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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Monday, November 30, 2009

Rakataka Dancers Nov 19th performance on YouTube

We had two fabulous performances recently. On November 19th, my student troupe, the Rakataka Dancers performed at the Mirage show to a packed room and a very enthusiastic audience. Then on November 21st, we did it again at the Carousel Lounge for the Carousel Caravan show. Great job ladies!

Here is a video clip from the Mirage show:






This just proves two major points:
1. With staging, travel patterns, and directional changes, you can transform a basic choreography into an engaging choreography. I like the Azure choreography (see previous posts for the choreography as a solo) even more as a group piece!

2. With focused rehearsal time, lots of practice at home, and the drive to be the best you can be... You CAN put on a great performance.

Thank you Allison, Amy, Janice (sorry you weren't well for the performances), Subina, and Winnie for your efforts, energy, and enthusiasm!
Keep up the good work!
Lily

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

2009-2010 Belly dance class information

Hi there!

If you've already signed up for the January-February 2010 session with me through EventBrite, thank you! I'll be emailing you shortly with a little form to fill out so that I know a little about you before we start. It'll help with my class plan.

If you haven't signed up yet, there is still some spots left! I've changed the form; it's now on my website:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerJan.shtml


For those of you who can't wait until January and want to check out other teachers in Austin that offer drop-ins, here are some teachers:

1. Stacey Lizette - http://www.staceylizette.net/classes.htm
Mondays 7:30 - 8:30pm at Tapestry Dance

2. Maribel - http://www.maribelbellydance.com
Tuesdays 6:30 -7:30 pm at Khabele Studio

Be sure to contact the instructor first to confirm class details.


Lastly, find the latest Austin belly dance events by visiting the ABDA (Austin Belly Dance Association) website:
http://www.abda.org
There are listings of instructors and events around town.

Get out there and get inspired!
Lily

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Video: Choreography to Azure

Here is another video clip of the Azure Choreography in HD!



Enjoy!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Sunday, October 25, 2009

TFBD Fall Series : The real notes for the final class

Hi Ladies!
Sorry this post is so late. It's been a super busy couple of weeks.

Thanks to Allison, Amy, and Subina for their responses. Here is the real notes...



Arabic with Vertical Arms:
  • Walking undulations, traveling to the back, body facing left for 4 counts. Right arm pushes down as the left arm pulls up (vertical opposites).
  • 1.5 turns over left shoulder, bring arms to chest level, hands at sternum for 4 counts. You should end facing right.
  • Walking undulations, traveling to the front, body facing right for 4 counts. Left arm pushes down as the right arm pulls up.
  • 1.25 turns over left shoulder, bring arms to chest level, hands at sternum for 4 counts. You should end facing right.



ATS Camel Walk:
  • Step with the right foot onto the balls of the feet as you press down with the right hand and raise the left hand overhead. 4 counts.
  • Keeping all your weight on the right foot, bend your right knee and extend the left foot to the side. Right arm goes up and left hand reaches toward extended left foot. 4 counts.
  • Straighten your right leg as you draw the left foot in, and start a small torso rotation starting left to bring you back to center. 8 counts.
  • Remember to flow through the 3 sections. Connect the dots!



Pencil Turn with pose:
  • Extend the left arm up and the right arm down as you cross the right foot over the left. 4 counts.
  • On counts 5 and 6, unwind yourself with a quick turn over the left shoulder to face front. The ball of the left foot will be the pivot point. Your feet, if left on the floor will be in left jazz 4th position at the end of the turn (left foot about 4 inches forward of the right foot).
  • On counts 7 and 8, curve the left arm at shoulder height, palm facing chest. Pull the right arm up and back, keeping space between the right arm and the right ear; keep a slight curve in the right arm, palm facing towards head.
  • The key here is to make this a continuous and seamless 8 count movement.




Here is the timing:
3:54 (16 counts) - Arabic Arm Push

4:05 (16 counts) - ATS Camel Walk


4:17 (8 counts) Pencil Turn



By popular demand, the Azure choreography is available for download here (right-click and select 'Save As' to your computer).


Remember to sign up for the mailing list so you can stay up to date. Coming soon in the next issue:
  • Preorder my first instructional DVD!
  • Belly Fusions Festival in Paris
  • January 2010 belly dance series
Enjoy!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Sunday, October 18, 2009

TFBD Fall 2009: Class 6 (Final class) Notes!

Wow! What did we do in this last class?

If you email me with class notes for Class 6, you get 2 free entrances to the next Sahara Nights. You have until October 22nd to submit. I will post notes after the 22nd. Come on ladies... give it a shot!



If you are not on my mailing list, sign up now! To read the October issue, click here!

I'm posting this blog entry from the Bay Area. We just finished filming today, and I can't wait to see the first cut tomorrow!

Have a great week everyone!
Lily

Sunday, October 11, 2009

TFBD Fall 2009: Class 5 Notes

Wow! We are almost there with the choreography to "Azure". Here is what we covered in Class 5.

1. Warm-up... because it's getting chilly out there!
2. Posture - with a heavy bean bag on your head! Basic hip singles in place and walking. Undulations in place and walking. All with a bean bag on your head. Try this at home.
3. Continuing on with the choreography:

Time - Description
3:01 - Using a back-to-front shoulder roll to move us into diagonal. Start with left shoulder to bring us to right diagonal. Follow the drum accents in the music. There are 4 bars of 8 counts:
  • L Shoulder roll (counts 1-6), Shimmy (count 7), Left hip drops 2x (counts 8, +).
  • R Shoulder roll (counts 1-3), Right hip drops 2x (counts 4, +), elbows lift (counts 5-8).
  • L Shoulder roll (counts 1-4), Shimmy (counts 5-6), hip singles (counts 7, +, 8).
  • R Shoulder roll (counts 1-2), Right hip drops 2x (counts 3, 4), elbows lift to shoulder height.

3:22 - Combo 4,2,1: Right arm at second position, left arm at fifth; feet in releve, right hip singles, traveling to the right for 4 counts. Repeat opposite for left. Repeat right for 2 counts. repeat opposite for left. Repeat right for 1 count. Repeat left for 1 count. Chest circle, start right, going counter clockwise.

3:34 - Hip Twists & Grapevine: The hip twists are essentially the basic egyptian but with the arms at shoulder height; drop the arms down to hip height, cross, and lift up to shoulder height again for the grapevine step. Start the first grapevine traveling to the left, then back to starting point, etc.



It's been a busy few weeks, so I haven't had a chance to upload a video of the choreo. But it looks like most of you have it. So thanks for being present to class and giving it your all.

Remember next week, October 15th is our LAST CLASS! See you there.

If you missed the October 3rd Desert Passion show, here is a little clip:







Stay warm and dry,
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Saturday, October 3, 2009

TFBD Fall 2009: Class 4 Notes

You guys must be waiting for these class 4 notes... I know it!

Here are the new movements:
1. Sidewinder arms - keeping the range of motion for the arms from shoulder height and above, start with the right arm bend with the back of the hand close to your right ear, push the hand away from you ask you lean your torso to the left, at the same time the left arm is drawing up. Once the right arm is close to being fully extended, pull the right arm up and towards to the top of the head as you push the left arm away from you and as you lean towards the right. Continue in a smooth manner, keeping the movements and transitions comfortably slow.

2. Back to Front Figure 8's - press the right hip towards the back right corner, curve the hip towards the front right corner, then pull back in towards center; continue with the left hip pressing back towards the back left corner, curve the left hip towards the front left corner, and pull back in towards the center. Continue in a smooth and comfortably slow manner.

3. Torso rotation - imagine as if you were drawing a heart on the floor with your chest. Start with the chest at center, press towards the front left diagonal, then curve to the back left; keeping the lower abs engaged, round the torso to the back, then curve to the right, and round up to the front right corner, then pull in back into center. Finish with an up to down undulation. Repeat to the right.

See you all next Thursday, October 8th!
Lily

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Arabic Shimmy with Arms and Turn vid

Here is a video clip of what we covered in Class 3:
http://www.tribalkinesis.com/Choreos/Azure/ArabicShimmyWithArmsAndTurn.wmv
(right-click and save to desktop)

See you Thursday!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

TFBD Fall 2009 series: Class 3 Notes

Happy Fall, everyone! Here is what we've covered in our 3rd class of the series...

Arabic Shimmy - Start with the Arabic and layer a soft hip shimmy on top.

Arabic Shimmy with Arms & Turn - Start in a standard Arabic shimmy with arms overhead:
  • Feet - Step the right foot over to the left on count 1, step the left foot on count 2, step the right foot to center on count 3, and left foot on count 4. Repeat to the right side, keeping the same feet on the counts. Be sure to turn your whole body to the left wall and the right wall.
  • Arms - Drop the right arm down along the front side of your body on counts 1+2 and then out to the side and up on counts 3+4. Repeat with the left arm. This means that the outside arm is the one that drops down and up.

To setup the turning, step the right foot to the left on count 1, step the left foot on count 2; right arm drops down on count 1 while your head looks over the right shoulder. Bring arms and feet back to center as if transitioning to the other side. On count 5, drop the left arm down and begin turning by stepping with the feet (right, left, right, left).

Note that the shimmy should be a light, gentle shimmy that does not distract from the Arabic movement. If you are having difficulties layering a shimmy on top, practice the Arabic alone and a slow rocking shimmy (think fast hip singles that are non-locking). If you are not ready to layer a shimmy on top, then do the movement without the shimmy. The movement will still look great!

Here is the new section to the choreography:

1:47 - Arabic in place, arms plunge down in front, then up and out the sides. Repeat. (16 counts)
1:57 - Arabic Shimmy with Arms & Turn (16 counts)


REMINDERS:
  • An Arabian Night at the Red Fez tonight! Bellydance performances between 9 and 10:30pm.
  • Tribal Fusion workshops on October 3rd - email mlilah@desertpassion.com to reserve your spot!

Have a great weekend and see you next week!
Lily

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Workshops on Oct 3 at the Windermere Event Center in Pflugerville

Tribal Fusion Belly dance workshops sponsored by Desert Passion
MIX & MATCH WORKSHOPS $35.00 EACH

Pay at the Door or Pre-Register
mlilah@desertpassion.com


Saturday, October 3rd
WINDERMERE EVENT CENTER

15803 Windermere
Pflugerville, Texas 78660

9:00am - 12:00Noon
Zills, Dance & BellyYoga with Z-Helene
Level: All
Class Description: In this workshop, we will learn the fundamentals of zills and a short choreography to go with it. BellyYoga takes basic yoga postures and adds the belly dance movement to them for beautiful, fluid dancing. Z-Helene has been a performance artist belly dancer for 32 years. She is known for her passionate zills, athletic floorwork and theatrical presentations. As a long-time instructor of Middle Eastern dance at ACC, she has produced over 60 ends- of- semester recitals. She and her husband and artistic collaborator Rick Fink produce the annual Mid-East Dance Choreographer's Troupe Competition in Austin every August. Together they have also created belly dance fusion music and several dance DVD's, the latest being her 4-part Comprehensive Beginning to Intermediate Instructional.

9:30am - 12:30pm
Smooth Moves and Fast Grooves with Lily
Level: beginner/intermediate
Class Description: How slow can you go? You will learn excruciatingly slow movements that can be used for lyrical pieces, taxims, and tribal fusion style belly dance. Then, turn up the beat for the second half of the workshop to experience fast movements for up-tempo music. www.LilyBellyDance.com


1:00pm - 4:00pm
Tribal Fusion Combos with Liora
Level: beginners/advanced
Class Description: In this workshop, Liora will teach some of her signature tribal fusion combos, appropriate for the intermediate to advanced level dancer, with modifications taught for a more beginning level student. The combos can be sequenced into a short choreography. Heavily influenced by the ladies of The Indigo, the Tribal Contingent dancers of Bellydance Superstars, her partner work with Fatina, and her own background in jazz, cabaret, and ATS. She seeks to incorporate these different influences into her own unique style of tribal fusion bellydance. www.liorabellydance.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Firewater show and workshops in London

Click on the flyers below to view full size...


Saturday, September 5, 2009

TFBD Fall 2009 series - Class 2 Notes

Hi ladies!
Thanks for hanging in there this second class... We did a LOT! All that learning, and we have just a one combination. This is the circles combination, made up for a big step out hip circle, followed by an exterior hip circle, and then an interior hip circle. Then, finally, a down to up undulation (or sometimes referred to as a "reverse undulation").

The break-down...
1. Step out hip circle - starting with legs together and feet flat, step the right foot out to the side and press the right hip to the right (count 1), hips to the back (count 2), press the hips to the left by placing weight on the left foot (count 3), and then press the hips forward as you pull the left leg to meet the right (count 4). Let the torso play along here with a slight 45 degree tilt in the opposite direction of the hip.
2. Exterior hip circle - with legs togther and keeping the torso vertical, press the hips to the right (count 1), press the hips back while keeping the torso vertical (count 2), press the hips to the left (count 3), press the hips to the front (count 4).
3. Interior hip circle - with legs together and keeping the torso vertical, right hip up (count 1), slight contraction in the lower back (count 2), left hip up (count 3), and contraction in the lower abs (count 4).
4. Down to up undulation - standing in place with legs together, slight contraction in the lower back (count 1), contraction in the lower abs (count 2), contraction in the upper abs (count 3), and contraction in the upper back (count 4).


Notes:

  • Be sure to make the movements smooth. Connect the dots. Think about the path in which you get from one count to the next. Don't just get there.
  • In each muscle contraction, make sure that you've released the previous muscle contraction. Otherwise, you'll be one big knot!


Here is the video clip of what we've done so far...

Choreography to "Azure" - Part 1
Time 0:53 - 1:45

Right-click here and select Save As to save to your computer.



REMINDER:
We have a 2-week break. No class on September 10th and 17th. The next class is on September 24th!

Happy practicing!
Lily

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Solace music

Hey there,

Most of you know that I use quite a bit of music by Solace in my classes and performances. I recently met the man behind Solace and let me just say that he is one funny fellow... totally supportive of the dancers.

Here is where you can buy Solace music:

I highly recommend the albums Satya, Sha' waza, and Iman. There are sample tracks you can listen to off his website. His latest album is "Opium Head" with the lovely Rachel Brice on the front cover. Get them all if you can!

The song we are working on this series is "Azure" from the Iman album. Buy it from his website... he may even autograph if for you if you ask!


Happy listening...

Lily

Thursday, August 27, 2009

TFBD Fall 2009 series - Class 1 Notes

Thanks for a great start to a new 6-class series. We covered a lot and moved fast. Thanks for sticking in there. Here is a recap of what we covered.

Undulations: start with contraction in the upper back (count 1), contraction in the upper abs (count 2), contraction in the lower abs (count 3), and release/relax (count 4). Note that the contractions are isolated, however, in an undulation, the contractions smoothly transfer from one to the next. Think smooth contractions.
1. in place
2. walking flat foot
3. walking on releve (balls of the feet)
4 walking with arms (start with arms extended over head, press hands down to hip on count one, then raise up for 8 counts )
5. walking Right flat foot on count 1, then on releve for LRL (4 counts) with arms extended out to the side.

In general, walking on releve with undulations is called "Arabic" in the American Tribal Style (ATS) repertoire. So, you may hear me use that term frequently.

Chest circles: these are interior circles consisting of an upper back contraction, then tilt the right side of the chest up, upper ab contraction (or chest to neutral position), then tilt the left side of the chest up. Keep going and there is a continuous cycle of circles. Note that the circles can start at any of the 4 points and can go either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Combination: Chest circle starting right counterclockwise while walking to the left starting with the right foot (4 counts). Continue the foot and the chest circle turning to the back by pivoting on the left foot on count 4 and stepping on the right foot facing back on count 1. Repeat this half turn to face front.

Figure 8 hips, starting right hip back to front: with knees soft, slide the right hip back, and pull the right hip outward and forward to the right front diagonal; then slide the left hip back , and pull the left hip outward and forward to the left front diagonal. Keep going and you have a continuous Figure 8 back to front hip or an infinity sign.

Movement: From the ATS repertoire, by combining the Arabic and the right side of the Figure 8 back to front hip, we have the Arabic Hip Twist. Execute the Arabic for counts 1 (right foot) and 2 (left foot), then right hip circles back to front on counts 3 (right foot) and 4 (left foot).


The music we are using in class for this choreography is called "Azure" by Solace from the album "Iman". You can find it on iTunes.

We have class next Thursday, September 3rd.


I'll be dancing at Red Fez on Friday, August 28th. Two performances between 8:30 and 10:30PM. Hope to see you there!

Lily

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

New series starts August 27th, 2009

I've had to take a two week break from teaching my classes because of two belly dance events I attended:
  • Ya Halla Y'all - put on by the good folks in Dallas, Isis Productions. The big weekend festival was packed with classes and shows in the evening. http://www.isisandthestardancers.com/
  • Mira Betz Performance Intensive - put on by Mira Betz herself. She is an amazing dancer, performer and teacher. I have seen her performances, but she has put herself in the forefront on the performance aspect of the dance and has created a transformational course. http://www.miramania.com/

This is my favorite video clip of her to date:



Enjoy... and see you Thursday!
lily

Friday, August 7, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance July/Aug Series - Class 6 Notes

We added a new step to the choreography. It is from the American Tribal Style repertoire called "Double Back" step, however, since we are not actually performing a hip double back, we are calling it "Triangle Step".

Triangle Step - Image yourself standing at the tip of an up-side down triangle with an upper right corner and upper left corner.

On count 1, step on the right ball of the foot on the upper right corner. On count 2, step on the left ball of the foot on the upper left corner. On count 3, step the right foot flat back to the starting point (bottom tip of the up-side down triangle). On counts 1,2,3, the hip is up on the same foot that steps. Hold count 4. Let your torso pivot with your foot.

On count 1, step on the left ball of the foot on the upper left corner. On count 2, step on the right ball of the foot on the upper right corner. On count 3, step the left foot flat back to the starting point (bottom tip of the up-side down triangle). On counts 1,2,3, the hip is up on the same foot that steps. Hold count 4. Let your torso pivot with your foot.


Thank you for a great 6 weeks!


The next (and last one for the year) 6-class series is spread out over a few months. The dates are: Aug 27, Sept 3, Sept 24, Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 15.

Class info is now available on my website: http://www.lilybellydance.com/instruction/

Register now as class size is kept small: http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerAug.shtml

See you on August 27th!
Lily

Performances this weekend!


Friday, August 7, 2009 - Alborz Persian Cuisine. 7:45 - 9:30 PM. Performances by Lily.


Saturday, August 8, 2009 - Sahara Nights with Sabaya Bellydance Collective and ATASH!

See you this weekend!
- Lily

Friday, July 31, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance July/Aug Series - Class 5 Notes

Hi there!
We covered a whole new section of the piece yesterday. Essentially, the fundamental movements are:
  • hip twists
  • chest circles
  • hip drops (or hip downs)
  • shimmy

With style, body placement, feet placement, we have the following movements:

1. Basic Egyptian - This is an ATS (American Tribal Style) movement. Starting with the right foot, right hip comes up the same time the ball of the right foot makes contact with the floor. Place the right foot back in place. Following with the left foot, left hip comes up the same time the ball of the left foot makes contact with the floor. Place the left foot down. This movement can be done in place or walking. For the choreography, we do the right hip, wait, left hip, wait; then, right, left, half turn, right, left, and half turn to the front.

2. Two-hip-drops and Chest circle Combination - Facing the left diagonal with right hip to audience, right hip drops twice, followed by a chest circle starting left-front-right-neutral. Use the momentum of the chest circle as it travels from left to right to pivot your body to face the right diagonal. Now with the left hip to audience, left hip drops twice, followed by a chest circle starting right-front-left-neutral. Use the momentum of the chest circle as it travels from right to left to pivot your body back to face the left diagonal. Repeat both sides again.

3. Shimmy with back to the audience - This is exactly how it sounds. We will take 3 counts to face the back; then shimmy for 9 counts. I'm leaving the 'style' of shimmy open to you, whether you want to go for the Egyptian leg shimmy or keep it at the hips (or a combination of both); explore and find your comfortable shimmy spot.

Here are the new sections to the choreography:

1:42 Basic Egyptian

1:48 Arabic Arc (with arm, see last week's notes)

1:55 Basic Egyptian

2:03 Two-hip-drops and Chest circle Combo

2:10 Hip Downs 2,3,3,3 (see last week's notes)

2:17 Take 3 counts to walk back starting left foot, turn over right shoulder. Shimmy for 9 counts. Then pivot on left foot, turn over left shoulder back to face front.

You are all doing great! Keep up the good work!

Lily

http://www.lilybellydance.com/

Friday, July 24, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance July/Aug Series - Class 4 Notes

Great class everyone!

In addition to reviewing the combinations we've covered so far, we also introduced a new "lock" combination...

I'm calling it "The Drawer" combo, starting feet parallel, arms down and forearm up, bent at the elbow. The head slides to the right (just a tiny bit!) on count 1, chest slides to the right on count 2, and hip slides to the right on count 3. Realign effortlessly back to neutral on count 4. Repeat on the left.

You can drill this as is or focus on just the individual slide lock. For example, just the head slide lock to right and left, just the chest slide lock to right and left, and just the hip slide lock to right and left. Remember the key is to make the stop of the action sharp!

Here is the choreography so far:
0:00 Intro "Rakataka" - wait
0:14 Choochoo Hip singles 16 counts.
Pivot Hip Doubles 16 counts, 1/4 turns around.
0:29 Intro "Rakataka" - hip articulations to the rhythm. 2 small hip singles to the right and left.
0:44 Choochoo Hip singles 16 counts.
Pivot Hip Doubles 16 counts, 1/4 turns around.
0:59 Locks: Interior hip squares starting front clockwise 5 accents. Interior chest squares starting front clockwise 5 accents. (Repeat this 4 times. Each time alternate the direction.)
1:13 2,3,3,3: Hip downs in the asterics formation (except the first set with just front and back corner).
Double omi. Emphasize the second omi by bending more at the knees. This combo repeats 4 times facing forward. After the 2nd, arms come up to shoulder height. After the 3rd, arms raise straight up in preparation for the next movement.
1:27 Arabic Arc. 16 counts. Remember to face the left diagonal first and the right arm draws back, down, forward, and up; face center; then face the right diagonal and the left arm draws back, down, forward, and up; face center. The feet are continuously R, L, R, L, etc.
On the last 4 counts, instead of coming back to center, we will turn over the right shoulder as we drop the arms as a transition.
1:34 The Drawer combo. Right side, left side, right side. On the last 4 counts we do a pivot turn on the left foot: step right foot forward on 1, left foot steps in place on 2, right foot steps to the back on 3 (face back), bring right foot to meet the left at center; all the while, the arms drop down and raise up in preparation for the Basic Egyptian!

For those of you interested in performing this, I will be emailing you directly with the details.

Remember the next (and last series for the year) starts August 27th. The dates are: Aug 27, Sept 3, Sept 24, Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 15.

Class size will be kept small, so please register and pay in advance:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/instruction/index.shtml

Thank you for your enthusiasm!
lily

Friday, July 17, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance July/Aug Series - Class 3 Notes

Hi Ladies,

Thanks for working so hard last night! Here is a recap:

1. Review of pelvic locks and hip singles.
2. Putting together the pelvic locks and hip singles into an interior hip square.
3. Smooth out the internior hip square into an interior hip circle, also known as "omi".
Practice starting front and going in both directions!
4. Hip downs (also known as hip drops). Using the asterics points (right front corner, right side, and right back corner, left front corner, left side, and left back corner) drop the hip at each point.
5. Arabic Arc. Starting with the arabic undulations with weight change right/left foot. On count one, step the right foot diagonally to the left front corner and bend the right knee (level change) as you swing the right arm back down, chest lift here. On count two, weight change to the left foot (both legs straight now) as you pull the arm through front and back up, undulation down here.

Here is the choreography so far:
0:00 Intro "Rakataka" - wait
0:14 Choochoo Hip singles 16 counts. Pivot Hip Doubles 16 counts as you take 1/4 turns around.
0:29 Intro "Rakataka" - hip articulations to the rhythm.
0:44 Choochoo Hip singles 16 counts. Pivot Hip Doubles 16 counts as you take 1/4 turns around.

0:59 Locks: Interior hip squares starting front clockwise 5 accents. Interior chest squares starting front clockwise 5 accents. (Repeat this 4 times. Each time alternate the direction.)
Side note here... I had previously said 6 accents on the hips, but after listening to the music carefully, the bass (low tone) accents is really 5. Sorry!

1:13 2,3,3,3: Hip downs in the asterics formation (except the first set with just front and back corner). Followed by: _breathe_ omi+omi

1:27 Arabic Arc

Listen to the music... it'll tell you what to do!
Good work everyone!
See you next week!
lily

Friday, July 10, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance July/Aug Series - Class 2 Notes

In Class 2, we focused on locks. What are locks? Conceptually, locks are muscle contractions that are held. This is in contrast to pops, which are quick muscle contractions that are released.

We covered:

Hips
1. Pelvic locks front (lower ab contraction)
2. Pelvic locks back (lower back contraction)
3. Pelvic locks forward, center, back, center
4. Pelvic locks forward and back
5. Right hip up
6. Left hip up
7. Alternating right/left hip up
8. Pelvic lock forward, right hip up, pelvic lock back, left hip up (clockwise) - also known as "Internal hip squares"
9. Pelvic lock forward, left hip up, pelvic lock back, right hip up (counterclockwise)
For all of these hip articulations, be sure to keep your weight centered (no shifting weight as you go from one side to the other).

Chest
1. Chest up (upper back contraction)
2. Chest down (upper ab contraction)
3. Chest up, down
4. Right chest tilt up (left oblique contraction)
5. Left chest tilt up (right oblique contraction)
6. Right, left tilt
7. Chest up, right tilt, chest down, left tilt (clockwise) - also known as "Internal Chest Squares".
8. Chest up, left tilt, chest down, right tilt (counterclockwise)

For both the hip and chest movements today, think of the energy as "internal". Your body movements are not moving outward. Instead, direct the energy inward. Additionally, the movements are compact and precise. There is some level of finesse here as you are not throwing your all into it. It's definitely not about how "far" you can go, but gauging where you need to stop the movement and contract the muscle.

We added the Internal hip squares and Internal chest squares to the choreography.

We also modified the Pivot Hip Doubles to so that we do a 1/4 turn on count 4, pivoting on the back leg. The Choo Choos are performed facing forward for 16 counts.

Here is the Rakataka choreography so far...
(wait the initial "Rakataka" drum section)
Choo Choos (front, right hip) - 16 counts
Pivot Hip Doubles (1/4 turns to the left, right hip) - 16 counts
[Rakataka] Fast hip singles (articulating rhythm) - 16 counts
Choo Choos (front, left hip) - 16 counts
Pivot Hip Doubles (1/4 turns to the right, left hip) - 16 counts
Internal hip squares (6 counts) + Internal chest squares (5 counts) - Repeat 4 times


Hope this helps!
See you next Thursday!
Lily

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Finesse

I have expressed this before in workshops I have taught, but I think this quote is much more eloquent:

You are not learning how to do steps. You are learning about control and discipline; both the discipline of force and learning to be focused and to concentrate. I look at it as a wonderfully sensitizing process, because to get it right means that you are paying tremendous attention to detail and to a particular physicality. Your awareness of where you are in space is a tremendous asset. (Harkarvy in Hunt, 1992, pp. 54-55)

This quote is from the book "Psychology of Dance".

The discipline of force... think about this one. An analogy I like to make is "driving a car". When you accelerate, you don't just push the gas pedal all the way down. You push the gas pedal just enough to get the car going; you guage how much acceleration you need. When you need a faster acceleration, you push the gas pedal down more. But during the course of a drive, you have the gas pedal down in varying degrees and there are stops. This is the same thing in the muscular aspect of dance. You use your muscles in varying degrees and there is a time to relax those muscles too.

Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

2-Hour Bellydance workshop this Saturday, July 11th


Bring a friend or two... and get into the evening show for free!
Email info@sabayabellydance.com to reserve your spot!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance July/Aug Series - Class 1 Notes

Welcome! Summer is hot, and so is this choreography! It's fast, so we will be drilling A LOT!



Here are the movements covered in this first class of the drum solo series:

1. Hip Singles - start slow, then speed up. Faster speeds mean smaller movement in the hip. Starting on the right hip up on the downbeat, then left hip up. Practice with weight on one leg (and the other leg too). Practice switching weight from right leg to left leg.



2. Hip bumps - The right hip goes up-down on the beat. Left foot flat, and right foot on the ball in front of the left. Shuffle the back foot to travel. The right foot remains on the ball the entire time. Left arm straight up, right arm straight out in front with elbow bent. Torso is turned slightly to where the right hip is facing front.



3. Pivot Bump Doubles - The right hip goes up twice to the front, then up twice to the back. Right arm up, left arm forward when right hip is front, right arm forward and left arm up when hip goes back. Torso is turned slightly to where the right hip is facing front.



The name of the music is called "Rakataka" from Hossam Ramzy's album Sabla Tolo.



Happy 4th of July!

Lily

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Sabaya Bellydance 101 workshop on July 11, 2009

Hi Ladies,

Sabaya is offering a 2-hour bellydance workshop... 4 teachers and 30 minutes on each topic...
isolations, tribal basics, egyptian stylization, and shimmies. To reserve your spot, email info@sabayabellydance.com. See you there!

http://sabayabellydance.blogspot.com/2009/07/bellydance-workshop-wsabaya-july-11th.html

[Message sent by lily@lilybellydance.com via AddThis.com.]

Monday, June 29, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance May-June Series: Class 8 Notes

Hi Ladies,

Thank you for making this 8-week series so spectacular, especially the last class!

In this last class, we took the choreography, paired up, and changed up the orientation of some of the sections. Having someone to dance with changes up the dynamic of the dance. Let this be an opportunity to explore and play with the tools that you've learned. Using the same movement, we performed it facing your partner, away from your partner, traveling around your partner, etc. The possibilities are endless, but I must emphasize the importance of dance technique. Get those movements down, then start to use them creatively.

I hope you all learned a thing or two... and most importantly, had fun!


For those of you continuing on to the next series, the music we will be dancing to is from the album "Sabla Tolo II" by Hossam Ramzy. The piece of music is called "Rakataka". You can find this music on iTunes. I'm keeping this next series small, and there is just a few spots left.

See you Thursday!
Lily
http://www.LilyBellyDance.com

Monday, June 22, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance May-June Series: Class 7 Notes

Almost there ladies!!! We reviewed and cleaned up movements from the choreography. Then, we added on the Egyptian Half Turn.

Egyptian half-turn: Start with regular Basic Egyptian, the right hip is forward on count 1, right foot steps back on count 2, then left hip is forward on count 3; then turn by stepping back with the left foot on 4 and pivoting to the left, ending with the right foot ready for 1. Continue the movement facing back, then turning back to the front.



For the last class, we will work on dancing the choreography in different scenarios and perhaps also personalizing the choreography to you. If you have any thing specific you'd like me to address in the last class, please email me!

Happy practicing!
Lily

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sign up for July-August Tribal Fusion Bellydance series now!

Hi there!
A new 6-week Tribal Fusion style Bellydance series is starting up the first Thursday in July. We'll be covering a new choreography and some new material.

Details here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/instruction/index.shtml

See you in July... if not earlier!
Lily

Friday, June 12, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance May-June Series: Class 6 Notes

Wow! We have just 2 more weeks left!
Thanks to all who came to class last night. I didn't know that crazy storm was brewing! Hope everyone is safe.

Here is the new material we covered:

1. Torso rotation: Starting from the left side and circling back around to the right, your center point describing a heart shape, with snake arms layered over it. Remember to keep the elbows up.

2. ATS Camel Walk: Step with the right foot onto the balls of the feet as you press down with the right hand and raise the left overhead. Keeping all your weight on the right foot, bend your right knee and extend the left foot to the side. Right arm goes up and left hand reaches toward extended left foot. Straighten your right leg as you draw the left foot in, and layer an arm undulation over a small torso rotation to bring you back to center. Finish with an undulation starting chest down (up to down).

3. ATS Choo choo arc turn: (modified) Arms in flamenco position with right arm parallel to the floor and left arm straight up. With body facing front, right heel up and right toes pointing to the right, right hip bumps for 8 counts. Then Right hip bumps continuous for another 8 counts while you bring left arm down to meet right arm in front 2 counts. Slightly raising both wrists, then pivot around to the left, bringing both hands to the right hip as you turn to the back. Sweep arms around to the left, up and overhead to complete, ending with arms in starting position. Repeat on the right.
Repeat twice on the left side.

Here is a video clip:


Email me if you have any video requests!
Lily

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Austin Belly Dance Convention: Pictures

What a great weekend of dancing and shows... out of town guests, local dancers, and teachers...
If you couldn't make it this year, plan on attending next year!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30385350&l=ef53222d2e&id=1499595301
Yasmina Ramzy and Suleiman Warwar teaching the Saturday morning class on the stage.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30385350&id=1499595301#/photo.php?pid=2372613&id=85354416810&ref=mf
Sabaya with Suleiman Warwar after the Saturday night show.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30385350&id=1499595301#/photo.php?pid=2372610&id=85354416810
Tanja and Stacey after the Saturday night show.

Lily

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance Series May-June, Class 5 notes

Sorry these notes are so late!
Here they are:

We did quite a bit of review of movements and the choreography. There were 2 new sections added:

1. Undulations (or Arabic) traveling back and front:
- Undulations traveling back, leading with the right foot, body facing right. On count 1, arms dive down and gradually lifts up. On count 8, turn over the right shoulder, arms are up.
- On count 1 arms dive down and dradually lifts up as the torso undulates, and feet travels forward back to starting point.

2. Arabic hip twist (or Arabic twist):
4-count step. 1-2 is an undulation; on 3-4, step on the right and twist the hips to the right and back to the left. Arms are curved out slightly front. On 1-2, add hand floreos (wrist rotation), turning into the center. On 3-4, the arms should stay in place, framing the torso, as the hips twist.

See you Thursday!
Lily

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

ABDC is THIS Saturday!

The Austin Belly Dance Convention is this Saturday... who is coming? There are workshops in the mornings and mini workhops on Saturday afternoon. If you want some free entertainment, there is the open stage for you to enjoy performances by local and out of town dancers. It's casual and open to the public from 2-5pm on Saturday.

http://www.abdc.eventbrite.com/

Oh, and if you were planning on signing up for my workshop, there are 5 more spots left. Get in before it's sold out!

I will be there the entire weekend, starting Friday. Come by and say "hi"!Lily

Monday, June 1, 2009

Saturday, May 30, 2009

ABDC: Let Us Entertain You!

Sit back and enjoy the show - or shows, that is! The Austin Belly Dance Convention includes 3 separate shows and over 7 hours of belly dance performance featuring talent from near and far; charming novices to breathtaking professional artists; spectacular soloists to tremendous troupes; tried and true traditional to outrageously unconventional and everything in between. Come one, come all... and let us entertain you!

THE AUSTIN BELLY DANCE CONVENTION
June 5-7, 2009
Wingate Inn & Conference Center
Round Rock, TX
produced by Stacey Lizette http://www.staceylizette.com/
and Bahaia's HOT Seminars http://www.bahaia.com/

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & WORKSHOP REGISTRATION! http://www.abdc.eventbrite.com/
The Red HOT Deal and Drummer's Deal have come and gone, but it's not too late to save on other package deals. There's still penty of room in most of the classes and for all shows. But remember, all prices increase at the door... save money by purchasing online TODAY.

Friday Night Instructors' Showcase - June 5
===========================================
We'll kick off the weekend with a fantastic showcase featuring the Austin Belly Dance Convention instructors and a few special guests. Come get a taste of what's to come throughout the weekend! You don't want to miss this stellar show!

Doors open at 8pm, Show 9pm - $15 advance/$20 door, $5 child under 12
Come early to get the best seats and grab a bite from our food vendor, Ararat.
Mirage Troupe (Austin, TX) http://www.troupemirage.com/
Yeli (Dallas, TX) http://www.yelibelly.com/
Lily* (Austin, TX) http://www.lilybellydance.com/
Typsy Gypsys (Austin, TX) http://www.typsygypsys.com/
Stacey* (Austin, TX) http://www.staceylizette.com/
Gitane* and Indigo Rose (Ft. Worth, TX) http://www.gitanestreasures.com/
Miabella* (Ft. Worth, TX) http://miabellacm.googlepages.com/home
Adriana (CA) http://www.adrianabellydance.com/
Brandy Bollin* & Tribal Evolution (Dallas, TX) http://www.tribalevolution.com/
Bahaia* (Austin, TX) http://www.bahaia.com/
Yasmina Ramzy* (Toronto, CANADA) http://www.yasminaramzy.com/

Saturday Open Stage Shows - June 6
===================================
The Open Stage at the Austin Belly Dance Convention is an opportunity for dancers of all skill levels to showcase their skill for an appreciative and supportive audience. It is an opportunity to show the diversity of the dancers themselves and the diversity of the dance styles that fall under the umbrella of Belly Dance.

Saturday, 2-5PM - Free Admission - Open to the Public!
Enjoy shopping, henna, massage, palm readings, delicious foods and more!

Set 1: 2:00 - 3:00pm
Troupe Amar, Ruya, Jamie Lynn, Jennifer Richter, Samuel Montezco
Set 2: 3:00 - 4:00pm
Just Fabulous, Pamela, Victoria Teel, Baharet, Desert Flames, Indigo Rose
Set 3: 4:00 - 5:00pm
Najla, Lori, Infiniti, Leyla, Lacey Williams, Kan Zaman Trio

Saturday Night Gala Show - June 6
===================================
The highlight of the weekend is the Saturday night Gala Show featuring dancers from all over Texas and across the country PLUS our star, Yasmina Ramzy, with live drum accompaniment by master percussionist Suleiman Warwar!

Doors open at 7pm, Show 8pm - $15 advance/$20 door, $5 child under 12
Come early to get the best seats and grab a bite from our food vendor,
Ararat.

Bahaia & The Kan Zaman Dancers (Austin, TX): http://www.bahaia.com/
Alana (San Antonio, TX)
Rania (Austin, TX)
Stacey Lizette (Austin, TX): http://www.staceylizette.com/
Karen Barbee (San Antonio, TX): http://www.karenbarbee.com/
Lisa Zahiya (Ashton, NC): http://www.lisazahiya.com/
Anna (Houston, TX): http://www.raqsanna.com/
Tanja (CA): http://www.tanjabellydance.com/
Tanya (LasVegas, NV): www.ayala-tanya.com/tanya_main.htm
http://www.yasminaramzy.com/ & http://www.suleimanwarwar.com/

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & WORKSHOP REGISTRATION!
http://www.abdc.eventbrite.com/

See you there!
Lily
http://http://www.lilybellydance.com/

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance May-June series, Class 4 Notes

Here we are at week 4 of the 8-week series! Hope you are enjoying it as much as I am!

Review Movements from previous weeks:
1. Undulation (also known as "Arabic" in the American Tribal Style repretoire): Contraction in the upper back, upper abs, lower abs, and release. Practice this slowly, then speed up. Once you get comfortable, add walking. As you step with the right foot forward, upper back contraction (chest lifts up). As you step with the left foot forward, lower ab contraction.
Another way to practice undulations standing in place is in front of a wall (with your bum barely touching the mirror). Start by lifting the chest up, then pressing back towards the mirror, following with the rest of the your back towards the mirror. The key here is the gradual process; thinking about reaching back one vertebrae at a time. It's easy to just push your entire body against the wall at the same time... and unfortunately will not have the same effect.
Another way to practice undulations is on hands and knees; connecting the yoga "Cat and Cow" poses.
Yet another way to practice undulations is on your back.
2. Liquid Walk Back : Start by bending the right knee and dropping the right hip forward, lift the right hip up and in towards the body as you lift your right heel; while still making contact with the floor with your right big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your right hip back. Your left hip will now be forward. Bend the left knee and drop the left hip forward, lift the left hip up and in towards the body as you lift your left heel; while still making contact with the floor with your left big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your left hip back. Now your right hip will be forward. The arms are open and parallel to the floor; the shoulder roll forward, up, and back, mimicking the motion of the hips (same side shoulder as the hips).
3. Basic Egyptian: This is an ATS (American Tribal Style) movement. Starting with the right foot, right hip comes up the same time the ball of the right foot makes contact with the floor. Place the right foot back in place. Following with the left foot, left hip comes up the same time the ball of the left foot makes contact with the floor. Place the left foot down. This movement can be done in place or walking.
4. Sidewinder: arm undulations incorporating ribcage. With your head looking right and both elbows up about shoulder height, push the right palm towards right as your slide your ribcage towards the left. As the right palm is gliding to the right, the left top of the wrist pulls up and over towards your left ear. Just as the right arms is straightening out, your left wrist should have arrive at your left ear. Pull the right wrist up as you push the left palm out towards left, look left and slide the ribcage right. Remember to keep it slow and a consistent pace of movement. This is the full expression. If you need to keep it simpler for now, stick to just the arms, then add the head, then add the ribcage slide as you get more comfortable.
5. Hip bumps, traveling forward: Remember to keep the hips controlled and your steps small. Keep the torso upright and hips right under you.
6. Pivot Singles (sorry, I was calling it "Reach and Sit" previously): hips like the hip bump, arms extended out to the sides. Stand in showgirl posture: right foot in front, most of your weight in the back leg, body is at a slight diagonal (facing left). On count 1, step the right foot slightly to the left as you slightly reach out to the right with the right arm. On count 2, step the right foot back and bring the right arm back to starting postion.
7. Modified propeller turn: In the American Tribal Style repretoire, the propeller turn has a few setup movements. We are doing just the turn. Right foot crosses over the left as both arms swing down. Turn to the back (both arms should be down at hip level by then). Then turning to the front (both arms up). This is a quick turn, taking up one count.
8. Hip Slides: Both knees slightly bent. Use the obliques to slide the hips to the right and to the left.
For the purpose of "tribal fusion style", we are incorporating arms/hands to the slide. First starting overhead, slide the arms directly down infront of your body, then out to the side. The arms/hands are above the hip level. Fingers are straight. Add a subtle arm contraction at the end of the phrase.
9. Mayas (Figure 8 up to down): Starting with the right hip lifting up, slide out to right, then lower down; left hip takes over lifting up, slide out to left, then lower down... then right, then left, etc. Remember that for the Down to up and Up to down figure 8's, you want to pretend like you are sandwiched between two pieces of glass. No front and back or twisting movement in the hips. Just slide out and up and down. It helps to keep the pelvis neutral. (Watch out for the booty sticking out!)
The hip that is leading the figure 8 sliding out will have the straight leg, while the opposite leg will be bent. Once you've slide out as far as you can, bend that side's leg and straighten the other leg so that hip can slide out.
10. Chest+Pelvic Locks: Chest lift up, chest lift down, pelvic lock front, and pelvic lock back.


New Movements:
1. Shimmy: There are a number of ways to do the shimmy. One way is to power the movement of the hips by bending and straightening the legs. Another way is to lift and lower the hips as fast as possible. Yet another way is to alternate glute squeezes. Play here with the different options. Be sure to keep the movement in the hips (ie. keep the chest out of it).
2. Box step with shimmy: Step the right foot forward on 1. Step the left foot back (torso facing the side) on 2. Step the right foot to the back left corner (body pivots so that torso is facing the opposite side) on 3. Step the left foot back to front (torso facing forward) on 4. Add the shimmy on each step. Relax as you pivot.





Choreography to "Pharisee's Prayer"
The song we're pairing the movements to is called "Pharisee's Prayer" by Solace. Check it out on iTunes!

Here is a high-level breakdown of the movements to the music:

0:13 Undulations slow and flat foot with arms over head for 16 counts. Then continue with undulations but with flamenco arms, feet travel in circle over right shoulder for 8 counts, then reverse back to front for 8 counts.

0:39 Liquid Walk Back

0:54 Basic Egyptian (Right+Left 8 times)

1:06 Undulations (faster than the beginning section). Arms start up, but push down as you start your undulations, then slowly raise arms like wings back up for 8 counts. Feet travel in a circle for 8 counts over right shoulder (end up facing front at count 8), then travel in a circle for 8 counts over left shoulder.

1:20 Sidewinder (arm undulations)

1:34 Hip bumps traveling forward (right hip leading) for 8 counts.
Reach & Sit (right hip leading) for 6 counts, then propeller turn for counts 7 and 8.
Now repeat with left hip leading.

2:01 Hip Slides (with arms)

2:14 Mayas (figure 8 up to down) with Chest+Pelvic Locks. 3 mayas, chest lock up, chest lock down, pelvic lock front, pelvic lock back. 3 mayas, chest lock up, chest lock down, pelvic lock front. You should hear the drum accents in the music to match up the locks to.

2:28 Box step with shimmy



Remember to check back for some video clips!
Have a great weekend,
Lily
http://www.LilyBellydance.com

Red Fez this Friday!

Hi there!

Come hang out with me this Friday at Red Fez as my friends Rania and Stacey dance up a storm... 10 and 11 PM.

No entrance fee.
See you there!
lily

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Maya with Chest and Pelvic Locks Combo video clip

Hi ladies,

Here's a video clip of the maya (up-to-down figure 8) with chest and pelvic locks combo. This is for the new section in the "Pharisee's Prayer" piece.



Hope this helps!
Lily

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Chest and Pelvic Lock combo video clip

As promised in class, here is a video clip of the Chest and Pelvic Lock combo we covered in class:



Hope this helps!
Lily

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance May-June series, Class 3 Notes

1. Warmup that includes lunges, squats.
- Grand Plie: From Straddle, inhale lift the arms up over head, exhale bend the knees as the arms lower. Inhale lift the arms up over head as you straighten the legs. Exhale as you twist your torso over the right leg and lower the arms. Inhale the arms up and legs straighten, torso back to center. Exhale bend the knees, torso still center. Inhale the arms up, legs straighten. Exhale as you twist your torso over the left leg and lower the arms. Inhale the arms up and legs straighten, torso back to center.
- Vertical Squats: With torso lifted vertical and legs at straddle (knees pointing to the corners), bend the knees so that the thighs are parallel to the floor, then straighten half way. Repeat as many times as possible. This helps strengthen the quads.
- Lung the right leg forward, hands on the floor, back leg strong. Raise the right arm forward, then lift up to the ceiling, then reaching forward. Bring the right elbow to meet the left knee. Keep the hips at the same place in space. The booty should not be lifting up. Repeat on the other side (left leg lunge).
- Horizontal Squats: With torso parallel to the floor and legs at straddle (knees pointing to the corners and ankles under the knees), bend the knees so that the thighs are parallel to the floor, then pulse. This helps target the gluteus muscles.
- Straddle lunge right and left: Keeping the heels on the floor (if you can), stand in straddle position, lower your torso by bending the right knee. Keep the torso vertical and keep the right knee above the right ankle. The left leg should be relatively straight, toes pointing forward. Feel the stretch in the inner left thigh. Reverse to feel the stretch in the inner right thigh.

2. Posture check!

3. Exercises:
- Alternating hip lifts up (a.k.a. "hip singles"). Practice by standing on one leg; try to keep the hips squared. Change to the other leg. Then practice standing on your toes, then gradually bending the knees and lowering the torso down, then back up.

- Hip slides right side to left side.
- Chest lock up: contracting the upper back muscle.
- Chest lock down: contracting the upper abdominal muscle.
- Pelvic locks front: contracting the lower abdominal muscle.
- Pelvic locks back: contracting the lower back muscle.

4. Review Movements from last week:
- Undulation: Contraction in the upper back, upper abs, lower abs, and release. Practice this slowly, then speed up. Once you get comfortable, add walking. As you step with the right foot forward, upper back contraction (chest lifts up). As you step with the left foot forward, lower ab contraction.
Another way to practice undulations standing in place is in front of a wall (with your bum barely touching the mirror). Start by lifting the chest up, then pressing back towards the mirror, following with the rest of the your back towards the mirror. The key here is the gradual process; thinking about reaching back one vertebrae at a time. It's easy to just push your entire body against the wall at the same time... and unfortunately will not have the same effect.
Another way to practice undulations is on hands and knees; connecting the yoga "Cat and Cow" poses.
Yet another way to practice undulations is on your back.
- Liquid Walk Back : Start by bending the right knee and dropping the right hip forward, lift the right hip up and in towards the body as you lift your right heel; while still making contact with the floor with your right big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your right hip back. Your left hip will now be forward. Bend the left knee and drop the left hip forward, lift the left hip up and in towards the body as you lift your left heel; while still making contact with the floor with your left big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your left hip back. Now your right hip will be forward. The arms are open and parallel to the floor; the shoulder roll forward, up, and back, mimicking the motion of the hips (same side shoulder as the hips).
- Basic Egyptian: This is an ATS (American Tribal Style) movement. Starting with the right foot, right hip comes up the same time the ball of the right foot makes contact with the floor. Place the right foot back in place. Following with the left foot, left hip comes up the same time the ball of the left foot makes contact with the floor. Place the left foot down. This movement can be done in place or walking.
[week 2 stuff below]
- Sidewinder: arm undulations incorporating ribcage. With your head looking right and both elbows up about shoulder height, push the right palm towards right as your slide your ribcage towards the left. As the right palm is gliding to the right, the left top of the wrist pulls up and over towards your left ear. Just as the right arms is straightening out, your left wrist should have arrive at your left ear. Pull the right wrist up as you push the left palm out towards left, look left and slide the ribcage right. Remember to keep it slow and a consistent pace of movement. This is the full expression. If you need to keep it simpler for now, stick to just the arms, then add the head, then add the ribcage slide as you get more comfortable.
- Hip bumps, traveling forward: Remember to keep the hips controlled and your steps small. Keep the torso upright and hips right under you.
- Reach and sit: hips like the hip bump, arms extended out to the sides. Stand in showgirl posture: right foot in front, most of your weight in the back leg, body is at a slight diagonal (facing left). On count 1, step the right foot slightly to the left as you slightly reach out to the right with the right arm. On count 2, step the right foot back and bring the right arm back to starting postion.
- Modified propeller turn: In the American Tribal Style repretoire, the propeller turn has a few setup movements. We are doing just the turn. Right foot crosses over the left as both arms swing down. Turn to the back (both arms should be down at hip level by then). Then turning to the front (both arms up). This is a quick turn, taking up one count.


5. New Movements:
- Hip Slides - Both knees slightly bent. Use the obliques to slide the hips to the right and to the left.
For the purpose of "tribal fusion style", we are incorporating arms/hands to the slide. First starting overhead, slide the arms directly down infront of your body, then out to the side. Your arms will move faster than the hips because both hips and arms are moving at the same time.

- Chest+Pelvic Locks - Chest lift up, chest lift down, pelvic lock front, and pelvic lock back.

Figure 8's!
- Down to up (a.k.a. "figure 8" general style or "taxim" in the American Tribal Style)
- Up to down (a.k.a. "mayas" general style or "reverse taxim" in the American Tribal Style)
- Front to back
- Back to front

Remember that for the Down to up and Up to down figure 8's, you want to pretend like you are sandwiched between two pieces of glass. No front and back or twisting movement in the hips. Just slide out and up and down.

Remember for the Front to back and the Back to front figure 8's, you want to imagine as if your hips are resting on top of a table. No up and down motion.



The song we're pairing the movements to is called "Pharisee's Prayer" by Solace. Check it out on iTunes!

Here is a high-level breakdown of the movements to the music:

0:13 Undulations (a.k.a. "Arabic" in the ATS repretoire) slow and flat foot with arms over head for 16 counts. Then continue with undulations but with flamenco arms, feet travel in circle over right shoulder for 8 counts, then reverse back to front for 8 counts.

0:39 Liquid Walk Back

0:54 Basic Egyptian (Right+Left 8 times)

1:06 Undulations. Arms start up, but push down as you start your undulations, then slowly raise arms like wings back up for 8 counts. Feet travel in a circle for 8 counts over right shoulder (end up facing front at count 8), then travel in a circle for 8 counts over left shoulder.

1:20 Arm undulations

1:34 Hip bumps traveling forward (right hip leading) for 8 counts.
Reach & Sit (right hip leading) for 6 counts, then propeller turn for counts 7 and 8.
Now repeat with left hip leading.

2:01 Hip Slides (with arms)

2:14 Mayas (figure 8 up to down) with Chest+Pelvic Locks. 3 mayas, chest lock up, chest lock down, pelvic lock front, pelvic lock back. 3 mayas, chest lock up, chest lock down, pelvic lock front. You should hear the drum accents in the music to match up the locks to.


Practice... and Happy Memorial Day!
lily

Tribal Fest 2009 - The Indigo performance

It's been a while since I've posted any videos on the blog. Here is a clip of The Indigo (Rachel Brice, Mardi Love, and Zoe Jakes) dancing at the annual Tribal Fest... which just happened this past weekend!



Enjoy!
lily

Friday, May 15, 2009

Tribal Fusion Bellydance May-June series, Class 2 Notes

Hi Ladies!
Thanks for a great class. Here is a recap of what we did:

1. Warmup that includes lunges, squats.
- Grand Plie: From Straddle, inhale lift the arms up over head, exhale bend the knees as the arms lower. Inhale lift the arms up over head as you straighten the legs. Exhale as you twist your torso over the right leg and lower the arms. Inhale the arms up and legs straighten, torso back to center. Exhale bend the knees, torso still center. Inhale the arms up, legs straighten. Exhale as you twist your torso over the left leg and lower the arms. Inhale the arms up and legs straighten, torso back to center.
- Vertical Squats: With torso lifted vertical and legs at straddle (knees pointing to the corners), bend the knees so that the thighs are parallel to the floor, then straighten half way. Repeat as many times as possible. This helps strengthen the quads.
- ("Parsvattanasana" - in yoga) From Straddle, pivot feet so that both sets of toes are pointing torwards the right wall, hips are squared facing the right wall. Inhale and exhale as you fold over your right leg. Repeat on the left side. This helps stretch your hamstrings (and back of legs).
- Lung the right leg forward, hands on the floor, back leg strong. Raise the right arm forward, then lift up to the ceiling, then reaching forward. Bring the right elbow to meet the left knee. Keep the hips at the same place in space. The booty should not be lifting up. Repeat on the other side (left leg lunge).
- Horizontal Squats: With torso parallel to the floor and legs at straddle (knees pointing to the corners and ankles under the knees), bend the knees so that the thighs are parallel to the floor, then pulse. This helps target the gluteus muscles.
- Straddle lunge right and left: Keeping the heels on the floor (if you can), stand in straddle position, lower your torso by bending the right knee. Keep the torso vertical and keep the right knee above the right ankle. The left leg should be relatively straight, toes pointing forward. Feel the stretch in the inner left thigh. Reverse to feel the stretch in the inner right thigh.


3. Exercises:
- Alternating hip lifts up (a.k.a. "hip singles"). Practice by standing on one leg; try to keep the hips squared. Change to the other leg. Then practice standing on your toes, then gradually bending the knees and lowering the torso down, then back up.
- Jumana Points:
-- Hip slides to right front corner, right side, and right back corner; left front corner, left side, and left back corner.
-- Chest slides to right front corder, right side, and right back corner; left front corner, left side, and left back corner.
- Pelvic locks front: contracting the lower abdominal muscle.
- Pelvic locks back: contracting the lower back muscle.
- Hip Squares: pairing the hip singles with the pelvic locks. Contract lower abdominal muscle, right hip up, contract lower back muscle, left hip up.

4. Review Movements from last week:
- Undulation - Contraction in the upper back, upper abs, lower abs, and release. Practice this slowly, then speed up. Once you get comfortable, add walking. As you step with the right foot forward, upper back contraction (chest lifts up). As you step with the left foot forward, lower ab contraction.
Another way to practice undulations standing in place is in front of a wall (with your bum barely touching the mirror). Start by lifting the chest up, then pressing back towards the mirror, following with the rest of the your back towards the mirror. The key here is the gradual process; thinking about reaching back one vertebrae at a time. It's easy to just push your entire body against the wall at the same time... and unfortunately will not have the same effect.
Another way to practice undulations is on hands and knees; connecting the yoga "Cat and Cow" poses.
Yet another way to practice undulations is on your back.
- Liquid Walk Back - Start by bending the right knee and dropping the right hip forward, lift the right hip up and in towards the body as you lift your right heel; while still making contact with the floor with your right big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your right hip back. Your left hip will now be forward. Bend the left knee and drop the left hip forward, lift the left hip up and in towards the body as you lift your left heel; while still making contact with the floor with your left big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your left hip back. Now your right hip will be forward. The arms are open and parallel to the floor; the shoulder roll forward, up, and back, mimicking the motion of the hips (same side shoulder as the hips).
- Basic Egyptian - This is an ATS (American Tribal Style) movement. Starting with the right foot, right hip comes up the same time the ball of the right foot makes contact with the floor. Place the right foot back in place. Following with the left foot, left hip comes up the same time the ball of the left foot makes contact with the floor. Place the left foot down. This movement can be done in place or walking.

5. New Movements:
- Sidewinder: arm undulations incorporating ribcage. With your head looking right and both elbows up about shoulder height, push the right palm towards right as your slide your ribcage towards the left. As the right palm is gliding to the right, the left top of the wrist pulls up and over towards your left ear. Just as the right arms is straightening out, your left wrist should have arrive at your left ear. Pull the right wrist up as you push the left palm out towards left, look left and slide the ribcage right. Remember to keep it slow and a consistent pace of movement. This is the full expression. If you need to keep it simpler for now, stick to just the arms, then add the head, then add the ribcage slide as you get more comfortable.
- Hip bumps, traveling forward. Remember to keep the hips controlled and your steps small. Keep the torso upright and hips right under you.
- Reach and sit: hips like the hip bump, arms extended out to the sides. Stand in showgirl posture: right foot in front, most of your weight in the back leg, body is at a slight diagonal (facing left). On count 1, step the right foot slightly to the left as you slightly reach out to the right with the right arm. On count 2, step the right foot back and bring the right arm back to starting postion.
- Modified propeller turn. In the American Tribal Style repretoire, the propeller turn has a few setup movements. We are doing just the turn. Right foot crosses over the left as both arms swing down. Turn to the back (both arms should be down at hip level by then). Then turning to the front (both arms up). This is a quick turn, taking up one count.


The song we're pairing the movements to is called "Pharisee's Prayer" by Solace. Check it out on iTunes!

Sorry these notes are late... Practice... and see you Thursday!


lily

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Austin Belly Dance Convention

Yes, we have a convention. Yes, Lily will be teaching a tribal fusion belly dance workshop. Sign up here: http://abdc.eventbrite.com/




Friday, May 8, 2009

Tribal Fusion style bellydance series May-June, Class 1 notes

Hi Ladies!
Thanks for a great first class of the series. Here is a recap of what we did:

1. Hard-core warmup that includes lunges, squats and different kinds of leg lifts.
- Grand Plie: From Straddle, inhale lift the arms up over head, exhale bend the knees as the arms lower. Inhale lift the arms up over head as you straighten the legs. Exhale as you twist your torso over the right leg and lower the arms. Inhale the arms up and legs straighten, torso back to center. Exhale bend the knees, torso still center. Inhale the arms up, legs straighten. Exhale as you twist your torso over the left leg and lower the arms. Inhale the arms up and legs straighten, torso back to center.
- Vertical Squats: With torso lifted vertical and legs at straddle (knees pointing to the corners), bend the knees so that the thighs are parallel to the floor, then straighten half way. Repeat as many times as possible. This helps strengthen the quads.
- Horizontal Squats: With torso parallel to the floor and legs at straddle (knees pointing to the corners and ankles under the knees), bend the knees so that the thighs are parallel to the floor, then pulse. This helps target the gluteus muscles.
- ("Parsvattanasana" - in yoga) From Straddle, pivot feet so that both sets of toes are pointing torwards the right wall, hips are squared facing the right wall. Inhale and exhale as you fold over your right leg. Repeat on the left side. This helps stretch your hamstrings (and back of legs).
- Lung the right leg forward, hands on the floor, back leg strong. Raise the right arm forward, then lift up to the ceiling, then reaching forward. Bring the right elbow to meet the left knee. Keep the hips at the same place in space. The booty should not be lifting up. Repeat on the other side (left leg lunge).

Now on our backs:
- Scissor Leg Lifts: With arms/hands under your back for support, lift the legs so that the heels are facing the ceiling (toes pointing towards your head). Cris-cross the feet as you lower the legs for 4 counts, then cris-cross the feel as you raise the legs up for 4 counts. Repeat several times.
- Cris-Cross Open: With arms/hands under your back for support, lift the legs so that the heels are facing the ceiling (toes pointing towards your head). Cross the right foot over the left, then left foot over the right, then open the legs wide open. Repeat several times.

Now, resting on our sides:
- Clock Leg Lifts: With the bottom leg bent for support, slightly bend the top leg and flex the feet. Imagine you are laying on top of a clock with your feet at 6 o'clock and your hips facing 3 o'clock. Pulse the top leg up at least 8 times at 6 o'clock, then bring the feet to 5 o'clock and pulse for 8, then at 4 o'clock and pulse for 8. With the feet at 3 o'clock, draw circles with your heel 8 times in one direction, then 8 times in the other direction. Repeat on the other side with the other leg.


2. Posture: Shoulders relaxed, chest lifted, pelvis neutral, knees slightly flexed.

3. Exercises:
- Alternating hip lifts up.
- Hip slides to right front corner, right side, and right back corner; left front corner, left side, and left back corner.
- Chest lifts - contraction in the upper back.

4. Movements:
- Undulation - Contraction in the upper back, upper abs, lower abs, and release. Practice this slowly, then speed up. Once you get comfortable, add walking. As you step with the right foot forward, upper back contraction (chest lifts up). As you step with the left foot forward, lower ab contraction.
Another way to practice undulations standing in place is in front of a wall (with your bum barely touching the mirror). Start by lifting the chest up, then pressing back towards the mirror, following with the rest of the your back towards the mirror. The key here is the gradual process; thinking about reaching back one vertebrae at a time. It's easy to just push your entire body against the wall at the same time... and unfortunately will not have the same effect.
- Liquid Walk Back - Start by bending the right knee and dropping the right hip forward, lift the right hip up and in towards the body as you lift your right heel; while still making contact with the floor with your right big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your right hip back. Your left hip will now be forward. Bend the left knee and drop the left hip forward, lift the left hip up and in towards the body as you lift your left heel; while still making contact with the floor with your left big toe, slide the leg back as you drop your left hip back. Now your right hip will be forward. The arms are open and parallel to the floor; the shoulder roll forward, up, and back, mimicking the motion of the hips (same side shoulder as the hips).
- Basic Egyptian - This is an ATS (American Tribal Style) movement. Starting with the right foot, right hip comes up the same time the ball of the right foot makes contact with the floor. Place the right foot back in place. Following with the left foot, left hip comes up the same time the ball of the left foot makes contact with the floor. Place the left foot down. This movement can be done in place or walking.

The song we're pairing the movements to is called "Pharisee's Prayer" by Solace. Check it out on iTunes!

Have a great weekend... See you all next week!
Lily

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A few upcoming shows April-May-June

Thursday, 30 April, 2009 - On Your Feet Benefit. Doors open at 7am. Show 8pm - 1am. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Saturday, 2 May, 2009 - Desert Passion at the Eternal Way Center. Show 8-10pm. $10.

Saturday, 9 May, 2009 - Sahara Nights at Copa Bar & Grill. Show 10:30. Guest DJ el John Selector from Theivery Corporation.

Friday, 5 June, 2009 - Belly Dance Showcase starring Gitane, Bahaia, Stacey Lizette, Lily, and special guests with a sneak preview performance by YASMINA; Tickets $20/door, $15/advance, $5/child; doors open at 8pm. Williamson Conference Center
1209 N IH 35(adjacent to the Wingate Inn), Round Rock, TX 78664

Hope to see you there!
Lily

Friday, April 24, 2009

Back from New Zealand



When I landed in Auckland, it was 5:30 in the morning. By the time, I got through immigration, baggage claim, and customs, it was 6:00. I was picked up by my dear friend Louise's man Mark, who was so helpful throughout the trip. We had some time before I was to check in to my room, so Mark swung by the near by beach to watch the sunrise. It was amazing; chilly but amazing. The beach was maybe about 10 minutes away... ya gotta love New Zealand!

I took a nap after checking into my room. Then Louise picked me up, and we went to the mall to do girly things like have lunch, manicures, etc. We went out for dinner at a yummy Japanese restaurant, then had a break before I taught a private class to another friend Christine and her dance partner Ivy.

Friday, I taught my first workshop to the advanced oriental style dancers. We packed in the material. It was a move after another. Then we broke out to small groups. After class, I met the guest drum teacher Matt Stonehouse from Melbourne. Having never worked together, I asked if he'd drum for me for the show the next night. He was keen, but we kept it a surprise.

Saturday, I taught an introductory class to Tribal Fusion style bellydance. Lots of eyes were opened, and I was glad people were enjoying it. There was the show rehearsal afterwards where we sorted out stage lighting and sound check. I was starving, so I snuck away with some other dancers to get pizza from the local chain called "Hell's Pizza". They have some crazy toppings on their pizza it makes American pizza look boring. The show was great. Lots of dancers in lots of different and creative pieces. Matt showed up right on time for the improv drum solo. We never practiced, just talked about what we'd do. I hope to get the video soon so I can see how it went!

Sunday, I taught 3 workshops. I had not slept much at all the previous night, but it didn't stop me. I loved every minute of the teaching and watching the dancers improve throughout the day. There were other workshops going on, but because I was teaching 3 in the day (timeslots allowed for 4 workshops per day), I didn't have the time to take someone else's class. After the workshops finished, there was "Tribal Jam" which was a party where the ATS (American Tribal Style) girls could get up and do their improvisational dance. I was so tired, I ended up picking up one of Matt's drums and drumming with the drummers instead of dancing.

Monday, I only taught 2 workshops today. In the morning, I taught my lastest and favorite choreography to date. Monday night, we had a hafla where there were people who performed. It's a different setting than from the show because there was not a stage or lighting but a big dance floor. Whoever wanted to dance could show up to the DJ with her music. So, I danced a short "Ana Fintazaraak" since the festival had been mostly tribal fusion based, I wanted to do a little modern Egyptian style for variety. Then all the drummers came out and jammed while everyone got up and danced. It was so much fun. I didn't want it to end. I was so tired, but I was loving the energy ... I had to dance!

I'm back in Austin now. It was a sad plane ride home. Matt had given me "Hic" which was some sort of Turkish music. I started listening to it on the airplane and tears started coming down.

Inspired in every possible way, I'm ready to start class again. Lots of new ideas. Get ready ladies! We're going to have lots of fun together really soon! See you in May!

Love,
Lily

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

On my way to New Zealand

Since I have about an 8-hour layover in the LA airport, I decided to write...

I am heading off to New Zealand again. This time, it's specifically for dance and for one week only. It feels like a dream... to be invited as the guest Interntional teacher for a national belly dance festival. I am still pinching myself to make sure this is really happening!

Currently, I am preparing to teach six tribal fusion style workshops and one advanced bellydance workshop to be taught in the span of three days. The topics
of these workshops range from floorwork to technique to choreography.

During the MEDANZ Festival (Middle Eastern Dance Association New Zealand), there will be other workshops presented by
local teachers and a guest drum teacher from Australia. The Kiwis really know how to have fun because not only do they have a stage show but they also have a
hafla as part of the festival. I forgot to bring my camera! I hope the camera on my phone will be sufficient.

Also coming up in the next week, I will be graduating from the 200-hour hatha yoga teacher training I started in September of 2008. The past 7 months have
been an inspirational learning process. It's a very exciting time in my life right now, full of growth, change, and the art of movement.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Tribal Fusion 5-week series :: class 5 notes

Hi Ladies,

Thank you for a great final class of the 5-week series. Here is a recap:
1. Quick warm up
2. Review the movements covered throughout the 5-weeks and also exploring other variations of these movements.
3. Review the choreography to "Cybele".
4. Dance the choreography.
5. Dance the choreography collectively facing inward towards the group.
6. Explore different ways of changing the choreography to your liking. Start with replacing just one movement.
7. Dance the choreography with a partner. Travel towards each other in the Basic Egyptian section so that you change places. Other directional changes are optional.
9. Cool down.


My goal in this class was to shine some light into the tribal fusion dance and its possibilities. There are lots of elements that "make" a dance, the movements themselves, the direction in which you execute the movement, partner or group work, they all contribute to the dynamic of the dance.


I am off to New Zealand on Tuesday and will be teaching several workshops there at the New Zealand Middle Eastern Dance Annual Belly dance festival. If I get Internet connectivity there, I'll post a few pictures on the blog here. So, check back next week for new posts.


Also, I wanted to remind you about the next series which will be 8-weeks starting May. Check the website: http://www.lilybellydance.com for registration details. There are 4 registrations already, so get yours in quick! Even though I will cap the class, I will always welcome my existing students back.


Lastly, there is a big benefit on April 30, called "On Your Feet! an International Music and Dance Festival". I will be performing with Sabaya Bellydance Collective. Purchase your tickets in advance! Website: http://www.onyourfeetworld.org

Happy Easter!
Lily

Friday, March 27, 2009

Tribal Fusion 5-week series :: class 4 notes

Here is a recap of yesterday's class:
1. Warm up
2. Review of each movement
3. Introduce new movements:
- 3/4 shimmy = walking, right foot steps as right hip lifts up 2x, then left foot steps as left hip lefts up 2x; continue "walking".
- hip drops = begin with a twist with the downbeat on the back of the right hip; set the hips on auto-pilot, step the right foot forward about 3 inches and lift the heel, pivot your entire body to the left diagonal; continue.
- undulations up to down = contracting the upper back to lift the chest, the contract the upper abs to drop the chest, then contract the lower abs, and release; continue.

Choreography to "Cybele"...
- Horizontal Figure 8, front to back. 8 of them (right and left side counts as 1). On the 2nd, 4th, and 6th ones, add a sharp right hip accent up-down-up.
- Turkish shimmy. 4 of them (front and back counts as 1). (start time = 00:48)
- Turkish shimmy with quarter turns. 4 of them.
- Pivot Bump Doubles. (2xfront, 2xback, 2xfront, 2xback). (start time = 1:01)
- Turkish shimmy half turns. 4 of them, leaving you facing the back. (start time = 1:08)
- Hip singles, down beat left. 4x right hip down to face front. (start time = 1:15)
- Hip singles, down beat left. 2x right hip down, level change down. 2x right hip down, level change up.
- Hip singles, down beat left. grapevine feet pattern, traveling right. 8x right hip down.
- Choo Choo traveling left with left hip leading for 8 counts.
- continue with Choo Choo, traveling in small circle in your dance space for 8 counts.
- Single-hipped Figure 8 in place right hip. 4 counts. (start time = 1:35)
- Choo Choo leading with right hip, circle around over right shoulder. 8 hip bumps total.
- Single-hipped Figure 8 in place left hip. 4 counts.
- Choo Choo leading with left hip, circle around over left shoulder. 8 hip bumps total.
[PAUSE both arms up] Time = 1:50
- Propeller Turn. Turn on count 4, decorate drum accent with chest lift up-down-up. (start time = 1:54)
- Propeller Turn. repeat.
- Egyptian Basic 4x. (start time = 2:14)
- Egyptian half turns 4x.
- Hip drops, pivot on left leg to face front. 4 counts to face front, then 4 counts facing front. (start time = 2:27)
- 3/4 shimmy walking forward for 8 counts. (start time = 2:35)
- Undulations up to down, circle to the right for 8 counts. (start time = 2:37)
- Single-hipped Figure 8 in place right hip. 8 counts.
- Undulations up to down, circle to the left for 8 counts.
- Single-hipped Figure 8 in place left hip. 8 counts.
- Undulations up to down, circle to the right for 8 counts.
- Continue with Undulations up to down, walking forward for 8 counts. Raising arms up into flamenco position (left arm back) on counts 7,8.
- Finale: (hip and chest accents) double hip down, chest lift down and up.


The music for "Cybele" can be found in iTunes, under the artist "Solace", in the "Sha Waza" album: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257814522&s=143441
[Note: You need to have iTunes installed and have an iTunes account to purchase the music.]


Next Thursday is our last class for the series. We will cover some new material... yes, adding on to this choreography!

Have a great weekend and see you next week!
lily

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Tribal Fusion 5-week series :: class 3 notes

Single-hipped figure 8 - Start with body at a 45 degree diagonal, arms in flamenco position. The hip facing the audience will dip back/down, scoop up, back to center, dip front/down, and scoop up back to center.

Propeller turn (modified) - Start with both arms overhead. 1.) Drop the right arm to hip height and slide your hip to the right, then raise it again. 2.) Then do the same with the left arm and slide your hip to the left. 3.) Drop the right arm again. 4.) Cross your right foot over your left and pivot in place, dropping the left arm down to hip level as you turn to the back. As you come around to the front again, sweep the left arm up, end with both arms up.

Egyptian Basic - Step on the ball of the right foot, twisting the right hip up/forward, then drop it back (1-2), and repeat on the left (3-4). Try to accentuate the natural swivel in your hips as you change weight from side to side: this will give the step more shape. Arms are overhead with elbows back. The arm on the same side as the hip that's working will be pulled back slightly; the effect will look like your hands are making an X overhead. Shoulders and torso face front.

Egyptian Half Turn - Start with the Egyptian Basic: Step on the ball of the right foot, twisting the right hip up/forward (1), then drop it back (2), and then step the left foot on 3 and twist the left hip up; as you release the left foot, turn by stepping back with the left foot on 4 and pivoting over the left shoulder, ending with the right foot ready for 1. Turn back to the front on 4 again.

Correction!
So, I've been calling the movement we did "Reach and Sit", which is actually incorrect. That movement is actually called Pivot Bump Doubles.
Here is the description again:
Pivot Bump Doubles - The right hip goes up twice to the front, then up twice to the back. Right arm up, left arm forward when right hip is front, right arm forward and left arm up when hip goes back.


Continuation of Choreography to "Cybele".
- Horizontal Figure 8, front to back. 8 of them (right and left side counts as 1). On the 2nd, 4th, and 6th ones, add a sharp right hip accent up-down-up.
- Turkish shimmy. 4 of them (front and back counts as 1). (start time = 00:48)
- Turkish shimmy with quarter turns. 4 of them.
- Pivot Bump Doubles. (2xfront, 2xback, 2xfront, 2xback). (start time = 1:01)
- Turkish shimmy half turns. 4 of them, leaving you facing the back. (start time = 1:08)
- Hip singles, down beat left. 4x right hip down to face front. (start time = 1:15)
- Hip singles, down beat left. 2x right hip down, level change down. 2x right hip down, level change up.
- Hip singles, down beat left. grapevine feet pattern, traveling right. 8x right hip down.
- Choo Choo traveling left with left hip leading for 8 counts.
- continue with Choo Choo, traveling in small circle in your dance space for 8 counts.
- Single-hipped Figure 8 in place right hip. 4 counts. (start time = 1:35)
- Choo Choo leading with right hip, circle around over right shoulder. 8 hip bumps total.
- Single-hipped Figure 8 in place left hip. 4 counts.
- Choo Choo leading with left hip, circle around over left shoulder. 8 hip bumps total.
[PAUSE both arms up] Time = 1:50
- Propeller Turn. Turn on count 4, decorate drum accent with chest lift up-down-up. (start time = 1:54)
- Propeller Turn. repeat.



The music for "Cybele" can be found in iTunes, under the artist "Solace", in the "Sha Waza" album: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257814522&s=143441
[Note: You need to have iTunes installed and have an iTunes account to purchase the music.]


Hope to see some of you this weekend at The Gathering show!!
Lily