Lee Ali in Rhode Island!
Workshops on September 19th, 2009

10:30am - 12:30pm : Gutsy Greek Bellydance
Greeks are emotional dancers. These natural storytellers of the dance world project raw sensuality, bold strength and heartbreaking sorrow, often in a single dance. This workshop will cover 3 main topics including: belly dance, folk dance, and understanding and interpreting Greek music. We will explore the differences between Greek, Egyptian, and American styles of bellydance including costumes, attitudes, and even cultural taboos.

The first hour of class will cover specific gestures that give Greek dance its signature passionate flair. The Drunken Sailor and Zorba-the-Greek are just a few famous folk images we will draw from to authentically flavor our dance. A clear explanation of Greek bouzouki music will be given throughout the class, along with a peppering of cultural tidbits that will fire the imagination and allow students to interpret their dance with “feeling.” In the second hour, we will cover Greek-style Bellydance. The Greek name for bellydance is Tsiftetelli (pronounced "Tseef tuh TELL lee." with a little snake hiss at the beginning of the word). A 3-part bellydance routine will be taught, with a bold, fast entrance, a slow section just for belly rolls, and a leave-em-wanting-more finale! This 3-part routine may be performed as a stage-ready mini show, or blended with other styles to create a Greek-fusion piece.

This class is recommended for Tribal Fusion, ATS, or Cabaret style bellydancers who want to bring a new ethnic flavor to their dance. Whether you are planning a dreamy vacation to the blue waters and sizzling night life of the Mediterranean or simply dining at your local Greek taverna, this class will inspire you to dance and shout, “OPA!” Please bring a veil and finger cymbals.

(lunch break!)

1:00-3:00pm :
Trance Dancing
Trance dancing is a personal journey into altered states of consciousness and creativity. Light trancing is the ultimate stress reliever. It is a Zen exercise for learning to “let go” and dance mindlessly in the moment. As we advance, deep trance is a powerful, mysterious tool for harvesting self-knowledge and spiritual ecstasy. We will explore trance from 3 different angles. First as an ancient ritual, second, as a performance art for dancers, and third, as a traditional women’s social dance. Segment 1 of the workshop will introduce simple techniques for descending into trance as well as a rhythm drills and music suggestions for practicing trance on your own. In segment 2 students learn a 2-minute choreography inspired by the Egyptian Zar, a traditional ritual for healing spirit-possession. This routine is a theatrical version of a real Zar and may be performed as part of a tribal fusion or gothic dance piece. Segment 3 will explore group trance dancing. Part African, part Arab, these spicy movements and interactions are based on Moroccan women’s dances. This is the Moroccan version of a mosh pit! We will rock, spin, jump, flick, and shake with abandonment. Bring kneepads and eat lightly before class. This is a rhythmic and hypnotic workout!

The Details:
Where: The workshops will take place on Saturday, September 19th, from 10am-3pm (with a lunch break) at World Dance & Music Center,
925 Central Ave, 2nd floor, Pawtucket, RI 02861. There is ample free parking on the street around the building.

How Much?: $75 for both, or $40 each.*

Online registration has been taken down - please pay at the door! Space is still available in both workshops!


Questions?: Email Tempest!

*No refunds unless the event is canceled.