Tribal Style Belly Dance Fundamentals with Joyce Young, Director of Tribal Wallah
Group Improvisational Tribal Style Belly Dance is a fusion of belly dance styles, with a specific language and set of cues so that it can be performed as a group dance in a highly structured improvisation.The goal for students in the beginning class is to learn the basic vocabulary: chu chu, Arabic, pivot pumps, Egyptian basic and shimmy (fast moves) as well as taxeem, maya, chest circles, camel step, snake arms and body wave (slow moves). We will focus on technique, posture, and simple combinations to get us dancing!
We use a lot of ATS (American Tribal Style / FatChanceBellyDance) movement in our classes, and ATS movements make up the core of our vocabulary, but we also incorporate movement from Gypsy Caravan, Black Sheep Belly Dance, and a variety of steps that Joyce learned from workshops that we have included into our step vocabulary. We start with ATS, and add other Tribal Improv movements through the Levels.
ALL STUDENTS MUST START AT LEVEL ONE. It is crucial that you learn the posture, fundamental steps and philosophy of Group Improv which is taught at Level 1. MOST students repeat Level 1 at least once before being moved to the next Level, and many students repeat it 3 or 4 times.
Class Offerings
Tribal Fundamentals - Level 1: Tribal Steps and Posture
TIME: Tuesdays, 6:00-7:15pm(effective Jan 2012)
FEE: $80 per 6 week session
This class is taught at the beginner level and no previous experience is required.
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Beyond Basics - Level 2: Variations on the Basics
TIME: Thursdays, 6- 7:15 pm
FEE: $55 per month
Instructor approval is required to take this class
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Intermediate Improv - Level 3: Tribal Rhythms, Cues and Transitions
TIME:Thursdays, 7:45 - 9:15 pm
FEE: $65 per month
Instructor approval is required to take this class
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Level 4: Tribal Style Technique for Tribal Fusion - Drills and Layering
TIME:Tuesdays, 7:45 - 9:15
FEE: $65 per month
Instructor approval is required to take this class
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Performance Prep
TIME: Most Sundays, 4:00 - 5:15pm
FEE: Part of All Access Pass only
Instructor approval is required to take this class
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Special Topics - Props
TIME: Available as Weekend Workshops or as class based sessions.
FEE: Most 2 hour workshops are $25 or class based fee structure may be used.
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Open Studio
TIME: Varies. Check Calendar for exact dates
FEE: $15 drop in or included with "All Access Pass"
Class is open to any one who has completed at least a full session of Level 1
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What to Wear: Bare feet or comfortable flexible Shoes without tread (hermes sandals, jazz shoes, or socks). Pantaloons, big skirts, or yoga/stretch pants. Choli, tank tops or snug tops can be beneficial for seeing movement. Fringed (not coined) 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 (but no jeans).