Turkish Slow and Fast 9/8 Workshop with Erzulie

The 9/8 rhythm is often played very fast but is also played slinky and slow. Come learn moves for both tempos! Bring a full skirt.

Erzulie performs at several New England venues, including The Middle East, The Athenian Corner, The Red Fez and Kasbah to name a few. Learn more about Erzulie at www.erzuliedancer.com.

Hatha Yoga with Marya Ursin

Stand in the heart of the Dragon and take peace: Yoga: class is suitable for all and is a general level class. Bring a mat, and dress in comfortable clothing. The instructor asks that the students modify the class as needed, honouring their bodies/minds in the changing moment.

Marya has been teaching yoga in Connecticut and elsewhere since 1982, and began her practice in 1969. She is a dancer/mime, and is the director for the Dragon's Egg/ Mystic Paper Beasts, and is a member of SITU.

Bharata Natyam with Shajara

This workshop will introduce basic steps (adavus), and hand gestures (mudras) of Bharata Natyam, a classical dance form from South India known for its combination of rhythm, intricate hand gestures, expressions, narratives, facial and eye movements (Nritya) and story telling (Natya). We will also explore Bharata Natyam steps and poses to incorporate in your own world dance fusion.

Shajara studied Bharata Natyam in California for 7 years with Guru Malathi Iyengar, disciple of the late Guru Narmada. More recently, she has studied with Sudharsana Srinivasan in NY and Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai in MA. Her training in Modern and Middle Eastern dance along with experience and exposure to Hip Hop and African has influenced her recent choreography of diverse Liturgical and World Fusion dances. Shajara has performed with Rangoli Dance Company (Bharata Natyam) and is an active member of Kahana Hula (Polynesian) and Sisters of the Red Skye (middle-eastern/world dance) troupes.

BellyLatin Fusion Workshop with Sahari

BellyLatin Fusion is a crossing of cultures, a creative outlet and a stimulating form of exercise for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Sahari's BellyLatin fusion is a revolutionary dance style that combines intriguing bellydance moves with sizzling Latin rhythms and steps. Sahari offers a non-traditional approach to these dance forms; one that works the entire body. Learn exciting combos; work on body and facial expressions. Come enjoy the amusing music!...experience the fusion! This workshop is appropriate for all levels and types of dancers!

Dominican born, Sahari, is a professional Middle Eastern dancer, with more than 6 years of training under her belt. She has been teaching for 3 years. Her training includes mentorships, classes and intense workshops with famous and experienced dancers such as Serena Wilson, Shamira Nawal, Suhaila Salimpour, Tarik, Amaya, Amira and Shareen El Safy. Her style is what's commonly known as American Cabaret, but she is also an ethno-fusion dancer. Sahari has developed a unique style; what she calls "BellyLatin Fusion", a mix of different Latin rhythms and dance steps with bellydance. She has performed at many theatrical shows, festivals, fundraisers, recitals and special events through out Hawaii, NYC and Connecticut.

Sly Eyes with Karina Khan

Karina Khan, known for her emotive facial expression, will guide you through techniques to let you eyes speak through your dance. Your gaze is as valuable a tool as any other part when embodying the music in movement. Two short combos will be taught that use our eyes to dance the rhythm and melody with the hips, arms, and torso.

Karina Khan is an award- winning world fusion bellydancer who performs and teaches throughout the Northeast. She is known for her creative, technical, and emotive performances infused with ballet, flamenco, Indian classical, and of gothic dancing. Having formerly been a member of the groundbreaking troupe Lotus Moon World Fusion Bellydance, co- founder and teacher at Lotus Rising World Dance Studio in seacoast New Hampshire, she is now living and pursuing her solo career in Boston.

CORE: Concepts and Tools for Fusion Dance with Aradia of Zingari East

"I want to do something different with my dance, but I'm not sure what."
In this workshop, we will touch on several useful tools which will strengthen our private practice; provide a fresh perspective on choreography and combinations; plant seeds for the execution of effortless improvisation; promote the evolution of our base technique into personalized elements of fusion. Prior dance experience will be very helpful in this workshop, but is not required. Standard movements, present in all forms of BellyDance will be used in their original forms, and then layered, warped, twisted, drilled and personalized. We will move from our comfort level, using different theories of movement and non-traditional music.

Aradia is the Artistic Director and a founding member of Zingari East Fusion Dance, based in Rhode Island. Since its inception in 2000, the collective has sought to push the creative envelope with their performance pieces, incorporating various styles and fusions of Middle Eastern, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Rave and Break-dance as well as showcasing the talents of its ever-evolving members who spin fire and glow poi, hula hoop performers, ballet dancers, drummers, comedy/variety acts and whomever else might want to jump on our wagon and go for a ride to far off and exotic places. www.zingari-east.com

Middle Eastern Drumming with Dwayne Green

Rhythm is the heartbeat of music and dancing, and is Middle-Eastern music is rich in its varied rhythms. In this workshop we will learn some of the traditional rhythms of the Middle-East. Bring your dumbeks, riqs, zils and frame drums!

Dwayne Green has studied middle-eastern drumming and music with various teachers including Raquy Danziger and Carmine Guida of New York and Mike Gregian of Boston. He is a regular drummer at Dragon's Egg events and is currently enjoying playing with various middle-eastern music ensembles.