Dalia Carella - New York

Dalia Carella is a renowned world fusion artist, choreographer and instructress that specializes in both Near/Middle Eastern and Contemporary Dance Theater. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Dalia Carella Carella Dance Collective. Audiences from around the world have applauded her mystical and innovative dances and choreographies that are taken from the tradition of the countries she is representing. Ms. Carella has delved deeply in the studies of dances from the Near and Middle East including Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, as well as North Africa including Morocco and Algeria. Her dances are both traditional and contemporary with a spiritual and mystical essence behind each and every dance that she creates. Some of Ms. Carella’s new works represent both traditional and contemporary movement and range from sacred rituals to ethnic contemporary theater pieces as well as Cabaret Theater inspired by the 1920s and 30s.

"El Mundo" - Spanish Fan and Skirt Work

Dalia has been dancing with the fan since 1980. This workshop will review the basic fan technique, followed by intermediate fan technique and beyond. The movement will be a combination of Arabic dance and fiery and flirtatious Spanish fan and Latin Caribbean skirt movement. This class will emphasize maximizing performance techniques used when dancing with a fan, and will focus on drawing the audience into not only the fan, through imagery, but also working with the persona of a person dancing with the fan and the use of creative theatrical floor and air design. A large Spanish fan is preferred, and a 24 yard gypsy skirt. Fans and skirts will be available in vending for purchase.

Dunyavi Roma (Gypsy) Dance

Dunyavi means “World.” This is one of Dalia’s signature art forms that she created in 1979, the name and the movement. This style blends Turkish, Spanish and Indian Dance into one form. Turkish Roman hand gesturing and foot work are combined with Flamenco arms, skirt work and posturing and Indian hand gesturing and turns. Dalia is the originator of this form and teaches how to fuse these traditional dances into a fiery and intense art form. Dalia will be using 9/8 Karsilama rhythm in this workshop. She will also teach how to count in this rhythm and feel comfortable in dancing to it. Gypsy skirts required. Skirts will be available in vending for purchase.

Ruby Jazayre - Indiana

Hipalicious!

This class will examine the source of movement for fabulous hip articulation, build into luscious layers, and conclude with a short drum solo choreography. A DVD of the drum solo choreo will be available for $15.

Flash Dance

Ruby will review different forms of movement. As one group, we will try out different flash dances we create on the spot. We will then break into smaller groups and create flash dances to present to the whole class. Time permitting, spatial design for soloist and group will also be explored.

Leila Gamal - Indiana

Constructing the Cabaret Show:

Leila will explore the 5-part performance typically seen in nightclubs during the 70’s and 80’s. These multi-format shows enabled a dancer to draw in the audience and hold them captive for a longer period of time by layering the energy and expressing several moods during a single performance.

Classic Oriental Veil:

Learn classical oriental veil choreography with some spice added. A beautiful addition to any cabaret show, this veil choreo allows the dancer to explore the use of a prop in an exciting and sensual way. Veil required. Veils will be available for purchase in vending.

Jeannette Daft - Wisconsin

The Mighty Sword

Learn how to wield a sword and incorporate it into your dance. Jeannette will teach you the basics of sword: balancing, floor work, movement, and placement, along with flourishes of martial arts, mystery, and Illusion. She will teach you how this prop becomes a powerful extension of you and your body. You will need to bring your own sword, along with a bandana/scarf to wear on your head and knee pads are encouraged for floor work. A limited number of swords will be available for purchase in vending.

John Yost - Illinois

Fundamentals of Hand Drumming and Percussion

John Yost is a master percussionist who has performed and recorded internationally. He studied in Africa, Japan, and the USA with master drummers and facilitators and is degreed in Percussion from Northeastern University in Illinois. He is also the author of a best-selling instructional video series entitled "John Yost Teaches West African Rhythms."

John is also an adjunct professor at Vandercook College of Music, a member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild, is on the board of the interactive drumming committee for the Percussive Arts Society, and is a Remo endorsed facilitator.

In this workshop you will explore a wide variety of rhythyms from Africa, Japan, and the Middle East.  Students should bring their own drums, any type, and any other percussion instruments, to play.  John will have drums and CDs for sale.  Students may also rent a drum from John for $10 for the class.  (Reserve a drum to rent by indicating on your registration form.)

Workshop: Dalia Carella - Dunyavi Roma Dance
Lunch on your own
Workshop: Ruby Jazayre - Flash Dance
Workshop: Leila Gamal: Classical Oriental Veil