Class Descriptions

Fundamentals of ATTS - introduces and develops the American TribalTique Style vocabulary of movement emphasizing the technique, posture, foundation and form that is essential for improvisational tribal style. It's ATS with a TribalTique twist! Class includes a warm-up and cool-down, breakdown and drilling of essential vocabulary, and basic zil drills (finger cymbals). This class is a beginning level class, but is open to all levels of dancers.

Tribal Shake and Bake - expands upon foundation movements from Fundamentals class. Shake and Bake is a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Learn variations and embellishments as well as combinations. Chorus work and leading will also be introduced....This is a mixed level class. Attendance is by INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION ONLY, please email Molly to discuss your participation.

Belly Dance Conditioning and Drills:
This class is a great workout for all levels and styles of belly dancers! Train your muscles and mind to polish and further develop your belly dance abilities. This class will lead students through stretches, exercises, and drills specifically directed towards developing isolation, definition, and strength for belly dance. This class is for all levels. Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle to class.

Advanced Workshop/Performance Prep:
This class concentrates on the key elements for improvisational cue dancing and formation work. Transitions, varying zil patterns, balancing, layering, and floor work are examples of topics covered. in Both the ATTS and Tribal Fusion Style will be explored. Students will also learn choreography, stage presence, entrances and exits and have the opportunity to perform at local events. Class is INSTRUCTOR INVITE ONLY, please email Molly to discuss your participation. This class MUST be taken concurrently with Belly Dance Conditioning and Drills! To be able to accomplish some of the more advanced movements and principles of performance dancers need to have a strong core of isolation, drills, and conditioning to build off of. For serious students only!

Tribal Fusion Level I - Intro to Belly Dance:
This is the perfect class for beginning belly dancers or those wanting to learn the basics of Tribal Fusion. We will begin with a yoga based warm-up, follow with isolation and technique drills, then learn tribal fusion style combos and moves including TribalTique Signatures that can be choreographed or incorporated into cue dancing.

Tribal Fusion Level II - Performance Prep:
For those Tribal Fusion dancers seeking a little extra challenge… This class will focus on advanced technique, movements, and combos including the more difficult backbends, levels, isolations, and layered movements. Students will also learn choreography, stage presence, entrances and exits and have the opportunity to perform at
local events. Class is INSTRUCTOR INVITE ONLY, please email Julia to discuss your participation. This class MUST be taken concurrently with Belly Dance Conditioning and Drills! To be able to accomplish some of the more advanced movements and principles of performance dancers need to have a strong core of isolation, drills, and conditioning to build off of. For serious students only!

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What do I wear?
Denver Classes: Please come dressed in a choli, tank top, or some other type of form fitting top (so we can insure proper posture, no t-shirts please), pantaloons or yoga style pants (something that will not restrict your movement), and a noiseless hip scarf (if desired). Students with zils (finger cymbals) are encouraged to bring them to each class. We usually dance barefoot, or if the floor is cold, in socks.
Fort Collins Classes: Please wear yoga type pants and a close fitting top. You may also bring a hip scarf or skirt to wear during dancing. We usually dance barefoot, or if the floor is cold, in socks. Always bring a water bottle and a yoga mat.

How do I pay?
Your class instructor will check you in. Payment (cash or check) is due at the beginning of the class. If you're paying in cash, exact change is very much appreciated :)

Do I need to register with you?
If you're coming to our classes for the first time show up a few minutes early to sign a waiver and fill out a registration card with your contact information. We use this information to inform you of class cancellations, upcoming events, and other important announcements. If you are interested in a class that runs in monthly sessions or has limited spaces, please contact the instructor prior to class to ensure there is a spot available.

Can I come and watch class instead of dropping in?
No. In fairness to our other students and for liability reasons, we do not allow people to come and watch class.

Can I bring my child to class?
Unfortunately, no. For the comfort of and consideration to all students, and liability reasons, we do not allow children in class whether they want to participate or just quietly watch.

Which class is right for me?
Fundamentals of ATTS is the best starting place for brand new dancers and belly dancers who have never done ATS (American Tribal Style) or ATTS (American TribalTique Style) before. As ATTS is based upon an improvisational dance structure, you will need to know the vocabulary of movements before you can learn to put them together. Shake and Bake classes are mixed level, however, a minimum of 2 cycles (approximately 4 months) are needed of Fundamentals of ATTS before attending. Tribal Fusion Level I – Intro to Belly Dance is great for beginners and Belly Dance Conditioning and Drills is perfect for all levels seeking a good workout. Tribal Fusion Level II and Shake and Bake is by instructor invite only.

I have previous belly dance experience, can I just take the Shake and Bake class?
No. We require all new students (with the exception of the Tribal Fusion Level I class) to attend the Fundamentals class so the teacher can evaluate your level and place you accordingly. Shake and Bake is designed to put together all of the vocabulary you learn in the Fundamentals class and learn variations. This is because ATTS is based on an improvisational style that does not rely on choreography, but cueing and transitioning. While it *does* have some of its roots in traditional dance, the posture, body alignment, and arm movement tend to be vastly different than more traditional forms of belly dance. In ATTS there are a standard set of moves or a "vocabulary" of sorts with specific cues and while some of the moves are based upon more traditional ones they tend to be executed completely different.

I want to perform, is there a specific class I can take?
We offer a variety of performance opportunities for our students throughout the year. We typically like for students to be regularly active in classes (class varies between Denver and Fort Collins), prior to consideration for performing opportunities. Talk to your instructor if you would like to be considered for upcoming performances.

What is the minimum age for the Group Belly Dance Classes?
Our classes are for students of at least 18 years of age for insurance reasons.