ATS's topics - tribe.net

Turning the Wheel with Egytian Sev

2013-01-25T11:38:59Z

Hello, I am really hoping someone can clarify. What direction do I turn the E.Sev. once I turn out of lead? Are both directions applicable? Thanks very much!

posted in ATS - 1 reply

Devyani - Turkish Shimmy Cross

2013-01-24T00:47:03Z

My question concerns arms. During the first cross portion arms are like in the first 4 counts of of 1/4 turns, however, it seems Megha and partner are sweeping their arms all the way to the right and left, rather than right back to center. Arms aren't explained in the video. Do we sweep the arms all the way down to the right and all the way to the left??

Thank you.

posted in ATS - 4 replies

Join us on our new forum!

2012-12-18T20:48:36Z

Hello ATS® Fans!

Since Tribe has been so unstable to many (problems logging in/staying logged in), we decided to come up with our own solution. We are launching our new forum on the FCBD® website! Please follow the link below to register yourselves, join the ATS board, and enjoy the discussion! We (FCBD) will not be answering questions here so much, so that we can keep all the info in one place, but you are welcome to chat here, otherwise.

You'll notice that we have imported most of the past discussions (up to about June, I think) from this tribe for your searching pleasure. See you there!

http://fcbd.com/smf/index.php

posted in ATS - 2 replies

Veil Fans?

2012-12-15T08:40:49Z

Hi there!

I'm working on a solo & would like to use veil fans in part of it. I'm an ATS dancer to the core, though, and I can't find any references on youtube of performing ATS with fans. Can it be done? Any tips or tricks? I've never danced with fans before, but I'm eager to try! And I've danced ATS for years with hardly any other training, so I feel kinda awkward when I try to "fusion" it up. ^_~

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Turkish Shimmy 1/4 turn after 1/2 turn ?

2012-12-14T19:50:46Z

Hi everybody,

I'm wondering if it is okay to do a Turkish shimmy 1/4 turn right after a Turkish shimmy 1/2 turn ?

Here is what I 'm currently doing with my tribe : 2 TS facing the audience (in performance angle), then going into TS 1/2 turn, then going into TS 1/4 turn (facing the front again, then left wall, back wall, right wall), then switching to another move...
Sometime, we don't face the audience between 1/2 turn and 1/4 turn, but go directly from right wall to left wall, lifting the arms when facing the left wall. Then back wall, right wall, audience (to complete the 4 x 4 counts), then switching to another move...

What do you think of this, ladies ? :-)

posted in ATS - 5 replies

Up2 Down3 Turns- Rules or General practices?

2012-12-08T02:25:57Z

Is the turn simply following the intention of lead, flock of birds, and phrasing of music?
Or does it have quarter or half or third turn rules?

If there is no standard method for points of the turn, how is this move most often -and most beautifully- used when turning?

Hope my question is clear.
Thank you!
Alana

posted in ATS - 1 reply

Camel Walk

2012-12-03T01:56:00Z

Hi everyone
I was at a workshop last week being taught by a sister studio teacher and one of the moves taught was a camel walk with 3 parts. The first part is what I'm questioning cuz I've never seen it before. Parts 2nd and 3rd are what I know as the camel walk.

Here goes:
turn to the right front corner as the right foot slides out to the diagonal, bending left knee as the right arm goes overhead and left arm down to hip level;
then as you draw in the right leg, raise up of balls of feet, arms change places as right arm pushes down and left arm raises to overhead;
then bend right knee and extend the left leg out to side as arms trade places so left arm matches the left leg and right arm is over head.

Is this a variation? or perhaps GC format?
Thanks for clarification!

posted in ATS - 7 replies

Sevillanas?

2012-12-02T03:59:36Z

I'm just curious about a move I learned. My first improv teacher taught a move called the Sevillanas saying it was an ATS move. This was long before the whole ATS/ITS thing. I few days ago I was watching some ATS practice vids on youtube that went over the "Egyptian Sevillana" and it was very different from what I learned as the Sevillanas. So I'm just wondering if what I learned was a FCBD move that got dropped or was ever part of the vocabulary to begin with.

The move I learned is cued in this video at the 6:25 before a choo choo spin.

http://youtu.be/91rQFh3sGOY

posted in ATS - 3 replies

barrel pass in a duo.

2012-12-02T03:49:01Z

Okay, so.....I've done a barrel facing in and am looking at my partner. Going into a second barrel is the cue for the pass? In other words two barrels cannot be executed on the spot facing inward--unless I do the arm visual before another barrel? Thanks in advance lovely people...

posted in ATS - 2 replies

Dueling Duets--Quick Question About Cues

2012-12-02T03:47:38Z

Hey there, can someone clarify for me how the main lead cues the dancers to face the front and conclude the DD? Is it simply by turning directly to the front in order to pull the fade back? Thx

posted in ATS - 6 replies

Auburn/Roseville/Nevada City/Grass Valley Area?

2012-10-08T06:12:53Z

Hi,
I'm a Percussionist who recently relocated from San Jose to Auburn Ca I'm Looking for Any ATS troupes in The Roseville/Auburn/Nevada City Area that would be interested in Live Drumming, heres a couple of clips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye8AsnQ0CIk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncbItNVYsB8&feature=related

contact
Ray
masala@masalaimports.com

posted in ATS - 1 reply

BSBD princess turn

2012-09-27T19:03:37Z

does the BSBD princess turn include the head slides I've seen in youtube
for instance here in 1:07 http://youtu.be/b-PAAUEN-70
or it just includes double floreo to the right, double floreo to the left ant the turn?

thanks!

posted in ATS - 1 reply

Omi and torso taxeem

2012-09-27T18:59:38Z

Are the omi (interior hip circle) and the torso taxeem , ATS steps? I can´t find them among FCBD dvds
thank you!

posted in ATS - 1 reply

Shimmies. How many ATS shimmies are there?

2012-09-27T18:58:53Z

Off the top pf my head I can think of:
1) Basic Shimmy (right foot in front)
2) Ghawazee shimmy combo (flat feet)
3) Arabic shimmy and variations (WAT, fade, etc)
4) Turkish shimmy and TS WAT
5) Reverse shimmy
6) Shoulder shimmies

some extra questions:

a) in 1) for the "catwalk" (that means walking like a model, doesn´t it? ) right foot keeps going in front? or you alternate the feet?

b) in 3) do you REALLY do the shimmy AND the torso undulation, doesn't it look "unpolished" or not nice? especially when you are doing the WAT variation

THANKS!! :) A LOT!

posted in ATS - 9 replies

Anyone ever dance to Na MI Nazune ?

2012-09-22T20:22:50Z

Hello everyone! We were looking for some sort vaudeville-esque songs to dance to for a cabaret-themed fund-raiser at the end of the month. We tried to dance to Na MI Nazune from Muse Melodic, which we just LOVE, and we FLOUNDERED! I was wondering if the time signature was different or if we were just off.

Any tips?

Thank you!

posted in ATS - 1 reply

"Singing"

2012-09-20T20:45:41Z

What is the name of "singing" Leleleleleliiiii! I've seen women in Egypt, Iran and Afghanistan singing like that and also tribal dancers. My teacher told me once the name of that "singing"but I've forgot it. Something on Z.
Thx for help :)

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Chico

2012-06-27T20:30:56Z

Hi all,

I have a question about the Chico. On vol 7,Carolena teaches the chico with the palm of the hand outwards to each corner as you turn, but in some of the FCBD performance clips on Youtube, it seems like the back of the hand is towards the corner. The moves seems softer.

Has the chico been tweaked a little, or is it just personal preference?

Ta, Annabella

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Reverse Shimmy

2012-06-27T05:30:29Z

What is it the reverse of?

posted in ATS - 62 replies

wearing Zils during slow songs...

2012-06-27T00:03:09Z

we tend to wear our zils all the time... 1. because we are trying to make them be a natural extension of our fingers, and not a foreign object ;) and 2. because i thought i hear 'somewhere' that in ATS we wear them all the time. therefore, we have been wearing them while dancing a slow song, as we did during the hafla at which we recently performed. the long time folkloric/cab style teacher/performer who hosted the hafla, and for whom i have a great deal of respect and admiration, suggested we not wear them if we are dancing a slow number, since we wouldn't be playing them.
that got me thinking that maybe what i thought i heard about "wearing zils all the time" was actually me misinterpreting what i'd heard.

so, do we in ATS wear our zils all the time, even if we are only dancing a slow number?

thanks for clarification on this :)
xo

posted in ATS - 23 replies

FCBD Vol.1

2012-06-13T16:46:41Z

Ladies from FCBD I need your help! :)
I have a question about shimmy in Vol.1 - is it "normal" shimmy or is it 3/4 shimmy that you do?
Thx!

posted in ATS - 8 replies

Devyani move- Turkish Shimmy crossover cue

2012-06-12T09:54:22Z

Is there a way to differentiate whether the leader is going to do a standard Turkish Shimmy duet pass, or the Cross-over? Usually, when we want to indicate a regular pass, we break eye contact and look in the direction we want to go, and that signals passing back to back. But it seems like the same broken eye contact would also signal the Cross-over.

Is it a matter of the follower just having to stay on her toes to peripherally catch the arms swinging into that windshield-wiper arc? Or is there something else I'm not getting?

posted in ATS - 1 reply

Indian Fusion for ATS dancers

2012-06-02T14:42:54Z

Hello my Tribe friends;

I don't want to get spanked by Wendy for spam :-) , but I hope that if this subject line caught your eye, you'll visit the EVENTS tab on this tribe. I'm posting something pretty special there that has to do with Indian Fusion.

It's been a while since I've logged on and I notice with mixed feelings that Tribe gets visited less and less by fewer and fewer dancers. The conversations and threads remain really valuable to me, though, so I hope we can continue to use it. Over on the Teachers' page there is discussion of moving this type of forum to Facebook or elsewhere. Personally, I like the thread-style clarity and focus of Tribe, but I find it tedious to share and publicize the happenings connected to my studio/ troupe/ classes, because of the specificity of the Events Tab and the fact that almost no-one looks or posts there anymore. I do not want to violate our no-spam agreements either. However, there are lots of women on Tribe who are not my FB friends and I do want to reach out to them. Even though they are commercial, aren't workshops and events the place where we often meet in person & form lasting friendships ?

I would LIKE to believe that, as a dancer and teacher, I'm committed enough that I will gladly spend extra time to visit a site (Tribe) just for serious discussion about technique and all things ATS, but the truth is I want to streamline and minimize computer time. It is just plain true as long as we need social media to help us with our work, we will gravitate to a format where it is easier / permitted to "advertise" our offerings alongside our discussions.

So, that was my sneaky way of both alerting you to that thing over on Events (which has to do with Indian Fusion.....) and to ask what you all, & Wendy dear Moderator, think about the waning use of Tribe and especially the Events tab.

Love to all
Katie

posted in ATS - 0 replies

ATS steps, directions

2012-06-01T22:43:32Z

Hi!
(first of all I apologyzed for my english :S Spanish is my mother tongue)
I know we are supposed to dance ATS on a diagonal, right? but what about the steps? for instance:
- in Arabic shimmy (FCBD) that then becomes ASWAT: the shimmy as I've seen on the DVD, is done perpendicular to the audience (left then right), is that correct?
-and what about the Egyptian Basic? Carolena emphasize on the dvd to get your shoulders parallel to the mirror or the audience.. this way the hips look more dramatically twisting... so, we are supposed to do the Eg. facing the audience and not in a diagonal way??

(I hope you can understand my english!!)
thanks so much!!

posted in ATS - 2 replies

Arc Arms Confusion

2012-04-30T23:35:20Z

I'm hoping someone can help out! I am trying to determine the name of a move that I *thought* was called "arc arms." But, when I researched it in my FCBD DVD library of love, Arc Arms is (I think) done with a combo that involves hip bumps, traveling a bit, and a turn. So I tried to look it up on line and came across this video which is what I remember:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Af9wyRMtM

Now I'm really confused because this is what I remember learning. Can anyone clarify if the movement in the video above is a legit ATS move and, if so, what the name of it might be? Please help! And lots of love in advance.

posted in ATS - 10 replies

Vol. 9, Triangle Step

2012-04-25T01:34:38Z

Hi, Wendy, can you and/or Marsha answer a question about this step? At the workshop in Las Vegas last December, Marsha taught the Triangle (among others). In the turn on counts 7-8, where the arms rise up overhead, she raised her arms by bringing the back of her hands near the sides of her hips/waist, with elbows out, and drawing the hands up along the torso (the hands then flip upwards to finish overhead). This arm path looked beautiful but is very different from Devi's version. Devi arcs the arms outward and upward. So is the arm path that Marsha demonstrated the "official" FatChance version?

Thanks for help! I've also got a question about the Pulse Turn but will put that in a separate topic.

posted in ATS - 4 replies

Chorus?

2012-04-20T06:26:03Z

I have noticed that fewer and fewer troupes are using what I guess would be termed a good ole fashioned FCBD chorus any longer...I even only see it rarely in FCBD performances. Has this gone by the wayside? is this still taught as a standard tool in everyone's weekly classes? It has been a few years since my GS workshop and it was still be used then.

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Cues and Tattoos Instructor Sowcase 2012 Photos

2012-04-10T19:29:33Z

Photos from Cues and Tattoos Instructor Showcase 2012

http://www.natashareedgallery.com/Events/Cues-and-Tattoos-2012/22246176_v6ZWwb#!i=1787676790&k=C2ttWrp

And backstage getting ready shots

http://www.natashareedgallery.com/Events/CuesandTattoos2012Backstage/22211598_4J7Gk4#!i=1773803596&k=HNs8zdR

posted in ATS - 0 replies

Breaking down Torso Twist for beginners

2012-04-07T17:25:06Z

When I was taught the Torso Twist, it was broken down as drawing a heart-shape: chest starts at neutral, is lifted off-center and to the left, slides across back (as if tops of shoulders are sweeping along the inside of a barrel), lifted to the right and then back to neutral. Arm undulations are layered over this.

However, I just had a local instructor (whose opinion I respect very much and who recently completed the FC GSI) teach me a different way: chest starts at neutral, lifts off-center and to the left, big chest lift in center with shoulder blades in and down, lifts to right, back to neutral. Arm undulations are layered over this version as well.

So, now I am totally confused about which version to teach my students. Any advice?

posted in ATS - 37 replies

arabic 123

2012-04-04T18:34:10Z

I found an explanation about this on tribe but had a few more questions.

So the arabic 123 is an 8 count movement, consisting out of 2 arabics for the first four counts and 3 chest drops/undulations on 5-6-7 and coming back up on 8.

So the cue for this is 2 arabics with the arms coming down on to shoulder height. I was wondering if these 2 arabics are the two arabics right before the 3 chest drops (so part of the arabic 123, i.e. count 1-4 of the movement) or if they are 2 arabics prior to the arabic 123 so after these 2 arabics you do an aditional 2 arabics part of the movement followed by the 3 chest drops.

Secondly: do the arms STAY down onto shoulder height for the rest of the movement, until you go to a different movement like egyptian basic or something? This seems so, but on the DVD volume 4, the arms are either up or one arm front one arm up so I got confused. Do the arms come back up after the cue.

and last thing: when you turn with the arabic 123 is it a gradual turn? or is there a certain number of times that you do the arabic 123. With the circle step and the torso twist with turn, I remember that it is either 3 or 2 sets per turn, depending if the follower on the left turns 1/3 turn or 1/2 turn during the turn and thought it might be similar for the arabic 123?

Hope this all makes sense, I find it hard to explain myself without showing on video.

thanks

Hilde

posted in ATS - 25 replies

Savannah/Statesboro/Hinesville areas?

2012-04-04T15:46:24Z

Hi, everyone! I just moved from El Paso, TX to Pembroke, GA, and I am looking for a tribal belly dance group to practice with anywhere in this part of the state. I am convenient to Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville, Richmond Hill, and any other surrounding towns. Anyone know of anybody who might like to get a group together?

posted in ATS - 0 replies

Vol. #9 moves -- who to ask???

2012-03-09T16:39:03Z

Hello all, I'm wondering something. If I have questions about a volume 9 move, in which tribe should it be posted? Or should the question be directed to the troupe director who presented the move?

Thank you.

posted in ATS - 13 replies

Uniformity in posture

2012-03-01T21:50:55Z

I was showing some FatChance and other ATS troupe videos to my fiance the other day. He commented that none of the groups I showed him had consistency in posture throughout the troupe, mainly angles of arm carraige. He tried explaining that from his perspective as an audience member, the inconsistencies were distracting, and that he was surprised the more famous troupes also had inconsistent arm carraige. He asked me why ATS groups don't make a point of focusing on this aspect of performing, and I honestly didn't have an answer him. Does anyone have any insight as to why arm angles aren't stressed in rehearsals? I know there's a lot of material in the ATS format to teach and polish, but why don't posture and arm carraige factor in?

Thanks for any light you can shed on this subject! I'd sure appreciate it! :)

posted in ATS - 7 replies

Nitpicky question about the Doubleback

2012-02-28T19:12:10Z

Okay, so correct me if I'm wrong, but the feet go:

1-2: step right then left on balls of feet, hips swivel to face forward.
3: step right, back towards back right corner, flat feet
4: touch left foot, pointing left front corner
5-6: step left then right on balls of feet, hips swivel to face forward.
7: step left, back towards back left corner, flat feet.
8: touch right foot, pointing towards right front corner.

While this is going on, the hips are moving. Here's the nitpicky part:

Are we doing weighted hip lifts on each beat? so on 1, lift right hip; 2 lift left hip; 3 lift right hip; 4 lift right hip again.

Or unweighted hip drops? on 1, drop left hip; 2 drop right; 3-4 drop right twice.

Or something else entirely?

Thanks!

Jen "Calliope"

posted in ATS - 13 replies

technical question...camel walk and circle step

2012-02-25T18:21:51Z

okay....here we go...

these questions came up in class tonight...

1)in the circle step, we have seen a couple of uses of a ribcage rotation between turns. is this a sanctioned variation?

2)when the leader turns the camel walk facing into a circle, what is the smoothest way to change leader using the camel walk? as many times as my ladies and I have seen it done, for some reason it isn't clicking.

thanks in advance!

posted in ATS - 18 replies

Double Back in a circle

2012-02-24T19:58:30Z

If you do the Double Back in a circle of 3 or more dancers, do you do it in place or does it travel (or both)? It could, for instance, travel to the left by stepping the right foot well to the left on count 1, then bringing the left foot to the left to settle on the circle on count 2. Does FCBD do this or any other traveling version of the Double Back in a circle? Thanks for help!

posted in ATS - 9 replies

Edinburgh Pura 10/2012 - help!

2012-02-20T21:48:22Z

Hi all
My 1st post!
I just wanted to connect with other folk going to Pura to say hi and more boring to ask if I could stay with anyone who lives in Edinburgh to cut costs down.
I'm so excited yet nervous!
Namaste
Helen

www.sajannaa.wordpress.com
www.haratribal.wordpress.com

posted in ATS - 0 replies

single bump half turn (arms and such?)

2012-02-19T22:46:16Z

i'm brushing up on my ATS skills and am dutifully studying new (to me anyway ;) ) material. i'm fairly well versed in the earlier FCBD stuff, but have drifted away and did a lot more GC. i'd like to get back to the "ROOTS" and would appreciate any help you all can give me!

in looking at the single bump half turn, can someone please detail the arms/hands for me? i'm having a lot of trouble figuring out exactly what's going on. it looks as though the in-costume demonstration is a separation (spreading) of the arms at shoulder level on the first bump. but in the breakdown there appears to be some handage happening too - maybe a floreo?

also, am i correct in the following observation - the bump seems to be moving forward and back, NOT out? i have a tendency to want to go out and want to make sure i'm seeing what i *think* i'm seeing on the vid. also, for you masters of this movement, would you say that there's a definite forward to the 1, and a back to the 2 or is the 2 (second bump/returning of the R foot back) much less emphasized?

hope all of this makes sense - and thanks in advance for the help!

posted in ATS - 14 replies

Vol. 9, Pulse Turn

2012-02-16T00:04:13Z

Hi again, Wendy, can you and/or Marsha clarify something about this step, too? At the workshop in Las Vegas last December, Marsha taught the Pulse Turn, using a finishing gesture not shown on the dvd. After the turn and the raising of the arms overhead, Marsha floated her arms out and down to shoulder height, with palms facing up (like the arm position for Gawazi Shimmy Combo). A beautiful gesture, as Carolena commented.

On the dvd, Devi ends the turn with the raising of the arms overhead. So is the additional gesture that Marsha demonstrated the "official" FatChance version?

Thanks again for help!

posted in ATS - 6 replies

Vol. 9 Triple Egyptian

2012-02-10T23:50:58Z

ATS turn on step 3 yes?

Sooo, I'm confused about the T-E. In the directions, Jennifer said the cue is on 1 then you finish the 4 counts of Egyptian then turn before the next 1. Does this mean we still turn at the same time like a Egyptian half-turn or do we actually wait till the 4th beat and then turn quickly to have it done in time to start the new circuit of Egyptians on 1? It feels awkward. In two places Jennifer said to finish the 4 counts of Egyptian so here I am...asking...

Thank you for your help.

posted in ATS - 2 replies

Question about Strong Arms, Variation 2

2012-02-07T22:16:45Z

Hoping Jen will pop in to answer.:)

For Variation 2, the voice over says: "finish with an unwinding turn to the right, finishing to the front, drawing the RIGHT arm up the centre." (emphasis mine.)

I am watching over and over again, and it is left arm that is finishing up centre in the demo. Is that correct? It should say "LEFT arm up the centre" at the end?

(I think Strong Arms is my fave of all the new moves, but I wish it had been drilled from behind a few more times in the DVD! Once through variation 2 isn't enough. ;) )

posted in ATS - 2 replies

Dragonfly - Arms in Quarter Turns

2012-02-07T17:47:08Z

I recently got the vol. 9 DVD, and after watching it (and loving all of it!) I'd like to ask about one detail in the Dragonfly.

For the quarter turns the move is shown to have the lower arm position when facing the sides, and the upper arm position when facing front or back. But in the drills it's once done the other way round (arms up while facing the sides and arms at shoulder height while facing front and back).
Now I'm wondering: was that just an accident, or can it be done both ways?

posted in ATS - 7 replies

Jaipur skirt under a 25 Yard Skirt--Costuming Question

2012-02-04T19:29:28Z

Fairly new to ATS. I don't see this being done, is there anything wrong with doing so? Thanks beauties!

posted in ATS - 8 replies

Triangle Step fade

2012-02-02T21:45:21Z

Can anyone point me to a clip of a troupe doing the Triangle Step in a fade? Devi mention it in Volume 9, but I can't find a demonstration.

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Zill patterns cue

2012-01-27T08:20:26Z

Hi! Do you use special cues to change a zill pattern or just listen to music?

posted in ATS - 3 replies

ATS Music - Instruments?

2012-01-21T06:41:19Z

Just wondering if there are any guidelines on which instruments are acceptable for ATS music.

The Music for ATS page from Carolena lists some instruments that are often included, but it doesn't say whether *only* these instruments can make an appearance: http://www.fcbd.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=page_2

One of my students just sent me a song she thought I'd like for ATS. It has an older, tribal feel to it, but there is guitar in it. That seems weird to me, but I wasn't sure if that made it instantly off-limits. Here's the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztjS6R4uQ8Q&feature=related

posted in ATS - 16 replies

Teacher Training

2012-01-14T02:07:25Z

Hi everyone....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I am signed up for TT in March and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what to do to prepare? What to expect? Any suggestions or such. I am so excited and nervous at the same time.

Thanks!
Maria

posted in ATS - 6 replies

Volume 9

2012-01-13T20:30:55Z

Any news on the release date for Volume 9, please? Can't wait!

posted in ATS - 7 replies

Shimmy break down

2012-01-10T00:18:22Z

Hello, I am a brain freeze on the break down of a shimmy. I think I am confussing the ATS shimmy with the Egyptian 3/4 shimmy. Please see if I am missing something.

ATS Shimmy
Counts for and / a / 1

and - Left hip starts down
a - Left hip up
1 - Step on Right foot and lift Right hip

and - Right hip down
a - Right hip up
2 - Step on Left foot and lift Left hip

Thanks

posted in ATS - 3 replies

question about harem pants.

2012-01-09T05:50:20Z

I have seen several different styles of harem pants availble for sale. My questions:
Do you prefer 3 yard to the 4 yard styles (4 yard being the kind the FCBD has).
Elastic waist only or the yoke (fabric pleated and sewn onto another fabric for less bulk around the waist.)
Gauze, cotton, silk or does it matter?

Just trying to figure out the ins and outs and the whys...Help a gal out?

posted in ATS - 6 replies

Transitioning from slow to dramatic slow

2011-12-23T19:04:03Z

In songs that change from slow to fast, it's easy to reflect that in your dance by changing from the slow to the fast step vocabulary. But In a song like F'il Waha on the Tribal Spirit cd, the music changes from slow to dramatic slow, so the step vocabulary remains slow throughout. So how do you make your dance reflect the change in the music? Do you quicken the pace of your movements? And/or reserve certain moves for the slow part of the song and other moves for the dramatic slow? Any tips much appreciated!

posted in ATS - 5 replies

List of the ATS Vocabulary?

2011-12-19T12:43:24Z

Hello all!

is there a list of the ATS Vocabulary somewhere on the net? I have a hard copy, but I'm being a lazy so and so and don't want to have to re-type the whole thing in for one of my students.

posted in ATS - 76 replies

Looking for 4 minute song or less for a Masquerade Ball

2011-11-15T05:28:01Z

Hi everyone, I 'm looking for 4 minute song or less for a Masquerade Ball to perform in ATS....any ideas? Thanks, Maria

posted in ATS - 5 replies

Turkish Shimmy with arms and turn

2011-11-12T02:19:21Z

Okay, I've confused myself (which doesn't take much)...
In this move, the arms start up and go out, down, and up through the center right (as opposed to the ASWAT where they go down through the center out and up)?? And where exactly does the turn fit in, cue?
help, please.

posted in ATS - 9 replies

Fast Moves to do a fade

2011-11-11T12:55:36Z

So, i was teaching to my students how to fade in a 3 or 4 formations and i came up with this tought: what are the proper moves for fading?

I know that when preparing to do a fade the leader should flatter up front, leaving the performance angle, but is this a mandatory rule to a fade? No movements showing the sides of the body ( as the choo choo single and the choo choo double, and sunanda) can be used to a fade?

This are the moves i remember seeing used to do a fade: arabic, arabic shimmie, ASWAT, turkish shimmie 1/4 turn, egyptian, shimmie step.

Moves that i think i've seen being used but i'm not shure about: arabic hip twist, shoulder shimmie hip drop, sunanda, wet dog (yes, i've seen that topic about "a Wet Dog Never Fades?" but I found no conclusions about this move)

Thanks for your time and happy dancing!

posted in ATS - 4 replies

Turkish Shimmy 1/4 Turn Question - on what count do you turn?

2011-11-08T04:30:34Z

Hello everyone ~ I have a question about the Turkish Shimmy ¼ turn. I learned it one way and when I was at GS in August I thought I was doing it the same, but I was recently told I turn on the wrong count. My count is (facing the left side wall): ct 1 (forward R step), ct 2 (in place L step), ct 3 (start to turn to face back wall with R back) & ct 4 (adjust to face back wall with step L). The other way is: ct 1 (forward R step), ct 2 (in place L step), ct 3 (step R back) & ct 4 (turn to face back wall with adjusting L step). Hard to describe, but basically I turn with count 3 so that each quarter turn almost looks more gradual, whereas the other person turns on count 4 so that each quarter turn appears sharper. Clarification would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Maria

posted in ATS - 5 replies

Dance swords

2011-11-07T20:35:25Z

Hi there! My troupe is learning to dance with swords! Yay! (Frustrating at times, but fun!) I need to stop borrowing other people's weaponry, though, so I can practice at home. What is your favorite sword to dance with? My instructor recommended this one, and it's the one I've been borrowing: http://bellydanceprops.com/proddetail.php?prod=MoorishScimSwords Nothing real pretty, but it's nice & heavy & deeply curved, so it doesn't slip off as easily as other swords our troupemates have used, & you can see that wide sword tip out of the corner of your eye when it's on your head. There's also this one at dahlal's, but it doesn't look as curved, and the stated weight is pretty light: https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?n=1&c=7&s1=1125&s2=0 I'm thinking of driving over there to take a look at it today or tomorrow & see if they'll let me put it on my head for a minute. ^_~ Any other sword suggestions out there?

Also, how can I personalize & dress up a more plain-looking sword like the one in the first link above? There are currently 2 of the 6 members of the troupe using that exact blade, & if that's the one I get, it'd make for 3 of the 6 using it. I'd like to make it a little more individual, to add to the not-matchy-matchy feel that I love about ATS. Maybe tying cowrie tassels or yarn tassels onto the hilt? Paint the grip or wrap it in leather? I've tried etching metal before, but it usually looks shaky & not that great. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance! :)
(Now what's ironic, is that I have enough swords to decorate my dining room wall with them, but oddly enough I don't have a scimitar! Time for more sharp shiny objects!)

posted in ATS - 11 replies

teaching ATS to beginners

2011-10-31T22:50:05Z

for the teachers out there. How do you teach the concept of ATS to beginners?

I am not talking about the actual movements in ATS but about the whole concept of leading and following.

In my beginners class there are always a few people that have done ATS before, so I use them to explain the group formations and leading switches in circle and fade,... but for beginners leading is a real scary subject. How do you get your students ready for leading?

I tried to have like a set combination (i.e. egyptian basic, then go to arabic, then to choo choo and pivot bump and then back to egyptian basic) While they have the security of a vast routine, they have the decision of how long they stay into each movement. Often they make mistakes and go to movements that I didn't mention and then I encourage that to encourage the improv element of ATS. This works quite well I find.

But do you guys have other exercises to improve their leading skills and to explain the different formats to the beginning students?

posted in ATS - 12 replies

Name of the Turn

2011-10-29T09:48:41Z

Hello! May be I'm too desperate but long for learning this turns. It seems to be a new one/ There isn't such a movement on FCBD DVDs. It seems rather easy to do but can you help me with the name, please!
The group does it on 4:08 on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ocfvl9DQ-I&feature=related

Thanks!

posted in ATS - 2 replies

ATS Instructional DVDs

2011-10-26T02:30:32Z

I have some FCBD dvds which I found to be very much helpful. Carolena is amazing, ofc :)
Does any of you lovely ladies have some recommendation for another dvd/dvds that are good when it comes to ATS?

Thx!

posted in ATS - 21 replies

Shimmy Injury!

2011-10-19T18:51:07Z

Hello, I've been dancing for almost two years now, so I still consider myself a beginner :). I've recently been 'upping my game' and practicing for 6 hours a week (it used to be 2-4 hours), hoping to improve my skills. I am somewhat young and consider myself fairly in shape, but I've torn the muscle that runs along the right side of my body...my 'shimmy muscle' (Latissimus possibly?). Has this happened to anyone else? It really hurts...and worst of all, I can't dance!

Are there any good exercises I can do to warm up/stretch this muscle to avoid this in the future?

Thanks for your help!

posted in ATS - 1 reply

no spam reminder

2011-10-19T15:26:22Z

no spam!

posted in ATS - 61 replies

I'm needing help with the Arabic Hip Twist - half turn

2011-10-14T21:46:50Z

We learned the Arabic Hip Twist in GS and we learned the flourish. But I don't remember talking about how to 1/2 turn it.
I've seen it 1/2 turned in videos on YouTube, but my brain cannot figure it out from there.
Does this move turn on the "3" count like other ATS moves? I'm really needing helping figuring out where the feet go, but ANY pointers would be much appreciated.
Thanks!!

posted in ATS - 17 replies

Help Arabic Hip twist in Circle and Fade

2011-09-26T17:24:35Z

Hi Can anyone help me by breaking down both
the Arabic Hip twist in a Circle and also Arabic Hip twist in fade.
I've been away from dance for a couple of years and have just got back to it, but unfortuantley my notes are not making much sense.
Thank you so much. Denise

posted in ATS - 5 replies

Who are the dancers in Vol I: Tribal Basics?

2011-09-20T06:05:03Z

Who are the dancers in FCBD Vol. I? Someone had told me before that one was Megha, but I finally saw Megha perform at Tribal Union this year, and maybe I'm wrong, but to me she didn't look anything like any of the dancers in Vol. I.

Thanks!

Jen/Calliope

posted in ATS - 7 replies

Which troupes do you draw inspiration from?

2011-09-14T21:44:32Z

Hello, everyone!

I know that those of us who do ATS all draw inspiration from FCBD, but what are some other troupes you admire, look up to, or otherwise draw inspiration from?

Though I have to admit, I'm not familiar with a ton of troupes, one of my favorites is Tamarind Tribal, out of Wisconsin.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TamarindBellyDance

I love their flavor of ATS and some of the moves they've added to their dance vocab.

So, who are your favorites? :)

posted in ATS - 13 replies

trying to find an easy, yet good tshirt-into-choli pattern

2011-09-14T01:20:40Z

I've been trying to locate a good pattern for it, searched all over to no avail. The "frankencholi" site seems to be down. Does anyone have it or another one anywhere that I could use? Thanks to anyone who can help!

posted in ATS - 2 replies

Number of turns in Water Pot?

2011-09-03T15:16:26Z

For the water pot, how many times do you turn clockwise and counter-clockwise? Is it set in stone or does it just keep going until the leader signals something else?

Thanks!

Jen "Calliope"

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Tribal Revival DVD?

2011-09-01T13:51:43Z

Just wondering if anyone has tried this DVD and if it's worth getting?

http://youtu.be/zelb0YShcU8

posted in ATS - 12 replies

Few questions regarding ATS

2011-08-23T19:15:39Z

Hi all!

Can someone tell me what does this sign means: http://www.google.hr/imgres?q=wild+card+belly+dance+robin&um=1&hl=hr&biw=1680&bih=867&tbm=isch&tbnid=26SA_SImvznHRM:&imgrefurl=http://www.wildcardbellydance.com/dancers_MJ.html&docid=sIxjm_LSgwujzM&w=375&h=556&ei=mINRTpWxCYXvsgbl5uyUAw&zoom=0&iact=rc&dur=409&page=1&tbnh=133&tbnw=90&start=0&ndsp=54&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0&tx=55&ty=43
I've seen dancers form Wild Card Belly Dance doing it so I was wondering what does it means :)

Speaking of Wild Crad dancers, anyone knows where they buy those beautiful skirts... I assume they are 25 yard skirts and some of them look like long banjara skirts... I'll link some photos ... and a video :P

Banjara skirts: http://www.google.hr/imgres?q=wild+card+belly+dance&um=1&hl=hr&biw=1680&bih=867&tbm=isch&tbnid=cTFZvCaj44fsqM:&imgrefurl=http://www.gildedserpent.com/cms/2011/01/30/katherine-carl-north-bay-bellydance-bazaar/&docid=tUN6csBAD8YBtM&w=500&h=314&ei=VoZRTq7JKpDNswbyzsHIAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1061&vpy=542&dur=480&hovh=178&hovw=283&tx=127&ty=82&page=1&tbnh=131&tbnw=179&start=0&ndsp=42&ved=1t:429,r:31,s:0

In this video you can see clearly the skirts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBJrdH3_g7w&feature=channel_video_title

I found 25 yard skirts in conbination of black and some other color, for example black/red, black/green etc. But these girl have really colorful skirts which I like more then combination with black such as : http://www.tribenawaar.com/marketplace/SkirtsDipDye.html

Sorry for a lot of really long links.
And thx for your answers :)

Cheers!

posted in ATS - 9 replies

ATS costuming question

2011-07-12T17:33:38Z

Hi all,
My troupe lives in the NC mountains and the weather is very perfect for full-on ATS costuming: cold in the winter and cool in the summers.
However, we sometimes perform down the mountain and it's CRAZY-hot and oh, so humid.

Of course, we're madly in love with the ATS "look", but what have you done to pare down your costuming for insanely hot weather?
Are there rules?

Thanks for any suggestions!! (We nearly died yesterday evening at a performance near Charlotte.)

Annie

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Songs with both Fast + Slow

2011-07-04T12:36:25Z

It seems that these are sometimes the best songs for performance, especially if your timeslot is only long enough for one song: those that incorporate both fast and slow.

I was hoping others could share their favourite fast + slow songs - I find that I am starting to get tired of some of the standards that I have.

On my list are:

Helm - Amel
Helm - Kakore Ja
Phil Thornton - Bay City Shimmy
Phil Thornton - Derwood Green
Hossam Ramzy - El Gamal Wel Gammal
Raquy and the Cavemen - Caravan

What are your favourite songs that include both fast and slow?

posted in ATS - 9 replies

Up2 Down3

2011-06-23T03:27:15Z

Is that the same as the Forward Forward Drop drop Drop on Vol. 4?

~Nancy

posted in ATS - 15 replies

Glastonbury

2011-06-15T23:01:12Z

Does anyboyd know whether there will be any ATS dancing at Glastonbury festival?

posted in ATS - 0 replies

New moves?

2011-06-11T19:28:17Z

I've been ogling the newest Fat Chance video from Cues & Tattoos...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zfB-8qHEX4&feature=channel_video_title

...and I've noticed some new moves in there. I'm trying to be a good ATS dancer and not immediately jump down you ladies' throats for information on specific moves, and I know you all frequently tell us to not take YouTube videos as gospel, so I'm going to be very general here and simply ask, are the unfamiliar-looking moves in this video ones that we can expect to eventually be included in the official ATS vocabulary?

Thanks for indulging my curiosity. ;-)

posted in ATS - 23 replies

Has anyone tried to dance to this track?

2011-06-06T18:15:21Z

Hello!

It's from an old Cd but, I love the music of Fatana from the CD; Live from Berbatis and Key Largo, it is an 8min. track. I tried to dance to it and everithing is fine, until........around 6:30 min. it is just toooo fast. Am I missing something? Is it possible to dance to it.? :-0 Or I just have to keep wishing I could.

thank you, any recommendations will be appreciated. ;-)

posted in ATS - 6 replies

Can I do ATS solo's successfully?

2011-05-23T14:28:51Z

Hello, I am pondering this question because I really want to learn ATS but don't have anyone who teaches this locally. The only teacher we have nearby focuses on Egyptian and I've been working with her for 21/2 years. I've been working with FCBD dvd's and haven't had much success getting anyone to partner up with me. I have taken ATS workshops when they are available and will at some point consider traveling to out of town classes, but would like to know what your opinions are in doing an occasional solo piece with ATS only?

posted in ATS - 4 replies

Turkish Shmmy 1/2 turn

2011-05-12T15:11:31Z

Hi!

I am cunfused, how many turns of the TS 1/2 turn after you cue it?. I understand is just until the leader changes to a new step.
thanks, for the help

posted in ATS - 2 replies

Secondary Leadership

2011-04-14T22:36:40Z

Is there such a thing in ATS, according to FCBD? Esp. with moves like the Wrap Around Turn, even Saqra, Propeller, Reverser turn, anything where your vision is compromised....who is in charge? Would LOVE a definitive answer on this! Thanks in advance!

posted in ATS - 4 replies

Quick level drop

2011-04-13T07:40:26Z

Not sure what this is officially called, but in class we call it the fast level change. Is there an official cue for this? We've been pausing at "the top" for an extra moment and then dropping down swiftly. However, I've seen one of the FCBD ladies do an extra pause and go into a slow level change (sorry, no link).

Thanks for the help in advance!

posted in ATS - 22 replies

Cues and Tattoos 2011 Photos

2011-04-07T21:17:26Z

Some photos of the group at Cues and Tattoos 2011

http://www.natashareedblog.com/2011/03/31/cues-and-tattoos-2011-belly-dance/

posted in ATS - 9 replies

teaching the ASWAT fade

2011-04-05T19:48:45Z

Hello!

I learned the ASWAT (Arabic Shimmy with Arm Variation and a Turn) step at the General Skills in B'ham last April (2007). Tried to bring it back to my class, and we we go the ASWAT part down fairly well, but when I tried to remember the fade, I mucked it all up, and we we just have been using ASWAT on it's own. Of note, when trying to do the fade at the G.S, I totally CRASHED into someone since I was trying to travel and turn (which is wrong!), that should have been my first clue that I didn't understand the fade quite right!

Nearly a year later, at TribalCon 2008 I am reminded of the ASWAT with a fade by the lovely Megha of Devyani, and I GET IT. I understand it, and can do it, so I feel confident about trying to reintroduce it to my students last night.

What a hard subject to try to teach!

I try counting. I try demonstrating with a student that attended TribalCon and tend to pick up following fast (thanks Laura!)

Lots of blank stares. Lots of glares. Lots of "I can't follow that, I don't see the cue" (even after it had been explained and shown). One lady actually left class for awhile because she was so frustrated.

This is such a beautiful step and I know it is hard to grasp the fade, but it shouldn't be this hard to teach! I am going to bring my Volume 7 to class to show it to those who have never seen it 'in action', and I intend to just bring this step out ever week this month to practice (it was ALL we did for about 45 minutes last night, and THAT WAS HARD on me!) but I am wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to best teach this??

Any suggestions are welcome!

posted in ATS - 46 replies

BellyFusions 2012 > Call for Artists! / Appel à participation !

2011-03-27T22:54:49Z

Hello,

To take part as a selected artist/cie and be on stage in Paris during the next BellyFusions Festival, apply now! :))

Donwload the application form on www.bellyfusions.com
...and spread the word. ;)

Julie

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bonjour,

Si vous souhaitez proposer votre participation et être sélectionné en tant qu'artiste ou compagnie programmés à la prochaine édition du festival BellyFusions, envoyez-nous maintenant votre dossier !
Le dossier de participation est téléchargeable sur www.bellyfusions.com

Le festival BellyFusions est dédié aux fusions avec les danses orientales et connait un succès grandissant depuis sa première édition en 2009.
N'hésitez pas à vous inscrire à sa newsletter également pour être tenu(e) au courant.

A très bientôt,
_________________
Julie

posted in ATS - 0 replies

Performance videos with floorwork?

2011-03-11T17:43:19Z

Hi all!

My troupe and I are learning floor work and, now that I know how to do it, I've been wanting to watch more performances with floor work. Off the top of my head, I have only seen one video where it's included. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_qi_My1yIU ) Do y'all have any other links? It doesn't have to be just FCBD dancing, but I'd like it to be Fat Chance ATS moves.

Thanks in advance!

posted in ATS - 2 replies

ISO FCBD vol4 im desperate!!!

2011-03-09T08:21:39Z

Hi there im new to this tribe thingy and have been posting this request on quite a few of the tribes ive joined so i hope i havent annoyed anyone if its not proper 'ettiquette'. However, im in the UK, totally without ATS instruction and in desperate need of a copy of FCBD vol 4 asap!!!! i dont care if its pre owned, in fact that would be just great, i just need to get a copy so i can continue learning. Pleeeeeez could someone let me know if they have a copy i could buy. the prices with shipping to the uk on FCBD.com are insane and i cant find a reasonably priced copy anywhere!! Thanx xx

posted in ATS - 12 replies

ghawazee combo parts

2011-03-08T19:37:11Z

Is it ok to perform the Ghawazee shimmie combo parts ( most especific the 1/4 and 1/2 turns) without the sequence of 8 counts of 3/4 shimmies, like they were apart form the sequence, just as individual steps?

thanks a lot!

posted in ATS - 5 replies

Looking for ATS in the south sound area of WA

2011-03-08T16:32:00Z

Are there any ATS classes/teachers out here in the south sound area of Washington state? I'm currently in Auburn but can travel a reasonable distance. I've been out of dance for too long and would like to get back into a class/lessons. Have hips, must shimmy!

posted in ATS - 7 replies

Any ATS in Tacoma, WA area?

2011-03-08T16:27:10Z

Hi everyone :) it seems I may be moving to tha Tacoma area very soon so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any ATS in that area?

Thanks for your help!
Jen

posted in ATS - 4 replies

ATS in VA

2011-02-27T02:53:30Z

I used to live in Virginia, moved to Florida, fell in love with an ATS/Gypsy group down there, and have since had to move back to VA.
I live between Richmond and Washington DC and was wondering if anyone knows of any good groups around here?

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Musicality in ATS: Can it be taught? Can it be learned?

2011-02-20T22:49:00Z

I LOVE music. I would love to learn an instrument and I've tried in the past. Maybe its a lack of my math skills or most likely a lack of money for EXPENSIVE lessons and instrument upkeep, but I've never really succeeded. I've been told by many people that I've got an ear for pitch and I tend to find an easy time learning and remembering song lyrics. I have a HORRIBLE memory, but not when it comes to music. Its really weird! I can hear the beats and dance to them. I hear the bass lines and I hear the treble play above it and can dance accordingly hitting the cool accents if I remember them to all types of music. Its second nature to me especially for songs I've heard over and over and over and over again. Its what makes sense without having someone attempt to teach it to me.

HOW ON EARTH DOES SOMEONE LEARN THAT?!

I know lots of people who just can't hear it. They can't feel it! They can't anticipate it. I had never even heard the word "musicality" until I started doing ATS. How do you explain it? I've danced with people that have heard the songs over and over and over again the same amount of times that I have. They still can't get it. They still miss the accents (small or large) in the music. They never know when the song is going to end or when it changes from fast to slow and back and forth. The music doesn't move them like it moves me.

How do you teach someone that they have to "feel" the music?
How do you pull them away from counting the beats and just feeling their way to the song?
How do you explain that they are there to further express how the music makes them feel.
How do you teach that their dancing should be a visual definition of the music they are hearing?
Does the question, "you know, this part of the song reminds me of an arabic shimmy. I'm totally gonna do that" make sense to you or am I crazy?

I would think its like trying to explain color to a blind person.

I've found many articles about musicality. They tend to be about salsa.

http://www.onlinesalsa.com/category/exclusives/just-feel-the-music

So I'm looking for opinions here. People who have managed to successfully teach this ability to someone who just didn't get it before. People who are struggling with this and have overcome it...or not overcome it. How do you compensate? What are your sage words of wisdom?

I'm not trying to be rude, but I'm genuinely at a loss for words at this point.

posted in ATS - 2 replies

ATS in Nashville,TN metro area?

2011-02-18T21:13:29Z

I have recently relocated from to Franklin, KY, which is on the north side of what is vaguely considered the Nashville metro area.

I've been thinking a good bit about refocusing my dance and was hoping to take some ATS classes while I'm here, but I do not see any Sister Studios listed in the area. I've done some intensive Googling without much luck, but wanted to ask here before giving up :)

All that said, does anyone know of ATS/ITS/primarily FCBD style classes in the Nashville, TN area?

Thanks!
Heather

posted in ATS - 3 replies

Puja- a new version

2011-02-07T22:21:34Z

Hi,
Does anybody know something more about the new version of the Puja?
You can watch it here, at the beginning of the dance, preformed by Carolena and Megha:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTkv8fW8p0c&feature=related

Hugs,
Kat.

posted in ATS - 11 replies

Hip lock move?

2011-02-07T04:22:03Z

I noticed a move in a FCBD video that made me stop and wonder recently. It's this video, at 4:43:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEzgJMKH2hc

I see the arms coming up and stopping at shoulder level, which seems to be the cue. I see hip locks (specifically, hips on the up) for four counts as the dancer levels down, then a loose shimmy for four counts as the dancer comes up. Was this just an experiment move? Was it just a little random variation that isn't a codified move unto itself? I don't see FCBD bust it out very often, but I like it because it's so effective at emphasizing the up beat, and I wanted a little more info on it.

Thanks!

posted in ATS - 7 replies

folkloric vs. modern moves

2011-02-03T03:42:25Z

I have heard that there is a classification that some moves are more folkloric and some are more modern (or something like this). Which one do you consider to be folkloric and which are modern?

posted in ATS - 4 replies

teaching ATS

2011-01-27T00:05:38Z

I've been teaching bellydance for about 3 years now. Mostly fusion, but a bit of Orientale, too.
About three years ago (just as I was getting started teaching) I feel madly in love with ATS. I didn't know enough to teach it, however, so in time I took GS and TT. I only taught ATS to the dancers I was already working with. We knew each other fairly well and they were patient with me while I struggled to learn to teach ATS.
They picked it up fairly quickly and we've been dancing together (ATS) for almost two years now.

Now, I have a problem. I started offering Level I classes. A 6-week long session to get new dancers started in ATS. The problem is this: I cannot keep students. I KNOW this style is not for everyone and I expected to lose students; it happens in every class. But, right now my drop-out rate for ATS is probably around 98%. With other classes, I don't have any problems. I think my students genuinely enjoy classes and always seem excited to be there.

I cannot keep new students interested in ATS Level I. My upper Level ATS students are like me -- falling more and more in love with it everyday. I have taught a workshop (out-of-town) on ATS Duets and I really believe it went well.
I don't think I'm a bad teacher and I feel like I'm enthusiastic in class.
I had hoped to eventually be an exclusively ATS studio. Really and truly that's where I want to focus. But my complete failure in keeping Level I students is frustrating. I keep the other classes going so I can pay studio rent.

My question is this: How do you teach your Level I class? And do you feel like you can cover the standard Level I curriculum in 6-weeks time? (I often feel like maybe I'm rushing my students.)
What do you do to keep classes fun for the students? And most of them will not even consider attempting to lead. I wonder about not introducing the lead/follow "scary stuff' until much later. They completely freak out about zills, too. (I do remember kind-of balking at the idea that I had to play zills, but now I LOVE them.)

Any ideas for fun and exciting Level I classes?

posted in ATS - 42 replies

Petite cholis

2011-01-14T19:52:17Z

Hi! I am looking to make a choli for myself, as I cannot seem to find one in my size. Does anyone have any pointers or a pattern, or know where to purchase a choli to fit a 28" ribcage with an F cup? Much thanks for any advice you can offer :)

posted in ATS - 4 replies

Modifying a Banjara Choli to fit a plus size bust

2011-01-10T05:48:03Z

Hello all!

I have a beautiful Banjara Choli that will no way fit me as is. I have seen other full figured dancers wearing Banjara Cholis and I really want to wear mine.

How do I modify it ?

Thanks! :D

posted in ATS - 5 replies

Double Back Partner Pass

2011-01-06T03:08:08Z

I'm sorry if this was already discussed before but I couldn't find anything about it. I have a question about the Double Back as a partner pass. I've seen two variations - one facing your partner when passing, the other one passing back-to-back and then turning to face your partner again. I hope that this was understandable (I'm no native speaker.) Which one is the "official" version?

posted in ATS - 12 replies

GS/TT1/TT2... in the summer, somewhere?

2010-12-20T03:04:42Z

is anyone, by any chance, planning on hosting a GS/TT1 & 2 in July or August 2011?
if so, would you mind sending me some deets?
thanks :)

posted in ATS - 2 replies

TT 1 and 2, February 28-March 2

2010-12-18T00:24:01Z

Hello all, I'm planning on attending Teacher Training 1 and 2 at the FCBD Studio on the subject dates. If other out of towners are attending, would anyone be interestested in sharing a hotel room?

I've been searching both hotels and hostels which are within walking distance. There are hotels less than a mile away as well as hostels. The nearby hostel reviews are very mixed so maybe not that's not the best idea.

Thanks much for your response.

Zina

posted in ATS - 9 replies

Weight shift in posture

2010-11-27T14:26:17Z

Hi All,

When Carolena explains posture in her DVDs (esp. Volume 1), she tells to shift your weigt into the heels.
Well, and that's exactly the problem I'm currently fighting with. While I'm able to do the weight shift while just standing there, adjusting my posture (and thinking "shift your weight!"), as soon as I so much as move a toe, I unconsciously shift my full weight back to the balls of my feet.
It's like my body resists the weight shift, and as soon as left alone by the conscious, takes the chance to ignore it.
Does any of you experience the same? And has some exercises, hints, tips... as to what I might do to keep my weight shifted to my heels?

posted in ATS - 5 replies