WEEK ONE - Monday 6th to Sunday 12th January

TECHNIQUE: BACK TO BASICS
with Samina

Monday 6th January
6:00-7:20pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Want to have a go at bellydancing, but aren't sure if it's actually your thing? In this workshop you'll get a taste of core bellydance technique, bellydance postures, arm positions and travelling steps, with friendly support and lots of laughs along the way.

Continuing bellydancers and beyond will find this workshop useful for solidifying technique, with opportunities to explore expression, intention, and layering - or just losen up after the Summer Break!

 

$25 ($20 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Technique' or 'Beginners' Stream.

TECHNIQUE TUNE-UP
with Amanda from Bellyup Bellydance

Monday 6th January
7:30-9:00pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Take your technique to the next level. Learn combinations that will assist you in perfecting your movements.
 

Have technique questions or a move you can't quite master? Bring your questions along and let's remove the mystery. This workshop will have you performing controlled isolations and layering movements with ease.

 

$30 ($25 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Technique' Stream.

THE HAIR TOSSING DANCE: A RAQS AL-NAHSHAAT CHOREOGRAPHY
with Bronwyn

Tuesday 14th January

6:30-8:30pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

This two-hour workshop explores raqs al-nashaat, the 'hair tossing dance' through steps, technique, physical conditioning, and a fun choreography. . Often called Khaleeji (from the Gulf) this is a prop dance. If you've been thinking about cutting your hair for summer, don't!! There is the opportunity to perform the dance as part of the National Multicultural Festival in 2020 - there'll be extra rehearsals for anyone who is keen!

NOTE: The workshop does involve tossing your hair and rolling through the neck, so if you experience neck issues please watch some YouTube videos of Khaleeji (also spelled Khaleegy) performances and discuss the workshop with Bronwyn and your doctor prior to enrolling. The choreography contains a floor-work component. Students who do not wish to participate in this component will be provided with variations.

Bring knee pads, a thobe al nashal (an oversized embroidered decorative tunic that is an integral part of the dance. These can be sourced online or easily made) or veil (if you don't have a thobe) and plenty of water.

Canberra-based Bronwyn has more than two decades of experience in folkloric and American Tribal Style® belly dance, captivating audiences with her serpentine movements and holding their attention with a powerful and elegant stage presence and Mona Lisa smile. As a teacher she brings a characteristically light-hearted and supportive teaching style and a wealth of practical instruction.

$35 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)
Or Register as part of the 'Props' Stream.

ASSAYA EXPLORATION
with Jacqui from Bedazzled Bellydance

Wednesday 8th January
6:30-8:30pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

The asaya, cane, or stick, is a recognisable bellydance prop most commonly associated with the Egyptian folkloric style of Saidi dance. However, the asaya appears across multiple bellydance genres including Lebanese bellydance, particularly in conjunction with the dubke rhythm, and even balady.

 

This workshop explores the use of asaya across Saidi, Lebanese and balady styles and encourage you to challenge the way you think of and use this humble, traditional prop. You will learn core technique and unique characteristics for each style and how to apply your asaya, examining the similarities and difference of asaya application across each genre.

 

This workshop will include theory and technique as well as choreographed combination elements for you to take away and build on. Please bring a cane, water bottle and your smile.

 

Prior experience with asaya is not necessary.

If you need to borrow a cane, please check the box when you register.

$35 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Props' Stream.

RHYTHM & ZILLS
with Samina

Thursday 9th January
6:30-8:30pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Understanding the Rhythms of Middle-Eastern music is an essential step to interpreting and connecting to the music that inspires you. You'll be learning finger cymbal patterns that complement a variety of rhythms, along with movement combinations and improvisations to help build your musicality and increase your confidence when dancing with finger cymbals..

What to bring: Finger Cymbals (Zills/Sagait).

If you need to borrow a set of Zills, please check the box when you register.

$35 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Rhythms' Stream.

ORCHESTRAL FUSION: TECHNIQUE
with Hester

Saturday 11th January
10:30am-12:30pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Get “classy” with a classical twist on bellydance as we combine folkloric fusion techniques with classical and orchestral music!

 

This workshop will focus primarily on slow liquid fusion, with a soundtrack that is a bit unusual but very engaging and relaxing. Bellydance experience is assumed, however fusion bellydance experience is not necessary!

Note: No coin belts or coin scarves please! As gorgeous as they are, they will interfere with the sound of the music. A handful of hip scarves will be available to borrow on the day if you need one.

$35 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Fusion Intensive' Stream.

ORCHESTRAL FUSION: CHOREOGRAPHY
with Hester

Saturday 11th January
1:00-3:00pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Slow liquid fusion with ripples of pops and locks and waves of layered shimmies, In this workshop, you'll learn an original, debut choreography set to a beautiful classical piano piece.

 

Intermediate-level bellydance or above is assumed. Attendance to the Orchestral Fusion Technique workshop will be a great advantage.

Note: No coin belts or coin scarves please! As gorgeous as they are, they will interfere with the sound of the music. A handful of hip scarves will be available to borrow on the day if you need one.

$35 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Fusion Intensive' Stream.

BLING YOUR BELLYDANCE BRA

COVERING & EMBELLISHMENT
with Merle

Sunday 12th January
2:00-4:00pm

'Ellycienne' Home Studio, Macgregor.

Want to know how to hand sew decorations onto a bra? Do you need to learn how to cover a bra with fabric? Would you like to learn how to sew beads and coins to create a fringe? If you want to learn how to bling a bra, come along to this workshop!

 

A multi-award winning sewer, Merle began her adventures in sewing at the age of 8. Her passion led her to teaching Fashion Design and Textiles in ACT schools for 17 years as well as dressmaking for private clients.

 

As an experienced belly dancer, Merle knows what will look great, and what you need to feel secure and avoid a costume malfunction, on stage!

 

$15 ($10 EB)

Register for this workshop.

Download the workshop requirements list.

Ready to register for your workshop? Head back to the Registration Page.

WEEK TWO - Monday 13th to Saturday 18th January

TANTALISING TRIBAL
with Katrina

Monday 13th January

6:00-7:20pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Come find out how tantalising Tribal can be!

 

You’ll learn some classic and flamenco inspired American Tribal Style (ATS) fast combinations, and how to use these combinations in small feature groups to tantalise your audience. With some simple modifications, you’ll also learn how to use these combinations to bring movement and interest to group formations.

 

If you're a new Tribal dancer, this is a great opportunity to expand your repertoire of movements. If you're an Oriental or Folkloric dancer, you'll learn some great combos that can be adapted and incorporated into your own choreographies to add a touch of Tribal flair! For experienced Tribal dancers, this workshop is a great way to get back into dancing after the holiday break.

 

What to bring: Finger Cymbals (zills/sagat).

If you need to borrow a set of zills, please check the box when you register.

 

$30 ($25 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Tribal Night' Stream.

SASSY SKIRT CHOREOGRAPHY
with Nicole from Sapphire Tribal Bellydance

Monday 13th January

7:30-9:00pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Skirts are a fun prop loved by audiences and dancers alike. They bring confidence to beginning dancers and provide experienced dancers new ways to express emotion and the musicality of a piece.

 

This workshop will teach a sassy skirt choreography aimed at the continuing beginner level. The moves are primarily based on the ATS® vocabulary but the workshop is suitable for dancers of all genres.

 

What to bring: A full skirt (able to hold ends of skirt when arms held out at shoulder height).
If you need to borrow a skirt, please check the box when you register.

 

$30 ($25 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Props' or 'Tribal Night' Stream.

TECHNIQUE: CORE DRILLS & CONDITIONING
with Samina

Tuesday 14th January

6:00-7:20pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

In this workshop you'll be working through drills for core bellydance movement and excerices aimed at improving your endurance and strength. You'll begin with a warm up and end with a long cool down and stretch to help increase your flexibility.

 

This workshop is open to all levels of dancers including absolute beginners who have participated in the Back to Basics workshop for an introduction to core moves.

 

$25 ($20 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Technique' or 'Beginners' Stream.

TECHNIQUE: SHIMMIES
with Samina

Tuesday 14th January

7:30-9:00pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Get your shimmy under control and out in the world with this technique heavy workshop. You'll work on vertical, horizontal and sagittal hip shimmies, upper body shimmies, flutters, travelling shimmies, reclining shimmies and more!

You'll learn a variety of techniques, variations and applications for this signature movement in bellydance.

 

$25 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Technique' Stream.

VEIL TECHNIQUE
with Renee from Bedazzled Bellydance

Wednesday 15th January

6:30-8:30pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Focusing on one of the most well known props in bellydancing, this workshop will look at how the veil can be incorporated into your dance, whether it's for a few moments of an entrance, or an entire routine.

 

From single to double veil, from the floaty romantic to dramatic flair, you'll walk away with technique, combinations and plenty of inspiration!

 

What to bring: 2 Veils.
If you need to borrow a set of veils, or just an extra one, please check the box when you register.

 

$35 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Props' Stream.

TECHNIQUE: GRACEFUL ARMS & HANDS
with Samina

Thursday 16th January

6:00-7:00pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Improve and enhance your arm and hand movements in this workshop with exercises, techniques and combinations that will help you create graceful movements, smooth transitions and gain confidence in using your arms and hands to extend your hip work, turns and travelling steps.

 

$25 ($20 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Technique' or 'Beginners' Stream.

IMPROVISATION: TRANSITIONS, STRUCTURE & VARIATIONS

with Samina

Thursday 16th January

7:15-9:15pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Fine tune your improvisational skills. Learn how to structure your performance on the fly, add variations and texture to your movements and seamlessly transition from one movement to another.

You'll learn to hear where changes happen in the music and anticipate them for a clean transition and set yourself up, ready for the next movement. You'll learn where to place variations in common rhythm patterns, and what type of variations will work to help you become a visual representation of what you hear. You'll also learn how to use a loose structure when improvising to give yourself some breathing space and relax into the music and movements.

 

$35 ($30 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Work with the Rhythm' Stream.

BEYOND BEGINNER PERCUSSION

with Richard for Darabuka (Drum) & Samina.for Zills/Sagat (Finger Cymbals)

Saturday 18th January

1:00-2:00pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

Drum: Add some fanciness to your drumming with finger rolls, hand rolls, pops and slaps. Learn the techniques and then add them to rhythm patterns that you know.
Assumed Knowledge: confidence in playing common Middle-Eastern rhythms.

Finger Cymbals: You'll be using numbers and word patterns to create complementary, rhythmic ornamentation. You'll also experiment with different playing techniques to produce more complex sounds.
Assumed Knowledge: have made rhythmical sounds and patterns on zills.

 

$20 ($15 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Work with the Rhythm' Stream.

 

The Middle-Eastern Rhythms workshop is free if you are attening this workshop (Percussion: Beyond Beginner). You're encouraged to stay on to practice and consolidate what you have learned - also the Jam will be happening at 3PM, and you'll want to be there for that!

MIDDLE-EASTERN RHYTHMS FOR BEGINNERS

with Richard.

Saturday 18th January

2:00-3:00pm

Nellie Hall, Melba

For percussionists and dancers alike, this workshop will cover the most common rhythms used in bellydance. Understanding common rhythms from the Middle-East is an essential step in your bellydance journey. You can use a Drum*, Finger Cymbals, or just your hands to get a sense of rhythm patterns. We will also have brief discussions on the history of each rhythm - where they are from and when they are commonly used.

 

A small number of instruments will be available for use during the workshop. Let us know if you will need to borrow one and your preferred instrument when you register - first in, best dressed!

 

$15 ($10 EB) (Individual Workshop)

Or Register as part of the 'Work with the Rhythm' Stream.

 

 

This workshop is free if you are attending the 'Percussion: Beyond Beginner' workshop.

Ready to register for your workshop? Head back to the Registration Page.