The 2012 Tribal Revolution Workshops (listed by teacher):

Click here to see the full weekend schedule.

Thursday, 6/21 2:30-5:30pm SOLD OUT	The Lovely Bones - Elegant Posture and The Biomechanics of Belly Dance
	The 'bones' of fusion belly dance technique are posture, simple shapes, foot patterns and arm patterns. This workshop will strengthen those bones with a focus on clean articulation and proud carriage. We'll learn phrases built from these fundamentals to experience the power of posture, deepen your understanding of simple shapes, and drill the transitions between those shapes. This class is designed for all levels, from the experienced beginner to the professional, as the fundamentals are to clean technique as oxygen is to breathing. Please bring a yoga mat, layers of stretchy and comfortable clothing, finger cymbals, a water bottle, and a few snacks in case we take a break.
Friday, 6/22 9:00am-noon SOLD OUT	Serpentine Scales™
	Rachel will debut her new, simple approach developed for the 8 Elements™ program, for accessing a multitude of options for improvisation, choreography, vocabulary building, or technique development. If you enjoy rubbing your belly and patting your head at the same time, you'll enjoy Scales™. Build a large storehouse of options in your body's memory, and create new movements on the spot. Please bring a yoga mat, layers of stretchy and comfortable clothing, finger cymbals, a water bottle, and a few snacks in case we take a break. At least a year of consistent belly dance recommended.
Saturday, 6/23 9:00am-noon SOLD OUT	Chop Chop! Screamin' combos and double time drills
	In this 3 hour class, we'll play with a few up-tempo combinations that Rachel's worked up in the last few months. The emphasis will be on precision, timing, and keeping posture while pushing beyond your perceived limits in a supportive and fun environment. One year of belly dance experience required (it goes fast!) but it should be a challenge for any level. All new material for your enjoyment. Please bring finger cymbals, a water bottle, a yoga mat, and a small towel.
Sunday, 6/24 2:30-5:30pm	Group Improvisation with Fusion Phrases
	Whether you are an experienced improviser, or you've never practiced group improvisation before, you'll be creating work on the spot in no time. We'll work with group tribal improvisation drawing from Rachel's vocabulary, free improvisation, and group free improvisation. This workshop will be tailored for the needs of the group, therefore will be different every time (just like improvisation!). Please bring a yoga mat, layers of stretchy and comfortable clothing, finger cymbals, a water bottle, and a few snacks in case we take a break. At least a year of consistent belly dance recommended.

Amy Sigil: (back to top)

Thursday, 6/21 3:30-5:30pm FEWER THAN 5 REMAIN	STATIC "An experimental workshop"
	How do you handle the noise in your head when you encounter it in Art and performance? Let's find out. This is an intimate look at the very beginnings of "Ghostwork". Learning to attack the insecurities and personal obstacles in your life that haunt you. (Limited enrollment to assure safe emotional work space)
Friday, 6/22 3:30-5:30pm	Hi! My name is Improvisational Tribal Style, ITS nice to meet you.
	This workshop starts at the very beginning of UNMATA's improvisational vocabulary. The concepts, the stall moves, leader position, lead changes, circles and choruslines. Inspired by Carolena's American Tribal Style then re-vamped and re-styled to fit the powerhouse that is UNMATA.
Saturday, 6/23 1:00-3:00pm	POWerful Partnering
	Do you play well with others? Or maybe you prefer the whole sandbox to yourself? Either way, the key element to successful partnering is finding the common relation between people. This workshop features creative partnering ideas that will inspire trust and connection in duets or small groups.
Sunday, 6/24 noon-2:00pm	Cascades (Fast)
	Cas-cade (Kas-keyd) noun, verb, cad-ed, cad-ing, - noun 1. A waterfall descending over a steep rocky surface. 2. A type of firework resembling a waterfall in effect. 3. DYNAMIC IMPROVISATIONAL ROUND-OFFS! Cascading combo's in 8ct. and 4ct. phrases using multiple lead formations. Row row row your boat...

Tempest: (back to top)

Thursday, 6/21 2:30-5:30pm	Adventures in Steampunk!
	Steampunk is considered by many to be a subdivision of the Gothic Culture, or its crazy next-door neighbor – regardless, it’s an exciting and inspiring genre, blending Neo-Victorian, Science Fiction, and Fantasy that offers a lot of opportunity in the realm of bellydance fusion. But once again, it’s not about just having the look, but capturing the true quality and character of Steampunk in your movement and presentation. Students will explore 3 different “personas” through mini-choreographies utilizing original and fun, combinations that resonate with the essence of Steampunk: “Airship Pirate”, “Lady Adventurer” and “Coin- Operated Girl”. In addition, students will not only learn about Steampunk music and fashion, but will be able to incorporate the material into their own style with purpose, armed with building blocks to create and define their own personas.
Friday, 6/22 1:00-3:00pm	Between the Veils
	Discover the darker side of veilwork, from dramatic entrances, intricate and intimate veilplay, to exiting with a flourish that will leave 'em wanting more. Learn to truly dance with your veil and tame its inner cat, see it as a partner and not a prop. We'll cover proper veil technique, fusion movements and accents, pros and cons of materials and presentations, and making effective use of your veil. Be sure to bring at least one three yard veil-rectangular or circular - can be silk, chiffon, or other light, flowing material.
Saturday 6/23 9:00am-noon	Dancing on the Right Side of the Brain
	Artists, writers, and other creative folk are said to be “right-brained” –they think in pictures, images, and random patterns. Engineers, accountants, and other number/fact people are said to be “left-brained”— meaning they think more mathematically, linearly, orderly. Learn to unleash your creative side and truly be in the moment with your dancing. Often, a dancer can get too focused on a choreography, counting of steps, beats, and therefore become “left-brained” in their dancing –meaning they’re being technical, and not dancing creatively, spontaneously, from the heart! In this unusual workshop, we’re going to do some mental and physical exercises that will help you engage your right brain in your dancing!
Sunday, 6/24 9:00-11:00am	Nouveau Noir Dance
	Haunting audiences around the globe, Tempest’s area of specialty within the realm of Gothic Bellydance is “Nouveau Noir” – dance pieces that reflect the art and society of the early 1900’s, pulling from silent films, vaudeville-Denishawn style, art nouveau, art deco, and the Oriental craze. Students will learn combinations that capture the elegant form, fluid movement, and dramatic stylings of these eras, while being taught in a format that will enable them to absorb them into their own personal choreographies.

Donna Mejia: (back to top)

Friday, 6/22 3:30-5:30pm FEWER THAN 5 REMAIN	Le Funk Arabi
	Within the dynamic cultural dialogs of transnational dance, Arabic music/dance and American Hip Hop music/dance have influenced all popular music around the globe. Each year, more and more brilliant compositions from artists in Near Eastern and North African countries remix our own American hip hop traditions to new heights and possibilities. In this workshop, Donna Mejia details emerging movement traditions of this dynamic movement and subculture. After a vigorous warm up and substantial stretching, dancers will receive a variety of stationary and moving progressions that are intended to give heavy emphasis to the end of musical phrases and powerful downbeat accents. This workshop is all about responding to and punctuating the percussiveness in music driven by beats. Donna’s musical playlist includes some of the best Arabic/International funk, hip hop, hard core, mashup, and electronica in the universe!
Saturday, 6/23 9:30-11:00am	For the Love of the Craft: A Thoughtful Approach to Our Dance Legacy (lecture)
	Donna Mejia is the first to hold a position in Tribal Fusion in the higher education system and will overview her provocative research regarding the ethics of dance fusion and cultural appropriation. The exploration of ethnic/cultural dance fusion mandates that artists reconcile the values of indigenous dance traditions with agendas of the entertainment world. This presentation will explore the inevitable transformation of old and new dance traditions in performance, and seek to define what responsibility choreographers/performers have as cultural ambassadors in a “cut and paste” environment. With her usual candor and humor, Donna will address the very controversial issues we have all encountered at one time or another in our love for, and dedication to, this genre.
Sunday, 6/24 9:00-11:00am	Advancing Technique in Transnational Dancers: Exploring Beyond the Boundaries of What We Think We Know
	Preserving age-old traditions and cultural treasures is always a worthy endeavor. Yet blurring boundaries to seek common denominators and universal truths has equal value. Some argue that cross-training outside of a tradition erodes one's abilities, but this is a myth intended to reinforce out-dated hierarchies and rivalries between nations and cultures. For those unafraid of new possibilities in human expression, this workshop celebrates our privilege to zoom in or zoom out of various dance genres to excavate and detail the most efficient tools for unleashing the intelligence of the body in dance. Fascinated by her own multi-heritage background, Donna studied ballet, yoga, contemporary modern, break dance, Pilates, acrobalance, west African, Folklorico, Flamenco, Brazilian, Caribbean, Arab/North African, Brazilian, Indian bhangra, and European folk traditions in her 30 plus years of dance studies (plus some). By studying the signature values of many classical traditions, she has galvanized a personal movement style that defies categorization. You are hereby invited to join Donna on her investigations into unfamiliar movements and extraordinary prospects in art-making. Anything can happen, from headstands and breakdance, to partner work and fancy footwork. A fantastic and adventurous sense of humor is required!

Asharah: (back to top)

Friday, 6/22 9:00am-noon	Belly Dance Technique Intensive
	An intense practice aimed at polishing your bellydance technique while building strength and stamina. Asharah is known for her clean technique and muscular execution, and in this workshop she will share with you tips and tricks for sharpening hard movements like hip work and chest locks and for deepening and intensifying smooth movements like undulations and Mayas. Time permitting, she will also share with you a few of her signature robotic movements to add spice to your bellydance movement vocabulary. This workshop can be customized to meet your students’ needs and abilities. 3-hour minimum for maximum material
Saturday, 6/23 3:30-5:30pm SOLD OUT	Shimmies: Asharah Style
	Ahh… the shimmy! No other movement quite captures the essence of bellydance so well as the hip shimmy. Asharah is a master of the shimmy in many of its forms, from 3/4 shimmies, small vibrations, traveling shimmies, to shimmies with layers. In this workshop, we’ll break down the technique of each shimmy variation and how to safely execute each. Asharah will share tips and tricks for keeping your hip shimmies consistent, controlled, and musical.
Sunday, 6/24 noon-2:00pm	Tribal Fusion Belly Dance: Old School to New School
	Do you need to give your dance vocabulary a boost? Do you want to add earthiness and power to your dancing? This workshop is the one for you! This workshop gives you a taste of it all! In this workshop, Asharah presents a blend of her training in the Jamila Salimpour format, American Tribal Style, and contemporary tribal fusion belly dance to give participants a taste of modern tribal belly dance with a vintage edge. Learn versatile traveling steps, sharp isolations, percussive hip work, and a little bit of folkloric feel to add to your dance.

Elizabeth Strong: (back to top)

Friday, 6/22 1:00-3:00pm SOLD OUT	Upper Egyptian Fusion Workshop
	The more you know, the more confidently you will express your unique voice. Upper Egyptian dance is the root of modern belly dance. We will look broadly at the key elements including Ghawazee dance, and Mahmoud Reda Troupe style, then integrate traditional folkloric movements with modern elements. Playing with concepts of fusion will be a key element. This workshop is sure to broaden your repertoire and give you the chance to add more earthy spice to your dance.
Saturday, 6/23 3:30-5:30pm FEWER THAN 5 REMAIN	Floorwork Stretching and Strengthening Workshop
	For those working with balancing props, or if you simply want to improve your grace on the floor. This class includes a work out to engage all the crucial muscle groups for smooth, strong level changes and floor work. Classic Yoga is also included for stretch, strength, and balance and to infuse our dance with energy that extends beyond the body. Includes a combination that can easily be integrated into your own dance routine.
Sunday, 6/24 9:00-10:30am	Musicality With Elizabeth Strong (lecture)
	Lecture will focus on preparing dancers to work with live musicians with greater confidence and understanding. Topics covered will include rhythm identification, tricks for identifying the geographic region of music, basic vocabulary, phrasing and taksim. (IF TIME ALLOWS, i.e. 2 hour lecture) Music mapping will be covered as well. Q & A time will be included.

Urban Gypsy: (back to top)

Saturday, 6/23 1:00-3:00pm	Synchronicity / Staging Tips and Tricks for Cohesive Presentation
	We’ll take you through some dance synchronization theory and apply it in drills that can be used for both improv and choreographic performances.
Sunday, 6/24 9:00-11:00am	Urban Gypsy Improv Movement with Zils
	Tired of the same old zill patterns? Want to add some complexity to your rhythms and technique? Sahira and Zymirrah will teach a series of common sense patterns to match tribal basic moves and some not-so-basic moves.

Il Troubadore: (back to top)

Friday, 6/22 1:30-3:00pm	Expanding Your Drumming Repertoire
	Tired of the same old Arabic and Turkish dance rhythms? Want to find new ways of expressing yourself through drumming? This workshop will give you a solid foundation in rhythms from the Balkans, Central Asia and other North African and Mediterranean countries. Il Troubadore is Indianapolis' premiere world music ensemble and members of the ensemble regularly work with musicians and in styles native to India, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and many other countries with rhythms that fall outside of the standard rhythms found in bellydance. This workshop will help give you a solid grounding in rhythms that can only enhance your ability to create interesting drum fills!
Saturday, 6/23 1:30-3:00pm	Melodic Improvisation
	Members of il Troubadore will show you techniques and skills from improvisatory traditions in India, the Balkans and the Mediterranean countries. Basic scale patterns and melodic development ranging from Indian alap, Persianavaz, and Arabic and Ottoman taqsim and layali will be made accessible to the beginner as well as the intermediate student of melodic instruments. No experience or instruments (sing the voice is the perfect instrument) are necessary.
Sunday, 6/24 12:30-2:00pm	Dark Taqsim
	Taqsim is the slow, melodic, arrythmic, often improvisational music done generally by one instrument that is seldom used nowadays. In this workshop, Secondhand will help you understand the concepts used in taqsim with Leftovers (Jon Silpayamanant of il Troubadore) talking about it from a music point of view and Crumbs (Celeste) bringing in the dance aspect. Taqsims are inherently full of drama with the haunting melodies but Secondhand will kick the drama up a notch! This workshop is for both musicians and dancers as Secondhand believes that understanding bot the music and dance aspect helps make for a better performance.

Jim Boz: (back to top)

Friday 6/22 3:30-5:30pm	Drills, Thrills, and Chills
	The infamous “Tik Tok Bleh Eenh” workshop! Precise control over your hip, rib & shoulder articulations is paramount to all forms of Middle Eastern & related fusion forms – from the control to obtain that elusive 'organic' feel to the spot on locks & pops. We'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll sweat a lot, all to the driving beat of Jim's original mixes of Arabic rhythms and techno electronica on “Shut Up & Shimmy” (available on iTunes & CDBaby.com)
Saturday, 6/23 3:30-5:30pm FEWER THAN 10 REMAIN	Digital Music Editing
	You've polished your performance chops, but the music isn't just quite right. Modern technology & accessibility has made it incredibly easy to get the right edit of our music for each performance – and it is up to us as performers to develop it. Jim has years of studio training and digital editing experience to take you through the basic concepts, with exercises to develop your skills. We will cover some of the more common circumstances facing us as dance performers: shortening/lengthening a track, editing a fade out ending for performance, speed changes, fitting multiple songs into a cohesive single performance track. Instruction will be based on Audacity, a free open-source editor available online for both Mac & PC. Bring a laptop preloaded with the software.

Deb Voegeli: (back to top)

Friday, 6/22

3:30-5:30pm

FEWER THAN 5 REMAIN

Red Camel Bra & Belt Construction

Have you ever wanted to make a costume that was built to your exact size, color and design? Ever wondered how those gorgeous cabaret costumes were put together? Or how to make a tribal costume that was as durable and long lasting as those? Learn how to build your own costume bra and belt pieces, either for cabaret, tribaret or tribal dance. This workshop will cover how to build a costume bra and belt from the ground up, including a short segment tools and tips. Appropriate for all dance and sewing levels.

Brandie Franks: (back to top)

Friday, 6/22

9:30-11:00am

Tribal Style Hair

Brandie Franks, one of the three ladies of Diva Dreads, will explore ways to make your styling with falls and hair pieces more professional and polished while dancing. She will be going over hair color choices with falls, how to wear the falls, different styles of wearing the falls, and hands on practice of using our falls, or any falls you may have purchased from any number of vendors. If you have wigs, hair falls, pieces clips please bring them. We will go over looks that go great with tribal specific hair styling.

Blue Lotus Tribe: (back to top)

Friday, 6/23 1:00-3:00pm	Skirt Envy
	From swishes and swoops to beautiful dramatic wrapping moves, Blue Lotus Tribe will teach you several techniques and combinations to ge the most out of a simple piece of costuming. Be playful, be colorful, and give everyone else skirt envy! Please come wearing a full skirt. 25 yard cotton skirts work best for this material.
Sunday, 6/24 noon-2:00pm	Stolen Goods
	What do you do with all of this fantastic workshop material you've learned? Why, take the inspiration and tweak it to make it your own, of course! Blue Lotus Tribe will share the tricks they use to turn moves they've learned from other teachers into combinations that fit seamlessly into their own style. Walk away with some new ideas for putting your own spin on what you've learned in this weekend's workshops.