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Links:
Reviews:
"Christina is a great Instructor, her classes are always fun, enjoyable, and exciting, a good workout. Christina strives to teach us to become the DANCER that's in all of us. A great person to know."
~Martha Katselis: Intermediate Fusion Student
click here to view class descriptions
or here to view the class schedule
What is the difference between Tribal Improvisation, Tribal Fusion, and
Egyptian Belly Dance?
Tribal Improvisation is derived from the original format of American Tribal Style or ATS dance, created by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance. In this style, all dancers of a group are working with the same vocabulary of movements and combinations but stringing them together in the moment to create an improvised group dance. The group has a leader position, which can change often, and the leader provides visual cues to tell the follower dancers what the next movement or combination will be. Every performance is different because it is created in the moment by the dancers working together.
Tribal Fusion shares many of the stylings and movements of Tribal Improvisation, but works within the framework of choreographed routines. This does allow for more variety of movement outside of the Improv strucutre and it also treats the music differently, being able to work with the nuances of melody and syncopated timing. There are many examples of tribal fusion artists, the best known of which is Rachel Brice, whose style is just one of many that fall into the category of Fusion.
Egyptian Belly Dance is a more authentic style of movement, passed down through the years from teacher to student. Egyptian style has many facets. It can be bouncy and folkloric, dramatic and enchanting, rhythmic and hard-driving, and just about anything in between. It is usually performed to classical Egyptian music or modern pop songs and techno variations on the classics. Some Egyptian dance is done through choreography and some is improvised. An excellent local example of Egyptian style is Jasmin Jahal.
What is the Technique and Drills class about?
Technique and Drills classes are an opportunity for students to hone their dance skills through repetition of movements and the teaching of variations of concepts they already know. Open to all levels and all styles, this class will focus on what each student needs to reach the next level in their dancing. This is a drop-in class rather than a cumulative one, so students need not start at the beginning of a session and it is an excellent class to add on when you have the extra time or if you missed your weekly class.
Who can take classes?
Anyone sixteen years of age or older can register for classes regardless of age, sex, or fitness level. Belly dance tends to be gentler on the body than most other dance forms, yet it is an excellent way to improve posture, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles, and enhance your mind/body connection. If you have a medical concern that you feel might be worsened by dancing, please consult with your doctor before registering for classes or workshops.
What should I wear? What should I bring?
Class attire is comfortable, fitted clothing that you can move in. Ideally, students should wear yoga pants or leggings with a close-fitting tank top or tee shirt. Because your instructor needs to be able to see your movement clearly, baggy clothing and skirts are not considered appropriate class attire. We dance barefoot or wearing a soft-soled dance shoe like a ballet slipper or jazz flat. If you wish to not be barefoot and do not have dance shoes, socks are fine. If you want to feel more like a belly dancer, you may wear a quiet hip scarf or mini accent skirt, but it is not required that you do so. Please refrain from wearing clothing or jewelry with noisy bells or coins on them.
Beginner students need not bring anything but themselves, perhaps a bottle of water, and a desire to learn this beautiful and fun dance form. As you progress through the levels, you will be told what supplies you will need to acquire.
Do I have to be a current student to participate in workshops?
Any student, regardless of who they take regular classes from, or if they don't take regular classes at all, is welcome in Eastern Groove's workshops. All workshops do assume the students know at least a little about belly dance, so they are not recommended for brand new beginner dancers, but are an excellent way for anyone who has been dancing a few months or more to supplement their regular classes.
What is Eastern Groove's refund policy?
All registrations at Eastern Groove are non-refundable and non-transferable. We use the punch card system to give you more flexibility in your schedule. A seven class card expires after 90 days and a fourteen class card expires after 180 days. You would have to miss half of the classes during this time period to have your card expire with punches left on it. In some very special cases, such as illness or injury that would prevent you from dancing for an extended period of time, Eastern Groove may extend a card's expiration date to accommodate you.