Twisted Gypsy

Happy New Year!  Hope you are all looking forward to dancing again, I can't wait!  This year promises to be one of much joy and growth, fun and beauty.  Let us each strive to bring ourselves to a joyous place, in whatever path we choose to walk (or dance!).  Blessings come in so many different packages and being open to things is tougher than it sounds.  You can do it!  Here is a message for all of us this new year:  Let it in, 2012!  Let in the joy, let in the love!  Let good things happen, let laughter bubble up from the inside out!  Praise yourself, be your own best friend, and surround yourself with people who like and love you. Love, Light, Laughter - Let it in 2012!

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CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Granada Hills!

January 9 - New Monday ATS Sessions, Intermediate & Advanced
(8 spaces available per class)

          7:00-8:00, Level 2

          8:00-9:30, Level3  ($15.00 per class)

12 week sessions 

Location:  Twisted Home Studio

January 10 - New Tuesday ATS Sessions begin:
(15 spaces available per class)

          7:00-8:00, Level 1 - Beginning Fundamentals

          8:00-9:00, Level 1.5 - Group Structure & TechniqueVariations

8 week sessions  (no classes on 2/14)

Location:  Granada Pavilion, 11128 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, 91344- Upstairs room

Cost for above classes (except level 3):

FullSession (8 or 12 classes) = $80 or $120

Half Session (4 or 6 classes) = $50 or $75

Single Class = $15

Contact Jen to reserve your space!

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Thursdays in Granada Hills at the Twisted Home Studio -

Gypsy Sisters Rehearsal, 8:00-9:30 - Invitation Only       

Learn what it takes to perform in an ATS troupe!  Advanced variations, group structures, and team dynamics.  All students are welcome to earn a space in this growing performance troupe.  Please contact Jen for more information.

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Pasadena!

January 13 - New Friday ATS Session - Pasadena City College.

6:30-8:00 - Level 1 with a taste of 1.5 - Our current 8 week Level 1 session will be condensed to 6 weeks with the last 2 weeks being a taste of Group Structure.  Students wishing to move up to Level 2 will need to take a more thorough step thru Level 1.5 with Jen on Tuesday nights.

8:00-9:30 - Level 2 - This is the next level of technique and vocabulary with 6 slow moves and 11 fast moves and their variations.  Prepare to work!

January 13 - Fridays - New Tribal Drumming Session at Pasadena City College - 8 week session, 6:30-8:00pm

January 29 - Monthly Technique Drill Focus (yes this date was moved)  
(Only 10 spaces available for each level)

          Focus will be on a single movement in each level with the intent of fine tuning.  Ideal form & posture, muscle focus, and clean lead & follow direction. $5 per level.

          Level 1 - Pivot Bump & Choo Choo

          Level 2 - Walking Taxeem

          Level 3 - Sunanda

          Monthly Groove Garage & Drum Circle
Join Charles for a 1/2 hour of solid work on technique & tone before the drum circle starts.  From tabla to frame drum, from riqq to daf, all drums are welcome!

4:00 - 4:30pm - Tinker with your technique, gear up your groove!  $5

4:30 - 5:30pm - Open Drum Circle, Dancers welcome!

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EVENTS

January 21 - A Taste of Los Angeles Belly Dance

A Taste of Los Angeles Belly Dance will be the inaugural event for the Los Angeles Chapter of MECDA.  There will be will be workshops, 7 hours of amazing vending and performance opportunities, and LA's hottest dancers during the evening gala!          

Click here for info

January 28 - Tribal Dance Jam - Remo Drum Center, North Hollywood, 2-4pm

Tribal Dance Jam (TDJ) is an event to promote community and networking for American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dancers who dance Fat Chance Belly Dance format created by Carolena Nericcio of San Francisco.

Open to all ATS dancers in the Southern California area and beyond.  It is not a festival, showcase, hafla or a performance. Nor is it intended to be a class or a workshop. There will be no teaching of dance moves.

All dancers, regardless of level, should know some or the entire Fat Chance Belly Dance American Tribal Style dance vocabulary.

Tribal Dance Jam

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Private Lessons

Dance with Jen & drum with Charles - weekdays & weekends.

Private one on one instruction will help you improve in leaps and bounds!  Ask all of your questions, get fine tuning for what YOU need.

Semi-privates also available, for up to 3 people.

Contact:   Jen@twistedgypsy.com

Contact:   Charles@twistedgypsy.com

Or call 818-368-4655
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COMING SOON!

Merchandise!  Soon Twistedgypsy.com will be offering an array of awesome tribal accessories!  Not only all of your favorite items from our traveling store (sashes, coin belts, zills, fat chance shtuffs, Jen jewelry, etc), we will also be featuring the official Twisted Gypsy T-Shirt!!!  In addition, we will have a Cafe Press store with other TG goodies such as water bottles, coffee cups, tote bags, and more!  We are so very excited!!!

Workshops!  Your requests have been heard - 4 fun and groovy workshops will soon be added to the calendar!

      *9 New ATS Moves

      *Unity Cues & The Shift of Power - Refining your ATS team cue
              techniques

       *TheStudy & Practice of Dueling Duets

       *The Dancer Lottery - Improvising Group Structures

Stay tuned for dates, times, and pricing!

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FCBD-ATS General Skills Diary or The Worlds Stock Markets are Crashing While We're Learning the Arabic Hip Twist by Cassandra Miller

I've been dancing ATS since 2007 and figured it was hightime I took General Skills. So I scrimped and saved, and my troupe helped me out with some of the deposit so that I could sign up. General Skills is held out in Highland, CA every August at the Oasis Dance Studio and taught by Carolena Nericcio and Kristine Adams. It's 4 days of, what now seems, a blur of ATS. Friends were made, movements learned, and miles travelled. Here is my day-to-day diary of GS...

Day 1: Mind-blowing excitement. I'm carpooling with my friend Elba, so the drive out to Highland doesn't seem as long as I'd remembered it. We're assigned numbers (I was 11) and then in groups our group was assigned a number (ours was 3). I wrote on my badge "If lost return to group 4." The next day I realized I was in group 3 and fixed it. Crisis averted. Carolena tells us that YouTube is not reality. Don't e-mail her questions about something you've seen in a performance on YouTube. She actually said "Stop watching videos.  "Kristine has the highest arches I've ever seen. I leave feeling pretty good, not so tired.

Day 2: We are instructed by Carolena to go out into the world and spread the Mantra "There are no grapevines in ATS." So, there you go. So help me Carolena. I went to the Stater Bros in the same shopping center as the Oasis Dance Studio to buy a Naked Juice. I stood in line for 15 minutes. Being in Highland is starting to feel a little like a Twilight Zone episode. When I leave Stater Bros I realize that most of the businesses in the shopping center are gone. In my excitement from day 1 I hadn't noticed. I think Kristine may be The Perfect ATS Fem-Bot created by Carolena to entice people into the ATS fold. I have a client in the evening after GS who thinks I may be a little too busy. She may be right. Tiredness is starting to set in.

Day 3: Tired. So tired. I start asking around before class starts, and everyone is tired. It's a good tired, don't get me wrong. Anatomy of a belly roll from The Master. It's amazing to watch, and you realize as you're watching that there's no one like her on earth. I feel honored to be in the same room with her. Again, Kristine is amazing - an ATS muscle machine. I want to put her in my back pocket (where she'd probably actually fit) and pull her out to squeeze her cheeks and feed her pizza and beer. I go get a burrito for lunch across the street. I call my kids and find out that my daughter is still asleep at 1:15pm. Not so unusual for her, but on this day I'm jealous. I pass the newspaper boxes on the way back to the Oasis, and see that stock markets around the world are crashing. I think to myself, "We were in there learning the Arabic HipTwist and markets are crashing around the world." I'm not too upset about it. I develop a hang nail from my zil. Not looking forward to floorwork tomorrow.

Day 4: I found my yoga mat in the front closet. I knew it was around here somewhere. There's no food in the house and my living room looks like a monkey, a giraffe, and a Tasmanian devil had a tea party that suddenly turned political and poo started flying. I'm going to have to do some serious housework tomorrow. Back to the Oasis without my carpool buddy, the drive seemed longer. So tired. Eyes puffy. We started with Yoga first thing in the morning. Then on to floorwork. About 80% of the class was on board for level 1 floorwork and then numbers dropped exponentially from there. There were actually about 3 people left by the level 4 section. Now, watching Carolena do belly rolls is one thing, but this floorwork stuff is incredible. People just stopped and got their cameras out. It's definitely something to work towards. Is there a Kristine Adams fan club of some sort? If not, I may create one. The afternoon is a blur and then graduation. Women love cameras. Part of me wishes we could do this for another week but most of me needs a nap. I get home, take a shower, and go to my bodywork session. I may well be too busy, but my life is filled with good friends and fun and amazing experiences. It's better than sitting around watching TV.

Day 5: Recovery. My body is sore from my bodywork session and I'm still tired but this house isn't going to clean itself, unfortunately.  I'm grateful for ATS, and all of my dance sisters from around the world. I'm grateful for Carolena, and my troupe, and my bed. Peace!

This season has already brought much to be thankful for and much to cherish.  Memories of those recent and long passed, forever in our hearts.  Heading into the dark time of the year, winter's womb, always brings reflections of the past, ponderings of the future, and a truly grateful sense of the now.  I am so thankful for my chosen family and friends, the dance, the network of dancers I feel blessed to be a part of, the gift of watching women blossom into joyful connection, this body that keeps me moving.....I could go on and on.  I hope this season brings you a sense of wonder for all of the experiences in your life, both good and bad.  Never forget that manure helps things to grow. 

Let's not forget the bounty of excellent food, woo hoo!  Help keep your body balanced with dance!  Hope to see you at upcoming events, classes, and workshops.  Lalalalalalalalala!

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EVENTS

November 18 - Friday, Pasadena City College Student Hafla!  It's the last one of the year, join us for dancing, drumming, shopping, henna & glitter tattoos, and potluck!

6:30-7:30, Level 1 & Level 2 Warm-Up and Practice
7:30-10:00pm - Hafla

December 11 - Tribal Fusion Fair - http/www.meddevi.com/tribalfusionfaire/

            Twisted Gypsy will be performing at the event for the first time on Sunday at 3:38pm.

December 17 - Hazze Multi Cultural Hip Hop Pow Wow

            This event begins with a drum circle at 1:30pm and then offers a line up of dance performances from a variety of cultures, ending with some very talented young adult b-boys & b-girls.  It's really an amazing experience and highly recommended.  The Hazze Hip Hop Culture Dream Center is a non-profit art oriented career mentoring program with a professional break dance crew.  There will be a donation box for this event's entrance fee.

            Twisted Gypsy & Gypsy Sisters will be performing!

            Contact Jen for more info and to sign up.  Rehearsals will be scheduled soon.

May 16-20, 2012 - TRIBAL FEST - THE LARGEST TRIBAL EVENT IN THE WORLD!  THE STAGE THAT STARTED IT ALL!  http://www.blacksheepbellydance.com/tf12/schedule.html

            Workshops are now open for purchase at this amazing event with 47 teachers and 66 different  offerings!  If you have never been, you should go!  All of the big tribal stars come home to this stage to perform.  The energy is amazing!  And you know, Twisted Gypsy plans to perform as well.   

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS - THIS YEAR 

November 6 - Monthly Technique Drill Focus
(Only 10 spaces available for each level)

            Focus will be on a single movement in each level with the intent of fine tuning.  Ideal form & posture, muscle focus, and clean lead & follow direction. $5 per level.

            Level 1 - Shimmy Step (Only 1 space left!)
            Level 2 - Camel Walk (4 spaces left)
            Level 3 - ReShamka (8 spaces left)

 
Monthly Groove Garage & Drum Circle

            Join Charles for a 1/2 hour of solid work on technique & tone before the drum circle starts.  From tabla to frame drum, from riqq to daf, all drums are welcome!

4:00 - 4:30pm - Tinker with your technique, gear up your groove!  $5
4:30 - 5:30pm - Open Drum Circle, Dancers welcome!


|November 12 & 13 - New ATS Moves Workshops!

Saturday - Fast Moves - Egyptian Sevillana, Arabic Double Spin, Box Step, Push Forward Push Back, Triangle Step

Sunday - Slow Moves - Pulse, Rainbow, Loco Camel, Medusa - ATS Variation & Indian Variation

$40 per workshop, $35 in advance, $60 for both days - SOLD OUT!  Waiting list available.

December 1-20 - Granada Hills

Belly Dance Workout - Mondays & Tuesdays, 7-8pm at the Twisted Studio
(Only 10 spaces available each night)
Be prepared to sweat!  Our goal is to work the entire body using a variety of drills and techniques from all different belly dance styles.  Bring water and a towel.
Monday nights will focus more on upper body (Dec 5, 12, 19)
Tuesday nights will focus more on lower body. (Dec 6, 13, 20)
$15 per session, 3 sessions for $30, all 6 sessions pre-paid for $50.  (No refunds or credits)

Level 1 Drills & Dance Practice - Tuesday nights, 8-9pm
(Only 10 spaces available each night)
More Level 1 Drills and Variations with dance group practice to hone leading and following skills.
Don't forget your finger cymbals!
$15 per session, 3 sessions for $30 (Dec 6, 13, 20)  (No refunds or credits)

Level 2 Drills & Dance Practice - Monday nights, 8-9pm
(Only 10 spaces available each night)
More Level 2 Drills and Variations, group dance practice, and finger cymbals.
$15 per session, 3 sessions for $30  (Dec 5, 12, 19) (No refunds or credits)

Level 3 Advanced Class - Thursday nights, 7-8pm Advanced Technique & Drills (Dec 1, 8, 15)

Tribal Drumming - Group Dynamics Workshops, Fridays, 7-8:30pm
Learn how your drum fits in with everyone else.  The tricks, techniques, and secrets of creating a good group sound during improvisations and drum jams.
$20 per session  (Dec 2 & 16)

December 18 - Monthly Technique Drill Focus
(Only 10 spaces available for each level)            

Focus will be on a single movement in each level with the intent of fine tuning.  Ideal form & posture, muscle focus, and clean lead & follow direction. $5 per level.

            Level 1 - Torso Twist
            Level 2 - Ghawazee Shimmy Combo
            Level 3 - Sahra Turn

Monthly Groove Garage & Drum Circle

Join Charles for a 1/2 hour of solid work on technique & tone before the drum circle starts.  From tabla to frame drum, from riqq to daf, all drums are welcome!

4:00 - 4:30pm - Tinker with your technique, gear up your groove!  $5
4:30 - 5:30pm - Open Drum Circle, Dancers welcome!

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December is Private Lessons Month!

Dance with Jen & drum with Charles - weekdays & weekends.

Private one on one instruction will help you improve in leaps and bounds!  Ask all of your questions, get fine tuning for what YOU need.

Semi-privates also available, for up to 3 people.

Contact:   Jen@twistedgypsy.com
Contact:   Charles@twistedgypsy.com
Or call 818-368-4655

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS - NEXT YEAR

Granada Hills!

January 10 - New Tuesday ATS Sessions begin:
6:30-7:30, Level 1 - Beginning Fundamentals
7:30-8:30, Level 1.5 - Group Structure & Technique Variations
8:30-9:30, Level 2 - Intermediate Technique

January 5 - Advanced Thursdays - Ongoing
7:00-8:00, Level 3 Technique
8:00-9:30 - Gypsy Sisters Rehearsal

Pasadena!

January 13 - New Friday ATS Session - Pasadena City College.

6:30-8:00 - Level 1 with a taste of 1.5 - Our current 8 week Level 1 session will be condensed to 6 weeks with the last 2 weeks being a taste of Group Structure.

8:00-9:30 - Level 2 - This is the next level of technique and vocabulary with 6 slow moves and 11 fast moves and their variations.  Prepare to work!

 
Fridays - New Tribal Drumming Session at Pasadena City College
Beginning January 13, 8 week session, 6:30-8:00pm

 
January 15 - Monthly Technique Drill Focus
(Only 10 spaces available for each level)

            Focus will be on a single movement in each level with the intent of fine tuning.  Ideal form &       posture, muscle focus, and clean lead & follow direction. $5 per level.

            Level 1 - Pivot Bump & Choo Choo|
            Level 2 - Walking Taxeem
            Level 3 - Sunanda

 
Monthly Groove Garage & Drum Circle

            Join Charles for a 1/2 hour of solid work on technique & tone before the drum circle starts.  From tabla to frame drum, from riqq to daf, all drums are welcome!

4:00 - 4:30pm - Tinker with your technique, gear
up your groove!  $5
4:30 - 5:30pm - Open Drum Circle, Dancers welcome!

Hello Everyone!

Talk about melting, sheesh!  I'm kinda surprised we aren't all twigs right now with this constant sauna.  Hope you all are keeping cool and enjoying lots of juicy fruits and veggies!  And popsicles, yum!

September starts a bunch of new class sessions as well as monthly ATS drills, and some performances!  We hope to see your smiling faces and hear your zaghareets at some of them!

CLASSES

ATS Fridays at Pasadena City College - New 8 week Session begins September 16

6:30-8:00 - Level 1 Beginning Fundamentals, Group Structure, & Dynamics
8:00-9:30 - Level 2 Intermediate Technique

Online Registration is now open!!!  Register before Wednesday, September 14 to ensure your space!
Pasadena City College Online Registration

Tribal Drumming Fridays at Pasadena City College - New 8 week Session begins September 16

7:00-8:30 - Hand Drumming Fundamentals

Online Registration is now open!!!  Register before Wednesday, September 14 to ensure your space!
Pasadena City Collge Online Registration

ATS Thursdays in Pasadena - New 8 week Session begins September 22

7:30-8:30 - Level 1 Beginning Fundamentals
8:30-9:30 - Level 1.5 Group Structure & Dynamics

Lumina Dance Academy
1052 N. Allen Ave
Pasadena, 91104
For more information contact:  Cassandra
To Register contact: 626-296-2812

ATS Tuesdays in Granada Hills -New 8 week Session begins September 27
6:30-7:30 - Level 1 Beginning Fundamentals
7:30-8:30 - Level 1.5 Group Structure & Dynamics

Granada Pavilion
11128 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, 91344
To Register contact:  Jen or call 818-368-4655

WORKSHOPS

Sunday, September 11 - Monthly Technique Drill Focus!
Twisted Studio, Granada Hills
(Space is limited to 10 dancers per class)

Focus will be on a single movement in each level with the intent of fine tuning.  Ideal form & posture, muscle focus, and clean lead & follow direction.

3:00-3:30, Level 1 - Arabic (Sold out!)
3:30-4:00, Level 2 - Reverse Taxeem (Sold out!)
4:00-4:30, Level 3  - Chico 4 Corners

There will be no warm up and cool down included in these sessions.   Please arrive 10 minutes early to warm up before class.  Be prepared to work it!  Please wear your hair up, a full skirt, & bring your finger cymbals.

Please note:  This studio is carpeted - only dance slippers, socks, or bare feet allowed.

Monthly Groove Garage & Drum Circle!
Twisted Household, Granada Hills

4:00 - 4:30pm - Tinker with your technique, gear up your groove!  Join Charles for a 1/2 hour of solid work on technique & tone before the drum circle starts.  From tabla to frame drum, from riqq to daf, all drums are welcome! $5

4:30 - 5:30pm - Open Drum Circle, Dancers welcome!

Please bring your own drinks, snacks, and drum chair.
Contact:  Charles

The next Monthly Technique Drill Focus, Groove Garage & Drum Circle will be held Sunday, October 16!   Sign up now to reserve your space!!!

New Moves Weekend!  November 12 & 13, 3:00-5:00pm

Join Jen for the 9 new ATS moves being added to the official ATS vocabulary!  Brought to us by Devi Mamak of Ghawazi Caravan in New South Wales, Australia.  These movements are now apart of the Level 3 Modern ATS  Advanced vocabulary and a DVD by Fat Chance and Devi is in process.  I had the joy of traveling to San Francisco to study with Devi herself and am excited to teach these new movements to my fellow dancers!

Saturday, Fast Moves - Egyptian Sevillana, Arabic Double Spin, Box Step, Push Forward Push Back, Triangle Step
Sunday, Slow Moves - Pulse, Rainbow, Loco Camel, Medusa - ATS Variation & Indian Variation

Each workshop will be 2 hours so that we have plenty of time to drill and incorporate the moves into our current vocabulary and structure.

Cost:  $40 per workshop, $35 in advance, $60 for both days.Only 10 spaces available in each workshop!  Contact Jen to reserve your space!

EVENTS

Friday, September 9 - Granada Hills Food Truck Festival
Twisted Gypsy & Gypsy Sisters will be out enjoying some street dancing.  We should be there from 8:00-9:00pm, near Numero Uno on Chatsworth St.  Just listen for the drums!

Saturday, September 17 - Twisted Gypsy Fund Raiser!
Join us for an evening of fun & performance, raffles & a bake sale!  This event is to help us raise funds to grow our SCA Gypsy War Camp.  Suggested Donation: $5-$10

Performances (so far) include:
Gypsy Sisters
Hoop LED by Kendra!
True Thomas, our favorite Bardic Storyteller!
Rania, International Star Soloist
Elayssa, International Star Soloist
Twisted Gypsy

Raffle Tickets!!!
$1.00 per ticket
$10.00 for 12 tickets
$20.00 for 25 tickets
Tickets available for sale at any Twisted classor event; winners need not be in attendance!
Items are raffled off individually.

To be Raffled:
#1 - A private lesson with Jen
#2 - A private lesson with Charles
#3 - Private Make-Up Session with Brandi
#4 - Woman's Hair Styling Session with Natalie
#5 - 1 Hour Massage by Dawn
#6 - Tribal Jewelry Set by Jen
#7 - Professional Zil Set from Turquoise International, Zil bag & Zuffs by Nena
#8 - Leather Bag, Sporran Style made by Nena

Bake Sale:
Homemade cookies by the Cookie Man, Nick!
Bak'lava Cupcakes by Dame Selene!
Gourmet Cakes by Indigo Black!

Happy to answer any and all questions about classes, workshops, and events.
Hugs & Shimmies!
Jen

By Twisted Gypsy, Holly Schroeder

I never learned to dance. Never took ballet as a kid, never learned some jazz steps. My sports were fitness oriented – swimming, running, tennis. Other than a 5 week crash course in ballroom for my sister’s wedding, my attempt at dancing was to shift my weight on the beat and try not to call attention to myself on a dance floor.

Somewhere along the way, though, I became interested in belly dance. It was so graceful, sexy, fluid - it was captivating. So I tried to learn – I bought some instruction videos to use at home, but I still felt awkward. Even when I learned a move, I didn’t know what to do with it unless there was a choreography spelled out for me. I dabbled with a few classes, but nothing fit and I never stuck with it.

Then I discovered ATS. ATS is belly dance, for sure, but it is so much more that it took my interest in learning to a whole new level. As an improvisational dance, ATS is as much about form and technique as it is about teamwork, staying present in the moment, thinking on your feet, and having fun. ATS is a lesson for life.

Based on my experience, I’m convinced that any woman can learn ATS. The defined levels of moves- Level 1 fundamentals and then Level 2 & 3 advanced, and now modern moves added to the vocabulary provide just enough structure to make learning progressive and easy. The moves are brilliantly designed to make every woman look beautiful.

As you learn the vocabulary, all those other dimensions of ATS kick in. You dance with a group of women and become a team. Sometimes you’re the leader of the team, sometimes you’re in a supporting role. Isn’t that true in all kinds of areas of our lives? Learning to follow is a life skill just as important as learning to be a leader.

Likewise, ATS teaches you to stay in the present moment. The second you start thinking about what move you’ll do when you are leading, or thinking about what you have to buy at the grocery store, you’ll miss the lead’s next cue. Stay present and tune in to your team and thinking on your feet becomes easy and intuitive. Every time I dance, I am reminded to get present. In our multi-tasking, go-go world, hours, days, even weeks can go by where I’m focused on just getting stuff done. It’s easy to go through the motions, not really paying attention to what’s happening around me. I may not clue in to what’s going on with my co-workers, family members and friends. ATS places me back in the present moment and reminds me of the pleasure and value of being there.

But most of all, ATS is fun and we all need more fun in our lives these days. There’s plenty of bad news in the world. The simple act of moving your body, connecting with other people, and letting go of all the other duties and worries in our lives reminds us of what’s truly important. I am grateful to have learned this dance, and know it will continue teaching me to dance and so much more.

Let’s dance!

What it Takes to Perform with an ATS Group
by Wendy Allen, member of Fat Chance Belly Dance

When people start taking classes in American Tribal Style dance, often one of the first questions is, 'When do I get to join the troupe/perform?' 

The answer is, not for awhile. While you may have a desire to get up on stage and express yourself, you have a responsibility to your fellow dancers and your audience. The first thing to learn about performing ATS is that it is not all about you. It's about the group. 

American Tribal Style Belly Dance is an group improvisational dance form. That means there are groups of 2-4 dancers, with 1 person leading, and that leader is stringing the steps together on the spot. This involves skill, intimate knowledge of the steps, transitions, and formations, a lot of trust, and high level of comfort with your dance partners. You have to be open enough to read their body language, know their quirks, go-to moves, and how they hear the music. 

So. That said, what does it take to perform? It takes a LOT of classes, and a LOT of practice. Our level 1 class is a 6 week format, and level 2 is a 12 week format. You must take at least one full cycle of each before entering into Level 3, which is the level at which you start performing. But before you think ,"18 weeks, that's not so bad", most people will need to repeat Level 1 at LEAST twice before graduating to Level 2.  Same with level 2, although many will need to repeat that level more, as the steps are more complex, plus it takes time to get used to leading, and changing formations.  Count on at LEAST a year of taking classes consistently, if not 2, before you first perform.  

You may think you are well versed enough in the format to jump in after a long absence.  Think again. If you haven't been around class for awhile, we need to get used to dancing with you again.  

You may think that because you have other belly dance training you don't need basics. Think again.

You may think that because you are Arab/Egyptian/Turkish, etc, you won't need basics.  Think again.

This is a specific format with its own vocabulary.  You must learn the basics before you can advance. It's not fair to the people who have put in the time and effort to allow inexperienced dancers into the advanced levels. Again, it's not about you, its about the group. Keep reminding yourself of that. Make that your mantra. 

FCBD does not audition, nor do our student troupes. Well, I take that back. We do audition, but that audition starts in Level 1 and continues throughout your education in our classes.  The teachers do pay attention, and we do observe.  And it's not all about skill, it's also about attitude. We are likely to choose a less skilled dancer with a good and humble attitude over a diva who can dance like a dream. Technique can be improved. It's a lot harder to change personality. It's no fun to deal with a diva. And while we do take what we do seriously, we also want to have fun. 

Ironically, *most* of the people who have been in FatChance have not asked to join. We've been invited. Most of us never aspired to be in the troupe. That humility is a desirable quality to us. In a group format there is no place for a diva. 

So. If you want to perform with an ATS group, here's what you do. Show up consistently to class. Have a good attitude, don't be a diva. Focus, do your best to fit in with the culture of the classes. And no matter how experienced you become, always go back to Level 1 and Level 2, because in spite of what you may think, you have never learned everything there is to learn about any one move.  If you think you know everything, you're sorely mistaken.

By Twisted Gyspy, Katy DeBra

No, you didn't drink too much of a frozen concoction too fast, you just took the lead! As you approach the lead spot you suddenly realize you have no idea what to do next!

It's a good idea, right at this moment for just a split second, to practice expanding your smile (you are smiling right?) or current facial expression instead of widening your eyes. However, if you bring the smile up into your eyes too, the audience will never know what's going on in your head, down deep in a neural pathway that has ended unexpectedly or connected to the cells with the grocery list.

The audience will think, wow, these dancers are so expressive and having such a good time! This is great. I've heard this rumor that tribal belly dancers don't like to smile much. I'm so glad it's not true. It's okay for a few minutes here and there to change the mood, but really this looks much more fun!

Okay, let's get real here: chances are the audience member has something else popping into his or her mind at that very moment--OMG! Did I pack underwear and socks in Suzy's duffle? She leaves for camp tomorrow!!--and isn't likely to notice any disposition change or your eyes flaring open for a split second.

The audience focuses primarily on the facial expression and upper chest area (the heart!) of a performer. It usually takes them a few minutes to start noticing what other parts of the body are moving and decide what's more interesting to look at.

So are you getting my drift? The most basic thing to remember about a brain freeze is that it barely lasts a split second inside and outside one's head, even if it feels like a year just went by and your entire jaw dropped open.

And congratulations, by the way, you've just expanded that neural pathway, or possibly created a brand new one! Woot! We've got to celebrate our learnings and accomplishments in order to fully integrate them. So take that Brain Freeze! I survived you and now I'm high-fivin' with my ladies (when the dance is over of course)! Go new brain cells!

In my experience, brain freezes don't ever go away. This is improv dancing after all. Regular, frequent practice is the best antidote. Going through all the steps I know in my head, remembering them at random times such as waiting at a stop light, helps me avoid it.

Brain freezes will happen again and again. The good news is that you can change how you react to them and feel about them. With practice you can move right through and on from them in a few seconds.

First off, we have a number of basic moves to choose from to turn around and do a check in. There's 8 counts to think of something right there. And if you catch yourself doing a move that the lead before you just busted out, just move on from it as quickly as you can. All else fails, give up the lead.

Forgive yourself and move on. All your fellow dancers and the audience already have. We've all been there. Afterwards congratulate yourself for that great brain and body workout and new brain cells you just gave yourself!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! The Twisted have had an easy July - so much so that I neglected to do a early July newsletter.    Things are starting to ramp again, performance-wise, and we hope to see your smiling faces at some of our upcoming shows.

I would also like to encourage my students to get together outside of class for practice jams!  Check in with your peers and see who may be hosting something, or organize a round robin of hosting at each other's houses!  It's great fun, a good way to get practice in, as well as enjoying each others company.

The Twisted Gypsy blog wants your help!  I would love your input on what you would like to read about from us. Any questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome!

New classes starting!  Workshops onthe horizon!  Read below to be in the know!

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 CLASSES

Pasadena!  Get your ATS on 2 nights a week!

Thursdays - Next session beginsJuly 28 at Lumina Dance Studio with Cassandra
Contact: Cassandra@twistedgypsy.com for more info about Thursdays!  Space is limited, so don't delay!

Fridays - Next Pasadena City Collegesession is September 16.
There will be a NEW FORMAT from now on! I'm very excited to be offering Level 2 on Friday nights!  Here is what the new syllabus will be:

6:30-8:00 - Level 1 with a taste of 1.5 - Our current 8 week Level 1 session will be condensed to 6 weeks with the last 2 weeks being a taste of Group Structure. Students wishing to move up to Level 2 will need to take a more thorough step thru Level 1.5 with Cassandra on Thursday nights.

8:00-9:30 - Level 2 - This is the next level of technique and vocabulary with 6 slow moves and 11 fast moves and their variations.  Prepare to work!

There are 5 classes left in the current session.

Pasadena City College Hafla!  Friday, August 26, 7:30-9:30pm.  All are welcome!

Performances by student troupe Gypsy Sisters as well as Twisted Gypsy Dancers & Drummers!
(Please note that there is no seating at this event; you are welcome to bring your own chair)

Fridays - NEW!  TRIBAL DRUMMING AT PASADENA CITY COLLEGE!!!

Beginning September 16, 8 week session, 7:00-8:30pm

Granada Hills!

New Tuesday Session begins August 2:
Level 1 - Beginning Fundamentals of ATS - 6:30-7:30
Level 1.5 - Group Structure & Technique Variations - 7:30-8:30

Advanced Thursdays - Ongoing
7:00-8:00, Level 3 Technique
8:00-9:30 - Gypsy Sisters Rehearsal

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Sunday, August 7 - Monthly Technique Tune-Up!
Twisted Studio, Granada Hills
(Space is limited to 10 dancers per class - RSVP early to save your spot! Next month's session is already on the calendar!)

Focus will be on a single movement in each level with the intent of fine tuning.  Ideal form & posture, muscle focus, and clean lead & follow direction.

3:00-3:30, Level 1 - Taxeem - SOLD OUT
3:30-4:00, Level 2 - Arabic Hip Twist
4:00-4:30, Level 3  - Wrap Around Turn

There will be no warm up and cool down included in these sessions. Please arrive 10 minutes early to warm up before class.  Be prepared to work it!  Please wear your hair up, a full skirt, & bring your finger cymbals.

Contact:  Jen@twistedgypsy.com

Cost:  Each 1/2 hour session is $5

Sunday, August 7 - Monthly Groove Garage & Drum Circle

Twisted Household, Granada Hills

 4:00-4:30pm - Tinker with your technique, gear up your groove! Join Charles for a 1/2 hour of solid work on technique & tone before thedrum circle starts.  From tabla to frame drum, from riqq to daf, all drums are welcome!  $5

 4:30 - 5:30 - Open Drum Circle, Dancers welcome!

Please bring your own drinks, snacks, and drum chair.

Contact:  Charles@twistedgypsy.com

NEXT MONTHS DATE IS SEPTEMBER 11.
STAYED TUNED FOR A MONTHLY TUNE-UP COMING SOON TO PASADENA!

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Private Lessons Available

Dance with Jen & Cassandra, drum with Charles - weekdays & weekends.

Private one on one instruction will help you improve in leaps and bounds!  Ask all of your questions, get fine tuning for what YOU need.

Semi-privates also available, for up to 3 people.

Contact:   Jen@twistedgypsy.com

Contact:   Cassandra@twistedgypsy.com

Contact:   Charles@twistedgypsy.com

Or call 818-368-4655

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EVENTS

Satruday, August 13 -Tribal Dance Jam at the Venice Beach Music Festival!  This event features advanced Level 2 & Level 3 dancers from around Southern California!  Twisted Gypsy & Gypsy Sisters will be there!    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=134395389936463

Saturday, September 3 -   TwistedGypsy performs in Torrance!  http://www.flagstopart.com/

Saturday, September 17 - Twisted Gypsy Fund Raiser Party! Save the date!  More info coming soon.

Come we to the summer, to the summer we will come!  Performances, New Classes, Parties, and our first ever Advanced Workshop!  Blessed, blissful, busy June.

May was an incredible ride - Tribal Fest was outstanding.  Our performance video is up on YouTube,please check us out:  http://youtu.be/DBR5jgmA7rw 

Hope you enjoy watching as much as we enjoyed dancing!

If you wish to join the email list please contact: Jen@twistedgypsy.com.

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 CLASSES

 Monday Yoga for ATS Dancers with Katy DeBra

Focus on gentle poses to stretch and strengthen overall and challenge ourselves with several balance poses. We will build awareness of our posturea nd energy flow through the spine and learn to release excess tension, using only the muscles necessary to do a movement in good form. This awareness wil lmprove ATS dance form and carry over into daily life as you notice your posture sitting, standing, etc.

This class is designed for beginning yoga students. Individuals can make adjustments as needed to each pose to make it more challenging or to compensate for an injury or limitation. There's no requirement to stretch like a pretzel (unless you wish to, of course.  ;-)  Many of our poses will focus on the hips, torso, shoulders and chest, to strengthen and increase range of motion in muscles used in ATS.

 Cost is $10.00, Time: 7 - 8 pm.

Please RSVP to attend this class.  ContactKaty:  artbykd@earthlink.net

Pasadena!

Next session begins Thursday, June 2 at Lumina Dance Studio with Cassandra
Contact: Cassandra@twistedgypsy.com for more info about Thursdays!  Space is limited, so don't delay!

Pasadena City College session begins Friday, July 8 with Jen.
There are 3 classes left in the current session.

Pasadena City College Hafla!  Friday, June17, 7:30-9:30pm.  All are welcome!
(Please note that there is no seating at this event; you are welcome to bringyour own chair)

Granada Hills!
New Tuesday Session begins June 7:

Level 1 - Beginning Fundamentals of ATS - 6:30-7:30- Sold Out!
Level 1.5 - Group Structure & Technique Variations - 7:30-8:30
Level 2 - Intermediate Technique - 8:30-9:30

Advanced Thursdays will be changing as of June 2:

7:00-8:00, Level 3 Technique
8:00-9:30 - Gypsy Sisters Rehearsal

Tribal Drumming
Tuesday session begins June 21 - Advanced night

            7:00-8:00 - Drummers Choice
            8:00-9:00 - Level 4

Fridaysession begins June 24 - Beginning Fundamentals

            7:00-8:00 - Basic Fundamentals
            8:00-9:00 - Transitional

For more information, contact:  Charles@twistedgypsy.com

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Workshop!

 Sunday, June 12, Noon-3pm, Lancaster:

"Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead... only try to realize the truth.
There is No Spoon.
Then you'll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself."

There is an unlimited amount of possibility within the structure of ATS! Creative combinations of vocabulary, interesting formations, and fun ways to move on and off stage - there really is no end to it all.

Join Jen & Cassandra of Twisted Gypsy as we spend 3 hours exploring some of the Twisted's favorite performance structures!

*Learn the art of the Turkish Quarter Turn Fade and how to clearly cue it ina trio or quartet*
*Scramble your brain with the Arc Arms Lead Change Combo in a trioformation*
*Play the chorus dancer lottery with the Kaboom & Spiral*

Tantalized?  And we have more to add if you have room in your brain!.  Hand outs will be provided.

Twisted Gypsy is known for their strong form, tight structure, and dynamic stage presence. Directed by Jen McDonald, a Sister Studio of Fat Chance Belly Dance, and based in the San Fernanado & San Gabriel Valleys.

Dancers MUST be fluent with Level 1 and Level 2 ATS Fat Chance Vocabulary.  Be prepared to exhibit strong form and clear cues. Bring your finger cymbals, a full skirt, and wear your hair up, please.

Space is EXTREMELY LIMITED! Please paypal to jill@faizeh.com $42, and include your name in the Notes section. ($50 at the door, if there is anyspace left)

 Sunday, July 10 - Monthly Technique Tune-Up!

Twisted Studio, Granada Hills

(Space is limited to 8 dancers per class - RSVP to save your spot!)

Focus will be on a single movement in each level with the intent of fine tuning.  Ideal form & posture, muscle focus, and clean lead & follow direction.

3:00-3:30,Level 1 - The Egyptian and all of it's details
3:30-4:00,Level 2 - Walking Body Wave
4:00-4:30,Level 3  - Double Back

 There will be no warm up and cool down included in these sessions. Please arrive 10 minutes early to warm up before class.  Be prepared to work it!  Please wear your hair up, a full skirt, & bring your finger cymbals.

Contact:  Jen@twistedgypsy.com

Cost:  Each 1/2 hour session is $5

Sunday, July 10 - Monthly Groove Garage & Drum Circle

Twisted Household, Granada Hills

 4:00-4:30pm - Tinker with your technique, gear up your groove! Join Charles for a 1/2 hour of solid work on technique & tone before the drum circle starts.  From tabla to frame drum, from riqq to daf, all drums are welcome!  $5

 4:30 - 5:30 - Open Drum Circle, Dancers welcome!

Please bring your own drinks, snacks, and drum chair.

Contact:  Charles@twistedgypsy.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Private Lessons Available

Dance with Jen & Cassandra, drum with Charles - weekdays & weekends.

Private one on one instruction will help you improve in leaps and bounds! 

Ask all of your questions, get fine tuning for what YOU need.

Semi-privates also available, for up to 3 women.

Contact:   Jen@twistedgypsy.com

Contact:   Cassandra@twistedgypsy.com

Contact:   Charles@twistedgypsy.com

Or call 818-368-4655

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EVENTS

This weekend, June 3-5  Mecda's Cairo Caravan in Long Beach at the Queen Mary

http://www.mecda.org/cairo

Twisted Gypsy performs Sunday at 2:50pm on the Valley of the Kings stage, lower level.

Thursday, June 9  Twisted Gypsy performs in Lancaster at Pars Restaurant, hosted by Faizeh.

http://parsrestaurant.net/index.html

Saturday, June 25  Tribal Dance & Drum BBQ Potluck hosted by the Twisted household

            For more information, please email:  Jen@twistedgypsy.com

By Twisted Gypsy, Jen

I've made lists, done laundry,  and aired out my bags.  Time to start packing!  Twisted Gypsy and friends are traveling North to a lovely town by the name of Sebastopol.  It's small and pretty, with enticing shopping, good food, friendly people, and gorgeous scenery.  AND, it's a nuclear free zone! 

More importantly, it's the home of Tribal Fest, the largest tribal festival in the world.  Produced by Kajira Djoumahna and her hubby Chuck, an amazing, fun loving couple who bust their asses every year for the tribal world.  This is a must attend event for every tribal dancer!  There are a ton of workshops, 3 days of performances, and of course off the hook shopping.  Most importantly, the sisterhood vibe permeats the very air.  All are loved and supported, encouraged and embraced.

I am excited to say that Twisted Gypsy opens the dance festival on Friday at 3:00pm.  We have decided to exhibit our silliness by opening our set with a tiny tribute to this years Tribal Fest theme, It Goes to 11..., which is from Spinal Tap.  We hope Kajira and Chuck love it!

We will be sharing the stage with so many talented woman and men, it's so thrilling!  All of the biggest and most talented performers are in attendance every year, including the Mother of ATS, Carolena Nericcio and her beloved Fat Chance Belly Dance.  They close the show Sunday night.

You can bet we will be posting video and photos on our return!

*cue Sumo pose*