Class Format & Syllabus
About American Tribal Style Belly Dance
American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance is a modern fusion dance style, with a specific language and set of cues so that it can be performed by groups in structured improvisation. It was created by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance, based in San Francisco, CA. Although it is a modern dance style, the feeling is folkloric, ancient, and connected.
Course Outlines and Description
Tribal Fundamentals (Level 1) introduces core movement vocabulary, movement concepts, & philosophy. At the first class there will be an overview of all the fast steps so you can get moving right away. Each week we choose several steps to break down in detail, while reviewing past steps, learning how to transition and dance with the music, and following/leading in formations. We begin using zills (finger cymbals) in week 3.
This class is intended for dancers at all levels who are new to the ATS format, or who would like a review of the basics.
Week 1
Posture
Moving Meditation / Puja
Taxeem
Floreo
Overview of the four basic fast steps (Pivot Bump, Egyptian, Arabic, Walking Shimmy) with simple cues and transitions
Week 2
Arm undulations
Egyptian step
Formations for leading and following
Week 3
Zils
Review formations with all steps
Week 4
Bodywave
Arabic step
Review formations with all steps
Week 5
Torso twist
Pivot Bump / Choo choo with arm 1 & arm 2
Review formations with all steps
Week 6
Circle step
Walking Shimmy
Review formations with all steps
Intermediate/Advanced Tribal (Level 2/3) adds complex steps and continues to refine transitions & formations. Zills are used in every class. Advanced-level students will add an emphasis on detail, precision, and experimentation, and develop skills for performance. Basic steps covered in Level 1 are not covered in Level 2/3. At least six weeks of Level 1 are highly recommended before beginning Level 2/3.
Although this class is taught in six-week sessions, instruction follows a 12-week cycle. Classes labelled "session 1" follow the first half of the syllabus; classes labelled "session 2" follow the second half.
We may include additional steps and concepts, determined by the overall level of the class.
Week 1
Walking Taxeem
Walking Bodywave
Reverse Turn
Review / drill formations
Week 2
Turkish Shimmy and variations
- with arms and turn (TSWAT)
Review / drill formations
Week 3
Chorus
Reach and Sit
Review / drill formations
Week 4
Propellor Turn
Corkscrew Turn
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 5
Arabic Hip Twist and half turn
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 6
Camel Walk
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 7
Double Bump and variations
Single Bump and variations
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 8
Ribcage rotation
Arc arms
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 9
Up2Down3
- with zill pattern
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 10
Arabic Shimmy
- with arms and turn (ASWAT)
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 11
Shoulder Shimmy
Ghawazee Shimmy Combo
Review / drill formations / chorus
Week 12
Reverse Taxeem
Head Slides
Review / drill formations / chorus
Special Topics Workshops are taught periodically, and may include open practice time, floorwork, props, other advanced topics, or may feature visiting instructors. Fees and times will vary.
Questions? info@jaiyana.com / 207-619-4230