Punk Rock Yoga and Belly Dance - Special one-time class April 27, 6:30 pm

We are thrilled to present a fun experimental class for our students. Belly dance is a great way to gain flexibility in the hips, stretch and strengthen the lower back and develop greater body alignment awareness. It's also one the best ways to learn how to engage core muscles. This class is a great mix of core-focused yoga and a basic introduction to tribal style belly dance. We also have a special treat with some fun alternative music. All are welcome to come - especially beginners.

American Tribal Style Bellydance (ATS) is elegant and graceful, celebrating the strength and beauty of the body, regardless of age and size. Tribal Style is largely improvisational, using simple steps and gestures in a repetitive fashion, building on the music and the interaction between the dancers. Dancers working together in cooperation; a group focused on presenting a dance as one entity.

Zu Leika, Yoga Instructor: When Zu isn't traveling to Mexico or practicing with one of her three bands, she's teaching Viniyoga Yoga. Breath and movement are linked together as a way to move the body and quiet the mind. In Viniyoga, students are taught that the breath should actually lead the body into and out of each posture. Viniyoga is less concerned with arduous precise exercises than with developing a balanced and appropriate practice for each student.

Katrina, Belly Dance Instructor: Katrina has studied American Tribal Belly Dance since 1999. She started in Chicago with Taj, and Stephanie Barto of Read My Hips. After moving back to Seattle she danced with Christina Larson as the tribal duo, Diatribe (Seattle's 1st ATS Troupe). Diatribe introduced ATS to Seattle live at the Lava Lounge, various parties and the Pyramid Restaurant in Honolulu. Later she joined Troupe Hipnotica for regular performances at the Baltic Room and various other locations. One of her final performances with Troupe Hipnotica was at the Folk Life Festival. She is a Licensed Massage Practitioner, Ayurvedic Body Worker, and Postpartum Doula. In addition, she is certified in General Skills by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance. More info available here: atsbellydance.com or myspace.com/danceunderground