Class Format & Syllabus
About Tribal Style Belly Dance
Improv Tribal Style (ITS) 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 is based in American Tribal Style (ATS), a format created by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance, and has been changed to allow for additional steps and concepts.
Course Outlines and Description
Please note: the course content listed for each week may vary depending on the overall level of the class.
Tribal Basics 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. Zills (finger cymbals) are required beginning in week 3.
This class is intended for dancers at all levels who are new to Tribal, or who would like a review of the basics, and is based heavily in the FatChance foundational sequence.
Week 1
Posture
Moving Meditation
Taxeem
Floreo
Overview of the four basic fast steps (Pivot Bump, Egyptian, Arabic, Walking Shimmy)
Week 2
Arm undulations
Egyptian with half and full turns
Duet lead and follow
Week 3
Zils - required beginning this week
Ribcage circles
Pivot Bump with arm 1 & arm 2
Trio formations
Week 4
Bodywave
Arabic with simple turns
Quartet formation
Week 5
Torso twist and turn
Shoulder shimmies and variations
Chorus formation
Week 6
Circle step
Walking Shimmy
Pivot Bump Flourish / Vines
Intermediate/Advanced Tribal adds complex steps and continues to refine transitions & formations. Zills are required in every class. For continuing students, it can be helpful to take this class during the same session as Tribal Basics, as we will frequently work within a theme — e.g., week 4 will cover Arabic in Tribal Basics, and Arabic variations in Int/Adv. Advanced-level students will add an emphasis on detail, precision, and experimentation, and develop skills for performance. Instructor permission is required to attend this class.
Week 1
Walking Taxeem & Walking Bodywave
Reach and Sit
Cafe formation
Week 2
Calibrated Spins
Barrel Turn
Resham-ka & dueling Resham-ka
Week 3
Double bump and turns
Single bump and half turn
Arc arms
Fade formation
Week 4
Corkscrew & Propellor turns
Reverse turn
Arabic Hip Twist with half-turns and with flourish
Week 5
Camel Walk with pasada
Arabic 123
Wraparound Turn
Week 6
Ghawazee Shimmy Combo
Turkish Shimmy with quarter and half turns, and with fade
Special Topics Workshops are taught periodically, and may include open practice time, floorwork, props, skirt work, other advanced topics, or may feature visiting instructors. Fees and times will vary.
Questions? info@jaiyana.com / 207-619-4230