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Hi Everyone! The next several months are filling up fast with all sorts of dance happenings....
I'm now offering a second night of
group classes in Seattle at Dance Underground on Capitol Hill, in addition to my
Tuesday night classes at BBC Studio in Belltown. Whether you're new to
Bellydance, want a good workout, or are looking for a brush-up on your
isolations, I offer two technique-oriented levels to choose from. My Beginning
classes are great for those new to bellydance or for more experienced dancers
who want to perfect the basics, by building a strong foundation through neutral
postural alignment, core-originated isolation technique, mapping out the
bellydance body, dance theory, and rhythmic awareness. My Intermediate classes
will challenge and inspire you to think outside of the box in terms of
isolation/combo/layering possibilities, as well as delving into stylistic
combinations.
Many of you have expressed that you miss my World Fusion and
Tribal Improv focused classes, but I can't stress enough how important technique
is. Bellydance has never been a formalized art form like Ballet or Jazz and I
don't necessarily think that an ultra-defined structure for Bellydance
would be a good thing. However, Bellydance is a difficult skill which can take
years of practice to master. As an instructor, I frequently have new students
who come to my class for the first time with "years of bellydance experience"
that struggle with shimmy variations, articulation of percussive isolations,
fluidity of smooth isolations, basic turns, arm carriage, foot patterns,
rhythms, or even maintaining a neutral dance posture. While it is important to
develop artistry and an indescribable style that is all your own, there are many
quantifiable aspects of Bellydance that we can use to define strong technique
that are applicable to almost every style of bellydance out there. One of my
students recently compared my approach to teaching bellydance to the strong roots and trunk of a tree,
offering a strong base with depth, which seamlessly supports all the branches
above it. Be patient with yourselves, take the time to know your technique
inside and out, and practice often!
On the last weekend in
April, I'll be down at Saqra's Showcase in the Portland area on 4/26 teaching a
Bellydance-Flamenco workshop and debuting a new solo set. It's a huge dance
festival that will be going on all weekend with lots of performances. On Sunday,
I'll be at the Seattle World Rhythm Fest again this year teaching an Intro to
Flamenco workshop and performing with Zamani Flamenco. See the schedule
below for my events beyond April and my recommendations for other dance events
not to me missed!
I'd also to share a recent interview that I conducted with
Myra Krien of Sante Fe, NM for The Hip Circle online Bellydance Magazine.
I hope you find her story as inspiring as I did:
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=312
Hope to see you all at a class or dance event soon, ~Zanbaka
A must have for understanding/developing skills.
Can you say BELLY DANCE TEXTBOOK?
What a treasure!!!!
Volume I : Foundations-- Very thorough! Preview pages and ordering info at:
http://www.zanbaka.com/versatiledancerseries.htm
Group Technique Classes with Zanbaka: Tuesdays *and* Sundays
A Sunday night studio spot just opened up at Dance Underground (Capitol
Hill), so starting April 6th, I'll be offering a 2nd night of classes in
addition to my current Tuesday night technique classes in Belltown. Beginning
Level class will be from 7:30-8:30 and Intermediate Level class from 8:30-9:30p.
Since I cycle through my Beginning Level material about 10 weeks, the class
focus between Sundays and Tuesdays will be at different points in the cycle each
week. Intermediate Class material will differ from Sunday to Tuesday mixed in
with our favorite regular technique drills. 
Volume
I: Foundations of Bellydance for
the Versatile Dancer
This book is the most comprehensive dance guide for Middle Eastern/Bellydancers
I have ever seen. By using photos, geometric diagrams,and visual
comparisons of posture, the author, a well known dancer herself, has
organized all the essential movement techniques in a format that is
especially beneficial for the visual learner. Also included are easy to
understand chapters on middle eastern rhythms and playing zills. I have
never read a how to-bellydance book this valuable before-I only wish it
had been available to me 30 years ago when I started dancing. I look
forward to upcoming volumes.
What a brave, intelligent, and genius undertaking! I’ve read it 3
times already and it’s completely changed how I dance and teach my
classes. IMO, this is the closest thing the belly dance community has to
a “textbook”. It’s modern, unbiased to style, and includes fitness
common sense which lots of classes and workshops that I’ve taken lack. A
leg driven, glute driven, and oblique driven shimmy all in the same
place? And that’s only 3 of the shimmies covered. Zanbaka, I think your
book is going to put so much of the quarreling over styles and how to do
bellydance moves to rest. I’m crossing my fingers that you get sought
out by a publisher and look forward to the next installment!
This book is the most complete, comprehensive collection about the
elements of belly dance - applicable to any style. It's detailed about
body positioning, showing the proper alignment of the body in different
movements as well as what to avoid to prevent injury. I agree that it
certainly does not take the place of consistently working with a
qualified instructor, but as a meaty practice companion - its top rate!
I too wish I had this when starting out (I've been searching for a book
like this since I started dancing, nearly 3 years ago) - but I'm so glad
I now have it now!! Its worth every penny - thank you, Zanbaka for
providing a terrific resource!
I was very excited to see a new book come out on the market that
discusses belly dance, especially in the manner in which Zanbaka does
here. Here we find an intelligent and technically rich volume with great
definitions and resources for your own personal practice, as well as a
great handbook to refer to when making lesson plans as an instructor.
CERTAINLY this book does not replace instruction, as Zanbaka states
clearly, however if you are looking for a book with many movement
concepts to wrap your head around, inside and out, for both your
practice and your students', here it is! Well done! Can't wait for the
next Volume(s)!!! :)
Technique, Conditioning, & Drills for Bellydance
-Sharpen staccato isolations and shimmies for drum solo technique
-Purify smooth and fluid isolations
-Refine arm/hand movements and precision of turns
-Improve your body's synchronization with rhythm and tempo
-Clarify movement definition to expand your bellydance vocabulary
Tuesdays - Currently Ongoing
Beginning Technique: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Intermediate Technique & Combos: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30pm
Belltown Ballet and Conditioning Studio is located at 2306 4th Avenue between
Bell and Battery, on the East side of the street. Free Street Parking Available
in the Vicinity. Intermediate students, please bring a veil and finger cymbals.
Sundays - Starting April 6th
Beginning Technique: Sundays, 7:30-8:30pm
Intermediate Technique & Combos: Sundays, 8:30-9:30pm
Dance Underground is located at 340 15th Avevue E. Free Street Parking Available
in the Vicinity. Intermediate students, please bring a veil and finger cymbals.
Single Class (Tuesdays or Thursdays) 4-Week Session, $50 (Cash, Check or Paypal).
If your schedule cannot accommodate all 4 classes in session, Drop-In fee is
$15/class.
Both Classes 4-Week Session, $90 (Cash, Check or Paypal). No make-ups or refunds
on full session payment, please.
To register for the full session or to rsvp as a drop-in, contact me at: zanbaka@hotmail.com
With an emphasis on moving from the core muscles, Zanbaka's approach to belly
dance offers students the vocabulary, skills, and freedom to pursue whatever
style they prefer. The Beginning Class is appropriate for those who have never
taken a dance class in their life and for more experienced dancers who want to
perfect the basics. This class includes:
1) A multitasking warm-up utilizing common foot-patterns and arm movements while
raising heart-rate, lubricating joints, increasing blood flow/oxygen to all
parts of the body, and sharpening our alertness.
2) Slow finger cymbal rhythms combined with simple foot patterns/arm movements
3) Conditioning to strengthen muscle groups used in bellydance and to improve
alignment and control
4) "Light" stretches to open up areas of the body that may have become stagnant
or tight during the course of the day
5) Technique exercises for postural alignment, beginning turns, and arm
positions
6) Various isolation drills for the head, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands,
ribcage, abdominals, and hips. In addition to developing muscle memory, our goal
with the weekly drills is to build speed, clarity, and precision, since they are
the basis for so many advanced movements in bellydance.
7) Combinations to strengthen transitions between movements.
8) A cool-down with deeper stretches and relaxation
In addition to more advanced versions of the Beginning Class content, the
Intermediate Class includes work with layering, traveling steps and
combos/topics from a revolving array of bellydance styles: Folkloric, Orientale,
Tribal Improv, Funky Modern, and World Fusion.
April 26, 2008 - Workshop and Performance with Zanbaka at Saqra's Showcase
Flamenco Fusion Bellydance
Workshop and Performance with Zanbaka at Saqra's Showcase in Portland, OR.
Workshop is from 1-2:30pm. My performance is scheduled at 3:45, roughly. Saqra presents... Saqra's 19th Annual SHOWCASE 2008!!! April 25-27, 2008
at the Washington County Fair Complex in Hillsboro, OR
(873 NE 34th Ave, Hillsboro -- west of Portland),
featuring 13 workshops, 30+ vendors, 300+ performers and 2 live bands.
More info at http://www.saqra.net
April 27, 2008 - Zamani Flamenco
performance and
Intro to
Flamenco Workshop with Zanbaka at the Seattle World Rhythm Fest
Introduction to
Flamenco with Zanbaka at the Seattle World Rhythm Festival, 11am @ the Black Box Studio H, Center House, 4th Floor, Seattle Center.
Zamani Flamenco will perform at the Center House Main Stage at 1:45pm. The World Rhythm Festival one of the largest events of its type in the world, distinct for its participatory nature and diversity of musical offerings. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments to experience a rare opportunity to learn from and play with musical masters. Admission is free to all Festival events. For a complete schedule, visit
www.swps.org
May 25, 2008 - Zanbaka performs with Guests La Pena with Carmona Flamenco @
the NW Folklife Festival
Sunday,
May 25th, 2007 - Zanbaka will
be appearing with guest group, La Peña Flamenca de Seattle (comprised of the
advanced students of Rubina and Marcos Carmona) with Carmona Flamenco at the
2008 Northwest Folklife Festival. Performance will begin at 7:30pm, International Stage, Seattle Center. Festival events all weekend
long, Memorial Day Weekend, Admission by Donation. nwfolklife.org
First 3 weekends in June: Zamani Flamenco performs in Walrus/EPIC Productions Performance Series
Walrus Performance Productions Presents
the 1st Annual Spring E.P.I.C Festival,
June 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. Zamani Flamenco will be performing the first
three weekends in June along with a line-up of many talented performers.
Stay tuned for more details!
Saturday and Sunday, June 28 & 29, 2008 - La Peña Flamenca de Seattle in "Fiesta del Verano"
A Two Night Engagement at the Ethnic Cultural Theatre, Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29,
2008. Under the direction of Rubina Carmona, La Peña (comprised of the advanced students of Rubina and Marcos Carmona) will be presenting traditional and modern flamenco music and dance, several new works of choreography. Program highlights include
Garrotin, Bamberas, Cantiñas and Tarantos. UW Ethnic Cultural Theatre, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE (corner of 40th St), Seattle, Washington. 8:00 pm. Free parking is available to the public at the lot next to the theatre. $16.00
Advance, $20 At Door ($12.00 for students & seniors). For tickets or more information: (206) 932-4067 or rubina@fanw.org Flamenco Arts Northwest
http://www.fanw.org/
July 25-27 - Workshops and Performances
with Zanbaka in Columbus, OH - Habeeba's
3rd Annual Midwest All Star Bellydance Weekend
A
full weekend of workshops performances at Habeeba's
3rd Annual
Midwest All Star Bellydance Weekend with guest instructors
Sahra Saeeda and
Zanbaka. Both instructors will teach 3 hour workshops on
both Saturday and Sunday... topics TBA. Stay tuned for more details.
May I Recommend....
Dances of the Iranian World with Heather Rastovac - Ongoing Classes
These
classes will introduce the dancer to the graceful movements of
Iranian/Persian dance - 'classical' Persian dance, regional dances
of Iran, Persian social dance, and elements of Tajik dance.
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Saturday, April 26th, 2008:
Carmona Flamenco with Ana Montes at Solstice Cafe
 Award-winning
Carmona Flamenco (Marcos, Rubina and David) and guest artist Ana
Montes present an evening of contemporary, traditional flamenco
music, song and dance. Come for drinks and dessert and experience
the power of flamenco. These shows always sell out so come early.
Solstice Café offers excellent coffees, beer, wine and desserts, in
an intimate setting. Please note that there is no dinner menu.
Solstice Café, 4116 University Way N.E., Seattle, Washington. 8:00 &
9:30 pm (Doors open at 7:30 pm) $ 15.00 cover (two sets), NO
RESERVATIONS. For more info contact Carmona Flamenco: (206) 932-4067
or marcos@fanw.org
www.fanw.org
Sunday, April 27th, 2008: Intro to Cajon Workshop with David Carmona
@ the Seattle World Rhythm Fest  Join percussionist extraordinaire, David Carmona of Seattle's Carmona
Flamenco for an educational and inspiring cajon workshop. Studying the
cajon is valuable experience for dancers, guitarists, and singers to
help internalize Flamenco rhythms. Workshop will include work with
posture, technique, embellishment concepts, and various palos. All
levels of experience are welcome! BYOC (bring your own Cajon or other
percussion intrument). The World Rhythm Festival one of the largest events of its type in the world, distinct for its participatory nature and diversity of musical offerings. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments to experience a rare opportunity to learn from and play with musical masters. Admission is free to all Festival events. For a complete schedule, visit www.swps.org
Timo Lozano Returns to Seattle! May 23-24
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