STEPHANIE
BARTO
Director/Instructor
Bellydance
is a timeless celebration of the strength, vitality, and
beauty of women.
American Tribal style is a unique expression of the creative
powers of female camaraderie--we perform bellydance as a
"tribe" using a group improvisation format. Though contemporary
in its expression, our dance form's roots can be traced
to the passionate and exciting folk dances evolved as the
Gypsies traveled through India, Central Asia, the Middle
East, North Africa and Spain. We invite you to join us as
we discover and create American Tribal Bellydance ...
Class
Attire and Equipment
Ideal student attire is a
choli or short exercise top worn with a full skirt, pantaloons
or jazz pants that fit loosely enough that you can wear
them at about hipbone level. If you don't feel comfortable
in a short top, it's fine to wear a one-piece leotard with
the skirt or pants. For footwear, we recommend ballet slippers
or jazz shoes, but it's also fine to just wear socks.
In general, please avoid wearing noisy adornments (such
as coin belts or ankle bells) to class.
You will also need to acquire
zills (finger cymbals) when you enter the Intermediate level
of classes. These can be purchased through numerous online
vendors you'll find on our Links page. I recommend Saroyan
for a really nice selection of nice quality zills.
About
Session Levels
Even if you have had previous
Egyptian style or Tribal Bellydance training, we ask that
you start out in the Beginner level class. This is because
our format uses moves, stylizations and a group improvisational
structure that are unique to our group. The Beginner level
focuses on introducing and refining our basic vocabulary
of moves, getting acquainted with American Tribal stylizations,
and exploring Middle Eastern folkloric rhythms. There
is no need to register ahead for our Beginner level class,
and there's no specific start/end type session schedule
... just show up and dance :-)
Attendance at the Intermediate
and Advanced levels are by teacher approval only. At the
Intermediate and Advanced levels, we continue to refine
and expand our vocabulary and explore more complex moves
and combinations, introduce basic finger cymbal technique,
learn to create dances within the group improvisation formats,
and add floor work and sword balancing to the repertoire.
Strategies for musical interpretation are also refined,
and we experiment with choreography and solo techniques.
For information on the above
classes, contact Stephanie at 773-975-0242 or via e-mail
at starkana@aol.com.
Class
Fees
The cost for each session is
$9. There is also the option to purchase a discount card
good for 5 classes @ $40. The discount cards have no expiration
date, and can be used for classes at Lin Shook Studio and
Blue Cat Studio.
