Tribal Pura International Workshop Descriptions

Thanks for your interest in creating a magical ATS® event! We start with a 30 minute warm-up each day.

Our workshops are divided into subject area including; warm ups, core classes, step families, finishing classes, master classes and lecture classes.

For a one day workshop or the first day of a multiple day workshop, we recommend True Tribal Basics & Tribal Combinations and Improvisational Choreography. This will get the whole class up to speed on the core aspects of the dance.

For a two day workshop choose several Step Families, Finishing Classes or one Master Class. Plan for a 6-hour day to allow for a one hour lunch, breaks and time to shop and socialize. We look forward to working with you!

Workshop Descriptions

Warm Ups

Belly Dance Aerobic Warm-up

Time:30 minutes
Taught by Carolena

Limber up and get your blood flowing with this fun and stimulating warm up and stretch.

Temple Dance Poses for Stretching and Dancing

Time: 30 Minutes

Learn Indian temple dance poses for stretching and dancing. Inspired by images of dancers in India and the FCBD® Woman Power Workout DVD.

Core Classes

True Tribal Basics & Tribal Combinations

Time: 2 hours

Using fun combinations, we’ll break down several basic movements and their correct technique from the Tribal vocabulary; Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations, Camel Walk, Torso Twist, Circle Step, Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos.

Improvisational Choreography and Drills for Leading and Following

Time: 2 hours

Embrace the classic ATS® formations of Duet, Trio, Diagonal, Quartet, Circle, Fade and Chorus. Understand how to “read” the stage and “flow” into and out of these magical formations. Dueling Duets and Flipping the Front if time allows.

*Dancers should know the basics of Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations, Camel Walk, Torso Twist, Circle Step, Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos. Or be preceded by True Tribal Basics & Tribal Combinations.

StepFamilies

Shimmies!

Time: 1 hour

The shimmy is the bounce in a healthy woman’s step. If you’re a woman you were born with it-you just have to learn how to use it!

Basic Shimmy magic; the mechanics of how it works; Walking Shimmy, Turkish Shimmy, Reverse Shimmy, Arabic Shimmy, Wet Dog, Shoulder Shimmy/Hip Drop, Ghawazee Shimmy Combo, Turkish Shimmy w/arms and turn and circle (TSWAAT.)*Dancers should know the basics of Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos. Or be preceded by True Tribal Basics & Tribal Combinations.

Arabic Variations

Time: 1 hour

Arabic shimmy, Arabic 123, Arabic Hip Twist w/half turn+Flourish, Arabic Orbit, Arabic Shimmy w/arms and turn and fade and circle (ASWAAT.)

Pivot Bump and Choo Choo Variations

Time: 1 hour

Reach and Sit, Arc Arms, Up2 Down3 w/military zil pattern, Double bump, Single bump w/half turn, Chico, Reshamka.

*Dancers should know Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations, Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos.

Sweet and Spicy Zils

Time: 1 hour or 2 hours*

Yes, you can play zils and dance at the same time! Learn how to hold your zils so you can play fast, what to do with your zils during a slow song, which zils are right for you, how to get a consistent sound, and a few other tricks.

We’ll look at five Tribal Zil patterns (Basic RLR, Alternating RL, Military, Moroccan Six, Baladi) and apply them to your dance.

*Recommended but not mandatory: Dancers should know the basics of Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos. Dancers without knowledge of the basic steps can drill finger cymbal patterns during the dance segment.

*1 hour: zil basics and RLR, 2 hours: zip basics and 5 rhythms

The Trick to Spins and Turns

Time: 2 hours

Understand how to position the body so that you don’t have to work as hard, or get as dizzy. This class will cover the slow turns; Propellor, Corkscrew, Reverse, Wrap Around, Barrel and Sahra Turns as well as the fast Calibrated and Partner Spins.

*Dancers should know the basics of Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations, Camel Walk, Torso Twist, Circle Step, Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos. Or be preceded by True Tribal Basics & Tribal Combinations.

Something Old, Something New, Something  Borrowed, Something ATS®

Time: 1-2 hours

Join Carolena and Mehga as we explore new steps contributed by our Sister Studios, and a few by FCBD®, including Dueling Duets. We’ll look at the steps and combos through the “ATS® filter” and you’ll understand the artistry and logic of creating a new step.

*Dancers should know the basics of Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations, Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos.

Finishing Classes

Powerful Presence

Time: 1 hour

Wimpy entrances and endings can kill your show! Learn how to command the audience’s attention with a powerful entrance and end your set with a bang.

*Dancers should know the basics of Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations, Camel Walk, Torso Twist, Circle Step, Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos.

Crafting an ATS® Performance Set

Time: 2 hours

The fine art of crafting a performance. Students will be challenged with a set of music and performance situations based on real life (a small party, a big outdoor festival, etc.) We will form small groups, discuss and drill through the songs in the set, choose who is dancing to which song, rehearse again, critique the progress and then present our virtual show.

*Dancers must know (I mean, really be able to do it!) the basics of Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations, Camel Walk, Torso Twist, Circle Step, Shimmy, Arabic Basic, Egyptian Basic, Pivot Bumps and Choo-choos. Also, be able to use ATS® formations: Duet, Trio, Diagonal, Quartet and Chorus. Please review the FCBD® dvds Vol. 1-7 if necessary. Your success in this class relies on your ability to communicate (non-verbally!) with the other dancers.

Master Classes (for the very brave!)

Beyond Basics: Bellyrolls and Flutters

Time: 1 hour
Taught by Carolena

For advanced students; the anatomy of bellyrolls and flutters, technique and application.

*Dancers should know the basics of Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo and Arm Undulations.

Beyond Basics: Floorwork and Laybacks

Time: 2 hours

For advanced students; the anatomy of floorwork and laybacks; technique and application. Kneepads recommended.

*Dancers should know the basics of Taxeem, Bodywave, Hand Floreo, Arm Undulations, Propellor Turn and Levels.

Lecture Series (no dancing)

Your Muscles, Your Body, Your Dance

Time: 1 hour
Taught by Carolena

Understanding the major muscle groups can help you refine and intensify Tribal Bellydance steps and gestures. Not a workout but a lecture focusing on the form and function of the muscle system and how it relates to natural and dance movement. Plus a special section on stage presence and facial posture! All levels, all styles of dance welcome.

Make-up and Costume for Tribal Style Dance

Time: 1 hour

The art and application of stage make-up and costume (mostly headwraps) for Tribal Style. Participants should bring their own make-up and head wrap materials (details available.)

What is ATS®?

Time: 1 hour

The history and evolution of ATS® presented in a lecture.

Refining Your Teaching Skills

Time: 1 hour

Tips and tricks for effective teaching presented in a slide show and lecture.

Basic Music Theory for Tribal Dance (currently unavailable)

Time: 1 hour
Taught by Carolena

Beats, measures, phrases, pulse, tempo, rhythms, melodies, instruments. An essential key to understanding Tribal Style music using the elegance of mathematics. Zils recommended.

For a complete list of the current Tribal Pura Workshops, visit our schedule.