Workshops

In this workshop Devi will share with you how to utilize fan with your classic, modern and movement dialect steps for FCBD®. These fan variations will be complete with cues so you will be able to use them in your next group improvised performance. As a bonus Devi will also add in some of her Flamenco inspired combinations that will fit well the fan and the FCBD® format.

In this fun & informative workshop we will look at old school FCBD® steps and variations that were lost forever never to be seen again! We will also look at some of these original combos and how it has influence classical and modern FCBD® steps that we know and love today. Devi will then share with you her knowledge on Egyptian Folkloric steps passed down to her from her first teacher Kaiya Seaton as well as giving you some brand new combinations to take home. These combinations will have the raw grounded nature of folkloric style coupled with the elegant grace of FCBD® style. 

In this workshop Devi will present a revision of her steps accepted into the FCBD® format. This is material that you are already familiar with (something old),  then she'll add some exciting and different ideas of what you can do with some of the steps (something new).

She will introduce variations to add to other favorite FCBD® steps (something borrowed), then fusing it all together for some exciting new combos to add to your repertoire! 

In this workshop Devi will share with you all the fun things you can achieve with 3 dancers. From simple to complex, we will go over all you will need to have your trio looking tight and on point. We will also go through several classic and modern FCBD® steps and combinations as well as Devi’s signature movement dialect specifically for a threesome. 

The Queen's Court formation enables a large group of beautiful dancers to perform together at the same time using in-the-round staging. This formation is a great alternative to rotating quartets, trios, and duets in and out of chorus. By engaging all the dancers in the same formation at the same time, viewers experience a magical whirlwind of colors and motion while 6-12 dancers weave, fade, and circle.  

In this workshop you will learn the rules of engagement and dynamics of the Queens Court formation. You will learn how to set up the inner/outer circle formation and how to make it work with duets and trios in the round. We will drill the formation with fast FCBD® vocabulary in groups of 6 -12 dancers.

Start off your weekend of dance with a review of the foundation steps followed by dancing in formations, changing groups often, so that everyone has an opportunity to dance with as many different people as possible.  We will end the workshop in a large chorus while groups take turns in the feature position.

This workshop will focus on the Work that Skirt FCBD®Style dialect as created by Krisztina.  We will work with a group of fast and slow steps in formations focusing on transitions and variations for duets, trios and quartets.  

Knowledge of Level 1 Work that Skirt FCBD®Style is recommended.

The Sassy Switch is a signature formation change for FCBD® where the leader initiates a horizontal line change rather than a vertical line change (a fade). In this workshop, Lisa will teach you this simple formation change, and we will practice with it with fast and slow basket moves. Lisa will assess the experience level of the dancers at the beginning of the workshop to determine which basket movements to teach and practice with the Sassy Switch. You will love this easy, yet dynamic, addition to your performances!

Doumbek FUNdamentals is a great introduction to ensemble style belly dance percussion! Casey's fun, funky, super-friendly workshop is ideal for novice drummers and drum-curious dancers, as well as intermediate-level drummers looking to brush up on technique and add some depth to their performances. At this workshop, there’s a place for drummers of all levels to experience the joy of playing with others in a percussion ensemble!

For novice/beginners, let’s embrace some basic techniques: hand placement, percussion etiquette, dynamics, basic belly dance rhythms and how to switch them up, some simple drum notation, and more! 

For advanced beginner/intermediate drummers, we’ll refresh handing technique, drill basic doumbek rhythms, then add simple yet challenging fills and riffs to play cooperatively with the ensemble. Many opportunities to play rhythm deconstructions, transitions and “call and response” patterns will be included!  

Please bring an “ensemble friendly” percussion instrument: doumbek and bass doumbek preferred. (Bonus enthusiasm for anyone who brings an extra bass doumbek to share!)  PS If you’re already proficient with frame drum, davul or riq, you’re welcome to bring these amazing instruments to the class in addition to your drum!