don't have my GS certification from FCBD, but I've been trying to stick to the FCBD ATS format as closely as I can.

The problem is, I'm leaving the state in June, and the owner of the studio would like to continue offering Improv Tribal classes! None of my students have been dancing long enough to take over the class, and I can't find any other Improv Tribal teachers less than an hour away.

If you've got experience teaching ATS or Improv Tribal and are interested in teaching the Chatham/Madison area, let me know!

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 0 replies

To Shoe or Not To Shoe....

2008-01-25T18:27:49Z

That is the question! I've always wondered if wearing some kind of shoes, be it ballet slippers, china flats, herme's sandals, jazz shoe, etc., is part of the tribal costume? Do you wear them in class? Is it better to learn this dance barefooted?
Wearing shoes for outdoor events, restaurants, clubs, etc. for the beginner who may not be used to having something on their feet if they're used to being barefoot in class. It is a different feeling esp. in spins.

I personally can dance with or without shoes, I currently teach barefoot but my students have the choice right now whatever they want to wear or not wear, but I will be teaching at a Flamenco studio soon that has plywood floors, unvarnished (for now) and until I can get the flooring or carpeting, can shoes be an option to avoid the obvious splinters?

(I apologize as I will be reposting this on other tribes as well) Thank you my tribal sistahs!

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 7 replies

styles of tribal

2008-01-18T04:04:07Z

Something I was wondering. How well can people who've never danced together before do improv? How different are Fatchance, blacksheep, Gypsy Caravan, unmata and others?

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 6 replies

what floors you

2007-12-31T07:51:42Z

so, as my experience as a dancer increases, I find that I'm less worried about my core set of moves and am more focused on fine-tuning my performances... This makes me really scrutinize the dancers who blow me away, looking for the little things they do that make them amazing. It's like dance research, paying close attention to the movements and postures that make a performance go from good to amazing.

For me, the main observations I've found that make a performance go to the next level are:

*understanding the importance of stillness. I see so many dancers that look frantic- like they're trying to do too much at once and doing all of them badly. So, when a dancer pauses or just does one small isolation in place, it can be riveting. a well-placed stationary moment can really heighten the drama of a performance and make a dancer/s shine.

*becoming an instrument in your music. This is a BIG one of how I separate amazing dancers from just OK ones. It really irks me when a dancer "dances over" their music instead of dancing WITH it. This especially occurs when dancers choose music that's really complicated and beyond their skill level (I've certainly done it in the past and have regretted it). But when a dancer empahsizes their music and play with ideas like filling negative space in music and hitting certain points in their music, it's just awesome. Zoe Jakes is a great example of a dancer who understands how to be an instrument in her music. She's not dancing over her music, instead she's like another accompanying instrument thrown into the mix. It makes it so much more fascinating to watch.

*POSTURE/presence. Posture is the most basic and most challenging part of Tribal bellydance. For my first year or so of dancing, I thought I had such great poise and posture... til I saw a video. Then I saw that I was slump city. I see poor posture everywhere in bellydance and it's so frustrating. Because owning that posture/tribal presence turns a dancer into a captivating, empowered tribal god/goddess. I am always so astounded at dancers whose presence seems to radiate off them. So, I've made posture my main thing to focus on, as I want to be just as riveting and radiant.

*Hands- there is a rash of "flippy hand" out there- when someone misinterprets the floreo and a fast, flippy rotation of the wrist and totally loses the grace and motion of the fingers. I know I did it for a while until another dancer called me on it. Then I started really focusing and that led me to see bad hand movement everywhere. So, when I see a dancers whose hands look like they're rippling through water instead of flipping, it's so cool. It just gives this otherworldly aesthetic.

Those are just a few of mine... what about you? I'd love to hear what you all find makes a dancer go from good to AWESOME

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 8 replies

Improv Tribal Bellydance Classes with Lyra

2007-12-09T16:05:47Z

Get ready for a new ten week set of classes with Lyra of Kallisti Tribal!

Saturday Jan. 5- March 8, 2008
$15/class for drop-in, $12/class if you register for the full 10 week session
location TBA ( FInalizing location in Baltimore, MD... just wanted to give a head's up on this class).

Improv Tribal Belly Dance is a series of moves that are woven together through hand and verbal cues. In this sense, it becomes a universal dance form wherein anyone who learns the moves and their cues can dance together in an improvisational lead and follow fashion. It's a very liberating, proud and joyful dance form that celebrates women in all of their shapes, sizes, colors and emphasizes spontaneity, interaction and a fusion of both individual and group dynamics.

The class will focus on some American Tribal Style moves as well as other fusion and tribal choreographies that draw from various forms of dance, including Cabaret, African, Indian, Middle Eastern and Greek. NOTE: This class is not an ATS only class! This class meshes some ats movements with other improvisational tribal combos.

11am-12pm: Improv Tribal I

This class is focused towards students who are new to Improv Tribal Bellydance or need to work on solidifying the basic movements before moving on to Improv Tribal II. Class will focus on posture, basic slow and fast movements and formation. Emphasis will be placed on learning the stylistic differences that are characteristic of tribal bellydance- carriage of the body, arm movements, floreos, hip work, etc. By the end of this class, students should be comfortable following a leader in formation through these basic movements and can even try out leading themselves.

12pm-1pm: Improv Tribal II

This class is tailored for students with at least one year of Improv Tribal Bellydance instruction who are comfortable with basic posture, formation and lead/follow format. Improv Tribal II will be a more intense class in which we will be focusing on the finer technique of basic improv tribal movements, as well as the lead/follow/chorus format. Students are required to attempt to lead movements in each class, as this is an intermediate-begginer class. In order to join this class you must be proficient in the following:

-tribal posture
-floreos
-tribal arm placement
-basic egyptian w/half turn
-turkish/turkish shimmy
-undulations
-3/4 shimmy
-arabic
-snake arms
-taxim

By the end of this session, students should be able to fully understand the lead/follow/chorus dynamic, as well as have a much more solid grasp of the basic tribal movements and transitioning between them in a dance setting. This class will also focus on incorporating these movements to music and each class will end with a short free dance period.

If for any reason you are wondering which class you should take, please contact me via tribe or email me at lyra at kallistitribal DOT com and give me a resume of past classes you've taken and previous dance experience. You may also contact me at the above email to set up a private or group evaluation for class placement. Please take care to consider which class would best benefit your skill level. I reserve the right to take students who are not ready for Improv Tribal II and place them into Improv Tribal I at my own discretion.

NOTE: In order to keep classes economic for everybody, each class has a 5 student minimum that must be pre-registered two weeks before the class or classes will be cancelled. Each class will be limited to ten students maximum in order to ensure that every students gets personal attention. Please contact me at lyra AT kallistitribal DOT com for pre-registration information. If classes are cancelled, any students pre-registered for classes will receive or a full refund OR can apply their payment towards private lessons.

Thanks and I hope to see you all in class!

http://www.kallistitribal.com

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 0 replies

Arranging Performance Sets

2007-12-03T03:00:17Z

What have you found to be the most satisfying way to arrange performance sets in general, for your group?

Some specific questions I have are:

How do you get on stage and what music do you generally pick to do that?

How do you get things going?

Do you introduce the dancers?

What are the general lengths of songs, the tempos, etc?

How do you arrange your group's short, medium and long sets?

How do you exit?

Anything else?

(Got inspired by a previous post... can you tell? ;o)

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 8 replies

Cues & Tattoos Registration Now Open!

2007-12-02T08:31:04Z

Troupe Hipnotica is proud to host the first ever workshop event focusing entirely on the use of Improv Choreography within Tribal Belly Dance in Seattle, Washington. Workshops will range from beginner to advanced and will address many of the topics that arise when learning and applying improv choreography. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from those who pioneered this style as well as up and coming troupes.

Even better, come and show us your moves at the Saturday night show featuring all improv performances and of course lots of shopping!

February 23 & 24, 2008

Northgate Community Center
Seattle, Wa.

Workshops:
Saturday 9-5pm
Sunday 9-3pm

Featuring:
FatChanceBellyDance
Gypsy Caravan
Unmata
Troupe Hipnotica
Gypsy Fire
inFusion Tribal
Read My Hips
Troupe Salamat

Festival:
Saturday 6-10pm

Accomodations:
Hotel Nexus - mention Cues & Tattoos Belly Dance Festival for a group rate of $99. Approximately 5 blocks from workshops and festival.

Workshop Registration Now Open: For a direct link visit www.troupehipnotica.com/cues/workshop_registration.html.

Or visit www.troupehipnotica.com

Interested in vending or advertising? Please email Hipnotica@comcast.net for more information.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 5 replies

X-post of Unmata tribe topic

2007-11-29T19:15:53Z

I posted this on Tribes I thought would be more responsive, but no one wants to offer imput. So I figured my bellydancing festival lovers out here on tribe maybe more vocal in their likes and dislikes in reguards to weekend festivals. This one is not neccessarily bellydanced focused, but we do include local troupes and dancers among our entertainment, Verbatim danced last year. We (the coordinators this year) are planning early and taking over all aspects of the festival to bring an alternate reality of Faery land to our attendees this year. We want to fill two stages with speakers and entertainers, we want in demand venders, and we want everyone salivating to attend!

Here is my X-Post:

I am a Coordiator for the Midsummer Celtic Faery Festival produced by Sacramento Grove of the Oak. I am looking for contacts who wish to share infromation and best practices on running a major festival.

Even if you are not near the Sacramento area, I'd love to have a few resposes to these questions:

How do you find out about festivals and events you attend?
How far in advance do you make plans to attend events?
What about an event makes it special?
What brings you back to annual events?

Thanks in advance for any your imput I will be sharing it at the next Coordiators planning meeting, April

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 0 replies

Teaching/Mentoring Stories

2007-11-11T15:38:15Z

I would love to hear some of the stories ya'll have about how you became teachers/mentors and how you knew you were ready for it.

With many deep regards,

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 7 replies

Where do you perform and how do you prepare for them?

2007-11-11T15:26:01Z

I've seen some interesting mention of places to perform and want to hear more about them. Some of them include:

- parties (outside? inside?)
- stages
- street corners
- festivals
- large celebrations (weddings)
- restaurants and coffee shops
- museum and art galleries

How do each of these venues differ?

How do you deal with the lay-out?

Does your costuming vary with each venue?

Which sets go with which venue?

How do you get the gigs?

How do you stay safe at the gigs?

I'm particularly interested in the street corner gigs. We've been toying around with that one. Free and easy. Are there permits you need etc?

Thanks,

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 3 replies

Chorus... how does it work?

2007-10-07T16:05:56Z

Some questions about chorus too...

How is the chorus formed?

How is sight line maintained?

Who leads?

How does the lead know which moves to do and when to change them?

How many can be in a chorus?

Can one person be a chorus?

How does the chorus change as you add people?

How do dancers move into and out of chorus?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Thanks :),

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 8 replies

How do you change lead, rotate the group, group formations?

2007-10-06T16:36:06Z

Our tribe, Joined at the Hip, is really working on getting clear about how to change lead, rotate the group and what kind of group formations to use. Sight lines are very important as well as everyone having a clear shot about being viewed from the front.

What does everyone do if they are working in a group? What is the maximum number that will fit in a group? How does it move, rotate, etc? How does the new lead show clear intention for taking the lead? Where is everyone? Duet, triad, quad, quintet... etc.

(A problem I've encountered with this particular thread in the past is the subject matter is difficult to talk about because it's so visual. So a sub-question might be how do you discuss this with any sort of clarity whatsoever? Perhaps sketches can be posted in the photos area? )

Looking forward to some creative juicy posts!

Andrea. :)

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 4 replies

Informal Survey: How many of us are into Joss Whedon's creations? (FireFly, Angel, Buffy, Serenity...)

2007-10-03T04:44:48Z

I've noticed a few comments and quotes here and there on several Tribal tribes from Whedon's shows, movies, graphic novels and books. It got me to thinking that there seems to be a nifty cross-over.

So, how many of us swear allegiance to "Joss Is Boss" or are Browncoats? [g]

I'll start:

Yup. Have all seasons of Angel, Buffy, FireFly. Have the movie. Saw the movie twice in the theater (I have a kid that doesn't go to movies, so that's a big deal ;o). Have the Serenity books. Have several volumes of Buffy/Angel companions. Did a cake for a friend of mine's baby shower with the words "Joss wishes you and your baby [Serenity Logo]".

I'm a member of Whedonesque.

And I'm not as into it as some of my friends are... [shakes head]

So, there ya go. Another addiction of mine LOL!

Andrea. :)

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 30 replies

I love this,

2007-09-20T00:00:07Z

and I was lucky enough to see it in person!
Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmALQZBh3yI

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 6 replies

Amazing Book - "This Moment" by Lisa Kristine

2007-09-14T22:46:09Z

http://www.migrationphotography.com/images/index.html

There are some gorgeous tribal photos.

Okay, gorgeous photos.

Period. ;o)

Enjoy,

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 1 reply

Austin, TX: Michelle's Tribal Fusion Classes at Lucila's Dance Studio

2007-09-13T20:35:37Z

(Riven, let us know where you want classes posted... I couldn't figure out where it would fit and have seen classes posted in the main area. Would it be better under listings?)

Posting for a fellow Austinite:

Location: Lucila's Dance Studio in South Austin

When: Wednesday and Thursday nights 7:00-8:15: class begins on September 26th and September 27th

What to Wear: Comfortable clothing. Loose pants or yoga/stretch pants work well. Many find tank tops or snug shirts beneficial for seeing movement. Hip scarves are also a favorite addition for accentuation of hip movements. These are just suggestions, please wear whatever makes you comfortable and offers good range of motion (jeans not recommended). Also recommended: a yoga mat and plenty of water.

Description of Michelle's Tribal Fusion classes: Class will begin with a warm-up which will include yoga-based stretches and conditioning exercises. The conditioning exercises will help one develop muscle-memory for the isolations, which are common in this style of bellydance. The dance section of the class will introduce isolations, tribal arms, traveling steps, and combinations. Following the dance portion, there will be a short cool down section.

Costs: $72 per one six week session or drop-in rate of $15 per class

Two Six Week Sessions: Wednesdays, September 26th-October 31 and Thursdays, September 27- November 1st

Pro-rated class fees available.

Contact: Michelle info@michellebellydance.com, or Lucila's Dance Studio at 512-416-8800 for more info.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 0 replies

East Coast, West Coast, European, Asian, All Aroundian?

2007-09-07T15:51:16Z

Do you feel that where you are defines the style of your dance or your moves? I was just practicing to the East Coast Tribal practice DVD (because I can't practice alone unless I'm practicing with something, I'm bad like that) and I think that's where I get a lot of my ewwey-gooey-ness. I remember my instructor in ATS having a very lovely gooey quality to the way she moved. Yes, there were still the sharp moves. It wouldn't be belly dance without that snappy hip work and slammin' shimmies! However, I've noticed there's just this wonderful liquid quality I saw in my instructor, kind of in myself, and definitely in the troupe in East Coast Tribal (though I've not the mind in me to get off my lazy butt and disturb my sleeping wee one to find out). I've also noticed a pretty great divergence from ATS. Actually, I don't know if anyone in Massachusetts actually dances ATS as defined by Fat Chance Belly Dance.

Now, this makes me wonder, are there actually differences in styles based on area? I'm currently in Texas and really eager to see what Tribal is like here, if it's any different from home. So what are your experiences?

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 6 replies

2007 Golden Belly Awards: The Year of Tribal ;o)

2007-09-06T20:46:46Z

Tribal Style took 6 out 10 of Zaghareet's 2007 Golden Belly Awards! That is awesome!

Way to go, huzzah and well done! Brava!

Favorite Interpretive Artist
Rachel Brice (CA)

Troupe of the Year
Zafira Dance Company (PA)

Favorite Event/Promoter
Tribal Fest (CA)/Kajira Djoumahna (HI)

Best Kept Secret of 2007
Khafif Music & Dance (PA)

Instructor of the Year
Carolena Nericcio (CA)

Favorite Musician(s)
Helm (CA)

For the full list, go here: http://tribes.tribe.net/fatchancebellydance/thread/df2fb8c3-dc0e-4a74-98dc-c2192eecf917#d0560c07-8e10-4af4-b405-842c512f805a

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 3 replies

Front, Center, Left, Right: What's Good for You?

2007-09-04T03:03:42Z

In ATS, leading from the right is very important part of the dance form. In GC-ATS format and KD-BSBD ATS format, leading from both sides is integral.

Currently, the tribe I belong to is exploring leading from the right because it is limiting in a good way for us. We are just beginning to get the moves into our bodies and learn how to lead, rotate the group etc. so the limitation of leading from the right is very helpful in that we don't have too much to look for or explore. It feels more focused to us.

However, we are very intrigued with exploring the left side too. Some of us are finding leading from the right is challenging for their current body limitations (i.e. they can't find a balance and are over/under developing sides of their bodies or causing injury or discomfort). Plus, it seems more flexible to have the ability to lead from both sides. We do think it will be more challenging to learn, so we'd like to have more information so we can approach it with the respect it deserves.

So my questions are:

1. Do you find leading from just one side too limiting in some fashion? Or is it comforting? Why?

2. Do you find it hard to concentrate on making the moves clear and clean because leading from both sides doubles the number of moves?

3. Do you find yourself in discomfort or having repetitive injuries from leading from one side? If not, how are you avoiding it?

4. If you are leading from both sides, how did you come to it?

5. If you lead from either side, how do you switch sides? How do you make it apparent which side you are going to lead from initially?

6. In your opinion, are there over-all or specific reasons to avoid leading on one side or both sides?

Thanks for your help!

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 15 replies

Costuming

2007-09-02T02:31:39Z

I was thinking while working on my latest costume project, how many of you stay with traditional FCBD style costumes? Where do you alter them to suit your own style. Personally, while I loved the look of the pantaloons, choli, skirt, and belts, I personally always found the bra over the choli to look awkward and until I had no hair wasn't a fan of the whole turban idea. I'd much prefer to decorate the choli itself if I wanted to dress it up. I also don't know how I feel about pantaloons and a skirt. I can't help but feel in some parts of the country where the humidity is high, that may just get too infernally hot.

So what's your preference for costume. Do you stay true to the ATS style, or have you created your own?

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 15 replies

Have you ever searched for an instructor you click with?

2007-08-31T16:08:39Z

Warning; this post is nothing more then me gushing out of belly dancing happiness and might be lengthy but, I'd like to share :)

So I moved to Nashville 7 months ago and decide I need to do some "me" things since I moved to a brand new place. One thing I decided to pick up again was belly dancing. No more husband to worry about disliking it haha! I find an instructor who does Egyptian. I thought "well, I did the tribal in South Florida but what the heck..another style can expand my mind." And, I go to classes. She is a *great* teacher and a very good dancer, I learned a lot from her and really enjoyed it.Here is my issue... she does 4 classes a week, a gig a week and she also works a day job. So...it's a lot. And, my work schedule didn't mesh with her classes. I was trying for private lessons but realized that our schedules just didn't work out. Ugh...so what do I do?

Out of "accident" (I am a firm believer God doesn't cause accidents :D ) ...I meet up with someone via an internet forum who is a local tribal dancer.She invites me to the halfla ...and I couldn't make it,which was a bummer because I knew she was an instructor and wanted to see her and her troupe dance.I e-mailed to apologize and asked if she knew of any instructors and explained my situation. Well..she offers for me to come see her. She said "Don't worry too much about the lesson. Let's get to know each other and find out where you are. Let's see who is right for you."

I went over and she had a bunch of belly dancing DVD's strewn on the floor. All different kinds; cabaret, tribal, egyptian, turkish...and she told me to pick out a couple I might like to watch best. I picked out a tribal fusion one with Sashi and Unmata in it. Then, picked out one from The Indigo. Well, she popped them in and asked me to point out what I liked best. After about 10 minutes she said "OK we are on the same page. I just needed to make sure I am the right instructor. If you didn't like these DVD's, I would have sent you to some other teachers to check out." I was impressed...she made sure I was happy.

So..we chit-chat so she can get to know me a bit and then on with a short lesson. Just to get a feel for each other, etc. I screwed up royally a couple of times and she was very patient, turning and making sure I had it down before we went on. She even gave me some hints on how to work on things at home. It was very relaxed and I found myself picking up the few moves we worked on fast.

After the lesson, we sat down and she put in one of the DVD's. She began to work on a belt she was sewing, offered me a drink and we just talked for a few minutes. I was put right at ease and felt like I had completely clicked with her. She told me that she really wanted me to come back and said she could see me do very well at this. Her compliment was genuine...you could tell. I thanked her and promised I would (and I am!)

So...7 states and four years of looking and I finally find an instructor I just click with. Sorry for the long post but I am very happy right now that I found someone that fits me so well! *bounce, bounce, bounce*

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 12 replies

Children Included..

2007-08-29T17:08:07Z

I see many of you guys are moms and its a topic I've always wanted to discuss.

If you are at a studio, do you allow children in the studio?
Do your kids follow you to every class? Do they particpate?

When I first started class, my daughter just turned 4. It was just her and I, her father had moved to Illnois and my family are on the East Coast and my ex-husbands family was still a bit raw from our divorce. So everywhere I went, she went. Barb, my director, was very understanding and let me bring Alaura along. She colored and played in the seating area and yes, there were times she was crawling on the dance floor, but Barb never showed that it bothered her. Over time, more kids came to the studio and now we have all kinds of moms bringing their teenagers or young ones to class. Its cute, the teenagers all hang outside together and text message everyone and the little ones all break out the coloring stuff or toys they brought and play together. My daughter now takes over the younger ones and keeps them occupied. Sometimes my daughter like to join us. Especially during troupe night, we start in a big circle and dance with each other and Alaura loves this. The troupe lets her do her thing and noone says a word of complaint. Some nights, we have kids running everywhere and Michele gives them rules. Sometimes Michele plays mom and cuddles with them while the rest of us are in class.

I find these scenes so comforting. It feels right to let your kids learn alongside you, watch mommy practice hard at something, being a role model for other activities besides watching TV in front of the couch. My daughter only knows bellydance music. She only knows Top 40 if dad plays it in his vehicle and she only picks up Gwen Stefani..LOL

My kids loves to help drum when the drummers are there and once she even drummed beledi for us during a floor work class. Proud mommy moment for me. She zills with us, loves the zill drills.

I assume some places exclude children due to insurance reasons..etc. and to give the grown ups a place to go as a break from the kids.

I am real interested in how your kids are involved.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 20 replies

What does "tribe" mean?

2007-08-29T02:09:44Z

I've been thinking a lot on the concept of "tribal" belly dance. You know what I realized? There are so many "tribal" groups that are really just that, groups. They get together, dance, and that's about it. To me, that's not really a "tribe" and to me tribal should be about "tribe" not "troupe". This has been a difficult thing for me personally from the start.

So what is tribe? How deep does the connection need to go? Is it friendship? Is it family? Is it a close bond? Or do you just prefer to casually know each other in passing?

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 6 replies

This is what I've been looking for.

2007-08-24T19:15:37Z

Hi all.

I just wanted to say thank you for the creation of this tribe. It seems to be great grounds for thought-provoking conversations.

My goal is to get the FCBD format down. But I also practice leading from the left, if, for no other reason, than to work my not-so-flexible-in-range hip, but also for use in the few bits of fusion dance I do.

I have gone through FCBD vols 1, 4, and 7, and I took notes on moves, and laminated them, so I can drill them to music wherever my iPod and I go. I have done the same with Kajira's 2-vol. instructional set, and I put those moves into the work I do in tribal fusion dance.

At this point, I am living in a smaller town where there is no tribal outlet, but about an hour and a quarter from me is a FCBD-skills certified studio (Yay Trillium!), so I have visited there on occasion.

At some point, I would like to live somewhere so I could not only do more with my musical talents, but also so I could get involved with a fledgling troupe or practice collective. And I also do some baroque dance. On the rare occasion, I find pieces of music that I feel are begging for the fusion of baroque and tribal steps and gestures. But I keep them separate, for the majority of my practice, drilling, and choreography.

Anyway, that's my ramble. Thanks again for starting this!

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 3 replies

Kickin' It Off

2007-08-23T23:42:54Z

So here we are, in our new ITS tribe. Where do we start? How about the obvious place? Who are you? What drew you to ITS/ATS in the first place?

I'm Riven (also known as Sarasyn). I started with ATS classes about a year ago because I found it a beautiful dance form and was drawn to it, quite like a moth to a flame. My instructor taught with a variety of moves from other places than Fat Chance Belly Dance, so when ATS was requested as reserved for FCBD, I knew from the start that term didn't fit, so here I am.

ITS isn't the only style I dance. Depending on my mood I bounce from style to style, but ITS has always been a favorite of mine. It's very connected, community based, spiritual. For me, it's an experience I haven't been able to find anywhere else.

So that's a very basic run-down on me. I'm sure you'll get to know me a whole lot better over time. So who's next?

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 30 replies

Zill Drillz

2007-08-21T18:50:44Z

Okay... someone mentioned the maaaagic words... "zill drills" and I'm jonesin' here!

Anyone want to share how they got their mad skills? And how it's getting passed on? [g]

Inquiring minds have too much time on their hands... I mean, want to know...

Andrea.

P.S. Mara's (my daughter) haircut went cute and now we have a sleep over in progress, so more time to type! LOL

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 9 replies

What to do during solo practice...

2007-08-21T02:38:45Z

What do you grrrls do when you are solo in your practice space?

I'm up for some me-time in the studio and would love some ideas!

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 23 replies

How do you get your Tribal on?

2007-08-21T01:02:41Z

I am working on the fundamentals... Breaking things down and studying like mad. My current process has been to watch the FCBD DVDs (I'm through Vol 1, 4 & 5, next is Vol 6, then Vol 7) and take copious notes as well as transcribe Carolena's voice over instructions. After that, I'll be working through Kajira's DVDs and Gypsy Caravan's.

I like to use all four learning styles to really get the moves.

VISUAL: Watch DVDs, YouTube, live shows, workshops, watching folks in the studio, visualizing in my head, dreaming

AURAL: Listen to people describing what they do

VERBAL: Writing out notes, transcribing voice-overs, reading/writing msgs here and on other groups

KINESTHETIC: Working in the studio, private drumming circles, the bathroom, line at the grocery store, unloading the dishwasher/etc... LOL), perfecting technique, drilling,

So my current project/fascination in the studio is cuing, transitioning and group movement. That's my edge. I'm continuing practice with moves, posture and timing.

The full time 3/4 shimmy is eluding me still. I think my hips are still too tight. It is coming along. The double choo-choo is also not an easy move for me to transition into. For slow moves, I am very fascinated with the Camel and the Torso Twist.

After the group movement, I will be working on zilling. I can zill, but not incredibly well. I have found for me, that zilling is an added layer and I have overload when I try to learn more than one thing at a time.

I spend about 6 hours in the studio per week. I probably work about 15-20 hours per week on notes, reviewing/studying DVDs & vidoes, etc.

I'm very curious about other people's processes... I feel like I'm just starting out. And that's a pretty exciting place to be for me. I feel like I have years and years of exploration ahead of me. :)

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 11 replies

Dancer Check List

2007-08-20T21:18:58Z

http://www.annabella.net/tribal/atsprint/checklist2.html

Aussie Awesomeness :).

Check out their entire web site at: http://www.aussietribaldance.com/

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 5 replies

Defining ITS

2007-08-20T17:20:47Z

Here's a question for you all. ITS/Improv Tribal Style is a new term in belly dance. As such, we should probably try and work out (and get on the same page on) what it means. So that being said, what does ITS mean to you? How does it differer from ATS? What makes it different than, say, tribal fusion? I'm interested to hear what you all have to say.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 22 replies

Supplemental videos?

2007-08-19T00:35:08Z

Alright so, my fun work schedule keeps me from class (I'm not kidding, my job *is* fun but demanding :D ) . So, I had to turn to taking private classes. However, I only get classes once every two weeks now. It was recommended I get some videos to help supplement my classes and help me practice. Though I take Egyptian classes, I'd definitely consider my personal style Tribal Fusion. Anyone have any good instructional DVD's to recommend?

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 7 replies

Great Inclusive Article (and more :)

2007-08-17T00:31:40Z

Got it off of Jenifer's troupe's web site: www.desertraindance.org

http://pages.prodigy.net/alkear/It's%20all%20good.htm

There's a lot of great stuff there! How to wrap a turban, make tribal trousers and a gored skirt (didn't know what one was... now I do!), and a great handout for tribal make-up.

Andrea.

posted in Improv Tribal Style Bellydance - 3 replies

Improv Tribal Style Bellydance's topics - tribe.net

New to the tribe and here's mah video.

new ITS video.

our clip on youtube

Professional Tribal Dancers

Book Review: "Foundations: Bellydance for the Versatile Dancer, Volume I"

RAQUY & The Cavmen in Sacramneto!!!

Improv Tribal Bellydance I and II with Lyra- 5 week class starting 3/29!

What Inspires You?

Improv Tribal Teacher Needed in NJ - Chatham/Madison

To Shoe or Not To Shoe....

styles of tribal

what floors you

Improv Tribal Bellydance Classes with Lyra

Arranging Performance Sets

Cues & Tattoos Registration Now Open!

X-post of Unmata tribe topic

Teaching/Mentoring Stories

Where do you perform and how do you prepare for them?

Chorus... how does it work?

How do you change lead, rotate the group, group formations?

Informal Survey: How many of us are into Joss Whedon's creations? (FireFly, Angel, Buffy, Serenity...)

I love this,

Amazing Book - "This Moment" by Lisa Kristine

Austin, TX: Michelle's Tribal Fusion Classes at Lucila's Dance Studio

East Coast, West Coast, European, Asian, All Aroundian?

2007 Golden Belly Awards: The Year of Tribal ;o)

Front, Center, Left, Right: What's Good for You?

Costuming

Have you ever searched for an instructor you click with?

Children Included..

What does "tribe" mean?

*This* is what I've been looking for.

Kickin' It Off

Zill Drillz

What to do during solo practice...

How do you get your Tribal on?

Dancer Check List

Defining ITS

Supplemental videos?

Great Inclusive Article (and more :)

This is what I've been looking for.