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TRIBAL MOUNTAINS
American Tribal Style Workshops in the Blue Mountains - A Student's Perspective
by Sarah Francis
In July 2002, a group of 35 tribal dance enthusiasts including myself, Alaine Haddon-Casey and Clair Nicholson from Perth attended a 3-day workshop in the Blue Mountains. This was organised by Devi Mamek who invited Karen Gherman, co-director of the Fat Chance Bellydance Academy in San Francisco, to stop off in New South Wales after her workshops in New Zealand.
Karen gave us a pretty intensive first day stressing the importance of posture, eye contact, cues, transitions and the use of zills. Those students attending who were predominantly cabaret dancers found the change in tempo and absence of choreography particularly challenging.
Later in the day Karen shared with us the technique of applying tribal make-up, costuming, jewellery and that 'Turban'. We experienced a dramatic transformation from dynamic dance teacher to exotic professional performer.
The evening concert venue was an empty shop in the local shopping centre - transformed with veils, candles and cushions into a beautiful Alladin's cave.
Clair and I had chosen not to dance and enjoyed the performances of some of the visitors. There was a lively baladi piece by Fiona from Canberra, which the younger members of the audience particularly enjoyed. Sandra from Tookley captivated us with her mesmerising sword dance.
Devi's group had been practising for weeks then Karen informed them that she would be performing with them but there would be no choreography! The poor girls were panic stricken, but they produced a superb performance, were a delight to behold and thrilled the audience.
The weekend continued with the workshops working in groups, pairs and circles, interacting so that almost everyone danced with every person in the room. We drilled steps and cues and, of course, zilled with a vengeance!
It was great to see Alaine and Karen partner together in some demonstrations as they danced so well together.
We found Karen to be a wonderful teacher with a great sense of humour - equalled only by her incredible stamina (which was helped by lots of ginger tea).
I must mention that apart from being great dancers, the Hazelbrook girls were wonderful in providing fantastic home cooked lunches amd cakes for all us hungry students.
Clair and I were fortunate to be billeted with Lenore Feingold and her husband Martin. They made us so welcome in sharing their beautiful home. Not only is Lenore a gorgeous dancer but she is a talented artist and dress maker and is responsible for making superb belts, patterns and costumes for her tribe. She almost single handedly restored and decorated her house which overlooks a valley with it's own waterfall and resident rock wallaby. We were treated to meals made with fresh herbs from her garden and we enjoyed breakfast watching the sunrise.
We left the Blue Mountains having had an amazing weekend and hope that should any of the Hazelbrook tribe visit W.A. we can return their generous hospitality.
... Sarah Francis
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