Persian: Trisnasari (Open Level) This choreography is inspired by the balletic, graceful elements of the Persian style – waltzes, expressive arm gestures, folkloric steps – and some elements of Trisnasari's own signature style that draws on martial arts and belly dance. Level: Int/Adv.
Beginner Bellydance: Trisnasari Have fun learning the basics of Bellydance. The fast and fun - flicks, drops, twists, shimmies and the slow and sensuous – figure 8s, circles, camels. Then strut your stuff on the dance floor! Level: Open.
Beladi with Live Music: Trisnasari (Open Level) Be inspired by the traditional music and dance of the people and explore Beladi from languid, soulful taxim to spirited, playful drum solo. The workshop will cover techniques to unlock your improvisation; dance freely to live music; and embody Beladi style dance.
Sword: Trisnasari (Open Level) Capture the mystery and danger of the feminine with this beautiful sword dance choreography. Not only does this prop capture the imagination of the enthralled audience, it is also a fantastic tool for improving posture and technique. Bring a sword or cane. Level: Int/Adv.
Tannoura, Egyptian Dervish: Anisa Learn the history and meaning of this style of Egyptian style Dervish dance. Anisa will teach how to spin with a tanoura (skirt) and perform simple techniques. Loose comfortable pants or shorts and flat, rubber-soled shoes are necessary for this workshop.
Tahkteeb, Egyptian Stick dance: Hassan Youssef and Anisa Tahkteeb is a stick fighting dance from the Said region of Egypt . Participants will learn stick handling and techniques along with a simple choreography to perform.
Sufi Rhythms and Raqs Sufi: Hassan Youssef, Anisa and Sabah Hassan Youssef will teach Sufi rhythms and melodies for a range of Arabic instruments. This can include tabla, req, doof, sagat, oud, ney and rababa. Hassan spent 30 plus years in the Egyptian Dervish Troupe and is an experienced and knowledgeable teacher.
Anisa and Sabah have been performing and teaching raqs sufi dancing and drumming for 6 years. These dancers set the stage for, and accompany the Dervish dancer. Workshop participants are welcome to join us in the performance concert. Loose comfortable clothing and rubber soled shoes recommended.
Orientale technique 1 “Travel in Style”: Tamara Taylor (Open level) Tamara will focus on traveling steps used in Egyptian Orientale dance and how to vary and combine steps with ease and grace. Posture and poise will also be taught along with exercises and drills to help dancers develop a greater repertoire of movements and to execute movements with more finesse.
Orientale technique 2 “Limitless Shimmies”: Tamara Taylor (Open level) This workshop will focus on the many different ways that shimmies can be added to and layered with other movements whether traveling or on-the-spot. Exercises to develop dancers' ability to selectively shimmy will be taught as well as some of the many variations and possibilities for shimmies.
Turkish 9/8: Andrea Makris (Intermediate Level) Challenge yourself to think outside the 4/4 square! Asymmetrical rhythms add a dynamic element to your dance that brings energy and excitement to your performance. In this workshop, we will learn how to break down the 9/8 time signature and interpret it through movement, drawing from traditional and contemporary Turkish repertoire. Some basic as well as slightly more complex moves and sequences will be covered, giving you the vocabulary to make up your own 9/8 dances. Learn footwork, stylings and hand gestures as well as an original choreography that will be performed at the BAMEDAM concert. Please wear a gypsy/circle skirt.
Khaleegy: Andrea Makris (Open Level) This visually stunning dance style is a wonderful hybrid that draws its influences from Persia , Africa , the Middle East and is derived from ancient trance dances. It is both mesmerising to watch and very enjoyable to perform. Khaleegy is endemic to the Gulf Region - Saudi Arabia , Yemen , Oman , Bahrain , United Arab Emirates and Kuwait – and aside from the very striking costume (thobe nashal), Khaleegy is also admired for its feminine nature, with hair tossing as the key characteristic. This dance is rarely seen in public, and is usually performed by women for (or with) other women. A choreography will be taught once a great variety of Khaleegy moves, music and costuming has been explored.
Dynamic Isis Wings: BellaDonna (Open Level) BellaDonna will share with you a fun and exciting choreography incorporating the magic of the Isis Wings. We will explore some mesmerizing entrances and exits and many more Dynamic moves to enchant your audience. So dust off your wings and come along ready for a fun and challenging workshop.
ATS Bellydance production with live music: Madonna Teitzel (dancer) & Peter Van Vuuren (musician) Learn how to create an improvised performance accompanied by live drumming, using ATS Bellydance & DrumDance reportoire. Be challenged by various rhythm changes, moods & creative Tribal formations. Explore ways to cue the musicians, communicating effectively as a Tribal group to create a flowing, exciting performance. Bring your zils & frame drums if you wish .
Dabke: Gary Dawson (Open Level) Learn basic dabke dances and steps so you can dance the night away to the wonderful music of the camp's Middle-Eastern music ensembles. The dabke is the most common Middle-Eastern folk dance - many versions of dabke are danced throughout Lebanon , Syria , Jordan , Palestine , Egypt and other countries in the region. Dabkhe are almost always line dances, with a leader setting the step, rhythm and tempo. Join in the fun, knowing you'll leave the camp ready to set the dance floor on fire at the next Lebanese or Egyptian wedding you attend.