26th Dec 08

Well the fest has happened, if you can believe it. It was over 3 months ago now and passed like a blur. Looking back I can't quite believe it all happened and pretty much without a hitch too, well almost.

The trivia night held by the Tribal Blossoms was a really laid back, yet fun way to start the weekend. I must admit that I arrived feeling churned up and ready to chunder but once I sat down and started chatting I had a lovely time. I finally got a chance to share my tribal knowledge! All those hours reading tribal websites and watching YouTube videos were put into good use.

I was able to attend 1/2 of the Trance workshop put on by Maria Sangiorgi and it couldn't have come at a better time. I was able to let out so much tension and left feeling like a new woman. I was also able to attend 1/2 of a Heather & Sara's workshop titled Smooth & Slinky. Their technique was incredibly precise and I lapped up knowledge based on a few elastic/gumby-like combos.

Saturday night was probably a highlight for me. I was astounded by the talent all brought together in one place. So much work by so many talented people! I really love handing over the reigns to different individuals to see what the creative process brings out. Sandy and Ileana did a really beautiful job of pulling all the different Chakras together. They are very similar in energy level and in some personality traits too and I could really feel it as they synchronised on stage. Other highlights were Melusina's performance to a Pole Folder track. Her movements are so strong, yet so feminine and she drew me in for the full 8 minutes. Quite a feat for a single performer. Another was a slow impro performance by Sacred Tribal Bellydance in Adelaide. Strong impro pulls me in every time and it reminded me of being at TribalFest in Sebastapol watching Fatchance....the strength of dancers fulling engaging with each other in the moment. I'm all keyed up to work on my impro skills :o) There was a slight moment of panic though. Urban Qabila were perfoming to super speedy Pistolero when the cd started skipping. At first it seemed like the track was still going and then it got stuck. OMG! The crowd were fabulous and started clapping along so immediately I started impro-ing. 'Hey, this is not too bad' I thought until I did a half turn and realised no one was following me. Eek! In the end I bowed and tried to walk off gracefully, kinda giggling at the mess but knowing that so many were supporting us.

The bits of the All Day Soiree that I saw were just like our NSW Soirees with a supportive, community feel. If only I'd had more of a chance to just sit and watch! Chris bought Tobias over at one stage and it was nice to share the day with them both. At the end, many exhausted and battered Tribal bods turned up in the Market space for a Tribal Jam. We were all sooooooooooooooooooooo exhausted but the jam gave us all energy I think. As I walked off for a break, a friend who had come to watch said that she would love to take part, so even though she'd never done a Tribal class in her life, she jumped in the chorus line and gave it a go.

What an absolutely amazing experience. It is a bit too much for me to do every year but I think every 2nd will be just perfect. The next is planned for September 2010.

xo

Tribal and Trance Fest 2008

Tribal & Trance Fest 2008 is heading up mighty quick!

Come and attend any one of 18 dance & music workshops,
Share your knowledge at our Tribal Trivia Night
Treat yourself to ‘The Chakras’ Red Carpet Night
or come to browse at our Markets
whilst enjoying The All Day Dance Soiree.

This year we welcome: Urban Tribal Dance Company of San Diego, Melusina of Underbelly Melbourne, Urban Qabila Sydney, Ghawazi Caravan NSW, The Tribal Blossoms Brisbane, The Tribal Jewels of Wollongong, Hilary Cinis Sydney, Gypsy Noir of Canberra and many more.

Where: Georges River College, Oatley & St George Bank Auditorium, Kogarah
When: 5th - 7th September
Bookings: www.tribalandtrancefest.com/workshops.html