American Tribal Style Belly Dance can most simply be defined as 2 or more dancers improvising together. ATS is a synchronized group improvisational dance form incorporating steps, music and costuming from India, the Middle East, North Africa, Spain and beyond. This unique form of belly dance celebrates and relies on the bond that forms between dancers allowing us to create synchronized and seamless dances without the use of choreography.

TUESDAYS IN ALBANY

LOCATION: Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave, Albany, Ca 94706, Rooms 1 and 2.

SESSION 1: Sept 1-Oct 13
SESSION 2: Oct 27-Dec 15 (No class Nov 24)

TIME: Level 1, 8:30-9:30. Level 2, 7:00-8:30 (with instructor permission)

COST FOR LEVEL 1:$72 Residents, $82 Non-resident
COST FOR LEVEL 2: $72 Residents, $82 Non-resident
REGISTRATION: Call 510-524-9283 or go to www.albanyca.org and search for the current Activities Guide.

THURSDAYS IN EMERYVILLE

LOCATION: The Bridgecourt Room, 3980 Harlan (at 40th), Emeryville. A sweet little studio on the first floor of an apt complex.

SESSION 1: Sept 3-Oct 15
SESSION 2: Oct 29-Dec 17 (No class Nov 26)

TIME: Level 1, 6:30-7:45, Level 2, 8:00-9:30 (with instructor permission or if you've taken Level 1 over the summer)

COST FOR LEVEL 1: $70
COST FOR LEVEL 1 AND 2: $105 (a 50% savings on the second class!)
REGISTRATION: Call 510-596-4300 or go to www.ci.emeryville.ca.us and search for the current Activities Guide.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

LEVEL 1 CLASS DESCRIPTION: We will work on muscular isolations, traveling steps, shimmies, turns, finger cymbals, slow and fast movements. In addition, we will explore synchronized group improvisation which is the defining aspect of this modern belly dance form. Please wear something along the lines of yoga pants and a tank top so the instructor can see your posture and feet. Hip scarves are ok. Bring a towel or mat to lie on and a bottle of water. If you do not own a set of finger cymbals, loaners will be available in class. No experience necessary.

LEVEL 2 CLASS DESCRIPTION: When ready for the next step, students will expand their tribal belly dance vocabulary, learn combinations, cultivate technique, practice leading/following and continue learning finger cymbal patterns. Students will work in groups practicing transitions, cueing, formation changes, using a chorus and other perfomrance applications. Bring finger cymbals, water bottle and a towel or mat to lie on. Paper and pen for note taking is also recommended. Concurrent registration in both Level 1 and Level 2 will strengthen your foundation while speeding up your progress. In order to make registering for both classes feasible, a 50% discount is offered on Level 2. Please obtain instructor permission before registering for Level 2.

Info: lori_tawasha@yahoo.com 510-229-0178 www.evileyebellydance.com (under construction)