I’ve been back exactly 4 days and I’m getting ready to leave again...
Summer was quick but lovely. Family time in Chicago, Timmins, and Mackinaw City. Then up to the cottage for 5 weeks with spectacular weather, shopping in farmer’s markets, cooking, swimming, tanning, reading and wine drinking.
Along the way, I had ample time to think, reflect and adjust several aspects of my dance and my teaching. I read a lot of great dance and anatomy books as I researched some new ideas and modes of thinking. As a result, I’m really excited about starting classes, not only to get to see everyone again, but to start to put some new practices into play.
I’m leaving on Friday for Montreal to perform in a show and take workshops with the beautiful Mardi Love, put on my the equally lovely Mat Jacob. What a great way to start my new year! I’ll actually be in Montreal 3 times this fall as well as (hopefully) get out to St. John’s and a few places in between . And that’s not counting the 3 15 hour weekend intensives at the studio, phew...
I’ve got some new events to work through the details for and some choreography to get out of my head and onto my body/paper.
By the time all of that works itself out, it’ll be Christmas...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Welcome back, welcome to fall... happy new year
I really do think of September as being the new year.
My kids go back to school, my classes start up again, the weather changes, and the sun starts its disappearing act. My youngest son is in school full days now, so I have more time to work, which is both good and bad.
I'm getting loads of stuff done, but I'm also doing more...
There's an Inversion show upcoming (late November), various workshops at the studio and elsewhere as well as a great new project with Joanna and Ritesh. We'll be doing a collaborative show May 2010!
I'm also starting to purge. I've heard a lot of people are doing that too. I've gone through several drawers with a few more to go. Next are my books, my cds and dvds and even vhs (do people still use those?) I'm tired of the clutter, the piles the mess. In my head and outside of it.
So here's to a new, fresh, clean September. Happy new year!
My kids go back to school, my classes start up again, the weather changes, and the sun starts its disappearing act. My youngest son is in school full days now, so I have more time to work, which is both good and bad.
I'm getting loads of stuff done, but I'm also doing more...
There's an Inversion show upcoming (late November), various workshops at the studio and elsewhere as well as a great new project with Joanna and Ritesh. We'll be doing a collaborative show May 2010!
I'm also starting to purge. I've heard a lot of people are doing that too. I've gone through several drawers with a few more to go. Next are my books, my cds and dvds and even vhs (do people still use those?) I'm tired of the clutter, the piles the mess. In my head and outside of it.
So here's to a new, fresh, clean September. Happy new year!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Waterfalls performance nights
I'm so happy to announce that every second Saturday, dancers from The Dark Side Studio will be performing 3 sets of non-traditional, tribal fusion, modern belly dance!!
Waterfalls restaurant
Indian tapas & grill
303 Augusta Ave, just south of College Street
Shows at 8, 9 & 10 pm
No cover
June 20 - Danielle
July 4 - Audra
July 18 - Monika
August 1 - Karen
August 15 - Sadie
August 29 - Laura
Waterfalls restaurant
Indian tapas & grill
303 Augusta Ave, just south of College Street
Shows at 8, 9 & 10 pm
No cover
June 20 - Danielle
July 4 - Audra
July 18 - Monika
August 1 - Karen
August 15 - Sadie
August 29 - Laura
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Getting centered...
I have the unfortunate trait of being highly influenced by other people.
Now that's not what you might think at first reading. What I mean is that I get emotionally charged by what others do. I say that the trait is unfortunate as I feel these days that I am mostly effected by the negative things that the so called professionals around me (and I don't just mean physically) do or are doing.
I do get quite discouraged by the lack of responsibility that some professional belly dancers and instructors regularly display. I should say that I DID get quite discouraged...
I have decided to become more centered as of a few weeks ago.
My journey is my own. I am the one who decides where I will go, how I will get there, and what the trip will be like.
I have spent enough time on things that are not what I want to be, not where I want to go. Some of them have assisted me greatly though, as they've fine tuned where I know now I want to be.
It's a great feeling. Lighter...
More centered...
More me!
Now that's not what you might think at first reading. What I mean is that I get emotionally charged by what others do. I say that the trait is unfortunate as I feel these days that I am mostly effected by the negative things that the so called professionals around me (and I don't just mean physically) do or are doing.
I do get quite discouraged by the lack of responsibility that some professional belly dancers and instructors regularly display. I should say that I DID get quite discouraged...
I have decided to become more centered as of a few weeks ago.
My journey is my own. I am the one who decides where I will go, how I will get there, and what the trip will be like.
I have spent enough time on things that are not what I want to be, not where I want to go. Some of them have assisted me greatly though, as they've fine tuned where I know now I want to be.
It's a great feeling. Lighter...
More centered...
More me!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Gearing up while gearing down
In many ways, things are gearing down. There's only a few weeks left of school for my kids, the summer's on it's way which means several other things are coming to a close (another belly dance session for example). Summer's on it's way, well, okay, some may say spring is still on it's way, but you get the feeling that the nice weather is coming anyway. Thoughts of ice cream, long sunny days and swimming invade my brain more often than I'd care to admit...
In many ways though, things are just starting to gear up for me.
With the end of the spring session comes the annual gala student show, This Ain't Egypt. This is year three and it always fills me with excitement and joy as I get the students ready, teach them choreography and drill and drill and drill the dance into them. I only do this once a year, as the rest of the sessions are focused on teaching technique and there's just not time to do both and have the technique at the standard that I want.
Learning (and teaching) DANCING, is totally different than teaching/learning movements or technique. It's an entirely different thing to string together some undulations up to down, a few hip drops and a floreo as your arms are in high 2nd, rather than walking with hips on the up matching the stepping foot. (As a complete aside but topic for later, what a shame that many instructors and dancers don't realize that there IS in fact a difference, sigh)
Each week sees new movements incorporated into their repetoire, and then the unveiling of the newest combination of the dance does my heart good.
I'm also excited to see what Danielle, Karen and Valizan will present, as this is the first year others will have presented group choreography besides myself. Another first, and another exciting addition to TAE 09.
I'm also working on notes, ideas and teaching strategies for the upcoming Dark Summer Intensives. This year I'm doing things completely differently than the previous two - no choreography will be taught, but instead I'll be concentrating on integrating creative aspects with technique and technical aspects to bring everyone (this year 3 levels!) to a new awareness in their dance. I'm very excited, not only to see the various out of town/province students who have already signed up, but also to work with everyone on this level. More intense than weekly classes, more in depth (no matter what what level they'll be taking) and (I hope) altogether more rewarding for everyone.
A few performances here and there including the second Hipnosis gala in a few weeks as well as a spot in the Eros Avant Garde Cabaret (a beautifully non-bellydance event) and then that's that... A few weeks off for me, spent at farmer's market's, swimming, sewing and generally hanging with the family! I can't wait...
In the meantime, I have more than enough to keep me excited and busy - speaking of which, I'd better get on it!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
INVERSION: ROUGE
Spectacular show this Saturday!
Inversion is a twice yearly show in which local belly dancers are encouraged to delve into their experimental sides and present non-traditional work. In each show, performers present two pieces, one entirely of their choosing, the other piece reflecting the common theme.
Inversion: Rouge
featuring performances by Audra, Danielle Davies, Laura Selenzi, Lisa Missen & Lavish Dance Company
Saturday April 25, 2009
St Stephens-in-the-fields church, 365 College Street, Toronto
Doors open for shopping and seating 7:30 pm
Show pm
Tickets $20 in advance and at the door
416-925-1638 1-800-431-0418
See you there!!
Inversion is a twice yearly show in which local belly dancers are encouraged to delve into their experimental sides and present non-traditional work. In each show, performers present two pieces, one entirely of their choosing, the other piece reflecting the common theme.
Inversion: Rouge
featuring performances by Audra, Danielle Davies, Laura Selenzi, Lisa Missen & Lavish Dance Company
Saturday April 25, 2009
St Stephens-in-the-fields church, 365 College Street, Toronto
Doors open for shopping and seating 7:30 pm
Show pm
Tickets $20 in advance and at the door
416-925-1638 1-800-431-0418
See you there!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Hips on the up, hips on the down drill
RL singles on the up walking flatfoot
RL 3/4 on up walking in releve RL
RLRL 3/4 on the down walking RLRL flatfoot
Walk forward and backwards - arms in low 2nd - don't sway to the right of left with the hips, keep weight centered
RL 3/4 on up walking in releve RL
RLRL 3/4 on the down walking RLRL flatfoot
Walk forward and backwards - arms in low 2nd - don't sway to the right of left with the hips, keep weight centered
Saturday, April 18, 2009
In Praise of Simplicity
Tribal Scribe Audra writes in Mid-Bits magazine (Canadian belly dance mag)
In Praise of Simplicity
I recently had an online exchange with a friend regarding simplicity with regards to belly dance and that got me thinking…
Simplicity: the state, quality, or an instance of being simple
Simple: not elaborate or artificial: plain
For many of us, belly dance grabs us and it becomes, well, let's be honest, an obsession. We learn new ways to move our bodies, often to new music and using new dance concepts and ideas. We take as many classes as we can, we take workshops, we learn other people's dances, we make our own dances…
I have found that in fact many dancers get caught up in the opposite of simplicity. We move from beginner to advanced classes, things get more complicated and faster. There is a desire to learn the newest move or to learn the hottest new combination. All of this is somehow equated with better. But is it? I've taken a look at some of the dancers that I admire and I beg to differ.
When a performer embodies simplicity, there is a clarity of movement present that is completely engrossing. Rather than being the only movement the dancer is able to perform, instead simplicity is the dancer's choice at that time. The dancer is saying 'of all the movements I am able to do right now… I choose this one'. That one movement is a fully loaded movement though. Paired up with that one move is the right glance, the just-so arm placement, the subtle gesture with the hand and often times that gloriously perfect ah-ha expression of the face.
I personally love watching that. It's expressive and genuine as opposed to technically proficient. It's subtle and skillful. To me, that is watching someone dance rather than watching them execute technique.
Over the past 20 years, the standard for belly dance technique has risen to new heights. That's great for the art form as now we actually have a large percentage of casual dancers who know how to use their bodies. Many people even know which muscles are in use when executing movements. Workshop instructors no longer teach how to perform basic belly dance movements, but instead work on more complex aspects of the dance or areas of their personal specialization. Instead we now discuss the pros and cons of using the obliques versus the glutes to execute hip work as we execute our ¾ shimmies on the down. It's amazing!
What that has translated to as far as performance goes is far from amazing in many ways though. Many performances (and I use that word deliberately as opposed to dances) from well known local and international dancers these days are merely technical demonstrations without any feeling, any connection to the music. Standing and showing us all of the 15 isolations you can perform with your hips or performing complex high speed sequence of selected isolations isn't dancing, that's demonstrating for technical proficiency. If you feel the need to do that, perhaps you'd better reconsider your choice of profession in my opinion.
I'm not putting in a plug for dancing slowly, though I do personally love to do so. I'm just saying you don't have to pull out all your moves in a single song to impress. I've been saying that for years.
I'm not saying that learning technique isn't important. Anyone who knows me or has been to a class with me can attest to the fact that I think the opposite. I think it's a vital aspect of being a belly dancer (or dancer of any genre), no matter what your level is or how long you've been doing it. Practice and attention to technique are essential.
What I'm saying is let's take a look at what we're presenting as belly dance (and I know, that's a loaded phrase in and of itself). What is it your trying to say when you get up there and perform? What is it that the audience is going to see when you dance? Let's think about that instead of thinking about our next performance as an opportunity to demonstrate the latest complicated trick we can perform with our bodies. If you think it's an art, then treat is as such.
In Praise of Simplicity
I recently had an online exchange with a friend regarding simplicity with regards to belly dance and that got me thinking…
Simplicity: the state, quality, or an instance of being simple
Simple: not elaborate or artificial: plain
For many of us, belly dance grabs us and it becomes, well, let's be honest, an obsession. We learn new ways to move our bodies, often to new music and using new dance concepts and ideas. We take as many classes as we can, we take workshops, we learn other people's dances, we make our own dances…
I have found that in fact many dancers get caught up in the opposite of simplicity. We move from beginner to advanced classes, things get more complicated and faster. There is a desire to learn the newest move or to learn the hottest new combination. All of this is somehow equated with better. But is it? I've taken a look at some of the dancers that I admire and I beg to differ.
When a performer embodies simplicity, there is a clarity of movement present that is completely engrossing. Rather than being the only movement the dancer is able to perform, instead simplicity is the dancer's choice at that time. The dancer is saying 'of all the movements I am able to do right now… I choose this one'. That one movement is a fully loaded movement though. Paired up with that one move is the right glance, the just-so arm placement, the subtle gesture with the hand and often times that gloriously perfect ah-ha expression of the face.
I personally love watching that. It's expressive and genuine as opposed to technically proficient. It's subtle and skillful. To me, that is watching someone dance rather than watching them execute technique.
Over the past 20 years, the standard for belly dance technique has risen to new heights. That's great for the art form as now we actually have a large percentage of casual dancers who know how to use their bodies. Many people even know which muscles are in use when executing movements. Workshop instructors no longer teach how to perform basic belly dance movements, but instead work on more complex aspects of the dance or areas of their personal specialization. Instead we now discuss the pros and cons of using the obliques versus the glutes to execute hip work as we execute our ¾ shimmies on the down. It's amazing!
What that has translated to as far as performance goes is far from amazing in many ways though. Many performances (and I use that word deliberately as opposed to dances) from well known local and international dancers these days are merely technical demonstrations without any feeling, any connection to the music. Standing and showing us all of the 15 isolations you can perform with your hips or performing complex high speed sequence of selected isolations isn't dancing, that's demonstrating for technical proficiency. If you feel the need to do that, perhaps you'd better reconsider your choice of profession in my opinion.
I'm not putting in a plug for dancing slowly, though I do personally love to do so. I'm just saying you don't have to pull out all your moves in a single song to impress. I've been saying that for years.
I'm not saying that learning technique isn't important. Anyone who knows me or has been to a class with me can attest to the fact that I think the opposite. I think it's a vital aspect of being a belly dancer (or dancer of any genre), no matter what your level is or how long you've been doing it. Practice and attention to technique are essential.
What I'm saying is let's take a look at what we're presenting as belly dance (and I know, that's a loaded phrase in and of itself). What is it your trying to say when you get up there and perform? What is it that the audience is going to see when you dance? Let's think about that instead of thinking about our next performance as an opportunity to demonstrate the latest complicated trick we can perform with our bodies. If you think it's an art, then treat is as such.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Renew and refresh
Rejuvenate your dance by following one or more of the following:
- take some dance movements that are at home in your body and put them to new music.
Sometimes 'old' movements that are almost habit in your body or movements done specifically to one song can find new life when you put them to new or different music. Let the music be your cue and see if the music tells you to modify the moves to suit to the new tunes.
- make some new dance combinations or movements.
Put on a song that you simply LOVE and move to it without censoring yourself. See what phrases or movements are repeated throughout the song. Does the chorus beg two hip accents just before the singing starts? Is there that little bit at the beginning that needs you to shimmy to it?
- go back to basics.
Once we move onto a new level in classes or conquer that new movement that's being done, what is left? How about going back to re-introduce yourself to the basic hip, chest and arm movements? Learn to refine and isolate more, use fewer muscles - every time you repeat a movement, make it even more 'perfect'. Go slowly and thoroughly...
- watch someone else dance.
Check out someone new on Youtube or borrow a new dvd from a friend and see what's new and exciting out there. Or, go the other way - check out some tried and established 'greats'. Look for Samia Gamal, Tahia Carioca, Nagwa Fuad, Nadia Gamal, Naima Akef, Souhair Zaki...
- check out some folklore.
Find out where what we know as belly dance came from. Try Tanoura, or some male dancing (not trained dancers, but just men dancing who were caught on tape...), celebratory dancing, wedding dancing.
- take some dance movements that are at home in your body and put them to new music.
Sometimes 'old' movements that are almost habit in your body or movements done specifically to one song can find new life when you put them to new or different music. Let the music be your cue and see if the music tells you to modify the moves to suit to the new tunes.
- make some new dance combinations or movements.
Put on a song that you simply LOVE and move to it without censoring yourself. See what phrases or movements are repeated throughout the song. Does the chorus beg two hip accents just before the singing starts? Is there that little bit at the beginning that needs you to shimmy to it?
- go back to basics.
Once we move onto a new level in classes or conquer that new movement that's being done, what is left? How about going back to re-introduce yourself to the basic hip, chest and arm movements? Learn to refine and isolate more, use fewer muscles - every time you repeat a movement, make it even more 'perfect'. Go slowly and thoroughly...
- watch someone else dance.
Check out someone new on Youtube or borrow a new dvd from a friend and see what's new and exciting out there. Or, go the other way - check out some tried and established 'greats'. Look for Samia Gamal, Tahia Carioca, Nagwa Fuad, Nadia Gamal, Naima Akef, Souhair Zaki...
- check out some folklore.
Find out where what we know as belly dance came from. Try Tanoura, or some male dancing (not trained dancers, but just men dancing who were caught on tape...), celebratory dancing, wedding dancing.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy new year!
I've been reading a lot lately about what other dancers think of tribal fusion or fusion belly dance, the scene and it's dancers. It's been about the disappointment they've been feeling about the lack of 'sisterhood' in the dance and the craze to discover the latest cool thing to fuse into belly dance to make them the newest sensation. The lack of originality and of true passion for the dance.
Frankly, I try to keep myself a little out of the larger tribal fusion scene in order to concentrate on my own scene. I'm not shoving my head in the sand in any way. I do take the odd workshop here and there to see other dancers, I watch YouTube every now and again, and I talk to my friends who are some of the makers and shakers in the TF world.
For the most part though, I read about dance (not just belly dance), I find and listen to new music and choreograph what I feel regardless of what the rest of the TF dancers are up to. I have goals and reasons for each of my pieces that I create or perform (as much of my solo work in improv) and those goals and reasons are constantly changing to reflect the changes in my life. To reflect the things that are important to me and to my dance. To reflect what I have decided to explore for the now. I rarely perform solo to the same music twice.
Long ago, I tired of watching the same dances over and over again performed by one of the 'top' local belly dance companies. Where is the creativity? Where is the self expression? Where is the growth?
To me, belly dance is all about self expression and it's a continuation of my life journey (god, that sounds so new age trashy) and so my dance will continue to change. The others? Ah, each to their own, no?
Frankly, I try to keep myself a little out of the larger tribal fusion scene in order to concentrate on my own scene. I'm not shoving my head in the sand in any way. I do take the odd workshop here and there to see other dancers, I watch YouTube every now and again, and I talk to my friends who are some of the makers and shakers in the TF world.
For the most part though, I read about dance (not just belly dance), I find and listen to new music and choreograph what I feel regardless of what the rest of the TF dancers are up to. I have goals and reasons for each of my pieces that I create or perform (as much of my solo work in improv) and those goals and reasons are constantly changing to reflect the changes in my life. To reflect the things that are important to me and to my dance. To reflect what I have decided to explore for the now. I rarely perform solo to the same music twice.
Long ago, I tired of watching the same dances over and over again performed by one of the 'top' local belly dance companies. Where is the creativity? Where is the self expression? Where is the growth?
To me, belly dance is all about self expression and it's a continuation of my life journey (god, that sounds so new age trashy) and so my dance will continue to change. The others? Ah, each to their own, no?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Suhaila 101/201 & Dark Sunday with Audra
This weekend sees the last of the regular monthly workshops before the summer break
Friday June 6
Suhaila 101 6 to 8 pm - $30 - those new to the format or not yet certified
Suhaila 201 8 to 10 pm - $30 - those currently holding certification from SSSD
Join Audra for a technique based workshop based on the format of Suhaila Salimpour. Great for all styles of belly dancers, as well as all skill levels, this workshop will bring your dance movement new refinement and new possibilities.
Sunday, June 8
Dark Fundamentals 11 am to 1 pm - $30
Audra will take you through the posture, attitude and some of the key isolations that form the basis of her modern belly dance style. No previous experience required
Dark Dances 1:30 to 3:30 pm - $30
Take isolations and movements and string them into short combos and then into an original choreography by Audra. Previous belly dance experience with Audra required OR attendance in the morning's Dark fundamentals.
More info and registration
http://cleopatrasbazaar.com/index.php?cPath=53
Registration is now open for July's Dark Summer Intensives!
Don't miss out on the last chance to study with Audra before summer break
http://cleopatrasbazaar.com/index.php?cPath=53
Friday June 6
Suhaila 101 6 to 8 pm - $30 - those new to the format or not yet certified
Suhaila 201 8 to 10 pm - $30 - those currently holding certification from SSSD
Join Audra for a technique based workshop based on the format of Suhaila Salimpour. Great for all styles of belly dancers, as well as all skill levels, this workshop will bring your dance movement new refinement and new possibilities.
Sunday, June 8
Dark Fundamentals 11 am to 1 pm - $30
Audra will take you through the posture, attitude and some of the key isolations that form the basis of her modern belly dance style. No previous experience required
Dark Dances 1:30 to 3:30 pm - $30
Take isolations and movements and string them into short combos and then into an original choreography by Audra. Previous belly dance experience with Audra required OR attendance in the morning's Dark fundamentals.
More info and registration
http://cleopatrasbazaar.com/index.php?cPath=53
Registration is now open for July's Dark Summer Intensives!
Don't miss out on the last chance to study with Audra before summer break
http://cleopatrasbazaar.com/index.php?cPath=53
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
New news from The Dark Side
Ah! I'm back, literally!
These last few months have been, well, trying to say the least. In February a disk in my low back decided to bulge and I've been recovering since. I just recently began dancing again and the return has been glorious.
My classes went on pretty much as usual as thankfully I had begun training several teacher apprentices who took over demonstrating movements. Interestingly enough, as all changes tend to be, I discovered several aspects about teaching that I want to focus more on. Gotta look at the good in everything!
My web hosting company also 'lost' my websites (yes both The Dark Side Studio's and Cleopatra's Bazaar, including my fair sized online catalog) and as a result my online catalog was gone for a month. But my wonderful tech lady Monica has managed to recover and restore most of it and I have Zia and Danielle Davies working with me to fully restore all the photos and music clips to get things revvvved up.
I'm excited about this year's This Ain't Egypt which will arrive in about 5 weeks time. And I've also just posted the online registration for this years Dark Summer Intensives with moi. I've expanded the offerings this year as well as included two levels of intensives. I've also decided to offer an Art of Cabaret workshop as a part of the Dark Summer program - the weekly classes have been more than thrilling and there are many excited participants waiting for more workshops.
Other than the Dark Summer Intensives, I'm not teaching for the summer as I take that time off to regenerate with my husband and children. I'm also headed once again to San Francisco to regenerate my dance soul, hang with friends there and generally relax. We all need a little of that now and again don't we!
These last few months have been, well, trying to say the least. In February a disk in my low back decided to bulge and I've been recovering since. I just recently began dancing again and the return has been glorious.
My classes went on pretty much as usual as thankfully I had begun training several teacher apprentices who took over demonstrating movements. Interestingly enough, as all changes tend to be, I discovered several aspects about teaching that I want to focus more on. Gotta look at the good in everything!
My web hosting company also 'lost' my websites (yes both The Dark Side Studio's and Cleopatra's Bazaar, including my fair sized online catalog) and as a result my online catalog was gone for a month. But my wonderful tech lady Monica has managed to recover and restore most of it and I have Zia and Danielle Davies working with me to fully restore all the photos and music clips to get things revvvved up.
I'm excited about this year's This Ain't Egypt which will arrive in about 5 weeks time. And I've also just posted the online registration for this years Dark Summer Intensives with moi. I've expanded the offerings this year as well as included two levels of intensives. I've also decided to offer an Art of Cabaret workshop as a part of the Dark Summer program - the weekly classes have been more than thrilling and there are many excited participants waiting for more workshops.
Other than the Dark Summer Intensives, I'm not teaching for the summer as I take that time off to regenerate with my husband and children. I'm also headed once again to San Francisco to regenerate my dance soul, hang with friends there and generally relax. We all need a little of that now and again don't we!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Spring session at The Dark Side Studio - 2008
Registration is currently open for classes in the spring session at The Dark Side Studio
Session begins Monday March 3 and is 16 weeks (15 for Monday classes due to the Victoria Day Monday holiday) and is $272 plus gst (Mondays $255 plus gst)
Only Suhaila drilling is available on a drop in basis - all other classes are session only
Mondays
6 to 7 pm - Basic Black Tribal Fusion - only a few spots left open
7:15 to 8:15 pm - The Art of Cabaret
8:30 to 9:30 pm - Basic Black Tribal Fusion
Wednesdays
6 to 7 pm - Lavender Tribal Fusion
7:15 to 8:15 pm - Suhaila format drilling
8:30 to 9:30 pm - Basic Black Tribal Fusion
Thursdays
6 to 7 pm - Turquoise Tribal Fusion
7:15 to 8:15 pm - Magenta Tribal Fusion
8:30 to 9:30 pm - Lavish Dance Company rehearsal
Online registration (visa, mastercard or paypal)
http://www.cleopatrasbazaar.com/index.php?cPath=145
Class descriptions
Basic Black
Basic black is the level for absolute beginners who have no experience in any style of belly dance as well as a requirement of those who have previous belly dance experience but are new to classes at The Dark Side Studio.
The basic concepts central to tribal fusion style belly dance are introduced at the Basic Black level through verbal breakdown and demonstration. Posture, muscle isolation, and dance movements are taught using stretching and strengthening exercises in the class warm up as well as in the drills used throughout each class. The isolations taught throughout levels at the Dark Side Studio are based upon the Suhaila Salimpour format. It is here in Basic Black that the concepts of this format are introduced and practiced stationary and with basic footwork. Basic arm positions are introduced and paired with isolations.
An introduction into playing finger cymbals is also taught at this level.
Lavender
In the Lavender level, aspects such as the isolations and movements, dance movement and posture that were introduced in the Basic Black level are refined. The speed of the isolations, movements and travel is increased and more complex foot patterns are introduced. The concept of layering is introduced in which movements and isolations are layered on top of one another.
More complex finger cymbal patterns are introduced and the students begin to pair the finger cymbals with dance movement.
Turquoise
At this level, more complex layering in both stationary and moving forms and more intricate foot patterns with movements and isolations and arm movements are taught. The dance knowledge of the students is put into combinations (with and without finger cymbals in the patterns from previous color levels) which begins to take the technique and put it into dance.
In order to begin to develop personal style, the skill of improvising is worked on through the Turquoise level using a variety of approaches.
More complex finger cymbal patterns are introduced both stationary and with movement.
Magenta
Students participating in Magenta classes are required to have attended Turquoise level of classes at The Dark Side Studio as well as hold valid level 1 certification from the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance.
At the Magenta level, the complexity and length of the combinations (with and without finger cymbals) is increased. The layering of complex and fast movements and performance skills are taught and worked on in mandatory weekly homework assignments.
Students in the Magenta level work with Audra to further refine their own style and personal dancing skills including the creation of combinations and further developing their improvisational skills to various styles and tempos of music, both with and without finger cymbals.
As part of this level, students are required to perform at the Student Salon of that session in which their performance will be recorded and feedback given.
Session begins Monday March 3 and is 16 weeks (15 for Monday classes due to the Victoria Day Monday holiday) and is $272 plus gst (Mondays $255 plus gst)
Only Suhaila drilling is available on a drop in basis - all other classes are session only
Mondays
6 to 7 pm - Basic Black Tribal Fusion - only a few spots left open
7:15 to 8:15 pm - The Art of Cabaret
8:30 to 9:30 pm - Basic Black Tribal Fusion
Wednesdays
6 to 7 pm - Lavender Tribal Fusion
7:15 to 8:15 pm - Suhaila format drilling
8:30 to 9:30 pm - Basic Black Tribal Fusion
Thursdays
6 to 7 pm - Turquoise Tribal Fusion
7:15 to 8:15 pm - Magenta Tribal Fusion
8:30 to 9:30 pm - Lavish Dance Company rehearsal
Online registration (visa, mastercard or paypal)
http://www.cleopatrasbazaar.com/index.php?cPath=145
Class descriptions
Basic Black
Basic black is the level for absolute beginners who have no experience in any style of belly dance as well as a requirement of those who have previous belly dance experience but are new to classes at The Dark Side Studio.
The basic concepts central to tribal fusion style belly dance are introduced at the Basic Black level through verbal breakdown and demonstration. Posture, muscle isolation, and dance movements are taught using stretching and strengthening exercises in the class warm up as well as in the drills used throughout each class. The isolations taught throughout levels at the Dark Side Studio are based upon the Suhaila Salimpour format. It is here in Basic Black that the concepts of this format are introduced and practiced stationary and with basic footwork. Basic arm positions are introduced and paired with isolations.
An introduction into playing finger cymbals is also taught at this level.
Lavender
In the Lavender level, aspects such as the isolations and movements, dance movement and posture that were introduced in the Basic Black level are refined. The speed of the isolations, movements and travel is increased and more complex foot patterns are introduced. The concept of layering is introduced in which movements and isolations are layered on top of one another.
More complex finger cymbal patterns are introduced and the students begin to pair the finger cymbals with dance movement.
Turquoise
At this level, more complex layering in both stationary and moving forms and more intricate foot patterns with movements and isolations and arm movements are taught. The dance knowledge of the students is put into combinations (with and without finger cymbals in the patterns from previous color levels) which begins to take the technique and put it into dance.
In order to begin to develop personal style, the skill of improvising is worked on through the Turquoise level using a variety of approaches.
More complex finger cymbal patterns are introduced both stationary and with movement.
Magenta
Students participating in Magenta classes are required to have attended Turquoise level of classes at The Dark Side Studio as well as hold valid level 1 certification from the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance.
At the Magenta level, the complexity and length of the combinations (with and without finger cymbals) is increased. The layering of complex and fast movements and performance skills are taught and worked on in mandatory weekly homework assignments.
Students in the Magenta level work with Audra to further refine their own style and personal dancing skills including the creation of combinations and further developing their improvisational skills to various styles and tempos of music, both with and without finger cymbals.
As part of this level, students are required to perform at the Student Salon of that session in which their performance will be recorded and feedback given.
Monday, November 5, 2007
11 days and counting
I can't quite believe it, but it's true. There are only 11 days until the start of the 2007 Suhaila workshops!
I'm busy getting the last minute details ready as well as prepping myself with my calf raises, running and general technique tuning. I'm excited as there are many students from the studio joining in this year, as well as many from the Toronto area.
I've also just posted the Winter 2008 class schedule for The Dark Side Studio. There's a new class added to the schedule - The Art of Cabaret. It's a holistic approach to learning bellydance for those with some experience. We'll be working on technique, music theory, emotional expression and choreography all in one session! I'm looking forward to this!
Due to my training falling at the end of Feb as well as March break with the kiddos, I've shortened the Winter session to only 7 weeks, with 2 special sessions in March. There are intensives in which we'll work on technique and choreography over a 3 days, 9 hour period (similar to last year's successful Dark Summer sessions).
I hope to see you all at the Suhaila show! I can hardly wait for this - the show's going to be just fabulous!
I'm busy getting the last minute details ready as well as prepping myself with my calf raises, running and general technique tuning. I'm excited as there are many students from the studio joining in this year, as well as many from the Toronto area.
I've also just posted the Winter 2008 class schedule for The Dark Side Studio. There's a new class added to the schedule - The Art of Cabaret. It's a holistic approach to learning bellydance for those with some experience. We'll be working on technique, music theory, emotional expression and choreography all in one session! I'm looking forward to this!
Due to my training falling at the end of Feb as well as March break with the kiddos, I've shortened the Winter session to only 7 weeks, with 2 special sessions in March. There are intensives in which we'll work on technique and choreography over a 3 days, 9 hour period (similar to last year's successful Dark Summer sessions).
I hope to see you all at the Suhaila show! I can hardly wait for this - the show's going to be just fabulous!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Suhaila mania
It's coming quickly! In less than 4 weeks Suhaila will arrive and we'll be madly squeezing our glutes, contracting upper backs and obliques and generally working our butts off! I'm excited and pleased as the workshop is almost full and tickets to the show are selling well! This time around I'm also excited as 80% of the participants in the workshop are from the Toronto area (as opposed to about 40% last year). I believe in what Suhaila has to offer, in her technique, her format. I really do believe that it takes dancers to the next level, on their way to finding their potential as a dancer, and I'm so happy that dancers from the Toronto area are beginning to become interested and intrigued by the format.
So often I hear things like "I don't like the say she dances" and it saddens me. Not because I believe everyone should like her dance style, but because it is a dance style. If you don't like it, that's up to you. What I believe cannot be denied is the simple fact that technically Suhaila is the best that I've seen!
Anyway, enough of my ranting :)
I've decided to put all Suhaila dvds and cds on sale from now until Nov 12 - Fate, Rhythm ID with Ziad, Repercussion, Remix, Arabian Musicals, Dances for the Sultan, Unveiled, Suhaila Solo, Sheherezade, Choreography, Performance, Fitness Fusion... you name it, it's on sale!!
I'm off to the Heather Shoopman workshop this afternoon for some Indian and hip hop inspired combos and a little LA technique! The Student Salon was brilliant and I'll be posting some photos soon... Stay tuned.
Until next time, keep glute squeezing!
Audra
So often I hear things like "I don't like the say she dances" and it saddens me. Not because I believe everyone should like her dance style, but because it is a dance style. If you don't like it, that's up to you. What I believe cannot be denied is the simple fact that technically Suhaila is the best that I've seen!
Anyway, enough of my ranting :)
I've decided to put all Suhaila dvds and cds on sale from now until Nov 12 - Fate, Rhythm ID with Ziad, Repercussion, Remix, Arabian Musicals, Dances for the Sultan, Unveiled, Suhaila Solo, Sheherezade, Choreography, Performance, Fitness Fusion... you name it, it's on sale!!
I'm off to the Heather Shoopman workshop this afternoon for some Indian and hip hop inspired combos and a little LA technique! The Student Salon was brilliant and I'll be posting some photos soon... Stay tuned.
Until next time, keep glute squeezing!
Audra
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
September comes to a close...
I can hardly believe it, but September is almost over...
Classes are just into their second week (newcomers welcome!) and I've completed the first weekend workshops for the fall. The new Suhaila 101 workshops with Audra was full and the Sunday workshops went well. I highly recommend signing up early for both these in the future as my guess is that by the end of the fall they will both be filling up!
Registration for Suhaila's November workshops is about half full already, and I'm so pleased that more and more people are becoming interested in checking out what my superb teacher has to offer. I really believe that all dancers should take at least one workshop to see what she has to offer.
The Suhaila Gala show tickets are now on sale and selling at a nice rate. The seats are pre-assigned but the theatre really doesn't have any bad seats. It's so lovely there, AND they've just had a large renovation so it should be even better this year! I'm excited that Fathi Al Jarrah, Suhaila's violin player, will be here for the show this year. The line up is set and it's going to be amazing!! I hope to see you there :)
Classes are just into their second week (newcomers welcome!) and I've completed the first weekend workshops for the fall. The new Suhaila 101 workshops with Audra was full and the Sunday workshops went well. I highly recommend signing up early for both these in the future as my guess is that by the end of the fall they will both be filling up!
Registration for Suhaila's November workshops is about half full already, and I'm so pleased that more and more people are becoming interested in checking out what my superb teacher has to offer. I really believe that all dancers should take at least one workshop to see what she has to offer.
The Suhaila Gala show tickets are now on sale and selling at a nice rate. The seats are pre-assigned but the theatre really doesn't have any bad seats. It's so lovely there, AND they've just had a large renovation so it should be even better this year! I'm excited that Fathi Al Jarrah, Suhaila's violin player, will be here for the show this year. The line up is set and it's going to be amazing!! I hope to see you there :)
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