Dance and Art News

SECOND SUNDAY with SAMRA Series

Based on requests, Samra will be offering mini-workshops on Sunday afternoons. Each workshop will focus on a theme and will include:

A comprehensive warm up applicable to the topic of the day
Detailed breakdown of the steps learned
10 combinations
DRILL of steps and combinations
Question and Answers/Review
Cool down
Written notes for home practice containing suggested list of music.

Some of the topics are available on DVDs sold at discount to workshop participants.

All workshops will be held at Moving Arts Center, 99 Coulson Street, Woodlawn, VA 24381
Time - 3:00-5:00
Maximum of 12 participants for each class.
Cost: $25 for each workshop. (only $20 if paid NO LATER than 2 weeks prior to each one). $95 for the whole series in advance, plus a gift. No refunds unless the class is cancelled, but tuition is transferable with previous approval by Samra. Participant of ALL workshops will receive a Certificate of Completion from Moving Arts Center signed by Samra. After the final workshop of the series a Hafla and dance celebration will be held.

SUNDAY, August 10
“ Keeping the eyes on the hands and… the hips!”
Half the workshop will be dedicated to graceful, communicative, and hypnotic arm and hands movements. The other half will focus on tricky hip combinations using the basic 8 hip directions.

SUNDAY, September 14
“ Fun with Fusion and Tribute to Tradition”
With the globalization of the world, fusion in the arts becomes a way of life. Many forms of dance have elements in common. Samra will teach one 32 count simple combination to each of these styles of dance, which can be incorporated into creative and interpretive dance fusion: Joged Bumbum/Jaipongan (Bali/Java), Salsa (Caribbean), Samba (Brazil), Rom (Turkey), Bollywood (India).
The second half of the workshop with be devoted to the dancers of the Golden Era of Egypt and the Middle East. Samra will share her favorite combination that she learned from Soheir Zaki in Egypt in 2001, as well as combinations learned from other dancers of the Golden Era via intensive video analysis, and from master instructors who have dedicated their lives to study their styles. 5 elegant combinations of “Classical” Oriental dance will be taught and drilled.

SUNDAY, October 12
“Unlimited Floating Objects” UFO Day.
Float on your own magic carpet. Class will focus on ways to present floating props for dramatic entrance, framing, development of the dance, exit and keeping the “mystery”. Bring what you have to play and to share if you have extras: Veils, Wings of Isis, Scarves, Big Skirts, Fans, Vois, Streamers, Ribboned Tambourines, etc.

SUNDAY, November 12
“All You Need Is Balance”
Technique, Tricks and Tips for balancing props, plus combinations that can be adapted for each. Bring what you have: basket, cane, swords, candles, shamadan, tray and more.
Some floor work will be included as an option. Bring a small towel or knee pads (optional) . During the Q &A segment, those who wish may share prop tips with each other, or how to avoid mini disasters (Like how not to propel your cane from your head onto the audience? ).

SUNDAY, December 14
“The Gift Of Love”
Bring someone your love to this workshop. We will learn simple combinations that you can do as duo, or solo. Since we will rotate partnership, partners are not required, however. We will have lots of fun. Bring Finger Cymbals and we will do a couple of combinations with partnered Zils. A relaxing way to overcome Zilphobia.

After this last workshop we will have a Hafla and Dance Games to celebrate our dance, new friends and love for all.

I am very excited to be invited by Iman Haust from Egypt, now living in Norway to be the guest instructor at her June 13-15, 2008.  I will be teaching two workshops about Shimmies,  1 on Zagat (Finger cymbals) and 1 on Double Veils.

You are welcome to attend this festival in the land of the Vikings and the experience our beloved dance in a different part of the world, and as an added bonus explore the magnificent Nordic beauty in the company of peers.

The roster is terrific with instructors from Egypt, Norway and the USA.

For more information, write to Iman at iman.haust@netcom.no or samra@netzero.net

visit www.samrasexpressions.com and www.magedansen.com

Hi ladies and gentlemen,
Please, pass on these updates to everyone you know who is planning to attend the workshops on Sat.

Our schedule, topics, and agenda have not changed. But due to factors beyond our control, our location has. It is actually the same distance from the Interstate as it would have been before.

We are now going to have our workshop at the fellowship hall of the Hillsville Presbyterian Church, address below. Main St, Hillsville is Rt 52, so no one can get lost!
751 S Main St
Hillsville, VA 24343

Directions: If you are coming on I-77, Turn toward Hillsville. Go 2 miles. Turn L on Rt 52 S. The Church is less than 100 yds away on the R. There are lots of parking spaces. If you are coming on Rt 52, it is on the L if you are coming N, R if going S.

Details: The SWVATC (our original site) is closed to outsiders because they did not want anyone to bring in flu to the residents. State mandate, nothing we can do.
For a few days I thought I would use my studio, but with the grown number of people who have committed to attend, this was not possible. So, after a 4 days saga of seeking an available large enough space so late in the game, I was able to rent this hall. It is very beautiful and has wooden floor.

SCHEDULE: Please, be punctual. We must register everyone and be ready to start exactly at 10:00am and finish the 1st workshop at 12:00
Wings workshop, will start at 2:30-4:30. We must leave the church by 5:00pm

I will be there at 9:00. I hope most of you can get there by 9:30, especially if you haven’t already registered. Alexandria will have a few items to sell, and I might have scarves and my DVDs…

LUNCH: We have between 12-1:20 to each lunch and prepare for a performance at WHEATLAND HILLS RETIREMENT CENTER. We are being welcomed there at 1:30 sharp to do a 45-50 min show. The retirement center is no more than a 2 min. drive. We could walk if we had more time. Several of us can hop into a car.

Choices for lunch: You can pack, but we are surrounded by several fast food places plus a wonderful local restaurant called the “Hardware” that serves wonderful things, from soup to sandwiches to grilled mushrooms, and more. They also have “lunchboxes” that includes a sandwich, chips, pickle and a drink for only 4.95 + tax. If we have sufficient people, they will even deliver to the church (with everyone leaving a tip, of course). I will have a menu at the registration table, so you all can place your order at that time, (I recommend you bring lots of $1s to make it easier for everyone) and I will call everyone’s so that they can deliver if you wish…

PERFORMANCE: Some of you have already expressed the interest in performing. But please, send me again if you want to perform FOR SURE, the name of your song,
the duration and if you are using prop. If you are doing more than one song, please, list in order of priority, so if we HAVE to cut one, we will cut your 2nd choice.

DRESS CODE FOR PERFORMANCE; No change from the Training center: As modestly as possible: The less cleavage and tummy showing, the better. Please, cover legs with an extra skirt, harem pants, or leggings. Think as if you are performing at an elementary school… It is about the same situation. I just did recently and I had a crochet top over my ethnic looking costume and it was fine.

WHAT TO BRING FOR WORKSHOP: If you have 2 veils, preferably semi-circular, bring them (or wings for those who have them). I have only a few extra veils. If you want to try the full effects of the wings you must bring two small dowels about 2 feet long, or even better, the kind of plastic rods that you open venetian blinds with.
PLUS safety pins. We won’t have time to pass those around, so please bring your own. You will be pinning the make shift wings to clothing over your shoulder or a ribbon to tie around your neck, so you decide.

I hope I covered everything.

After the show, if you want to hang around there are a couple of very nice restaurants in Hillsville, including a Mexican one that serves margaritas if you are a fan of them, etc.

Thanks for your supporting and understanding. Life is never dull in the world of dance!

Samra

THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 IN DANVILLE, VA.

Shalimar sponsors Samra at the Pepsi Building, Danville Recreation Department.

Contact donnamehalko@hotmail.com for more information

LOTUS DANCE RETREAT ‘08

Will be better than ever.  9 days of the most awesome experience!  Dance classes with great master instructors, massage, Balinese culture in all forms, shows to see and BE the star, candle dance on the beach, accomodations at resorts (mountain and beach) and so much more. 

Reserve your place with a deposit now!

see: 

www.iarasamra.artshost.com

www.samrasexpressions.com

www.1001natt.com

www.unlimitedresources1.com

www.magedansen.no

Moving Arts Center of Southwest Virginia opens on January of 2008 offering dance and exercise classes for all ages and interests, including Pop, Creative, Mother Toddler, Belly Dance, Culture Clusters, Folk and much more. Located at 99 Coulson Church Rd, in Woodlawn, VA
Check out: www.movingartscenter.weebly.com and the instructor’s home page: www.samrasexpressions.com
email: samra40@netzero.net or iarasamra@hotmail.com for more information.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT AT MOVING ARTS CENTER
Exercises and Dance Classes for all ages and interests, including Pop, Creative, Belly Dance, Folk, DanceExercise.
CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 08
*Open House and FREE demo classes
Feb 2, 1:00-4:00 PM
Call 276-236-4533

Samra is opening a new studio in January 08 in Woodlawn, VA at the Heritage Shoppe Complex, 99 Coulson Church Rd, Woodlawn, VA 24381m (next to Harmon’s Outlet)

It is within sight of US Rt 58, between Galax and Hillsville (Exit #14 from I-77). Turn L if going to Hillsville, R if going to Galax. The Studio is in the back on the lower level, just below Willard Gayheart’s Front Porch Gallery.

Check out the current offerings. Yoga and/or Tai-Chi as soon as I find a qualified instructor.

Located at the Heritage Shop complex, in Woodlawn, VA (next to Harmon’s)
Call 276-236-4533 Email: samra40@netzero.net www.samrasexpressions.com
(see next page for detailed information)
Freestyle “Pop” dance for all ages - These dances are based on popular contemporary music, and will use all kinds of steps and movements of the body. This class will be great for dancing at proms, clubs and dance parties. It is different from Ballroom because it is not as formal and may be danced with or without partners, or in groups.

Creative and Literary dances for Children and Teens – These dances are interpretive, and selected to “tell stories” based on books or created by the dancers themselves.

World Dance Exercise for all ages - This is a moderate aerobic dance using music and dance steps from various parts of the world, including Hawaii, Brazil, Africa, India, etc.

Middle Eastern Belly Dance for All Ages – Beginners and Intermediate. (THURSDAY NIGHTS)

Cheerleading for Moms and Grannies - If you are going to cheer for your young ones, do it in style and show your flair! Learn the moves to go with it. All classes start with a short Pilates inspired warm-up and end with a cool down.

Mother and Toddler - Share time together in healthy exercise, exploring rhythms and nurturing creativity! Art and Story Telling will be integrated as appropriate. (DAY TIME)

Daytime Dance Exercise Class for Fitness and fun - Simply guided fun for people who want to dance for fun, but feel they lack rhythm and coordination

Culture Clusters - Enriching Cultural Appreciation program for children Grades 2-5 incorporating: History and Geography, Art and Craft, Music appreciation, Folkloric dance or movement with a dash of age appropriate Literature and Creative Writing. Cultures available: Egypt, China, Turkey, Brazil, Thailand,etc. (one culture per month)

Samra will be teaching at Reeves Community Center and Pro-Health Center in Mt. Airy, NC, Surry Community College in Dobson, NC PLUS in her new studio Moving Arts Center. READ BELOW:

MOVING ARTS CENTER
COMING TO YOUR BACKYARD SOON TO SERVE YOU. NO NEED TO DRIVE 100S OF MILES TO GET THESE EXCITING CLASSES
Located at the Heritage Shop complex, in Woodlawn, VA (next to Harmon’s)

Freestyle “Pop” dance for all ages - These dances are based on popular contemporary music, and will use all kinds of steps and movements of the body. This class will be great for dancing at proms, clubs and dance parties. It is different from Ballroom because it is not as formal and may be danced with or without partners, or in groups.

Creative and Literary dances for Children and Teens – These dances are interpretive, and selected to “tell stories” based on books or created by the dancers themselves.

World Dance Exercise for all ages - This is a moderate aerobic dance using music and dance steps from various parts of the world, including Hawaii, Brazil, Africa, India, etc.

Middle Eastern Belly Dance for All Ages – Beginners and Intermediate. (THURSDAY NIGHTS)

Cheerleading for Moms and Grannies - If you are going to cheer for your young ones, do it in style and show your flair! Learn the moves to go with it. All classes start with a short Pilates inspired warm-up and end with a cool down.

Mother and Toddler - Share time together in healthy exercise, exploring rhythms and nurturing creativity! Art and Story Telling will be integrated as appropriate. (DAY TIME)

Daytime Dance Exercise Class for Fitness and fun
Most classes will be offered between 4:00-6:00 PM, unless noted otherwise. Each class lasts one hour and the cost is $30 per month (4 classes) paid prior to the first class. Discounts will be available for indivuals taking more than one course, or for additional family members.

The number of students per class will be limited, so call to reserve your spot and express the days you are available to attend classes as this will be taken into consideration before the final schedule will be announced. All classes will require a minimum number of pre-registered participants, so pre-register if you want to be included, and if you want the class to be offered.

Kendrick is a former public school and college educator, who also has dedicated many years to the study of international dances and has taught dance seminars across the USA and around the world. She has also authored several dance instructional DVDs. Dance related items will also be available for sale later.
The days on which each class will be offered will be announced soon. Please, call 276-236-4533 Email samra40@netzero.net For information about Kendrick, visit www.samrasexpressions.com
JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

DECEMBER 1, AT THE CONSERVATORY OF DANCE AND THEATER, GALAX, VA
Cost: $25 for each workshop if paid prior to Nov 17, After of at door $30.
This workshop is limited to 15 participants, so REGISTER EARLY to secure your place.
Go to www.samrasexpressions.com for registration form. If you wish to pay with Pay-Pal the email address is samra40@netzero.net. With a check, send to: Iara Kendrick, 1186 Blue Ridge School Road, Fancy Gap, VA.

***Anyone attending the wonderful dinner show just for us at the County Line Café in Galax, must send $12 PRIOR to Nov. 22.*** This is a complete meal with meat and vegetarian choices, beverage, dessert and tip included!!! We will have the place just for our group and we can dance, eat and dance some more!!!!

CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR BELLY DANCERS
By Pamela Beamon

Workshop will cover specific topics all of
which can be layered into your Belly Dance
Technique.
Balletic:
• Leg and foot work
• Armwork
• Balance and weight distribution
• Spins
• Sustaining balance ( Ballet and Jazz)
• Techniques for multiple spins (Ballet and Jazz)
• Spotting your spins (Ballet and Jazz)
• New spins
• Touch turns
• SouSou turns
• Leaping turns (time permitting)
Combination steps
Bourres
Bourre hip swivel
Balance’
Jazz:
Leg and Footwork
Armwork(shampoo arm, swing)
Fosse’
Jazz Walk
Jazz Spin
Pelvic moves
Floor mount and dismount

DANCING WITH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE BRAIN
By Samra

BASICS FOR IMPROVISATION
Dance as: (Specif exercises for each genre)
1- Ritual
2 – Emotional/ Self Expression
3 - Imitative of Nature
4 - Imagery
5 - Social/Folkloric
6- Transition to Intellectual Realm ( to show off Technical prowess-). This happens when any of the channels above become very complex, when there is a need for synchronization, and a need for the dance to be repeated.

BASICS FOR CREATING CHOREOGRAPHY
We will examine a music selection many varietions and apply the concepts below with specific steps and movement drills

Musicality, ethnic awareness
Full orchestra or several instruments
travel
turns:
Legato
Percussion/ Staccato
Vibrato
Focal points
facial expressions
dramatic poses
Musical phrasing and measures
Dynamics and tempo
Levels of energy
Use of stage
Esthetics and symmetry
Plot or dance development
Memorable entrances exits

November 17, 2007
Women’s Wellness & Fitness Center
690 Jonestown Road
Winston-Salem, NC

1:00-4:00 pm $40 early registration paid or postmarked between October 19th and November 1
$50 after November 1 or at the door if spaces are available
Limit to 30 participants.
Bonus INTRODUCTION TO FOUNDATIONS OF DANCING WITH WINGS OF ISIS
No refunds unless workshop is cancelled, but substitution is possible with previous approval by Saphira (Teresa Dickerson).
Workshop information:
The registration form is in Classes and Workshops page on this website (see main menu above or link at bottom of this page). For more information about the workshop and individual questions contact SAMRA at 276-236-4533, email stephip1234@yahoo.com or visit www.samrasexpressions.com
(see Samra’s Happenings) To reserve your space:
Send payment and completed registration form to name address below.

Teresa Dickerson
Three Graces Entertainment
P.O. Box 176
Lewisville, NC 27023

What to bring: At least 2 veils, preferably semi-circular, around 3 yards in length. Fabric according to individual preference: silk, organza, chiffon, etc. Bring 2 wooden dowels, ribbon and safety pins to improvise wings if you do not own a set.

What will be covered:

Properties of various materials and how each veil reacts in relation to movement intensity
Many different styles of veil wraps, and how to unwrap while dancing gracefully
Entrances and exits using veil
Veil combinations that may be used with single or double veils
Moderate floor work to enhance performance with veils
Simple and tricky ways to get between two veils and out again (including a Samra’s exclusive)
Using veils to enhance dynamics: lyrical and fluid, strong and dramatic, sassy and sweet!
Fun with multiple veils ( more than 2)
Introduction to Wings of Isis: Posture, Basics, Dynamics and Flow of the Body and Wings