13 December 2014
05 December 2014
01 December 2014
Costume Workshop; the classic headdress!
Please join me and learn how to create a Classic Headdress! If you can't make it in person, I will *try* to film it and put it up on PowHow.
30 November 2014
18 Nov 2014: L1 and L2 with playlists
Reminder that Country Dance-Nai by Sirocco is not available on iTunes, and therefore not on this playlist. You can purchase the CD here.
20 November 2014
wait for it..15 Nov 2014: L1 Week 2 and L2 Week 8 w/playlist
The two songs at the end of class, Country Dance-Nai and Country Dance-Arghool, are not available on iTunes, so I couldn't add them to the playlist. They are part of a four-song suite on Sirocco Vol. 1.
17 November 2014
Lyrics to Bounce
Thank you Sofia Salazar-Rubio for researching the lyrics for Bounce from the CD Opium Head by Jeremiah Soto and Solace.
And as you may recall, we made a choreography for Bounce, so that we could "nail" the emphatic parts of the song. Here's the link to that blog post.
Sofia says, "Apparently, the lyrics are a poem by 17th Century Pakistani Sufi poet Bulleh Shah.
Not sure the title of the poem, but here are the lyrics with translation."
Diva Bal Ke Mita Le Hanera Ni
(Light a candle and extinguish the darkness)
Kulli Vichon Ni Yaar Lab Le
(Find your beloved in his dwelling)
O Na Kar Maan Rupaiye Waala Ban Ban Ke Na Bage
(Don't be proud of your wealth, you'll never tire of accumulating it)
Vei Na Kar Maan Rupaiye Waala Ban Ban Ke Na Bage
Khara Khota Tu Parakheya Jaave Pave Sharif De Aage
(You keep inspecting to see what is real and what is fake)
Vei Khara Khota Tu Parakheya Jaave Pave Saraf De Aage
O Bolo Poora Tolo Poora Sat Sirre Tere Lage
(Practice what you preach, weigh the truth, beware that it does not come back to haunt you)
O Bolo Poora Tolo Poora Sat Sirre Tere Lage
Bulleh Shah Tu Kaudi Ho Ja Vatta Mul Na Lage
(Bulleh Shah become worthless so that you cannot be appraised)
Kulli Vichon Ni Yaar Lab Le
(Find your beloved in his dwelling)
And as you may recall, we made a choreography for Bounce, so that we could "nail" the emphatic parts of the song. Here's the link to that blog post.
Sofia says, "Apparently, the lyrics are a poem by 17th Century Pakistani Sufi poet Bulleh Shah.
Not sure the title of the poem, but here are the lyrics with translation."
Diva Bal Ke Mita Le Hanera Ni
(Light a candle and extinguish the darkness)
Kulli Vichon Ni Yaar Lab Le
(Find your beloved in his dwelling)
O Na Kar Maan Rupaiye Waala Ban Ban Ke Na Bage
(Don't be proud of your wealth, you'll never tire of accumulating it)
Vei Na Kar Maan Rupaiye Waala Ban Ban Ke Na Bage
Khara Khota Tu Parakheya Jaave Pave Sharif De Aage
(You keep inspecting to see what is real and what is fake)
Vei Khara Khota Tu Parakheya Jaave Pave Saraf De Aage
O Bolo Poora Tolo Poora Sat Sirre Tere Lage
(Practice what you preach, weigh the truth, beware that it does not come back to haunt you)
O Bolo Poora Tolo Poora Sat Sirre Tere Lage
Bulleh Shah Tu Kaudi Ho Ja Vatta Mul Na Lage
(Bulleh Shah become worthless so that you cannot be appraised)
Kulli Vichon Ni Yaar Lab Le
(Find your beloved in his dwelling)
14 November 2014
13 Nov 2014: L3 with playlist
This was a great class! We watched a vintage FCBD® video and looked for the "breath and pulse" that the viewers were experiencing. Very sophisticated stuff. We are forming an Old School Challenge: to keep the moves simple, wear a full headdress and classic costume (in the old days the skirt just hung to the floor...no fancy tucks...so as not to draw attention away from the head and torso of the dancer) and really connect with your partner, like a lifeline. We opened the class with Salamat from Charcoal Gypsies and I demonstrated 4..4..4..4}bang!..4..4..4..4}bang!..4..4..4..4}bang!..4..4..4..4}BANG!
We will make a loose choreo for training purposes so dancers can learn the power of simplicity and strategy. Stay tuned!
06 November 2014
01 November 2014
28 Oct 2014: Week Six L1 and L2 w/playlist
Reminder to the nine dancers that took L2 class last Tuesday...leave a comment and let me know that you are practicing... :)
22 October 2014
11 October 2014
30 September 2014
28 September 2014
The 2nd of Oct is Gandi's birthday and All Animals Day. Let's celebrate with a class dedicated to Compassion..
The 2nd of Oct is Gandi's birthday and All Animals Day. Let's celebrate with a class dedicated to Compassion.
We'll start with an exploration of all aspects of the Moving Meditation; what it means to gesture from the heart, taking in the safety and freedom of the space in which we dance, deeply consider the lotus blossom and it's message to learn from mistakes and bloom brighter with each day, feel the earth support our feet as we trample on her, hear the music and connect with the musicians who create it for us, thank our teachers for giving us knowledge, send a wish and "phone home" to our ancestors and thoughtfully draw all of these elements together as we end again at the heart.
We will exercise patience for the people we dance with, as we strive to cultivate our skill to become better partners and harmonious groups.
Please join me with an open heart and a mind ready to focus on the great gift of Compassion for All Beings.
We'll start with an exploration of all aspects of the Moving Meditation; what it means to gesture from the heart, taking in the safety and freedom of the space in which we dance, deeply consider the lotus blossom and it's message to learn from mistakes and bloom brighter with each day, feel the earth support our feet as we trample on her, hear the music and connect with the musicians who create it for us, thank our teachers for giving us knowledge, send a wish and "phone home" to our ancestors and thoughtfully draw all of these elements together as we end again at the heart.
We will exercise patience for the people we dance with, as we strive to cultivate our skill to become better partners and harmonious groups.
Please join me with an open heart and a mind ready to focus on the great gift of Compassion for All Beings.
19 September 2014
more flowers, part three \o/
When I announced the idea of ATS® defined as Women with Uplifted Arms Holding Flowers, someone came up with this emoticon \o/
I find it to be ... a delightful way to get our point across quickly and without the need for words.
I looked it up, and it is accepted to mean "cheer, yay yay."
If you add two asterisks, it means "cheerleader *\o/*" for obvious reasons :)
I would like to advocate that we use \o/ to indicate our mission of ATS®: Women with Uplifted Arms Holding Flowers.
If you can find a way to actually hold the flowers with an additional keystroke, without crowding our sister cheerleaders, I would be delighted to see it.
And, remember our friend the Johnny Jump Up, found at the secret location that Megha and I have been visiting to write THE BOOK.
I find it to be ... a delightful way to get our point across quickly and without the need for words.
I looked it up, and it is accepted to mean "cheer, yay yay."
If you add two asterisks, it means "cheerleader *\o/*" for obvious reasons :)
I would like to advocate that we use \o/ to indicate our mission of ATS®: Women with Uplifted Arms Holding Flowers.
If you can find a way to actually hold the flowers with an additional keystroke, without crowding our sister cheerleaders, I would be delighted to see it.
And, remember our friend the Johnny Jump Up, found at the secret location that Megha and I have been visiting to write THE BOOK.
15 September 2014
..more flowers, part two
"When centering my thoughts on Tribal Bellydance there is a notable and consistent link between the ancient and the present. Less then 100 years have passed since women found their rights in the United States. Yet there was a time when dance, culture and female expression was essential to the developed world. In ancient India and beyond, women, women’s work, and women’s movement was a cornerstone to the sacred wisdom of the ages.
This changed when the teachings where subjected to war, conflict and religious tyranny, not just one war but many. The peoples who followed the ancient feminine practices and union through, became displaced and were either regarded as whores for the dance or hid their art from common face.
I reference India because it was here the journey began out of Asia into the desert. Many know the road and the way, but I want to bring light to the mystery held captured by those who have gypsy in their soul. This mystery lives in the timeless traditions handed down in city streets, desert lands, and alley ways from one human to another, and like all feminine mysteries, it cannot be killed or distorted.
There is a truth, a link and a clear presence this mystery has, and when you dance it, know it, touch it, it is unmistakable.
Our culture limits our language of such things, but I will attempt to explain.
Imagine there is colored paint on the tips of your fingers. You are painting on an imaginary wall as you outstretch your arm. If done perfectly, with integrity, the image you paint is beautiful. Now imagine your feet and hips have paint and they are making beautiful designs of their own. If done perfectly, this will harmonize with your hands. These images together create a lotus flower in space and time. You cannot see it, but it is there and the feeling will be there too.
This is wonderful, yet limited to an individual. Now add in a group of dancers, ALL with the same perfection. An interwoven lotus flower is created. This movement in a group, becomes holographic. This hologram opens a portal and links us with the timeless and mystical past. The feeling is union.
You know this feeling if you have felt it, and usually it happens by mistake. But, like women's rights or the right to dance as a free person seems so common to us now, the truth is, all things come from dedication, time and practice. So, slow down. You do not dance for yourself, you do not dance to impress others, to sell yourself, or to manipulate this force. Be aware of your movement, feel the Sacred Geometry, and become one with this energy, because it is sacred and ours.
Carolena has somehow taped into this lineage from times past and has effectively channeled the ancient teachings into a modern expression. We cannot say how this has changed the world, but we can say there are thousands of Tribal Bellydancers out in the world because of her. Lets try to honer this work by deepening our own experiences of the energy within the dance and hopefully be blessed with the moments of connection to the force we call the Sacred Feminine.
Thank you Carolena for all that you know, channel, and do."
Written by Priestess Shoshana Des Chenes
Performing Artist
www.priestessworks.com
This changed when the teachings where subjected to war, conflict and religious tyranny, not just one war but many. The peoples who followed the ancient feminine practices and union through, became displaced and were either regarded as whores for the dance or hid their art from common face.
I reference India because it was here the journey began out of Asia into the desert. Many know the road and the way, but I want to bring light to the mystery held captured by those who have gypsy in their soul. This mystery lives in the timeless traditions handed down in city streets, desert lands, and alley ways from one human to another, and like all feminine mysteries, it cannot be killed or distorted.
There is a truth, a link and a clear presence this mystery has, and when you dance it, know it, touch it, it is unmistakable.
Our culture limits our language of such things, but I will attempt to explain.
Imagine there is colored paint on the tips of your fingers. You are painting on an imaginary wall as you outstretch your arm. If done perfectly, with integrity, the image you paint is beautiful. Now imagine your feet and hips have paint and they are making beautiful designs of their own. If done perfectly, this will harmonize with your hands. These images together create a lotus flower in space and time. You cannot see it, but it is there and the feeling will be there too.
This is wonderful, yet limited to an individual. Now add in a group of dancers, ALL with the same perfection. An interwoven lotus flower is created. This movement in a group, becomes holographic. This hologram opens a portal and links us with the timeless and mystical past. The feeling is union.
You know this feeling if you have felt it, and usually it happens by mistake. But, like women's rights or the right to dance as a free person seems so common to us now, the truth is, all things come from dedication, time and practice. So, slow down. You do not dance for yourself, you do not dance to impress others, to sell yourself, or to manipulate this force. Be aware of your movement, feel the Sacred Geometry, and become one with this energy, because it is sacred and ours.
Carolena has somehow taped into this lineage from times past and has effectively channeled the ancient teachings into a modern expression. We cannot say how this has changed the world, but we can say there are thousands of Tribal Bellydancers out in the world because of her. Lets try to honer this work by deepening our own experiences of the energy within the dance and hopefully be blessed with the moments of connection to the force we call the Sacred Feminine.
Thank you Carolena for all that you know, channel, and do."
Written by Priestess Shoshana Des Chenes
Performing Artist
www.priestessworks.com
12 September 2014
ATS®=Women with Uplifted Arms Holding Flowers, part one
When people ask me to define ATS® in a few words, I'm stumped. There are so many things to say about it. But then it occurred to me; Women with Uplifted Arms Holding Flowers.
Yes. If you think of one thing, this is it.
Please send me your photos from around the world of dancer's portraying the image.
Here is Deanna Lawman from the UK...
Yes. If you think of one thing, this is it.
Please send me your photos from around the world of dancer's portraying the image.
Here is Deanna Lawman from the UK...
08 September 2014
ATS® is an International Language, part one: Russia
Each day I watch the news, each day there are more and more stories of discord and strife in the world; this country is not getting along with that country, this culture does not approve of that culture, this person cannot understand that person. And each day I sit by the phone waiting for an invitation from the United Nations to hold a worldwide seminar in American Tribal Style®, because this dance is understood by all dancers and audiences, no matter what language or culture. ATS® is based on non-verbal communication, letting music and natural gesture set our bodies into the motion of leading and following, switching places effortlessly when the time is right. ATS® dancers don't stop to debate or throw stones when someone has a new idea, we just follow the cue and respond to the music. ATS® is the embodiment of harmony between people.
Here is part one of American Tribal Style® is an International Language. Let me know if you have a story about ATS® as an international language.
8 Sep 2014
I'm in St. Petersburg, Russia for Tribal Pura International. Two workshops and a dynamite show, produced by Svetlana Dvoretskaya and Oxana Peslyak. What a wonderful series of events; the organization was perfect, the hospitality-superb!
A few months ago, Sveta told me that she had learned English so she could learn ATS®. I was swept away by this concept and I asked her to write an essay to share with the readers of my Blog.
Have a look at Sveta's ATS® troupe, Ujbaba at Tribal Fest 2014 and enjoy her journey:
"FatChance=New Chance” or “The Great ATS® gate to the new world"
by Svetlana Dvoretskaya
"Once upon a time I felt in love with ATS®.
It happened later. But before…
I was born in USSR. I studied in the typical “Soviet school” in the small city somewhere in Crimea where it was impossible to learn English well. And honestly, in our USSR life we didn`t have any reason WHY and FOR WHAT we should learn it.
My adult life started with almost zero knowledge of English.
All my family moved to Moscow after I finished the school. At that time, Russia started to go to the new international way. The new idea of going abroad on holidays became more and more popular. But Russians still mostly were without English. Without being “normal”.
After years of an office-life I`ve found myself unhappy and decided to do something with it. I started to change my life and occasionally added dancing to my boring business-woman life. First it was cabaret and Egyptian styles of bellydance. I liked it, but it wasn`t fully mine. It wasn`t enough for me.
It was 2006 when I found it. Tribal came to my life and changed it completely and entirely later. If only I knew. Teehee!
It was the beginning moment for tribal in Russia. Somebody had to start this process and to do something with this style. I`ve decided to be this person.
I started to teach ATS® 1 year later. It was difficult. I had only 2 Carolena`s DVD.
I came to Tribal Pura in 2007 in Italy. It was crazy to do it with the language barrier. I realized it only on the place. There was a precipice between us.
No English means no questions, no answers, no help!
But I couldn`t change anything.
I was purposeful. Nothing couldn`t stop me. I`ve been learning ATS® without the “native ATS® language”.
1,5 years in ATS®- diggings.
The end of 2008. It was the moment I got the information that Carolena has started to teach GS. It became the most important plan and the best dream for me. I had to do it as soon as possible. I needed to have the info and to find the right and normal way to teach my lovely ATS®!
I wrote the letter to Carolena about this idea:
“I`m dreaming to come to GS and TT in FCBD® Studio, I`ll try to come to USA (in spite of all problems for Russians with the Visa and others), I`ll do everything I can do for it, etc.”
I`ve beggarly asked her to approve me for this course.
First I wrote a big and very emotional letter in Russian. Then I put it into the “Google translate”… and…emailed to Carolena.
Ahahahha!
Now I know and I am so sorry dear Carolena for this gibberish.
People, don`t do it! It`s stupid and doesn`t help!
I got the reply really soon. With the quaking hands I opened the answer.
She said “YES, you can!... But …(OH MY GOD!!!) If only I`m what??? fluently in English?!?!?”
NOOOOOOOO!!!
It was more than bad news. I`d been crying for 2 days.
I lost the chance to go to GS in San Francisco in February 2008.
And… maybe I lost the chance to do it at all! FOREVER! FATCHANCE!!!
Because it wasn`t possible. Just no way to do it. Never!
For some months I`d been really sad and frustrated.
And then…
News! Next chance in Europe, Finland! August 2009.
STOP! YES, It`s not possible. But…Doesn`t matter! I have to try… at least!
I`ll just check! I know it`s not possible… but… I MUST TRY! I MUST CHECK!
It was February 2009.
6 months in between. WOW!
Well…
It was the hard time. Difficult months for my brain.
I`ve found the best super intensive school in Moscow and some private teachers for learning English. I`ve been studying every day for these MONTHS! I`ve crashed my mind and brain. I`ve paid so much money for it. I`ve tried to put the new culture, emotions, ideas, life in my body in just some months. I had to build the new person inside of me.
I was on the train Moscow-Helsinki in August. I didn`t know was I ready or not.
The customs official opened the door to my train compartment, asked about my passport, talked and joked with me a little bit. Said some funny and good things to me and finally closed the door. I`ve been thinking a minute. And then… SHOCK!!! I realized I`ve been talking with him in ENGLISH! No way! The first door of my new real tribal life was opened!
I wasn`t fluent. But it was enough to start.
I`m still learning. Every day of my life. I`ll spend maybe all my life to learn this language, people, culture, country. I do love it! I`m ready and glad to do it. Still difficult. Still not enough.
But…☺
2014.
I have a lot of friends all over the world. I`m travelling so much and finally I`ve been in so many countries these years! I`m teaching my lovely ATS® abroad in English. Wow! Still can`t believe.
I have my favorite people, real best friends, dancing families and my great teachers in US.
After all these years in July 2013 I came to Devotion and could tell THANKS to Carolena personally and by myself in English! She, FCBD® and ATS® changed my life. Completely. Perfect. It was the best present to myself because of this love. Love to this style, this idea, to my mentor.
I will not tired to tell it again and again:
Thank you for tribal!
Thank you for my English!
Thank you for the tribal people all over the world!
Thank you for my new friends!
Thank you for my new family!
Thank you for my new world!
Thank you for my new happy ME!
Thank you, the Great Tribal Mama C!
P.C. You`ve made it real! This perfect life concept for the dance style: Leading and following. Following ATS®, following your heart, following your love, following your people!
LOVE YOU, Carolena, my perfect leader and following!"
Here is part one of American Tribal Style® is an International Language. Let me know if you have a story about ATS® as an international language.
8 Sep 2014
I'm in St. Petersburg, Russia for Tribal Pura International. Two workshops and a dynamite show, produced by Svetlana Dvoretskaya and Oxana Peslyak. What a wonderful series of events; the organization was perfect, the hospitality-superb!
A few months ago, Sveta told me that she had learned English so she could learn ATS®. I was swept away by this concept and I asked her to write an essay to share with the readers of my Blog.
Have a look at Sveta's ATS® troupe, Ujbaba at Tribal Fest 2014 and enjoy her journey:
"FatChance=New Chance” or “The Great ATS® gate to the new world"
by Svetlana Dvoretskaya
"Once upon a time I felt in love with ATS®.
It happened later. But before…
I was born in USSR. I studied in the typical “Soviet school” in the small city somewhere in Crimea where it was impossible to learn English well. And honestly, in our USSR life we didn`t have any reason WHY and FOR WHAT we should learn it.
My adult life started with almost zero knowledge of English.
All my family moved to Moscow after I finished the school. At that time, Russia started to go to the new international way. The new idea of going abroad on holidays became more and more popular. But Russians still mostly were without English. Without being “normal”.
After years of an office-life I`ve found myself unhappy and decided to do something with it. I started to change my life and occasionally added dancing to my boring business-woman life. First it was cabaret and Egyptian styles of bellydance. I liked it, but it wasn`t fully mine. It wasn`t enough for me.
It was 2006 when I found it. Tribal came to my life and changed it completely and entirely later. If only I knew. Teehee!
It was the beginning moment for tribal in Russia. Somebody had to start this process and to do something with this style. I`ve decided to be this person.
I started to teach ATS® 1 year later. It was difficult. I had only 2 Carolena`s DVD.
I came to Tribal Pura in 2007 in Italy. It was crazy to do it with the language barrier. I realized it only on the place. There was a precipice between us.
No English means no questions, no answers, no help!
But I couldn`t change anything.
I was purposeful. Nothing couldn`t stop me. I`ve been learning ATS® without the “native ATS® language”.
1,5 years in ATS®- diggings.
The end of 2008. It was the moment I got the information that Carolena has started to teach GS. It became the most important plan and the best dream for me. I had to do it as soon as possible. I needed to have the info and to find the right and normal way to teach my lovely ATS®!
I wrote the letter to Carolena about this idea:
“I`m dreaming to come to GS and TT in FCBD® Studio, I`ll try to come to USA (in spite of all problems for Russians with the Visa and others), I`ll do everything I can do for it, etc.”
I`ve beggarly asked her to approve me for this course.
First I wrote a big and very emotional letter in Russian. Then I put it into the “Google translate”… and…emailed to Carolena.
Ahahahha!
Now I know and I am so sorry dear Carolena for this gibberish.
People, don`t do it! It`s stupid and doesn`t help!
I got the reply really soon. With the quaking hands I opened the answer.
She said “YES, you can!... But …(OH MY GOD!!!) If only I`m what??? fluently in English?!?!?”
NOOOOOOOO!!!
It was more than bad news. I`d been crying for 2 days.
I lost the chance to go to GS in San Francisco in February 2008.
And… maybe I lost the chance to do it at all! FOREVER! FATCHANCE!!!
Because it wasn`t possible. Just no way to do it. Never!
For some months I`d been really sad and frustrated.
And then…
News! Next chance in Europe, Finland! August 2009.
STOP! YES, It`s not possible. But…Doesn`t matter! I have to try… at least!
I`ll just check! I know it`s not possible… but… I MUST TRY! I MUST CHECK!
It was February 2009.
6 months in between. WOW!
Well…
It was the hard time. Difficult months for my brain.
I`ve found the best super intensive school in Moscow and some private teachers for learning English. I`ve been studying every day for these MONTHS! I`ve crashed my mind and brain. I`ve paid so much money for it. I`ve tried to put the new culture, emotions, ideas, life in my body in just some months. I had to build the new person inside of me.
I was on the train Moscow-Helsinki in August. I didn`t know was I ready or not.
The customs official opened the door to my train compartment, asked about my passport, talked and joked with me a little bit. Said some funny and good things to me and finally closed the door. I`ve been thinking a minute. And then… SHOCK!!! I realized I`ve been talking with him in ENGLISH! No way! The first door of my new real tribal life was opened!
I wasn`t fluent. But it was enough to start.
I`m still learning. Every day of my life. I`ll spend maybe all my life to learn this language, people, culture, country. I do love it! I`m ready and glad to do it. Still difficult. Still not enough.
But…☺
2014.
I have a lot of friends all over the world. I`m travelling so much and finally I`ve been in so many countries these years! I`m teaching my lovely ATS® abroad in English. Wow! Still can`t believe.
I have my favorite people, real best friends, dancing families and my great teachers in US.
After all these years in July 2013 I came to Devotion and could tell THANKS to Carolena personally and by myself in English! She, FCBD® and ATS® changed my life. Completely. Perfect. It was the best present to myself because of this love. Love to this style, this idea, to my mentor.
I will not tired to tell it again and again:
Thank you for tribal!
Thank you for my English!
Thank you for the tribal people all over the world!
Thank you for my new friends!
Thank you for my new family!
Thank you for my new world!
Thank you for my new happy ME!
Thank you, the Great Tribal Mama C!
P.C. You`ve made it real! This perfect life concept for the dance style: Leading and following. Following ATS®, following your heart, following your love, following your people!
LOVE YOU, Carolena, my perfect leader and following!"
01 September 2014
28 Aug 2014; L3 Drills&Improv w/playlist
I was not able to find Uncle Mafufuo's Simple Solo, but you can find it on Sirocco Vol. 1 at the FCBD® Shop.
Also, remember from previous posts that Nutcracker in FCBD® language refers to the last 5 min 20 seconds of Roah Albi.
26 August 2014
21 Aug 2014: L3 w/playlist
21 August 2014
14 August 2014
visiting the temple of Quan Yin
Before I left Missouri I wanted to see the statue of Quan Yin at the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City...
We walked down a few hallways...and there she was...
I was transfixed...we felt her energy when we walked into her room...
I am very, very happy. Thank you Susan Warner and Jenn Kasper for arranging my visit.
She is eight feet tall...magnificent, benevolent, commanding...
09 August 2014
08 August 2014
Playlist for GS Modern Day 1, 8 Aug 2014
This playlist includes my favorite drum solo, Rejoicing in Upper Egypt by Musicians of the Nile. A piece of music that is so powerful it literally moves your body. A true example of Flow.
07 August 2014
28 July 2014
26 Jul 2014; L1, L2 and L3 Crafting An ATS® Set
What a day!
Dance Fundamentals L1 was a home run! We covered Bodywave, Arabic and Trios and left no stone unturned.
Tribal Combination L2, a study in elegance; the Propeller and Corkscrew Turns.
Drills/Improv L3, real life planning as we Crafted An ATS® Set.
As always, let me know your thought so I know you're out there...
Dance Fundamentals L1 was a home run! We covered Bodywave, Arabic and Trios and left no stone unturned.
Tribal Combination L2, a study in elegance; the Propeller and Corkscrew Turns.
Drills/Improv L3, real life planning as we Crafted An ATS® Set.
As always, let me know your thought so I know you're out there...
25 July 2014
15 Jul 2014; L3 deeper bodywave, strong arm 123, waterpot w/playlist
We explored the concept of a "deeper" bodywave, something between and deep bodywave and a layback.
For the strong arm and variations 123, we made sure the hands were lyrical throughout, because not much is happening with the body.
And the water pot, well, we tried not to fall over!
As always, let me know your thoughts so I know that you are out there...
19 July 2014
Sister Studio Survey part 2
Sister Studio Survey part 2
Hi everyone, Terri here again. In my previous note about the Sister Studio Survey, I shared information with you about the survey results. The survey was extremely helpful to us at FCBD®. Thank you to the Sister Studios for taking time to complete it. We take your input very seriously and have been working hard since we got the results this winter to provide you with new opportunities for continued training and to develop responses to your requests.
I am going to go bullet by bullet to tell you how we are responding to your feedback!
You told us what you wanted FCBD® to do to support you in your TEACHING. You made the following suggestions:
Offer online classes
If you haven’t heard about the Powhow classes yet, then you have to visit the FatChanceBellyDance® Studio on Powhow right now! We have published Level 1 and Level 2 classes and Monthly Membership packages. We are working on adding Level 3 classes and a Level 3 Monthly Membership. Share your ideas with us at fcbd@fcbd.com if there is a particular class you are looking for. We want to bring the FCBD® studio to YOU!
Ability to video classes of yourself teaching and have them critiqued
Many of you are interested in having feedback on your teaching skills. Carolena has always offered this in her 1:1 sessions, but maybe we haven’t always been clear that you could meet with her for that kind of feedback. Carolena loves helping you with your teaching skills. You can schedule a private lesson with her via Powhow.
More FCBD® workshops in Europe
Since Carolena has been staying a bit closer to home, trying only to travel once a month, FCBD® instructors are making their rounds across the world. Please let us know if you want to schedule a workshop by emailing fcbd@fcbd.com. Additionally, Carolena and Megha will be offering 2 international General Skills and Teacher Training Intensives annually. Finally, Megha is interested in travelling to Europe primarily in the summer months to teach. Please let us know if you would like her to come for your event.
Specialty training for SS
Carolena and Megha have created several new programs for advanced training for Sister Studios. Visit the Tribal Pura Int'l web site to find all of the details.
Workshops geared toward teachers
Nearly 100% of the Sister Studios are currently teaching. Many of you asked for help with teaching whether 1:1 feedback, workshops or an annual conference. We are responding to your request in several ways. First, Megha will be offering a “Teaching Tips” blog. You can ask her your questions (anonymously if you wish) and she will respond in her column. Additionally, Carolena will be creating more workshops that allow you to explore teaching dynamics. Finally, now that we have an annual conference established (ATS® Homecoming), we will add workshops addressed at helping dancers become better teachers.
Instructional books like new companion guide
Carolena is delighted to get such positive feedback on the first companion guide, American Tribal Style® Classic, Vol. 1. More are on the way!
Advanced skills training
Carolena has been pretty public about her support for this idea. You have been quite emphatic about wanting advanced training. Check our web site for more details about the new Advanced Teacher Training.
Hi everyone, Terri here again. In my previous note about the Sister Studio Survey, I shared information with you about the survey results. The survey was extremely helpful to us at FCBD®. Thank you to the Sister Studios for taking time to complete it. We take your input very seriously and have been working hard since we got the results this winter to provide you with new opportunities for continued training and to develop responses to your requests.
I am going to go bullet by bullet to tell you how we are responding to your feedback!
You told us what you wanted FCBD® to do to support you in your TEACHING. You made the following suggestions:
Offer online classes
If you haven’t heard about the Powhow classes yet, then you have to visit the FatChanceBellyDance® Studio on Powhow right now! We have published Level 1 and Level 2 classes and Monthly Membership packages. We are working on adding Level 3 classes and a Level 3 Monthly Membership. Share your ideas with us at fcbd@fcbd.com if there is a particular class you are looking for. We want to bring the FCBD® studio to YOU!
Ability to video classes of yourself teaching and have them critiqued
Many of you are interested in having feedback on your teaching skills. Carolena has always offered this in her 1:1 sessions, but maybe we haven’t always been clear that you could meet with her for that kind of feedback. Carolena loves helping you with your teaching skills. You can schedule a private lesson with her via Powhow.
More FCBD® workshops in Europe
Since Carolena has been staying a bit closer to home, trying only to travel once a month, FCBD® instructors are making their rounds across the world. Please let us know if you want to schedule a workshop by emailing fcbd@fcbd.com. Additionally, Carolena and Megha will be offering 2 international General Skills and Teacher Training Intensives annually. Finally, Megha is interested in travelling to Europe primarily in the summer months to teach. Please let us know if you would like her to come for your event.
Specialty training for SS
Carolena and Megha have created several new programs for advanced training for Sister Studios. Visit the Tribal Pura Int'l web site to find all of the details.
Workshops geared toward teachers
Nearly 100% of the Sister Studios are currently teaching. Many of you asked for help with teaching whether 1:1 feedback, workshops or an annual conference. We are responding to your request in several ways. First, Megha will be offering a “Teaching Tips” blog. You can ask her your questions (anonymously if you wish) and she will respond in her column. Additionally, Carolena will be creating more workshops that allow you to explore teaching dynamics. Finally, now that we have an annual conference established (ATS® Homecoming), we will add workshops addressed at helping dancers become better teachers.
Instructional books like new companion guide
Carolena is delighted to get such positive feedback on the first companion guide, American Tribal Style® Classic, Vol. 1. More are on the way!
Advanced skills training
Carolena has been pretty public about her support for this idea. You have been quite emphatic about wanting advanced training. Check our web site for more details about the new Advanced Teacher Training.
17 July 2014
Sister Studio Survey part 1
Hi All,
Terri Allred, Business Consultant for FatChanceBellyDance® wants to talk to you about the results of the Sister Studio Survey that many of you completed for us this past winter. Terri, take it away!
---Carolena
---
Hi everyone,
This winter, many of the FatChanceBellyDance® Sister Studios completed a survey for us. You answered a variety of questions about your training, teaching and other dance certifications. Most importantly, you gave us valuable feedback about what you wanted from FatChanceBellyDance®.
In the next couple of days, you will find the full story about how we are responding to your suggestions in the July/August issue of Zaghareet! Magazine. It is in the mail right now! Until you receive your copy, I thought it would be useful to share some of the important information that we gathered in the survey. If you don’t subscribe to Zaghareet! here is the link to get your subscription- http://zaghareet.freeservers.com/magazine.html
Thank you to those who took the time to complete the survey. A whopping 80% of Sister Studios responded, giving me a really great picture of what is happening with you. Here are some interesting nuggets:
Participation in Intensive Trainings:
All of the Sister Studios have taken General Skills one time, although 18% have taken GS two or more times.
All of the Sister Studios have taken Teacher Training one time, although 8% have taken TT two or more times.
Only about 1/3 of you have taken The Business of ATS®.
Most of the Sister Studios would like to take GS and TT again, but have not done so because you could not afford it.
Dancers who attended multiple times, did so because of the following reasons:
Too much to absorb at once
Different goals each time (e.g., first time through was fine tuning steps, second time was looking for concepts to apply across all movements)
Refresher to stay current
Take the presentation of Carolena’s vision seriously
Teaching:
Everyone who completed the survey teaches (or have taught 8%) ATS®.
Most folks rent space (58%) although 12% own their own studio. 17% teach out of their home.
Only 18% of respondents report that dance related activities are their primary source of income.
Most respondents teach workshops outside of their normal class schedule (70%).
Most of you stay regularly connected to the Mothership. This is how:
FCBD® Forum- 17%
Director’s Cut Blog- 17%
Fireside ChATS®- 14%
FCBD® workshops- 13%
Facebook- 19%
FCBD® newsletter- 16%
You told us what you wanted FCBD® to do more to support you in your TEACHING. You suggested:
Offer online classes
Ability to video classes of me teaching and have them critiqued
More FCBD® workshops in Europe
Specialty training for SS
Workshops geared toward teachers
Annual teachers workshop
Instructional books like new companion guide
Advanced skills training-mentioned MANY times
Big FCBD® SS convention
Biggest support is taking FCBD® classes
Workshops on how to teach more effectively- also a popular suggestion
Info on how you teach classes at FCBD®- drills, other intangibles
Seen lots of mention of a new format- gratitude, posture, formations
Thanks for sharing your ideas on the blog
Online school similar to Datura
Further certification
Drill videos intended for instructors
Have to take certain number of workshops a year to maintain certification
You shared what you wanted FCBD® to do to support you in your BUSINESS-
Easy access to logos and brands
Class posters/business card templates
Discounted merchandise for SS (not just wholesale discounts)
Mention local SS events in FCBD® newsletter (and offer a place on web to post)
Want to have FCBD® postcards and info cards in studio, but can’t afford them
Business consulting in addition to Tribal Council
More certification opportunities
Help marketing the SS status
Stay tuned for the Sister Studio Survey part 2 to hear how we are responding to your needs!
Thanks,
Terri
Terri Allred, Business Consultant for FatChanceBellyDance® wants to talk to you about the results of the Sister Studio Survey that many of you completed for us this past winter. Terri, take it away!
---Carolena
---
Hi everyone,
This winter, many of the FatChanceBellyDance® Sister Studios completed a survey for us. You answered a variety of questions about your training, teaching and other dance certifications. Most importantly, you gave us valuable feedback about what you wanted from FatChanceBellyDance®.
In the next couple of days, you will find the full story about how we are responding to your suggestions in the July/August issue of Zaghareet! Magazine. It is in the mail right now! Until you receive your copy, I thought it would be useful to share some of the important information that we gathered in the survey. If you don’t subscribe to Zaghareet! here is the link to get your subscription- http://zaghareet.freeservers.com/magazine.html
Thank you to those who took the time to complete the survey. A whopping 80% of Sister Studios responded, giving me a really great picture of what is happening with you. Here are some interesting nuggets:
Participation in Intensive Trainings:
All of the Sister Studios have taken General Skills one time, although 18% have taken GS two or more times.
All of the Sister Studios have taken Teacher Training one time, although 8% have taken TT two or more times.
Only about 1/3 of you have taken The Business of ATS®.
Most of the Sister Studios would like to take GS and TT again, but have not done so because you could not afford it.
Dancers who attended multiple times, did so because of the following reasons:
Too much to absorb at once
Different goals each time (e.g., first time through was fine tuning steps, second time was looking for concepts to apply across all movements)
Refresher to stay current
Take the presentation of Carolena’s vision seriously
Teaching:
Everyone who completed the survey teaches (or have taught 8%) ATS®.
Most folks rent space (58%) although 12% own their own studio. 17% teach out of their home.
Only 18% of respondents report that dance related activities are their primary source of income.
Most respondents teach workshops outside of their normal class schedule (70%).
Most of you stay regularly connected to the Mothership. This is how:
FCBD® Forum- 17%
Director’s Cut Blog- 17%
Fireside ChATS®- 14%
FCBD® workshops- 13%
Facebook- 19%
FCBD® newsletter- 16%
You told us what you wanted FCBD® to do more to support you in your TEACHING. You suggested:
Offer online classes
Ability to video classes of me teaching and have them critiqued
More FCBD® workshops in Europe
Specialty training for SS
Workshops geared toward teachers
Annual teachers workshop
Instructional books like new companion guide
Advanced skills training-mentioned MANY times
Big FCBD® SS convention
Biggest support is taking FCBD® classes
Workshops on how to teach more effectively- also a popular suggestion
Info on how you teach classes at FCBD®- drills, other intangibles
Seen lots of mention of a new format- gratitude, posture, formations
Thanks for sharing your ideas on the blog
Online school similar to Datura
Further certification
Drill videos intended for instructors
Have to take certain number of workshops a year to maintain certification
You shared what you wanted FCBD® to do to support you in your BUSINESS-
Easy access to logos and brands
Class posters/business card templates
Discounted merchandise for SS (not just wholesale discounts)
Mention local SS events in FCBD® newsletter (and offer a place on web to post)
Want to have FCBD® postcards and info cards in studio, but can’t afford them
Business consulting in addition to Tribal Council
More certification opportunities
Help marketing the SS status
Stay tuned for the Sister Studio Survey part 2 to hear how we are responding to your needs!
Thanks,
Terri
15 Jul; Dance Fundamentals L1 Week 3 Zils!
I always have mixed feelings about teaching Zils on Week 3. I love playing my zils and dancing at the same time, but I do remember how vexing it was when I first encountered the concept as a student.
But this class went really well! It progressed like this:
- Meet your Zils
- It's good to wear your Zils while dancing with the Slow Steps so you can get used to wearing them and allow the heavy thumb and middle finger to create a graceful hand.
- RLR- pattern while walking
- RLR-pattern in arm cycling exercise to Baladi Unplugged
- RLR- pattern while dancing in Egyptian Basic and 1/2 Turn
There were some confused looks during the class, but when the fog lifted everyone admitted that it was fun. Or, would be fun at some point in the future!
Tribal Combinations L2 was good as well. It was Week 3, Chorus and Reach & Sit. I really believe that once you've made it through L3W3, you have all the concepts that you need to understand ATS®. After that it's just more steps and refinement.
Let me know your thoughts!
07 July 2014
5 Jul: L1L2 and playlist
05 July 2014
2 Jul; L3 and playlist
Plus, how to work with a masterly piece of music with lots of texture and how to create texture with a rather simple piece of music.
If you are reading my Blog, please leave a comment so I know you are out there! Thanks.
12 June 2014
07 June 2014
L1 Week 3, L2 Week 9 and L3 Sevillanas Shell Game update with Playlist and Video
We made some changes to the Sevillanas Shell Game because it was to clunky with 5 Sevs.
Now there are 3 Sevs. One as the leader cues and turns 1 1/2 times to face the followers in the circle, one as everyone starts the Shell Game, and one as everyone resets. This made it more bouncy and active. Video below, please enjoy!
The two songs listed in the class notes that are not available for the Playlist are:
Arabian Nights by Hossam Ramzy
Encuentros Final by Jose` Heredia Maya
28 May 2014
Sevillanas Shell Game!
On Saturday 24 May, we created a new Movement Dialect; a cue, formation and combo using the Egyptian Sevillanas Step.
You can find the Sevillanas Step on Tribal Basics Vol. 9 Anatomy of a Step.
We created a cue for the step, by looking over your left shoulder on 1. That helped me to feel more confident about the Sevillanas, since it explodes out of a Basic Egyptian without any warning!
Then we looked at the formation that we call The Shell Game. You can see where it came from in both the Camel Passing Trio and the Choo-choo Arc Arm on Vol. 9 as well.
Lastly, we added 4 Sevillanas to create the combo and viola! A Movement Dialect is born!
The combo consists of one Sev to face in, one Sev as you step a little closer towards the other two dancers, one Sev for the first pass and one Sev for the last path.
Note that stepping toward the circle differentiates from taking the Sev in a circle to the right-for that we take a step away from the other dancers.
It was a truly collaborative effort. Everyone contributed and although there was a chaos of ideas and voices flying around, no one freaked out because we all felt heard (the mediator in me... :)
You can see the combo and the circling in the video below. Enjoy!
You can find the Sevillanas Step on Tribal Basics Vol. 9 Anatomy of a Step.
We created a cue for the step, by looking over your left shoulder on 1. That helped me to feel more confident about the Sevillanas, since it explodes out of a Basic Egyptian without any warning!
Then we looked at the formation that we call The Shell Game. You can see where it came from in both the Camel Passing Trio and the Choo-choo Arc Arm on Vol. 9 as well.
Lastly, we added 4 Sevillanas to create the combo and viola! A Movement Dialect is born!
The combo consists of one Sev to face in, one Sev as you step a little closer towards the other two dancers, one Sev for the first pass and one Sev for the last path.
Note that stepping toward the circle differentiates from taking the Sev in a circle to the right-for that we take a step away from the other dancers.
It was a truly collaborative effort. Everyone contributed and although there was a chaos of ideas and voices flying around, no one freaked out because we all felt heard (the mediator in me... :)
You can see the combo and the circling in the video below. Enjoy!
01 May 2014
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