What is Tribal Bellydance?
Tribal Bellydance is a modern fusion dance inspired by folkloric dances of the Middle East, North Africa, Spain and India. It emerged from the USA in the late 1980’s and does not represent any particular culture/region. It is mostly danced in a group format and dancers move in an improvised (versus choreographed) way. To dance improvisationally there are leaders and followers that learn a vocabulary of moves, long combinations and formations. This provides a fresh and exciting connection and synchronicity amongst the dancers. It is much more than steps! It’s a lifestyle with community connections locally, interstate, throughout Australia and across the world. Everywhere you go you will find a tribal sister that you can connect with.
What is Global Caravan Tribal Bellydance format?
Developed by Paulette Ree’s Denis, GCTB is a structured format of Tribal Bellydance. There is an abundant list of moves, exciting combinations and formations. Dancers can dive deep into this format through Paulette’s intensive certification program called ‘Collective Soul’. Dedicated teachers take their studies one step further with continuing development through the Teacher Training intensives. You can read more about Global Caravan Tribal Bellydance at globalcaravandance.com.
What is the physical ability requirement and the physical intensity of the classes?
Tribal Bellydance is considered a moderate workout. You will move and stretch, do some slow mesmerising moves and at times dance fast to an upbeat tempo. The dance involves hip and ankle twists, reaching above your head and bending forward. Dancers are able to dance at their own level within their physical limitations/restrictions.
Sienna strongly encourages you to modify your dance so you do not experience any pain or discomfort or aggravate any pre-existing injuries while you dance. If you have any concerns about your ability to participate, please discuss with Sienna and consult your doctor, physiotherapist or other allied health professional for advice, ask for tips for how to move your body safely within your physical restrictions. It’s about moving your body in a playful, expressive and creative way and connecting with other women first. There is no need for you to push your body beyond its capabilities.
Cost
Classes average $18 per class. Foundation Courses run for 5 weeks and cost approx. $90.
Discounts apply if you attend a second class for the week or purchase a Shimmy Express class pass. Use the contact form to enquire about the latest deals and promotions.
Age
This is a space for adult women to escape to. A place for women to express themselves in a safe and creative way. Dance can be an outlet for stress relief and an opportunity to be in the moment, away from the worries and pressures of everyday life. Therefore, there is a preference for this to be an adult environment, 18+ preferred. No upper age limit applies.
I don’t have much of a belly; can I still dance? I am plus size, can I still dance?
All women of all body types are totally embraced in this circle of dance! Our community aims to encourage self-confidence and body-positive self-image. Dance can be a powerful way for women to reclaim their identity, to find joy in movement, self-love and self-acceptance. Goddess curves are celebrated. As our body becomes our recreational art form, self-respect and self-care is pivotal to this way of life which includes how we treat ourselves and how we allow others to treat us. Kindness, compassion and acceptance is essential.
I am worried that I am too uncoordinated
Strangely, this is something that is expressed a lot! Our whole lives and way of being runs to a rhythm, if we didn’t have rhythm, we wouldn’t be able to walk.
Dance classes are focused on fun and movement. It’s about enjoying moving your body firstly, there are no tests, and there are no pressures to take this dance beyond the 4 walls of a studio room. This is time and space for you to be creative and explore dancing this style of dance.
Be kind to yourself, allow yourself time to shine. When you learn something new, it does take time to get this new way of moving into your body (and your brain), but we hope you enjoy yourself along the way and find some commonality (and community) with the women that share this dance. It’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ and you choose to what level you want to participate in this dance. Sienna has been teaching for 16 years and will get you moving in your very first class - guaranteed!
Creche
No Creche is available at this time
What is the approx number of people in the class?
Class participants can range from 2 – 12.
I don’t have any dance experience, what class is best for me?
For new dancers we recommend the Foundations Course. This 5-week program builds slowly and has more verbal technique instruction. It focuses on the GCTB foundations moves. You also get exposure to some of the beautiful elements of this style with adding props like African baskets, Spanish inspired skirts, Zills, Indian inspired moves, as well as leading, following and group formation concepts. 5 weeks is a great amount of time to get comfortable with this style of dance and to decide if it is something that speaks to your heart. The Foundations course will run back-to-back throughout the year. Some of the core content will be repeated and new moves will be added so returning dancers have the opportunity to grow their repertoire of moves.
Shimmy Express – it’s for the movers and shakers. For those that want to have fun and enjoy moving their body to a wider range of moves. Similar to the popular Zumba format class, this class keeps moving and builds on the moves through dance and leads to a choreographed finale! Dancers will be exposed to GCTB Foundation moves and beyond. A lot of current students attend this class for extra dance fun and training in their week. It’s also a great class to come and check out the vibe, or as a drop in or for shift workers that cannot commit to regular weekly class.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
The Foundations course and Shimmy Express classes are suitable for new dancers. No dance experience required.
Are more advanced class available?
For dancers experienced in the GCTB format there is an intermediate/advanced class available by invitation only. If you have GCTB dance experience and feel you would like to join this class please contact Sienna to discuss.
If I join a class, does that mean I need to perform???
Performing is never compulsory for any of Sienna’s students. As before, it’s about the dance, connecting with the community and having fun first. It’s for women to take time out of there busy days and their busy lives so they can just enjoy moving their bodies in a safe and creative way. With no pressure!
If a dancer wants to dive deeper, there are more advanced classes and studies available.
What do I wear to class? Do I need to wear shoes?
Tribal dancers usually dance bare footed. If you require more support for your feet feel free to wear what is comfortable for you. Wear clothes that are easy to move and stretch in. Yoga type clothes are suitable. Pack a hip scarf for your hips and a flower for your hair (but only if you have one). You can wear a big skirt if you prefer - please wear pants underneath. Don't invest too much for your first class, come and check out the vibe and see what you are inspired to adorn yourself with afterwards.
What certifications has Sienna achieved in the GCTB dance format?
In the Collective Soul intensive stream Sienna has achieved Collective Soul Levels One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven. In the Teacher Training Intensives Sienna has achieved Teacher Training Levels One, Two, Three and Four. Sienna is also a performing member of the Global Caravan Dance Company International troupe and is currently working towards her Master Teacher Level One qualification.