Workshops
NOW BOOKING WORKSHOPS FOR 2011
Below is a list of the workshop themes I am offering now.
Currently scheduled workshops are listed on the events page.
I am available to teach any of the following workshops at YOUR event & location. Workshops can range from 90 minute classes to full 4-hour programs. Most workshops are suitable for a mixed- level skill attendance unless otherwise indicated. Contact me for booking details.
Dancing Baladi
The Baladi Progression is a specific musical arrangement that is traditionally played as a special segment of every full length, classical bellydance routine . This segment allows for the dancer to portray the playful spirit of Egyptian dance, exhibit her dance skill and showcase the full spectrum of dance stylization’s that are traditionally featured in Egyptian bellydance. This musical progression is traditionally improvised by the musicians and so is also improvised by the dancer. This workshop teaches dance steps & combinations that every dancer needs to become proficient at baladi improvisation. Workshop includes instruction on the art of Taqsim, 2 beat & 4 beat movement combinations and traveling steps. 1 hour is suggested the taqsim section and another 2 hours for the drum rhythm dance combos, traveling steps & time to put it all together at the end.
Tantalizing Traveling Steps & Combos
Learn several traveling dance steps, combos & techniques for adding an element of tantalization to your every move including entrances, stage space utilization & exits. 2/4 and 4/4 rhythms will be explored. 90 minute worshop.
Mastering Zills
Zills, Zills, Zills. For dancers wishing to enhance their finger cymbal skills. Learn to play a variety of different timings, rhythms and how to get different sounds out of your zills. Learn techniques for gracefully coordinating your finger cymbals with your dancing and for fluidly dancing with your zills. 60 minute workshop.
Shimmy Variations & Layering
For intermediate dancers. Workshops includes a breakdown of Egyptian shimmy, basic shimmies and a variety of 3/4 shimmies We’ll break them down into practicable drills and focus on layering shimmies onto other movements including circles, slides, 8’s , walks, turns and more. 90 minute workshop.
Beautiful Hands and Arms
Lets take the guesswork out of arms and learn dance combinations that incorporate elegant hands, flowing arm patterns and nice ‘framing’ arm poses. Learn to guide the gaze of your audience with your hands and arms and how to integrate arm movements into your dancing to bring more of a sense of completeness to your dance. 90 minute workshop.
Choreography & Stage space utilization
This workshops teaches an Egyptian choreography and uses it to also teach the basic aesthetic principles applied to creating dynamic, artistic choreographies. Your choices in entrances, exits, poise, stage positioning and traveling from one point to another can make or break a performance. What messages are you sending to your audience with your dancing? Does your dancing convey what the music is saying? Do you know how to OWN the stage or do you feel like a deer caught in a headlight? The principles taught in this workshop that will have you looking & moving like a pro in no time. Part one teaches basic aesthetic principles, techniques & dance combinations. Part two learn & drill the entire choreography. 4 hours total, broken down into two, 2-hour segments. Shorter, 2 hour “choreography only’ workshops are also available.
Taqsim: The Art of Sensuous bellydance movement
When the music slows down, do you know how to perform mesmerizing dances that will keep your audience entranced? The purpose of the Taqsim is to set an introspective, meditative mood & mystical atmosphere. This workshop Instructs dancers in sensuous, snaky torso & hip movements combined with dynamic pop & lock accents with instruction on interpreting & performing to various instrumental taqsims (oud, qanoun, accordian, violin). Includes techniques for sensuous, classy floor work. 2 hours.
Sword Balancing & dancing with your sword
So you have sword. Now what? This workshop will instruct dancers in the basics of sword dancing including standard balancing techniques, transitions, turns, spins and floor work. Learn to create enchanting, mystifying dances with your sword balancing savvy rather than a looking like carnival performer schlepping through a series of tricks. Bring a sword with you to class. 2 hour workshop
Musicality & bellydance
This class focuses on understanding how to truly hear the music, pick out the rhythms, decipher the musical phrases, various instrumentation and how to translate what you hear into dance movements & combinations that personify the music in a traditional bellydance format . If you have a particular piece of music that baffles you, bring it along! 90 minute workshop.
Rhythm based Dance Combinations
teaches dancers a variety of dance steps and combinations that go well with specific drum rhythms including 2/4, 4/4 & 8/4 timings . 2 hour workshop.
Drum Solo technique & Choreography
Drum solos are a staple part of any full length belly dance show but dancers often find it difficult to understand how to dance most effectively to a drum solo. Learn traditional drum solo technique & a full drum solo choreographed by Carrie Konyha. Class includes information on how to choreograph your own routines and full length shows. Choreographed routines act as a valuable tool for dancers to learn how to combine movements and transition from one move to another. 2 hour workshop. See performance/events page for schedule of booked workshops.
Veil Dancing
Includes info on selecting your veil, holding/maneuvering the veil properly & instruction in beginning level veil moves, turns & tips to help you dance with the veil like the Goddess that you are ! This workshop can also include veil combinations, double veil technique & info on create your own veil routines, either improvised or choreographed. Workshop includes info on music selection, traveling with the veil, executing extended spins and turns with grace and balance, professional tips for gracefully getting out of veil entanglements, and avoiding them in the first place. Please bring a SILK veil to class if you have one. 90 minute workshop.
Tribal Improv Combinations
Learn Tribal combinations that we use in our “White Lotus” format of Improvisational Tribal Bellydance. Workshops can be geared towards beg-intermediate or intermediate-advanced and can included, fast moves, slow moves, tribal movement combinations, spins, turns, shimmies and techniques for improvisational group interaction.
Tribal 9/8 Technique
Attention Tribal dancers ~Tired of not being able to perform ATS to 9/8 Rhythms? I have organized a family of ATS moves with cues that work well with performing ATS to 9/8 rhythms. This workshop includes a repertoire of 9/8 tribal bellydance moves including movement combinations, traveling steps, turns, spins and 9/8 zill playing technique. We will work mainly with the Karsilama rhythm but these movement techniques will fit with most any 9/8 rhythm. Part one of the workshop focuses on teaching modified ‘9/8′ variations of standard tribal moves & cues. Part 2 of the workshop teaches more complex 9/8 tribal combinations, zill technique & skill developing dance drills based on what we learn in the workshop. All participants will receive a handout of the moves and cues. BRING YOUR ZILLS!!!!!!!!! . attendees should be familiar with standard ATS format. Mixed skill level welcome. Each part requires 2 hours
Spicy Drills & Combos
Designed with a dancer’s goals in mind: long, lean, flexible and strong muscles make for clean isolations and fluid movement. This is a bellydance conditioning training designed to build strength, balance, flexibility, endurance and muscular control needed for professional quality bellydance performance. Includes a high level of repetition of belly dance movement drills, Pilate’s inspired core strengthening and yogic stretching. All in a non-stop hour of movement. A fun and effective workout class for everyone.
The Art of Improvisational Solo
Carrie has more than 15 years of professional experience with improvisational performance in the traditional middle eastern form. She has worked closely with middle eastern musicians and has achieved mastery in the art of improvisation. This workshop presents expert techniques for creating dynamic improvisational dance shows. Participants will learn how to format shows of varying lengths from beginning to end (canned or live music) in the classical Egyptian form with extra info on performing with live musicians. In part one we drill & strengthen technique & form and learn fresh dance combinations. In part two we explore stage presence, entrances, exits, explore full show format including prop use, folkoric section, drum solo placement & pracice techniques for using dance combos to their their full potential in improvisational shows. 4 hour program broken down into two, 2-hour segments. Bring veil & zills.
Introduction to Bellydance
An excellent introductory class for the beginner student or those interested in learning more about the art. Contact Carrie for details. 90 minute workshop
Meditative dance workshop (GaiadanceTM techniques)
Experience the powerfully transformative qualities of the worlds most ancient and magical dance. This workshop teaches participants how to work with bellydance movements blended with yogic philosophies and holistic techniques for bellydancing as a form of moving meditation, embodied prayer and a medium for spiritual path-working, holistic healing and personal empowerment. Learn the dances of Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit as well as techniques for clearing and energizing the chakra system with bellydance. All participants will gain the info needed to begin experimenting with developing a Goddess Dance practice of their own. Workshop includes hand-outs. Can be structured into a two hour intro program, day long program weekend or weeklong retreat. Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Participants should also bring Veils. (Extensive classes and teacher training program also available).