Ranya Workshop

Inside the Box/ Outside the Box: Dramatic Fusion Combos

Xing Dance Studio, 452 College St
Wednesday Oct 15, 6-9pm
$70 + gst in advance/$80 at the door
Click here to register

Ranya will be teaching her approach to step combinations and styling that can work for different kinds of fusion music, with examples from modern Arabic music and Middle Eastern jazz (including some less common rhythms).
 
The workshop will include:
- Dynamic footwork and turn combinations, with techniques for staying centered and grounded while building drama
- Attention to body lines to create striking visual images
- Stretching and placement needed to achieve the right look and feel
- Muscle resistance techniques to create compelling movement of arms & hands
- "Breathwork for Performance" to bring out the emotional content in the dance and mesmerize the audience
 
This workshop is geared for intermediate and advanced dancers.  

BRING VEILS--we'll use them for some exercises--3 yard or more silk veils ideal.

ranya.net

Zylls - Finger Cymbals

Sunday, September 28 3:30 - 5:30
Xing Dance Studio
452 College Street

Zylls (Turkish term and the one most commonly used in North America) or Saghat (the Arabic term) are musical instruments that can be played by a percussionist or by a self-accompanying dancer.   Rhythmic self-accompaniment is an amazing tradition that can take your dancing to whole new place.  Roula is an innovative, kick-ass zyll player who generously shares her knowledge, technique and style with students of all levels. 
This workshop is suitable for beginner to intermediate players...and it is a lot of fun!
register here

Intro to the Om Laila System

Upcoming introductory workshops
Sunday, October 5, 2008 3:30 - 5:30
Sunday, October 26, 2008 3:30 - 5:30
Sunday, November 23, 2008 3:30 - 5:30

Om Laila is a system of movement and soundmaking that produces waves of healing energy, freedom and joy.
Grounded in Middle Eastern dance and music, Roula Said's revolutionary system will take you on an elemental journey through the chakras...BELLYDANCE is the fabulous side-effect of this healing practice.
register here

Om Laila Vocalization with ...

Vocalization is the creation of sound waves with the body and waves are the essence of the Om Laila System.  This is a very powerful way to become aware and present to the chakras...and it feels great to do. 

In this workshop, Roula will teach phrases that are emblematic of each maqam/mode (like a scale) from Arabic music. The phrases are sung into the chakras using the vowels and moving consonants from Arabic singing although you do NOT have to be a singer to participate.

This work is simple and deep. It will help you wake up your ears to the intricacies of Arabic music and open up your body in ways that only making sound can do. If you like to chant as well as dance, you will love this workshop!

Register Here!

"Gypsy Punk" Choreography

with Sarah Skinner

Sunday September 12 3:00 - 6:00 pm

6 weeks of follow up, development, and staging:

Wednesdays: September 15 - October 20 9 - 10pm

In this workshop, Sarah will interpret a "Gypsy Punk" version of a traditional Roma tune starting with a deep knowledge of the traditional, busting it apart, and rocking it out.  It will be a blast.

The final piece will be staged for the Om Laila Troupe.  Those interested in auditioning for the troupe must attend and learn the piece as part of their audition process.  HOWEVER, THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ANYONE WITH INTERMEDIATE LEVEL TECHNIQUE OR ABOVE.

Cost: 

All nine hours:            $150

Sunday Sept 12 alone:  $60