DESCRIPTION OF COURSE CONTENT

Body conditioning and relaxation: suitable for all ages
Conditioning mind and body to improve our experience of dance and wellbeing. We will focus on yoga stretches, strengthening exercises, Qi Gong and relaxation.

Basics 1 (A & B): No experience necessary/Beginners body awareness recommended
Basic ATS dance vocabulary including fast and slow movements. Body posture, body awareness, use of finger cymbals (zills) and basic Qi gong. A choreography will be taught to assist in the transitions between movements.
(You will need finger cymbals -available from us or retail outlets) Two terms of Basics 1 is recommended.

Basics 2 (A& B): Prerequisite is 1-2 terms of Basics 1
We will build on the basics 1 dance vocabulary –learning the more complex steps of tribal style. A choreography will be taught to assist in the transitions between movements. Learn to dance while playing the zills!!! Two terms of Basics 2 is recommended.

Technique and improvisation: Open to all levels
This course consolidates technique of movements learnt from Basics 1 and Basics 2 (a total of 45 moves!) There will be a focus on smooth transition between fast and slow movements.
Learn to improvise with confidence and presence. Simple formations will also be taught. Great for any tribal dancer wanting more practice with improv!

Intermediate 1: Prerequisite is 2 terms Basics 2
Intemediate 1 completes our learning of the sacred tribal dance voaculary where more advanced movements are taught. We will learn more cues and transitions to enable us to improvise with sister dancers. Each class will include a zill drill- to improve our zilling while we dance!

Intermediate 2: Prerequisite is at least one term of Intermediate 1

This class focuses on polishing up advanced movements as well as incorporating new movements into our vocabulary such as spins and floor work sequences. There will be lots of time for IMPROVISING which is what this dance is all about! Various zill rhythms and basic veil technique will also be taught.

Improvisation for Chorus Troupe: Open to all students who have attended at least 1 term of Int 1
This class will focus on entering/exiting the stage, chorus work, formations, zilling, stage presence and interaction between dancers.

TRIBAL FOR FUN
This fast paced class is for students of all levels –great way to get fit and have some fun (forget the gym!) You will learn a new combination each week and incorporate itin to lots of improvising exercises. Great for students who want to keep it fun (without so much emphasis on technique) and for those wanting lots of practice improvising

INDIAN FUSION *Some belly dance experience essential (WILL BE OFFERED IN 2008)
Explore this beautiful fusion of Indian and Oriental dance. Learn how to incorporate new moves I have created which can be easily adapted into the tribal format. Indian body positions, extra embellishments, simple mudras and much more!

Tribal Fusion: some belly dance experience recommended (WILL BE OFFERED IN 2008)

Tribal fusion will incorporate isolations, the breaking down of movement and learning about what muscles are used for each movement. We will learn a series of combinations each week to broaden your dancing style. Tribal fusion embraces a blend oftraditional and contemporary movements and aesthetics while combining diverse world influences such as Flamenco, Egyptian and Indian dance. Click here to find out more about Tribal Fusion

"I find the Sacred Tribal Belly dance with Acushla addresses many levels in the one package. The exquisite marriage of the stillness (influenced by Qi-Gong practices) with the very earthy Tribal Belly Dancing movements fulfills my need for body/spirit connectedness. The movements are evocative and I feel more in touch with the feminine feeling aspect of myself. More in touch and more accepting. The dance gets me out of my mind, into my body, into the present moment yet fully aware and attuned to my inner spirit. As I move I am present to my interconnectedness to the tribe I dance, to life, to all that is."
Thank you and Blessings, Sa (www.sacredradience.com)