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      Focusing on the slow vocabulary of the studio, you will develop core control, control and extend the timing of moves, develop strong form and dramatic stage presence, and learn to lead on both the right & left sides.

*Silhouetting 1:  (no prerequisite)
Using the Level 1 – 1.5 slow vocabulary; Basic silhouette technique, timing control, dancing on both sides, and synchronized group movement.

*Silhouetting 2:  (prerequisite: Level 2 slow moves)
Timing control, graceful transitions, synchronized group movement, surprise passes, and facing duets (all working on both right and left side lead).

*Silhouetting 3:  (prerequisite: Level 3 slow moves)
Using the Level 1 – 3 slow vocabulary; Timing alterations on advanced moves, Glides, Level Changes, Facing & Mirrored duets switching lead sides.

*Silhouetting 4: (prerequisite: Level 4 slow moves)
Using the Level 1 – 4 slow vocabulary; Leading level 4 moves left & right, early move exits (verbal cues), and new Silo specific moves & rotation formations

*Silhouetting 5: (prerequisite: *teacher approval only*)
Using all the Silo vocabulary; Leading left & right, Organic Dancing, New Silo Move Creation, Advanced Formations, and Set Introductions.
You must have mastered the Silo timing, leading (both sides), and the new Silo moves to attend this class. Contact Denise at if you have any questions about this level.

Drills & Zils

v      Drills & Zils 1:  (open level... beginners welcome)
Drill the many "shapes" within belly dance... in this class we will work on isolation drills, to help dancers gain a better understanding of body movement and strengthening.  We will also introduce students to zils (finger cymbals), going over how zil patterns fit with individual moves... 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:  (open level... intermediate level recommended)
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.

Baratnatyam (Classical Indian) with Jaithra Jayakrishnan

v      Bharatnatyam, is an artistic yoga (natya yoga), for revealing the spiritual through the corporeal.  The origin of this art form dates back to 1000 B.C.  Its inspirations come from the sculptures of the ancient temple in Southern India. It is the most widely practiced of Indian classical dances in South India.  It was codified and documented as a performing art in the 19th century.  Bharata Natyam is the manifestation of the ancient idea of the celebration of the eternal universe through the celebration of the beauty of the material body.  Bharata Natyam is considered to be a 'fire dance' ? the mystic manifestation of the metaphysical element of fire in the human body.   It is the most ancient of all the classical dance forms in India, which are based on Natya Shastra, the Bible of the classical Indian dance.  The Natya Shastra reads, "When the world had become steeped in greed and desire, in jealousy and anger, in pleasure and pain, the Supreme One (Brahma) was asked by the people to create an entertainment which could be seen and heard by all, for the scriptures were not enjoyed by the masses, being too learned and ambiguous." "This art is not merely for your pleasure, but exhibits cosmic expression (bhava) for all the worlds.

Jaithra Jayakrishnan has completed four years diploma in Bharatanatyam from Bangalore, India. She has performed in India and USA.

Class Fees:
  - Pay for session in full by December 1st -  $10/class
  - Pay for session in full after December 1st - $12/class
  - Walk-ins - $15/class (cash or check only - space permitting)
  - Video Review - $30/level

To pre-register for Tribal classes click HERE.
     *Checks should be made payable to Vikki Gale.

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.