Specialty Mini-sessions

Ballet and Dance Principles for Belly Dancers with Stephanie Fellner

Tuesdays June 7, 14 & 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Studio: Minneapolis-Chapel Room

Posture, arms, footwork, turns, balance, flexibility, strength, carriage and presentation—raks sharki, Turkish Oriental, and all American belly dance forms drew influence from principles of ballet and modern dance to develop their styles and formalized dance training. If you’ve never trained in these forms (or if you could just use a refresher) this mini-session is perfect for you! Stephanie Fellner was one of the original Dolls with Ballet of Dolls, and is a nationally recognized dance educator and performer.

Stephanie Fellner began her training at The Children’s Theatre Co. in Minneapolis, and continued her studies on scholarship at Dupree Academy in L.A.; London Contemporary; and The Alvin Ailey School in N.Y.C. Her company work includes: Alyce Finwall’s Dance Council; Cathy Young Dance; James Sewell Ballet; City Children’s Nutcracker, as Marie. In addition to performing with Ballet of the Dolls since 1993, Stephanie is a founding member of T.U. Dance, and has worked with a variety of independent choreographers including: Lisa Conlin, Zhauna Franks, Penelope Freeh, Jennifer Hart, Matthew Keefe, and Jim Lieberthal.

Creating AMAZING Performances: Workshops & Coaching Series with Mirah Ammal

Tuesdays July 19-August 30, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Studio: Minneapolis-Chapel Room

Build your performance skills and embrace your own personal style! This course includes 2 personal coaching appointments plus 5 topical classes to help expand your knowledge and creative horizons, and to make the most of your dance skills, whatever your level and style. (Topic classes are also available as single classes; coaching appointments are available with the full session only.) Open to soloists or small groups (for groups, each particpant registers as an individual--you will get both individual and group feedback.)

Students work at their own pace and within their own skill levels to create their own works. There will be a show in September for full session and (space permitting) individual topic workshop participants. Specific Topical Workshop detail/descriptions will be available online this summer. A sample of some topics that may be covered include:

·          Selecting and understanding your music, and identifying musical styles, origins, and potential uses

·          History and context of Middle Eastern dance, and American belly dance and fusion forms

·          Instrumentation, rhythm, and musicality in your dance

·          Structuring and staging individual performances and shows for different kinds of events (as a soloist, group, or event host)

·          Tips for creating compelling chorography

·          The art of improvisation

·          Transitions, transitions, transitions!

·          Maximizing the "ooey-gooey"

·          The art of layering--techniques and performances elements

·          Dramatic intent—using slow movements, expression, and pauses effectively

·          Elements of surprise—juxtaposing movements and changes for texture and impact

·          Seamlessly integrating props and or different styles and techniques into a performance

·          Inspiration and artistry

·          The art of layering--techniques and performances elements

·          Polishing your performance—arms, facial expressions, breathing technique and more

·          Combatting stage fright

·          Exploring different styles: elements of different styles, when to mix, and when to choose

·          Gigging, teaching, producing, auditioning, forming a troupe and more—critical business, ethical, professionalism, and safety issues and tips, plus setting your own dance goals

·          Practical tips on lighting, makeup, props, costuming, and more to help you be your best

Suitable for:

·          Dancers who want to prepare a special solo performance--whether your first or your fiftieth.

·          Experienced performers who are interested in improve presentation, performance skills, professionalism, and/or and develop their own personal styles.

·          Duets, small groups and choreographers interested in working on staging and polishing group performances.

·          Dancers who are interested in the business of belly dance

·          Performers who want personal feedback on their performance skills and/or to work toward specifc dance goals.

Fee: $100 for the 7-week session (includes 5 topical workshops and 2 individual coaching mini-sessions)
         (Topical workshops can also be purchased individually on a space-available basis for $18 each.)

PLEASE NOTE: Advanced registration by July 15 is strongly recommended. Enrollment for the full session of classes and private appointments is limited to ensure one-on-one attention and coaching for those students, and there will be some information sent to enrollees before the first class to help ensure an good experience tailored to students' needs and experiences.

***Click here for registration***