Sought after for her concise instruction, Asharah teaches belly dance around the world. She is highly regarded for her emphasis on clean technique as well as the individual attention she pays each student in each of her classes and workshops. She believes in addressing each student as an individual, highlighting their strengths and identifying areas of improvement.

Asharah will bring the following workshops to St. Louis:

Saturday June 27th - 10 am until noon

Pops, Locks, and Tick Tocks: Tricks to Mechanize your Movement
Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above.

Inspired by robots, experimental electronic music, and poppin’ and lockin’, Asharah has integrated mechanical movements into her expressive tribal fusion performances. In this workshop, Asharah will lead students through an intense warm up and then will show students how to break down traditional bellydance movements such as vertical hip figure-8s, shoulder rolls, torso undulations, turns, and arm waves into smaller and sharper parts to give your performances a robotic and creepy edge. After drilling these movements, she’ll teach a short combination that demonstrates how these movements can be used in a performance. She’ll also briefly discuss concepts of electronic music, how it is created, and how to listen to the nuances of music made by machines and computers.

Saturday June 27th - 1pm until 3pm

Dancing Your Demons: Dramatic Dance through Emotional Expression (This workshop is SOLD OUT at Tribal Fest 09!!)
Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above.

Within each one of us is our true, instinctual self, and we often ignore or repress her (or him) in our everyday lives. Our instinctual self is not rational, and yet to dance to our fullest, we must acknowledge our instinct, acting upon it without second-guessing it and while still harnessing it for a clean and stage-worthy performance. Our instincts are raw, untamed and absolutely essential to a dancer who wishes to give a moving and expressive performance.

In this workshop, Asharah will lead students through physical exercises aimed at drawing out instinctual responses to music and other students in class. She will also explain her own emotional preparation process, giving guidelines and tips on how to be “in the moment” before you even take the stage. Students must leave their egos at the door, and judgmental or critical behavior will not be tolerated.

Sunday, June 28th - 10 am until noon

Progressive Raqs*: Technical Bellydance with a Geeky Twist
Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above.

In this workshop, Asharah will teach some of her signature technical movements while emphasizing grace, fluidity, power, and presence. A self-described geek, she’ll explain the muscles and physiology behind each movement and how each movement can fit in to the larger picture of your dance. She’ll also talk about her sense of artistic and creative integrity, giving you advice and tips for pursuing your own uncompromising path as an artist and dancer. Asharah likes to push herself and her students physically and mentally, so come prepared with water and an open mind.

asharah.com

Registration is now open. Please visit: tribeayaka.com/Registration.htm

Prices for the workshops are priced individually or in packages:

One workshop - $35
Two workshops - $65
Weekend Package - $90
Troupe Discounts Available

These prices are good until May 15th. May 16th prices will increase to:

One workshop - $45
Two workshops - $75
Weekend Package - $100
Troupe Discounts will also be affected.

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Reed Watkins of Kansas City, Missouri

Reed Watkins of Kansas City has been studying sword since 1979. He will give a mini workshop on how to incorporate Chinese, Japanese and European sword maneuvering into your belly dance repertoire. Reed has been belly dancing since 2004 so he knows how to work the sword. I have taken Reed's workshops and have seen him perform...he is incredible!! Audiences always enjoy his dynamic martial arts belly dance fusion performances. He will show you that a sword is more than something to balance.

Reed gives sword dancing a realistic flavor by teaching how swords are used in combative situations. When he dances his martial arts training is evident. Reed makes the sword flow gracefully with the dance. This is not a Tahtib class. It will cover Eastern and Western sword techniques.

Saturday June 27th – 3:15pm – 4:45pm
Sword Maneuvering 101 – Fusion Style!!
Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced.

Reed will be teaching traditional sword cuts, stances, and maneuvering from Chinese, Japanese, and European sword schools. Be prepared to drill!! He will incorporate fluid martial arts moves used with sword and belly dance. You may want to do some upper body strengthening prior to the workshop. Practice swords will be available.

Workshop Fee - $25
This price is good until May 15th. May 16th the cost will increase to $35.

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Nichelle Lawrence will be here as well to shoot the show. She will also be available for mini shoots (by appointment please). Nichelle has offered to set up a photo booth for your convenience. lifephotographybynichelle.com

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To make this incredible weekend as affordable as possible, I have obtained discounted rates for a block of rooms at the very hotel where the workshop will be held. (Comfort Inn adjacent to Spazio's of Westport) Yay!! Availability is limited so make your reservations asap. Discounted rates only good through May 22st. I will check periodically to track how reservations are going. If need be, I will look into the possibility of obtaining more rooms. The rooms currently on reserve will accommodate 4 guests. (Two Double Beds) Bring your troupe or if you'd like to seek room-share arrangements, PM me.

Please call (314) 878-1400 to make reservations at Comfort Inn Westport. Mention Tribe Ayaka which will prompt the discount process.

If I have forgotten anything, please let me know.

Our performance will begin at 8pm at The Club House, just around the corner from Spazio's. We have access to most of the first floor AND the beautifully landscaped patio. If you are insured, please bring your fire toys and let's play!! Fire performers, please PM me for the deets.

~Sakinah Ali
tribeayaka.com
admin@tribeayaka.com
314.560.1989