CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tribal Belly Dance: 
Tribal Style Belly Dance is a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern Dance and folkloric dance movements from India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.  Performed as a “tribe” using synchronized group improvisation, each group develops its own vocabulary of controlled, earthy, and mesmerizing movements and cues, allowing a “lead and follow” format.  One of the most rewarding aspects of this dance is the camaraderie that develops between dancers from working so closely in an improvisational setting.  Each dancer learns to communicate through body language and is mentally aware of her partners at all times.

Level 1: Intro to Tribal Basics

v      Basic moves, posture, isolations, intro to veils, intro to partner dancing

Level 1.5: Transitions and Cues (prerequisite:  ability to execute all Level I moves comfortably and clearly)

v      Creating smooth transitions between steps, introduction to cues used in group improv dancing, musicality, and introduction to zils.

Level 2: Extending Tribal Basics (prerequisite:  ability to execute, lead, and cue all Level I moves comfortably and clearly)

v      Expanding basic vocabulary, variations of basic moves, cues & transitions, group improvisation, extending zils

Level 2.5: Intro to Formations & Dynamics (prerequisite:  ability to execute, cue, and lead all Level II moves comfortably and clearly)

v      You have the moves and the cues... now learn what to do with them!  You will begin using different formations, learn new ways to transition between leaders, learn new methods for switching sides, all while becoming more comfortable dancing your current vocabulary of moves.

Level 3: Beyond the Basics (attendance with instructor approval only)

v      Advanced moves/combinations, group improvisation, group formations

Level 3.5:  Formations & Dynamics (prerequisite:  ability to execute, cue, and lead all level III moves comfortably and clearly)

v      Interact with fellow dancers to make this dance more exciting... work on partnering dynamics and formation variations.  This class offers everything you need to give an exceptionally exciting stage performance!

Level 4: Advanced Tribal (attendance with instructor approval only)

v      Advanced moves/combinations, group improvisation, group formations

Silhouetting:

v      Develop your slow lead & follow skills using a series of free form dance exercises that focus on bringing the moves, timing, and energy of two dancers into balance. Classes will focus on developing and synchronizing strong graceful body movements as a duet and extend into group dynamics.

*Silhouetting Basics:  prerequisite: Level 1 slow moves)
Using the Level 1 – 1.5 slow vocabulary; the session focuses on the basic silhouette technique, hand/arm movements, Florio isolation, slowing down figure eight moves, and synchronized group movement during rotation fade.

*Silhouetting 2:  (prerequisite: Level 2 slow moves)
Using the Level 1 – 2 slow vocabulary; timing control exercises, graceful body transitions between moves, Torso Rotation control, synchronized Body Wave in fade/wheel rotations, and facing mirrored duets.

*Silhouetting 3:  (prerequisite: Level 3 slow moves)
Using the Level 1 – 3 slow vocabulary; Layback exercises, Torso rotation v/s Camel combo, Level Changes, Maya w/arms group rotation, and organic group dancing

*Silhouetting 3.5:  (prerequisite: Level 3 slow moves)
Using the Level 1 – 3 slow vocabulary; Group dynamics; mirrored duets, organic formations, and set entrances

*Silhouetting 4:  (prerequisite: Level 4 slow moves)
Using the Level 1 – 4 slow vocabulary; Laybacks in the advanced 4 moves (Hand Florios, Torso Twist, Camel Combo Turning), Level Changes, Group dynamics cont.

Drills & Zils

v      Drills & Zils 1:  Drill the many "shapes" within belly dance... in this class we will work on isolation drills, traveling moves, and putting moves together to create combos.  We will also work through different zil rhythms... this is an excellent opportunity for those who have struggled with zils to break them down and learn how they fit with individual moves.
v      Drills & Zils 2:  Drill the many "shapes" within belly dance... in this class we will focus on layering, spins, shimmies, and advanced travel techniques.  We will also look at advanced zil rhythms and exercises.  This class is great for the brain as well as the body, and an excellent place to work on solo dance skills and to over all improve your dance repertoire.

Skills, Drills, & Soloing

v      This class is designed to help each dancer refine the skills that she has in order to enhance her technique and soloing ability.  We will focus heavily on drilling fundamental movements, traveling moves, and layering - both with and without zills.  There will also be a variety of exercises designed to help each dancer tune in to her individual dance style.  This class is great for the brain as well as the body - an excellent place improve your technique, whether your goal is to solo or simply to expand your dance repertoire.

Sword 1

v      The sword is one of the most exciting and captivating props you can add to your dance!  It adds an essence of power and strength, leaving audience members on the edge of their seats with a sense of nervous thrill.  In this class you will learn the basic of sword handling & care, go through a series of strengthening exercises, drill a variety of moves while becoming comfortable with balancing your sword on your head, learn a series of balanced and non-balanced moves, and develop lead & follow skills with your sword.
**We have a few extra swords available for use... please let me know immediately if you would like to reserve a sword for class use.

Class Fees:
  - Pay for session in full by March 1st -  $120 for 12 weeks / $110 for 11 weeks / $100 for 10 weeks
  - Pay for session in full after March 1st - $144 for 12 weeks / $132 for 11 weeks / $120 for 10 weeks
  - $15/walk-ins  (cash or check only - space permitting)

To pre-register for Tribal classes click HERE.

Tribal Bellies Dance Studio
(Located inside Body Dynamics Fitness Center, 1st floor, back right corner)
1810 County Line Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA  19006
215-504-9732 - Vikki Gale

• Bordering Southampton & Huntingdon Valley, our studio is just minutes from Lower Bucks County, Northeast Philly, and Montgomery County!

**For classes at other studio locations click HERE.

CLASS POLICIES:

Please arrive with enough time to change in the locker room if necessary and so that you may begin class on time.  If you need to sign up for class, make a payment, or discuss any other business with your teacher, please arrive early to take care of this in the time between classes.  Students will get the most benefit out of class if they attend regularly.

CLASS ATTIRE:

Students should dress in exercise wear so they are comfortable and have full range of movement.  Clothing should be tighter rather than looser to make it easy for your teacher to see your body doing the movements. You do not have to bare your belly if you do not want to.  Please do not wear jeans or other street clothes.  We normally dance in bare feet, but dance slippers or other soft sole shoes may be worn if preferred.  Though the studio is heated/air conditioned, the studio tends to be warmer during the summer months and cooler during the winter months... please dress accordingly.  Hip Scarves and Veils will be available for students to use in class.