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Ooky Spooky 

11th Anniversary

Kalamazoo, Michigan
October 20th-22nd, 2017

Locations

Locations

Friday & Sunday:

Caravan of Dreams Studio

326 W. Kalamazoo Ave

Kalamazoo, Mi 49001 

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Saturday:

Unitarian Universalist Community Church

10441 Shaver Road

Portage, MI 49024

 

Please note that we will be using two seperate locations!!! All Friday and Sunday events and workshops are held at Caravan of Dreams.

All Saturday workshops & show are held at UUCC.

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Tempest

Tempest is the most recognized name associated with Gothic & Steampunk Fusion Bellydance in North America and across the world. She is often referred to as the "Goth Mutha" for her groundbreaking work in dark fusion. Tempest pulls from her visual arts background, literary tendencies, and global inspirations to create dance that crosses the boundaries of time and culture. Her compellingly artful performances exemplify her distinctively theatrical, unique, and expressive style that are rooted in oriental dance technique with a transcendent approach. Tempest's fascination with sacred and ritual dance lead her to bellydance over 15 years ago, and the exploration of Myth is an important and recurring theme in her work. 

Tempest strives to create and teach dance that maintains the essence of bellydance; balancing tradition, inspiration, and innovation. She brings her dynamic interpretation of the dance to her workshops with a sense of fun, a strong foundation in technique, and a deep-hearted goal to aid students in developing their own sense of self within the dance. 

She is the producer of Waking Persephone - an annual dark dance event, and Tapestry Dance Retreat, which focuses more on the sacred and folkloric aspects of the dance. Tempest is the founder and primary author of The Gothic Bellydance Resource, which tracks the progress of the movement as it develops worldwide, and was co-producer of the largest festival devoted to Gothic Bellydance in North America - Gothla US from 2008-2010. 

In addition to dance, Tempest is a professionally trained visual artist, receiving her BFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and having trained at Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia and the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts. Her artwork has received awards and honors worldwide, and has been published in numerous books and magazines. Her costume designs have revolutionized the look of modern bellydance, and continue to inspire new and old generations of dancers alike. She lives in Seattle, WA with her husband, musician Nathaniel Johnstone , and works full-time as an artist, designer, and dancer. www.darklydramatic.com andwww.owlkeyme.com 

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Workshop - The Power of Line & Symbol– The Art of Sigil Magick

Are you intimidated by the idea of Sigil Magick? Do you think it's only for Ceremonial Magicians? Afraid you may make a mistake or aren't an artist? Fear not! Ancient civilizations from around the globe have harnessed the power of the drawn line to make their mark on the world. We'll look at the basic elements that make up all symbols, what they can mean for you, and how to safely and respectfully incorporate them into your own personal practice. 

Saturday - 10:45am-12:15pm - 1.5 hrs.- $30 (Location - UUCC - Room #2 )

 

Workshop - Dancing Heartbeat of Light & Shadow:

This workshop focuses on a balance between "light" and "dark" concepts - particularly sacred vs. daily movement, invigorating vs. calming - rooted in Arabic/folkloric dances from North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, etc) and the Mediterranean. In this workshop, you will not only deepen your understanding of the folkloric dances we will explore - especially their key movements and music, but you will also take home with you practices and exercises that will energize and renew your dance! Suitable for all levels and styles of dancers. Please bring a 3 yard rectangular veil and water. Saturday - 2:45pm - 4:45pm -  2 hrs.- $40 (Location - UUCC - Room #1 )

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Workshop - Infusing Dance With Ritual:

This offering is about adding sacred meaning and intent with dance movement-- geared to dancers as well as for Pagans looking to invigorate their workspace, there are two options:

Creating Sacred Space With Your Dance: Using ritual concepts from mystical spiritual traditions from both the East and West, we’ll examine how the structure of a ritual can create a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in your performance.  We'll also look at how every moment can be used to add meaning and direct energy to your work. A basic understanding of Pagan spirituality is helpful, but not required (however, an open mind and creativity is!). 

Sunday - 1pm - 3pm -  2 hrs.- $40 (Location - Caravan of Dreams)

Workshops

Carrie Meyer of Dancers Eye Photography

Carrie Meyer began bellydancing in 2001, after losing 100 pounds. She sought to find a workout that would inspire her to keep the weight off, while not being tied to the gym. Little did she know at the time that this was just the beginning of a love affair with dance for her that has now spanned a decade. During this time, she has studied traditional Egyptian, ATS and ITS, and has danced in groups that have featured all of these styles. Carrie is currently an active member of Exotic Rhythms Bellydance, based in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Carrie had an interest in cameras and photography from a very young age, when her parents first allowed her to experiment with several of their cameras. She fondly remembers her first Polaroid Instamatic, and the variety of fun shots she was able to capture with it.

 

Regardless of the photographic subject matter, Carrie’s work shares certain commonalities. The clarity of the images represented, thoughtful composition, and the meaning of the moments in time that she captures characterize her work. The foundation of her work builds out from the strength and power of the basic images, and the personality, of her subjects. Having married her love of bellydance with her love of photography, Carrieoffers her dancer subjects a unique opportunity to work with an artist who truly understands the dance, and how dancers want themselves to be portrayed. Carrie's work has been featured on the covers of Fuse, Jareeda and Zagareet and in the pages of Yallah.  Carrie is also a staff member of Fuse.

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Workshop - Basic Digital Photography:

Basic Digital Photography is an instructional course designed to help you learn about YOUR camera. Carrie will break it down so that you feel more at ease with your camera and ability to use it! We all need the ability to take sharp and clear photos for classes, events and products. During the course students will learn how to locate and use the manual settings on their cameras to get better photos. 
This course has been designed to fit within a 2-hour time frame and covers three basic areas:
1) The Photographer's Toolkit
2) Basic Understanding of Exposure
3) Choosing Camera Settings 
Please bring your DSLR, instruction manual & note taking materials. You will also leave with instructional materials as well!

Sunday - 11am - 12:30pm -  1.5 hrs.- $30 (Location - Caravan of Dreams)

Christina King

After a 20 minute lesson on dance basics given by a friend in 1993 and then dancing around a campfire for hours on end that night, Christina King began studying folkloric Middle-Eastern dance with Tahjah of Madison, Wisconsin. After moving to Chicago in 1996, Christina became a long-time student of with Jasmin Jahal, studying Egyptian Oriental dance. While still studying with Jasmin, Christina added tribal belly dance to her repertoire in 1999 under the tutelage of Stephanie Barto. In 2001 Christina, along with other dance friends, formed Blue Lotus Tribe. She also began her professional solo dance career, performing at festivals, clubs and at private and corporate events all over the Chicago area. Christina began teaching weekly belly dance classes in 2003 and by 2004 was invited to teach workshops with the members of Blue Lotus Tribe throughout the Midwest. She was able to leave her regular career as a high school music teacher in 2005 to pursue dance full-time. She currently runs a small dance studio in Elgin, IL called Eastern Groove. Christina has received a recognition certificate for Rachel Brice's 8 Elements Phase I: Initiation (2013)and Phase II: Cultivation (2016), as well as Zoe Jakes' DanceCraft: Key of Diamonds (2016).

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Workshop: Practice makes Practice
Every dancer knows one simple fact. To tune up technique, to remember choreography, and to work on connections and performance skills, we need to practice! With many dancers holding down full-time non-dance jobs or being full-time students though, our actual practice doesn't always measure up to our intention. The issue isn't our desire to practice, it's how to do it efficiently and effectively in today's crazy world. Christina has created this lecture and discussion class to help other dancers think about practice, what it means to them, and how to approach it depending on one's practice goals, ultimately helping others create a solid practice habit. Practice is a personal thing and there's no one true answer, but with a bevy of ideas, it's much easier for each dancer to find her or his own way through it.

Saturday - 2:45pm - 4:45pm -  2 hrs.- $40 (Location - UUCC - Room #2)

Jinx

Jinx is a Northern Virginia native that has thouroughly enjoyed the amount of mid-west shenanigans she has gotten into since moving to Michigan in the summer of 2014. She has had an incredible time learning from many of her idols including Zoe Jakes (Key of Diamonds) and Rachel Brice, but her mentor has been the Baroness of Blades herself, Belladonna. Jinx was a member of her troupe DashKhaleen. During this time, she refined her skills in sword work, ATS, ITS, poi, choreography, improvisation, and more. Building upon her experience as one of Belladonna's first Sword Apprentices, Jinx now holds a Level 3: Warrior Certification. She is also certified to teach Belladonna's format as a Level 2 BellaFuse Instructor. Jinx does more than just dance though, she's also experienced in puppetry, character acting, Cosplay, costuming, and more! Every day brings a new chance to play, so she will continue to dabble and find new ways to WOW folks everywhere!

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Workshop: Veil Poi (Voi) Combos

Veil Poi (Voi) Combos Voi is a wonderfully mesmerizing hybrid of poi and veils, but how do you tame such a wild prop? Jinx has been dancing with Voi for a while now and has created a few bite size combos for Ooky Spooky. She will have limited supplies to lend out, so please bring your own (perhaps some extras if you have them) poi, veils, (preferably silk, however chiffon works too), and a rubber/hair band.

Saturday - 9am - 10:30am -  1.5 hrs.- $30 (Location - UUCC - Room #1)

Jussenya

Jussenya is the assistant director of Sisters of the Nile and co-founder of KemWati Fusion Bellydance.  As a life-long student and enthusiast of everything dance, Jussenya flourishes when combining Tribal and Egyptian Style with the many dance forms she has studied.  Her love of fusion has taken her performances on a wild ride of emotional extremes.  She is always excited to share the power and beauty of dance, and invites you to savor the drama.

 

Workshop - Over The Edge:

Sword dancing is a powerfully expressive and engaging aspect of our dance form.  Strength and posture are essential for effortless and graceful sword technique.  A masterful sword dancer builds drama with clear, captivating shapes to keep her audience on the "edge" of their seats, yet completely confident that their steel wielding captor is in complete control.  After a thorough conditioning warm up with focus on strength and posture, we will cover technique that includes various holds, moving the blade through space, and balancing.  We will then learn a short sword choreography to tie it all together.  All levels welcome.  Bring your own sword or other balancing prop.  Time might be reserved for experimenting with double sword.

Saturday - 10:45am - 12:15pm -  1.5 hrs.- $30 (Location - UUCC - Room #1 )

Kelly Holder & Lesley Inman

Kelly Holder is a Tribal Fusion Belly Dancer based in Milwaukee, WI. She began her belly dance career with the Improvisational Tribal Belly Dance Troupe, Barika Belly Dance in 2003. In 2007, she became a soloist and studied various forms of Belly Dance as well as Eastern European Romany (Gypsy) Folk Dance from her teacher Elaina Qureshi. The fusion of these elements allowed for Kelly to create her own unique style which is a combination of belly dance, folk dance and skirt work. In 2011, Kelly began learning traditional Russian Gypsy Dance from Viktoria Mitlyng and this further expanded Kelly’s dance repertoire.

Kelly is an instructor through the Belly Dance Business Academy and has taught and performed at events throughout the Midwest and in Seattle for the Waking Persephone event in 2014 and 2016.

She is known for her spirited performances and use of a big skirt. In her other life, she is a counselor and has taken additional coursework in Movement and Dance Therapy. Kelly incorporates therapeutics aspects of movement and dance into her performance, practice and teaching modalities. Kelly has also been featured in Fuse magazine and the book “I Bellydance Because”.

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Lesley Inman

Hailing originally from Canada but now calling Minnesota home, Lesley is a life long artist. Both a musician and dancer, Lesley loves to bring energy, life and joy to the stage and in her classes. Lesley creates performances and teaches classes/workshops which are never lacking in entertainment and always pushing the limits to what can be done. She makes every effort to help each student find their internal dancer. Lesley still is continually taking classes and just in the past year, has been hitting the road big time to get out and check out all the amazing events all while making new friends. She travels and studies as much as she can while still working to build a reputation at home in the Twin Cities not only for herself but for Tribal Fusion Belly Dance. Lesley studies extensively with artists/teachers including Rachel Brice (currently Level 3 Culmination and set to be a trained Datura Style teacher in October 2016), Zoe Jakes (Level 1 Diamonds and Level 2 Spades in progress), Mardi Love, Kami Liddle, Ariellah as well as studies with Deb Rubin, Amy Sigil/UNMATA, Heather Stants, Carolina & FCBD and many more. Lesley is also a teacher on the Belly Dance Business Academy where she teaches classes on all the 'non-fun' dance stuff like goals, intentions, promotion and all that jazz. Check out lesleydances.com for more details.

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Workshop - Following Your Bliss; Finding Your Voice In Dance & Spirit:

This lecture/discussion workshop will cover a plethora of topics. We will begin the workshop with a self-appraisal; what are your thoughts on self care, practice, and dance. We’ll then delve into the balance of dance and life as well as mind/body/spirit. Through the workshop Kelly and Lesley will be facilitating discussions around establishing goals, self care, building a practice, making yourself accountable, as well as making smart choices in your classes, workshops and intensives.

Saturday - 1pm - 2:30pm -  1.5 hrs.- $30 (Location - UUCC - Room #2)

Krisztina Naz-Clark

Krisztina is the founder and artistic director of Czigany World Fusion Dance. 

As a teacher she strives to not only teach a series of steps, but to also show her students the magic that is dance and the freedom it gives them to feel and to express what lies deep within their soul. "Everyone has a beauty inside that is so indescribably brilliant; one that consists of all of their passions, their hopes, their fears, and their dreams. I help my students to get in touch with that part of themselves through dance."

Krisztina is Michigan's first Sister Studio to FatChanceBellyDance®, is Advanced Teacher Training Certified, and is an ATS® Sister Studio Continuing Education Instructor. She is also certified in group fitness and holistic fitness, has been teaching since 2001, and is the creator of the ATS® Drill Companion DVD series and the Work that Skirt ATS® Style DVD.

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Workshop - Simply Meant to Be:

In this workshop you will learn an entire choreography to Sally’s Song from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

We will focus on transitions between flowing steps with graceful arms and beautiful posture and staccato shimmies, locks and pops; stage presence with a strong focus on musicality and projecting the emotion of the fascinating character that is Sally.  Note that the version of the song being used is the one by Fiona Apple.

Saturday - 9am - 10:30am -  1.5 hrs.- $30 (Location - UUCC - Room #2 )

Lori Tawasha (Dziubyna)

Lori Tawasha (Dziubyna) has been in love with belly dance since 2001.She was a member of Suhaila Dance Company and the legendary Bal Anat from 2009-2015. Her early years were spent learning and performing American Tribal Style Belly Dance (ATS) under the instruction of Kajira Djoumahna. She is also the director and founder of EvilEye BellyDance (founded 2006), a tribal improvisational company which focuses on “devolving" synchronized group improvisation to its origins and incorporating American vintage bellydance into its framework emphasizing footwork, hipwork and multiple cymbal patterns. Lori is passionate about teaching and will provide clear, organized instruction for students in a supportive environment.

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Workshop: Vintage American Choreography

Lori will be teaching a choreography to El Ataba Khadra by Aboud Abdel Al using Vintage American belly dance stylization. 

Saturday - 1pm - 2:30pm -  1.5 hrs.- $30 (Location - UUCC - Room #1 )

Schedule

Schedule

Registration

Registration

To register, please send your total amount via Paypal to raksanais@gmail.com.  Be sure to include your choice of workshops and your name. Only one name per registration please. No exchanges or refunds unless event is cancelled.

 

Early Bird Registration Has Closed.

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After August 20th - Regular Rate a la Carte: 90 minute classes are $30 and 120 minute classes are $40.

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Six Class Six Pack: $145 SOLD OUT

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ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED - ALL TICKET SALES MUST HAPPEN AT THE DOOR!

Show

Show

If you catch only ONE belly dance show this season, make sure it's this one! This is our 10th year in a row producing this show! Expect so much ooky and even more spooky! Performances by world class soloists and troupes, with a fun Halloween theme! 

Saturday, October 22nd - Doors 7:30, Show 8pm

Tickets: $7 before August 20th, $10 after

Location: 

Unitarian Universalist Community Church

10441 Shaver Road

Portage, MI 49024

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ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED - ALL TICKET SALES MUST HAPPEN AT THE DOOR!

meetngreet

Meet n'Greet

New this year, we are having a Friday night Meet n'Greet from 7-9pm at Caravan of Dreams! We'll have hors d'ouvres and lots of surprises! Let's get this party started right! 

Tickets: $7 before August 20th, $10 after

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ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED - ALL TICKET SALES MUST HAPPEN AT THE DOOR!

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