Elsa Leandros Zills Technique

This workshop will cover the foundations of using zils (finger cymbals) in the various bellydance rhythms used in performance: baladi, saidi, maksoum, masmoudi, ciftetelli, and karsilama (9/8). Elsa will offer tips and shortcuts to learn how to play zils in a unique, rhythmic and professional way. You will learn how to switch from just using mostly one leading hand, which inhibits the speed needed for the latest Arabic pop, fusion and Turkish gypsy music, to using both hands in an equal, balanced manner. This process will be easy, logical, and fun!
Once each rhythm is completely understood, and felt to the point that your hands have developed some muscle memory, Elsa will then demonstrate a sequence of steps and hand and arm movements to develop coordination between zil playing and dancing.
By the end of this workshop you will have enough information and practice that will set you on your way to becoming an excellent zil playing bellydancer.

Ayshe Dance of the Fire Bird - a Fantasy Wings Workshop intermediate
A favorite Russian fairy tale, the firebird was a mysterious bird whose feathers brought good luck and renewed life. Danced to the music of "Strange Flesh," Ayshe will teach her solo composition from the Venus Uprising Spring Show.

CLASS BREAKDOWN:
class breakdown:
1:30-2:30--warm-up and wings technique
2:30-2:40-- short break
2:40-4:00--choreography
LEVEL--intermediate/advanced

Tanna - Veil Mechanics & Veil Dynamics
Tanna will explore the fundamental concepts of skilled veil manipulation, starting with a display of different veil fabrics and shapes. Useful and versatile veil movements will be demonstrated and drilled, including standing and walking veil accents, turns, frames, wraps and “old school” audience favorites. Building on the fundamental principles from the first half of the workshop, Tanna will weave these basic movements into more complex combinations as she highlights the artistic elements of veilwork. Using the veil to enhance the lyrical emotions of the music, she will teach a classic veil choreography.

Alyra - Bellydance Swordwomanship.

From Cabaret and Tribal to Balancing and Theatric, this interactive program is specifically targeted for the intermediate and advanced dancer who has decided she’s ready for the sword or wants to brush up on her already existing technique.* Get the practice and confidence you need to be both fierce and fabulous!

The first three sessions will be just as the title describes. BOOTCAMP. We’ll be drilling till we drop as we explore the many different applications of sword technique. You’ll enjoy a packed curriculum of standing, multileveled, layered, floor and weaponry techniques (and anything else Alyra conjures up in her sword mania mind.) The last session will be a compilation of combinations that incorporate what you’ve mastered from the previous weeks.

Ayshe - Sword - Warrior Women
Another departure from the typical cabaret presentation, Ayshe will demonstrate fighting sword movements taken from theatre arts, martial arts, and Egyptian stick fighting that can be incorporated into the slower, balancing sword style. Ayshe will show how to blend these together into a spellbinding performance.

Ayshe - Wild Wings
A departure from the typical 'floaty' cabaret use of wings, Ayshe will share stronger, aggressive movements that can be done with wings to express more impassioned and unbridled emotions-- Also useful for the darker moods of tribal and gothic styles.

Blanca - Sensual Bellydance
Sensual dance... you know it the moment you see it. It radiates from deep inside; the dancer’s whole body flows like silk, her movements are beautifully interwoven, breathing with meaningful, effortless grace. Sensuality is not a special talent or skill — it is present in all of us. The task is to discover it, cultivate it, and translate it from an internal state to an expressive, easy-to-understand language of dance movement. In this workshop, Blanca shares her ways of expressing sensuality and of adding the flair of sensual grace to all your bellydance moves.

Puela Lunaris - Zambra
While you learn exciting combos from a passionate Zambra choreography, you can discover how to use many resources from Flamenco dance to enhance your Bellydancing. Sensual arms, fiery turns, bare feet in touch with the earth, many secrets of ancient Flamenco revealed....