The Bellydance Evolution II

THE BELLYDANCE EVOLUTION II
WORKSHOPS

SAT 25 FEBRUARY 9.00am-5.00pm
SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 9.00am-12.30pm

 There are 16 Workshops on offer with a wide range of Classical, Modern Day Bellydance & Stylistic Fusion to choose from, Drumming, Indian Dance & a Yoga Class.  Spaces are available in all Workshops, but filling fast now, so don't miss out on your favourite Presenter or trying out that new genre!  

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Oriental Technique – From Head to Toes and Beyond! - Tais

A perfect workshop for dancers who want to polish, learn, correct and refine their technique AND expressing your true and graceful self through the dance.  We will not only cover the usual format of oriental combinations and steps but will also focus on the very important aspects of the dance such as the face expression and the arms work. We’ll go through the tips and tricks of how to make your arms look gracious and elegant as well as making the way you dance so unique and special by enhancing it with expressiveness.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced (I/A)   Bring: Pen & Paper &  A Smile!

Tais Derbasova is an award winning professional Belly Dancer, teacher and choreographer based in Auckland, New Zealand. In August 2010 she was the winner of the "Dina's Choice" Prize in the Australian Belly Dance Star Awards. Tais was also crowned winner in the Solo and Best choreography categories of the National Oriental Dance Competition in Russia organized by the International Association of Artists in Egypt in 2007.

She has studied under the renowned Egyptian, Syrian, British and Russian teachers and choreographers of Oriental Dance. Since moving to New Zealand from Russia she has started up her own Belly Dance School "TAIS BELLY DANCE" based in Auckland.   Tais has performed and taught workshops in numerous Belly Dance shows and festivals internationally, including Egypt. She regularly travels around New Zealand and overseas with workshops and performances sharing her extensive knowledge and passion for Belly Dance with others.

She has also appeared as a guest on popular New Zealand TV shows on TVNZ and Maori TV, featured on radio and in national newspapers. Tais also performed in Geoff Allen's theatre play "The Secret Life of a Bellydancer", a story about ordinary women whose lives are dramatically changed (for the better!) by taking up Bellydancing. The play’s successful two-week run to mostly sold-out audiences has inspired the director and producers to repeat the season in October 2011 in Auckland.

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                                  PULSE OF INDIA - SAVITRI, Chakras Performing Arts

A pulsating rhythmic workshop exploring and experimenting with Kathak - A North Indian Classical Dance Style.  Although a Bollywood Workshop, the short item taught will give you a glimpse of Intricate Footwork, Head, Neck and Eye Movements.  Another Segment of the Workshop will cover the Beautiful Traditional Hand Gestures and Story Telling through Movement.

LEVEL: Open (O)
BRING: Ankle Bells if You Have Them

Savitri Naidoo based in Newcastle is the Founder and Artistic Director of Vadhini, South Africa, who has 30 years experience in teaching, choreography and has presented performances in India, South Africa, Italy, Mauritius and America.  Savitri is also experienced in fusion work with Ballet, Indian (Bharata Natyam), Spanish and Kathak Dancing. 

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  "Steam" -
A Steampunk Adventure through Dance with Keoko Darkstar

Journey ‘back to the future’ in this fantastical workshop.  Embrace the whimsical, inventive and adventurous spirit of Steampunk. Steampunk is about combining the past with the future, reality/fiction with fantasy/sci-fi, in dance it offers us the opportunity to evolve our performance in yet another alternative and unique way.

During this workshop we will explore 4 sub genres: ‘Victorian – Lolita’, ‘Futuristic – Time Traveller’, ‘Freak Sideshow - Vaudevillian Trickster’ and ‘Fantasy – Cloud Drifter’. Elements of these combinations can be blended to Steampunkify your dance experience.

Level: Intermediate (I)
Please Note: You will need 2 Veils for 'Fantasy - Cloud Drifter' Combos.

Keoko Darkstar is the creatrix of UMBRA Theatrical Gothic bellydance, Desert Moon Dancers Goddess bellydance and “Evernight”. Her style is unique and her original choreographies are known for their theatrical and expressive energy. Dance is an extension of her journey with the Goddess in all aspects of shadow and light. Sharing the spirit of the sacred language of this ancient art form and the sisterhood it creates is what inspires Keoko. With 12yrs dance experience, she is always passionately learning and evolving, ready to take bellydance into new and exciting areas of expression.

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  Layered Shimmies - Jrisi 

Is your shimmy weak or missing? Can you shimmy, but have trouble adding smooth arms on top? Is your shimmy stuck in one place…so you have trouble making shapes or traveling with it? In the first part of the workshop we will learn drills and exercises that help the muscles and gain stamina. After we have unveiled the mystery behind the differences in shimmies we will start to incorporate shapes, circles, eights, boxes, then we will travel! We then tackle layers, two or three things at once!! You are guaranteed to work up a sweat in this workshop. Perfect for the experienced dancer wanting to brush up on new techniques and equally fabulous for newer dancers wanting to perfect this tricky part of Oriental Dance. Various levels of difficulty will be offered so that participants can practice at their own pace.

LEVEL: Open (O) 1.5 years bellydance training is recommended

Jrisi Jusakos is a multi-award winning choreographer, teacher and director and producer of Hathor Dance Studio. As one of the most versatile Oriental Dance artists in Australia with accreditations in multiple dance styles, she is highly respected and praised as an innovator and vibrant performer. She is the recipient of an Australia Council Arts Dance Grant, and regularly performs and conducts workshops throughout Australia and internationally. She has produced 3 outstanding Instructional DVD's which have sold around the world. 

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Creative Combos with a Touch of Quirkiness - Las Hermanas

Let Kath and Lara from Las Hermanas share with you a few of their creative and unique combinations. We will look at effective ways to utilise your head, eyes and hands as well as body extensions and poising. The combo’s are a blend of belly dance and other dance styles, with a couple incorporating a quirky contemporary feel. Those who have attended our previous workshops know we don’t like to miss a single beat, so be prepared for a few subtle movements and a lot of content! However rest assured, there will be plenty of drilling time, and there are 2 of us.

Level: Intermediate to Advanced.  (I/A)
Please Note: Notes will be provided.  Loose pants only, yoga mat or towel and a bottle of water

Kath and Lara have belly danced for over 15 years. Training with many reputable teachers within Australia and overseas as well as attending regular classes and workshops in a variety of dance genres, has over the years given them a wealth of experience. It is this experience together with their warm manner, supportive and thorough teaching approach which has lead them to teach and perform at many events and festivals within Australia and internationally. After their sold out workshop at  Evolution 1, both Lara and Kath are thrilled to be invited back and hope workshop participants are just as enthusiastic about attending this years.

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Drum Circle - Peter
Darbuka, Frame Drums & Riq

"Bring your Darbuka, Frame Drum or Riq to this Workshop for a fun and  relaxed drum circle as we learn, expand and jam on your favourite middle eastern rhythms.   This workshop is for anyone who loves to drum  or, is not afraid to have a go.  So come and join us in the  jam."

Level: Open (O)
Bring: Darbuka, Frame Drum or Riq
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Industrial Elements - Aradia
The Art of Unpredicatability in Bellydance

Hypnotise your audience and take your dance to another level with pops, locks, ticks, strobing and fluid movement.  Explore ways to integrate the look, feel, and specific techniques of pop’n lock movements, but from the sublime and sensual execution of the Bellydancer. Dancers will learn the technique that assists each dancer in developing the muscle control needed for successful execution of Industrial Bellydance technique. Dancers will learn how to direct energy of muscle contractions through the body quickly, how to maintain and finesse power within the body and movement all using Aradia’s three methods of movement. Overall, the control required for Industrial Bellydance will inevitably elevate your ability to isolate with greater ease, control, confidence, and grace.

Fluid movement is the counterpoint to the hardness of Industrial Bellydance and opens a new realm of possibilities. Become water, become air. Everything flows, everythings breathes. Discover an ever flowing and creative inner movement. Dancers will apply advanced fluid technique to bellydance. Learn how to create tighter isolations and contractions as well as mesmerising fluid movement.

Bring a sense of adventure and playfulness, as things start simply and build very quickly. A fun, intense energetic and challenging workshop.

Level: Open to All Levels from Beyond Beginners to Seasoned Professional (O)

Aradia has pursued many forms of dance over 25 years, including jazz ballet, tap, contemporary, flamenco, polynesian, hip hop, crumping, ballroom, street latin and many more. Over the last 30 years, Aradia has aimed to fill her body and mind with as many forms of movement as possible; believing:

"there is a dance for every single one of us... your heart beats to a rhythm so just find the beat that works for you."

Aradia has a strong passion in the field of self esteem in women and in 2011 has created the Goddess Series; a series of workshops designed to enrich and grow the self esteem of women around Australia through the art of dance. In 2010 Aradia launched a dance fitness company – HumanFusion which focuses on the art of dance in the fitness capacity.  In the world of bellydance, Aradia has been fortunate enough to study under various national and international dancers such as Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Urban Tribal, Ansuya and her personal favourite - Azziza Raks. Aradia has performed in many festivals nationally as well as internationally in Bali, Bangkok, Chengdu (China) and Jakarta but still loves her aussie audiences the most.   In 2008, Industrial Bellydance was conceptualised by Aradia through her own personal experimentation of the various  methods in which she has been taught how to execute movement. She released her first instructional DVD in 2009 (Industrial Elements Vol. 1) which now sells internationally.

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Ignite the Fire - Devi

Ignite the fire & passion of Flamenco & inject it into your next performance! Learn some exciting new combinations that will add drama to your next showstopper!Devi has invented & adapted these movements herself, some of which have been accepted into the Fat Chance format By Carolena Nericcio & some with a very different flavour. Devi will teach you some exciting foot, arm & hip variations & in particular body angles/variations to give you that “Flamenco “look. You will learn such steps as El Cabalo Blanco, A Seville Romance, Carmen, Russian Gypsy Step, Jrisis Flamenco Combo, The Matador, Drama Queen ..just to name a few!

Level: Beyond Beginners to Intermediate (BB/I)

Devi Mamak, member & artistic director of Ghawazi Caravan is one of Australia’s premier ATS dancers, teachers & choreographers, having taught many of the top dancers in the genre. Devi is also well known for creatively fusing other styles such as Flamenco, Indian, Egyptian & Ballet.  Devi is renowned throughout Australia, NZ, Asia & Europe for her creative, thorough & approachable teaching style & her beautiful & commanding stage presence. Devi has co-taught Carolena Nericcios General Skills certificate on several occasions with several of her own steps being accepted into the ATS syllabus.

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Fine Figure 8s and Bodywaves - Michelle Killip

Learn, correct or refine your technique to deliver sinuous, smooth and graceful hip and torso figure 8s and bodywaves.  Starting with the usual formats of horizontal, vertical; standard and reverse we'll then move onto engaging combinations that will add interest to your isolation work and enhance your performance presence.  

Suitable for tribal, alternative and fusion bellydancers.

Level: Open to All Levels (O)
Please note: Leggings (not skirts) are preferred and no coin belts please.
- May not be suitable for anyone with back injuries

Like a moth to a flame Michelle has always been drawn to the intoxicating world of dance. It has forever been a place where she feels truly connected to her body and the music. Discovering bellydance 10 years ago learning and developing her style with some of Sydney’s top bellydancers. 5 years of intense oriental training before moving over to tribal fusion has installed a strong foundation. Heavily influenced by R&B, soul and hip hop Michelle’s individual style combines smooth control with funked up pop and lock action

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ATS Structured Improvisation - Marg Walker

This workshop has at its heart a strongly American Tribal Style (“ATS”) foundation, Margo will show you how she and her performance troupe work in combining both components of ATS and a few other little tweaks of ONYXtribal styling to create what is now known as “Structured Improv”.

Level: Beyond Beginners to Intermediate in ATS or Tribal Style (BB/I)

Margo (Margaret Walker) started to dance even as she took her first steps. Classical ballet consumed her younger years, followed by contemporary dance and decades of physical culture; all paving the way for the day she took her first bellydance lesson around ten years ago – and was hooked.  She fell in love with tribal bellydance some years later; and in 2008 decided it was her fate to study it seriously, and she gained her General Skills Certificate from Carolena Nericcio, the creator of American Tribal Style Bellydance, that same year.  Margo is known for her attention to detail; her passion for creating interesting choreographies; and the fact that she says “Again!!!” all the time.

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Saucy Smooth Fusion Grooves- Zoe

Come and see what all this fusion fuss is about! This workshop will introduce you to the stylistic subtleties that make fusion bellydance so alluring.  The workshop will focus on smooth and slinky combinations and sumptuous layered movements that will give you the chance to really get your 'saucy' on!! You will learn combinations that you can adapt for your choreographies and incorporate into your drill practice at home.  This workshop is suitable for beginners and intermediate students with experience in any style of bellydance.

Level: Beginners to Intermediate (B/I)

Zoe fell in love with bellydance twice and is now lucky enough to be able to teach both loves, oriental and fusion style bellydance in Newcastle, NSW. Zoe has been dancing for approximately 9 years and remains captivated by the delight that bellydance brings to her life.  Zoe has been lucky to have been taught by some amazing Australian and International teachers such as Jill Parker, Elizabeth Strong, Sahira, Fi-Fi Noir .

Zoe is an encouraging, approachable teacher who loves to share the joy of music and dance at any opportunity. 
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"Yes" You Can Play with Zills - Rachel Bond

Don't forget the PLAY in playing! Rachel makes finger cymbals fun and accessible by teaching not only the basics, but also playful ways to develop and remember zill rhythms. As well as finger technique, you will learn several commonly used zill rhythms and tips on varying and combining them creatively. Using simple drills, you will be guided step by step through to being able to play while you dance!

Level: Open to All Levels (O) – especially if you’ve struggled with playing zills while dancing.
Please Note: Bring a properly elasticised pair of zills

Rachel is recognised as a polished, dynamic dancer with a diverse repertoire and a passion for engaging her audience. With many years of training under top local and international teachers, she brings warmth and cultural depth to her dancing and teaching.  Rachel loves the richness and variety that comes from studying both Oriental and Egyptian Folkloric dance, and is inspired by sharing her joy of dance with both students and audiences.
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Fast Sword - Sandy Burrow

ATS
–
Australian 
Tribal
 Sword!  Actually, 
these 
fast 
sword concepts 
can 
apply 
to 
just
 about
 any 
belly
dance 
style.
  Sword 
secrets 
unleashed 
here 
as 
we 
learn
 and
 drill
 some
 impressive
 swinging 
and 
balancing
 techniques 
in
 a
 quick 
and 
effective
 tribal
 style
 choreography.


Level: Intermediate/Advanced (I/A)
Please Note: BYO
 sword 
(light‐weight,
not-
too-
fancy 
preferable).
 & Headband/Headwrap

Las 
Hermanas 
troupe 
member
 and
 director
 of
 performance 
level  troupes
, 
Sandy
 Burrow 
has 
been 
teaching
 ATS 
since 
2003.


 Sandy
 has
 a
 wealth 
of 
experience
 as
 one 
of 
the
 7 
original
 students
 of
 tribal in 
Eastern
 Australia.

  Over
 the
 years, inspired 
by
 many
 dance styles 
and
 teachers 
from USA
 and 
Australia, 
Sandy
 has 
developed
 her 
own 
popular 
tribal
 style,
 introducing
 many
 new 
concepts 
to 
Aussie 
tribal.
 A 
ex‐fitness 
instructor 
and
 on‐and‐off 
yoga
 student
 since 
age
 17, 
Sandy
 brings
 her
 own 
concepts
 in
 her
 safe
 and 
uplifting 
workshops.



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 Ghawazi Technique - Sonya Manzalini

The Egyptian Ghawazi (Gypsy) dance is one the fundamental dance styles that has influenced modern Belly Dance. The movements and steps of the tribes of Egypt and North Africa can be found in current dance belly dance styles ranging from cabaret to tribal fusion. Perfecting and understanding the mechanics of these movements will give you essential elements to incorporate into your own repertoire. This workshop will focus on advanced Ghawazi (gypsy) technique including variations on the Egyptian walk, hip drops and interactive Gypsy steps.  The Egyptian “down” Walk and Shimmy Walk (three quarter shimmy) are signature steps in this style.  Explore the roots of Belly Dance and all its derivations in this workshop.

Level: Beyond Beginners to Advanced (BB/A)

Sonya Manzalini has been involved in belly dance since 1992 , developing the unique Dance of Life style with Gypsy/Ghawazi Belly Dance. Sonya has an excellent reputation as teacher and choreographer, and is skilled at breaking down steps into easy to understand instructions.  Over the years, Sonya has studied with Suraya Hilal and Anne Ashcroft, (among many others) who are world renowned exponents of traditional Egyptian Raqs Sharqi and Ghawazi Dance.

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Fan Veils - Xaeda

Emotive, delicate and sensual Fan Veils can add magic to a performance and take your audience into a world of mystery.

Learn the basics of Fan Veils from how to hold them and open them gracefully to confidant spins and turns, framing the body, keeping the fans moving and adding emotion to your dance. Combining undulating camels, mayas and sensual shimmies with smooth and gracious fan movements Xaeda’s choreograph will awaken the goddess within.

Level: Open - (O) Notes Provided.
Please Note: Bring Fan Veils

Xaeda’s passion for Middle Eastern Dance started the moment she stepped into her first lesson.  Xaeda’s fun-loving approach and her understanding of music and movement, draws her audiences into a kaleidoscope of emotions and gets them dancing along to the Arabic beat. Xaeda is a popular instructor and entertainer and has delighted audiences from around the world. Keeping learning fun, Xaeda’s interactive and positive teaching style assists students of all ages and
abilities to embrace their spirit; develop skills and techniques; and express themselves through Middle Eastern dance.

Xaeda founded The Sacred Lotus School of Middle Eastern Dance and Performance Art on the Mid- North Coast of NSW. She teaches weekly classes and offers workshops, often travelling to surrounding areas to perform and teach workshops at festivals.

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Workshop/Venue Timetable please click here.