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Urban Gypsy is offering classes in American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance! ATS is a fairly new dance form with its origins in traditional Middle Eastern dance. The lineage begins with the gypsy dancers of North Africa, particularly the Ghawazee of Egypt and the Ouled Nail of Algeria. The dance focuses on the strength & beauty of the female form and is usually done as a group using improvisational choreography techniques. Want to know more about tribal style belly dance? Check out the information and links below!

LEVEL I - TRIBAL BELLY DANCE MOVES & CUES - 16 weeks Series (A, B, C & D) The foundation movements of improvisational tribal style belly dance are taught, including Toxem, Camel, Arabic, Gahwazee I and more! Every class will also include strengthening drills and a full cool-down. Classes A-D each teach a different set of tribal dance movements and can be taken in any order. Collect all four! LEVEL II - TRIBAL BELLY DANCE MOVES & CUES - (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H & I+++) - Contact Zymirrah for details! Building upon the moves from Level I, this class introduces intermediate level and Urban Gypsy signature tribal style moves. Leading and formations will also be explored in greater depth. Classes A>I each teach a different set of tribal dance movements, a Tribal Fusion Choreography or incorporate unique Bellydance Props (zills, veil & skirt) Every class also include strengthening drills and a full cool-down. They can be taken in any order. Collect all 9!

2010 SCHEDULE
LEVEL I: SATURDAYS 11:30AM-1:00PM
LEVEL II: TUESDAYS 7:45-9:15PM

PREREGISTRATION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED - GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE IN CLASS!
http://urbangypsy2010.eventbrite.com/
$20 drop in for 90 min class  
$70 for Level I or II series
$245 for 16 weeks of Level I OR II series (Mid Jan - Mid May)

The studio is located inside the historic building behind Grace United Methodist at 13th & Heights Blvd.
Please park in the church parking lot and go through the breezeway between the two brown brick buildings at the back. Take a right and enter the annex through the first door on your right. Go up the stairs one floor, and down the hallway until you hear the music! That's where we'll be waiting for you!

** Mar 26-28– Seattle, WA
www.troupehipnotica.com/cues/

** May 12>16–Tribal Fest
http://www.blacksheepbellydance.com/

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MORE INFORMATION

What's the difference between Tribal Style and Egyptian Style belly dance?
This is by far the most common question I am asked by new dance students. While there have been entire books devoted to the tribal style (check out The Tribal Bible, by Kajira) the short answer is this. When most people think of "belly dance" they see a single performer in a sequined costume performing solo, perhaps with a silk veil or finger cymbals. This is most likely the Egyptian, or perhaps the American Cabaret style belly dance. American Tribal style as Urban Gypsy teaches it is always done in a group, and the costumes are more covered, with layers of pantaloons, skirts, antique textiles, fringe, tassels and old Kuchi jewelry creating a very distinctive and more folkloric look.

As far are the movements are concerned, at the beginning of your dance study, the differences are minimal - both Egyptian and Tribal style utilize basic isolations such as hip slides, circles, lifts and drops as well as chest slides, circles, body undulations etc. Tribal Style dance tends to be more postured and grounded than it's Egyptian sister, which is often more loose and flowy in style. In Urban Gypsy's Tribal Style classes you will learn a series of movements with their associated cues to form a sort of "belly dance sign language" vocabulary that you will then you to dance improvisationally with others in the class.

WHAT TO WEAR?
Wear comfortable clothing, or fitted exercise wear. It is not required that you show your belly, but it is helpful for both of us to be able to see your body line. A scarf or something around your hips is nice to create a visual line - again this helps us both see what your hips/body are doing. Shoes... Barefoot is fine, and actually preferred.

ABSENCE/CANCELLATION POLICY:
For your own success, please limit your absences. No credit is given on missed class. Classes are non-refundable, non-transferrable.