Tribe format

 The Oyna Tribe is more than a class or workshop - it is a process, an ongoing evolution of skill and personal unfolding. We begin each session on time, even when only one member has arrived. Format flows unpredictably, to develop the mental focus and flexibility needed for improvisation. I design each class with attention to technical needs, mental, physical, and emotional states, and energy levels of members. I encourage creative initiative and, of course, oyna - playfulness.

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Content

Oriental dance technique - basic moves, variations, ornamental layering, transitions and veilwork in classic solo improvisational Oriental style, from eclectic sources (not American Tribal style - that's a different tribe). Beginners can do amazing things, given the chance, and others can keep going deeper.

Rhythm & percussion - beginning dumbek, all levels zillwork, Middle Eastern rhythms, ensemble, call and response, and meditations. Learning to play rhythm helps our dancing, and moving helps grow our sense of rhythm.

Spiritual practice - internal practices based in Sufi tradition. Improves concentration, raises energy, relaxes, shifts your mood if you're having an off-day, and helps you expand your presence and come into your power.

Interaction - different kinds of creative, playful interaction give meaning to everything we do. It helps make you less self-conscious, and calms that nervousness about how good you think you should be. You can learn faster, become more creative and more confident, and learn to improvise more easily.

Biomechanics - I integrate fluid biomechanics into everything I teach, giving everyone personal attention and Aston Fitness exercises as needed. This makes everything easier to do, so you spend less effort on execution, freeing up energy for personal expression. It also supports the evolution of emotional fluidity in your physical expression of confidence. Individual physical challenges, limitations or pain, may improve as a side effect.

Performance -  energetics of performance, the power of honest expression, witnessing, and the art of giving positive feedback. In-class performing does occur. When you are relaxed enough, and when you least expect it, it can happen. I announce outside performing opportunities, and may encourage individuals to participate. I do not choreograph, though I may impose a structure for improv.

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Tribe agreement

To preserve the safe zone, when you join OYNA Tribe, even for a single class, you will be asked to take responsiblity for your attendance and timely payment. If we get used to seeing you, we ask you to communicate with myself or another Tribe member when you are absent. Whether you are ill, traveling, have sick children, exams to study for, overslept, family emergency or anything else (it's okay, we've heard it all) communication builds trust, and trust is the sacred hallmark of a safe zone. If you don't show up and you haven't called or sent an email, someone will contact you after class to check in. You may occasionally be asked to call someone else who was absent without notice. There is no judgement, only communication. Life happens.

Open Tribe/Drop-ins

DROP-INS ARE WELCOME to come to any OYNA OPEN TRIBE. Open Tribes are our "open house" for anyone interested in trying out Interactive Freestyle bellydance. $15.

DROP-INS ARE NOT PERMITTED in any OYNA Tribe meeting regularly; preserving the safe zone is paramount.

See Calendar for current Open Tribe schedule and locations.

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Forming a Tribe

If you want to form a Tribe to study with me at a time other than currently scheduled classes, please This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . I want to know you're interested, since I might know of others wanting the same. We need at least five founding members.

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Tribe Workshops

Coming on September 7, 2008: DELICIOUS LAUGHTER - Finding freedom in connection through Interactive Freestyle bellydance. an INTRO Workshop - for details see Calendar Notes.

To sponsor a workshop, please This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Tribe history

    For years, I divided my time between teaching regular bellydance classes, seeing bodywork clients, teaching private lessons and workshops, and leading Sufi sessions in the manner of my teacher. In the spring of 2002, I decided I wanted to teach a committed group who wanted to study with me, and I wanted to use everything I know in my teaching, integrating all of my training and experience, as Aston-Patterner, dancer, drummer, cymbalist, dervish and performer. Within two days of my decision, five students approached me independently, asking to study with me. We got together over tea and I explained what I wanted to do. They consented to be part of the experiment; we arranged a time and place, and the first OYNA Tribe began. We met for two hours, one morning a week, from March 2002 through March 2006, with a few breaks.

    All applicants to the Tribe came via word-of-mouth. A number of members committed for a while and then moved on, and a couple were constant the whole time. In January 2006, a second Tribe formed, meeting for an hour and a half one evening a week. In March 2006, three members of the first Tribe moved on, and remaining members joined the second Tribe. We have met continuously and at this point, OYNA Tribe is ready to move out of the cloisters of experimentation, out into the world, to you.

    In the fall of 2007, I opened the OYNA Tribe classes in Boulder, preserving the safe zone while inviting a wider circle. 2008 offers the first Open Tribes.

    I consider the Tribe experiment to be a beautiful success, and I measure success in terms of Tribe members' evolution. When I see them growing and healing, when I can see how absorbed they are becoming in their dance expressions, interactions, and performances; when I can watch them play, using their technical skills like a language that they speak more and more fluently, glowing with the pleasure of being whole, and relaxing into an easy self-confidence, then I know OYNA Tribe is working.

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