Urban Gypsy's Class Schedule

Urban Gypsy is offering classes in Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) belly dance! The Urban Gypsy format is rooted in the traditional format of pioneer troupes such as Gypsy Caravan, and Domba, but draws more from the folkloric Egyptian style of the famous Ghawazee dancers of Egypt. The dance is usually done as a group using improvisational choreography techniques. Want to know more about Tribal Style Belly dance? Check out the resources on our “More Information” page.

LEVEL I - TRIBAL BELLY DANCE MOVES & CUES - 16 weeks Series (A, B, C, D & E)
Level I classes include 5 sessions (A-E) which can be taken in any order. Each session will teach the basics of Improvisational Tribal Style, as well as signature Urban Gypsy moves and cues which are yours to use and dance as you please! These moves will be put together in Session E to create a fabulous Tribal Choreography that is ready to perform!

LEVEL II - TRIBAL BELLY DANCE MOVES & CUES - (A, B, C, D, E, F...)
Level II Improv classes are open to anyone who has completed all five Level I Urban Gypsy sessions (or four sessions if you are a current student or student from past years). These classes delve deeper into the Urban Gypsy Ghawazee fusion style, and also teach all of our prop-work, including zills, veil, and skirt! Focus on leading, leader changes and transitions are emphasized. Come learn the Urban Gypsy format, then take if home, make it yours, and use it in your dance! Every few months we offer a choreography session in Level II that is open to EVERYONE with basic belly dance experience.

2012 SCHEDULE
LEVEL I: SATURDAYS 11:30AM-12:30PM
$15 drop in
$40 for four classes if paid online in advance
$50 for all for if paid in class

LEVEL II: TUESDAYS 7:45-9:15PM (COMING SOON)
$20 drop in for 90 min class
$70 for Level II series
$245 for 16 weeks of Level II series

Saturday classes are held at the NiaMoves Studio
Nia Moves
508 Pecore Street
Houston, TX 77008

PREREGISTRATION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED - GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE IN CLASS!
REGISTER HERE

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TUESDAYS ::: 7:45PM-9:15PM (90 minutes)
Session A - New series beginning soon... please email sahira[at]urbangypsy.cc to reserve your place!

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SATURDAYS ::: 11:30PM-12:30PM (1 hour)
MOVES AND CUES - LEVEL I
Session D - January 21, 28, February 4, 11
Session E - February 25, March 3, 10, 17 (no 22)

Urban Gypsy's Event & Workshop Schedule

Urban Gypsy offers workshops at dance festivals and events across the world. Our specialties include our signature Ghawazee-style Tribal Improvisation, Improv Veil, Skirt and Zills, Troupe Synchronicity, Leader Changes and Formations, and an ever-changing array of Tribal Choreographies. Contact us for more information and class descriptions.

Upcoming Performances:
3rd Coast Tribal Friday January 7th 3rdCoastTribal.us
Sahira's Wedding!!! February 18-19 Houston, TX
Upcoming workshops 2012:
3rd Coast Tribal 2012 For information on our annual Third Coast Tribal Event in Fort Worth, please visit 3rdCoastTribal.com This year’s event will be held January 5-8, 2012.
A Touch of Alchemy May 4-6 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX http://www.tribalalchemy.net/
Tribal Revolution June 21-24 Chicago, IL tribalrevolution.com/
TribOriginal September 27-30 Ashville, NC triboriginal.org/

More Information

WHERE AM I GOING?
NiaMoves Studio 508 Pecore Houston, TX 77008

WHAT TO WEAR?
Wear comfortable clothing, or exercise wear. It is not required that you show your belly, but it is helpful for you and the instructor be able to see your body line. A scarf or something around your hips is nice to create a visual. No shoes are required as we dance barefoot.

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

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EGYPTIAN AND TRIBAL 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 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. 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.

There are so many more styles of belly dance too!
Check out these other websites to learn more.

Joy of Belly Dance < http://www.joyofbellydancing.com/bdstyle.htm>
Shira < http://www.shira.net/styles.htm>
Tribal Belly Dance.org < http://www.tribalbellydance.org/about.html>