Jazz-Belly Fusion!

Discover a creative new way to expand your belly dance. Learn dance combinations inspired by “old-school” jazz style, 80’s Flashdance fun, and traditional raqs sharqi movement. Be prepared to step out of yourself and electrify your dance. Choreography is structured to be accessible to beginner students, offering modifications to challenge advanced dancers.

Golden Era Series: Samia Gamal

An Egyptian Star from the Golden Era of Belly Dance and Egyptian cinema, Samia Gamal was known for her grace and beauty. Spend the afternoon learning the history behind Samia’s rise to fame and practice signature movements that have left a lasting impression and helped to shape the art form of belly dance as we know it today!

This workshop is designed for students who have had at least one semester of Beginner II technique.

Arms and Elegance

Increase interest and add expression using your arms, wrists, and hands. Focusing on arm paths will improve your upper body carriage and bring a graceful elegance to your dance. Find your own stylizations and explore the expressive capacity of arm movement in belly dance beyond what is covered in class. All levels are welcome.

Belly Dance Yoga Retreat with Rachel Brice

5th Annual Belly Dance Yoga Retreat with Rachel Brice
Pura Vida, Costa Rica
August 22-29, 2010

Put the world on pause to immerse yourself in an intensive yoga and dance practice. Enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica, while studying with one of the leading artists in tribal belly dance. The weeklong intensive will include 20 hours of dance instruction with Rachel Brice, delicious and wholesome food, beautiful accommodations and a serene tropical setting for reflection & rejuvenation.

A typical day would include:

8:00 am	Breakfast
10:00 am	Yoga stretch, dance preparation
11:00 am	Conditioning drills
12:00 pm	Lunch
2:00 pm	Dance technique/special topic
4:00 pm	Open Lab
6:30 pm	Dinner

This retreat is suitable for all levels, with individual attention to challenge advanced dancers. A basic foundation in belly dance and/or yoga is required.

*** Additional details ***

Introduction to Tribal Belly Dance

This workshop will introduce the fundamentals of Sahara Style Tribal, characterized by rhythm-based combinations, structured improvisation and folkloric fusions. Ideal for those curious about tribal belly dance and/or interested in joining Raqs Caravan West. Tribal dancers share basic movement vocabulary, standard dance formations, improvisational cues and transitions to create pieces improvisationally as a tribe. Tribal dance often fosters friendships; a strong sense of community can evolve from improvising as a group.
Prerequisite: Beginner II Belly Dance and above.

Developing Choreography Intensive: Creating a Solo

Learn the essentials for developing a solo or small group choreography to Middle Eastern music or music created for belly dance. Explore song selection, musical interpretation, transitions, diagramming music and other keys to creating a dance that dynamically reflects and highlights the music.

This 11-hour intensive will include homework, videotaped reviews and group feedback to guide each participant’s choreographic process through revision to completion.

Participants will perform their pieces in the Sahara Dance Salon on September 17.

Wednesday, September 1, 6:30 - 10:00 pm
Friday, September 10, 6:30 - 10:00 pm
Sunday, September 12, 2:30 - 6:30 pm

Sahara Dance Salon: September 17

Prerequisites:
1) Previous completion of Low Intermediate Technique class (or equivalent); and
2) Simultaneous enrollment in any Sahara Dance Low Intermediate I Technique class or above

Master Class Series with UNMATA

Save the Date - Details coming soon!

Master Class Series with Amar Gamal

Saturday - Raks Assaya

Raqs Al Assaya is a cheerful dance from the Sa’id (Upper Egypt), in which the dancer twirls a cane in playful imitation of the men’s regional martial art. (The men’s version, Tahtihb, is performed with heavy staffs.) Raqs Al Assaya may be presented as folkloric dance, or adapted for cabaret-style Oriental dance. Amar will teach a fun and upbeat choreography concentrating on the Sa’idi cane dance style. Students need to provide canes for class.

Appropriate for Beginner II level dancers and above; familiarity with basic cane technique recommended.

Sunday - Modern Egyptian Choreography

Amar will teach a modern Egyptian choreography concentrating on strong technique and quality execution of movement. Expand your dance repertoire with these versatile combinations, which can be done to any steady music.

Appropriate for Beginner II level dancers and above.