Tribal Bellydance Classes with Stephanie Barto


STEPHANIE BARTO
Director/Instructor

Stephanie was the Midwest pioneer of American Tribal style bellydance. She began teaching in 1996 with a certification from Carolena Nerricio. director of FatChanceBellydance in San Francisco. Over her 10+ years as an instructor and troupe director of RMH, Stephanie has innovated a unique interpretation of tribal improv (ATS) and modern tribal fusion upon a solid foundation of basic bellydance movement vocabulary.

 

Bellydance is a timeless celebration of the strength, vitality, and beauty of women.
American Tribal style is a unique expression of the creative powers of female camaraderie--we perform bellydance as a "tribe" using a group improvisation format. Though contemporary in its expression, our dance form's roots can be traced to the passionate and exciting folk dances evolved as the Gypsies traveled through India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Spain. We invite you to join us as we discover and create a unique interpretation of American Tribal Bellydance ...

Class Attire and Equipment

Ideal student attire is a short exercise top or tank top worn with a skirt, pantaloons or yoga pants. For footwear, we recommend ballet slippers or jazz shoes, but it's also fine to just wear socks.

In general, please avoid wearing noisy adornments (such as coin belts or ankle bells) to class.

About Session Levels

Even if you have had previous Egyptian style or Tribal Bellydance training, we ask that you start out in the Beginner level class. This is because our format uses moves, stylizations and a group improvisational structure that are unique to our group. The Beginner level focuses on introducing and refining our basic vocabulary of moves, getting acquainted with Tribal stylizations, and exploring Middle Eastern folkloric rhythms. There is no need for pre-class registration for our Beginner level classes, and there's no specific start/end type session schedule ... just show up and dance :-)

Attendance at the Tribal Improvisation class and Advanced levels are by teacher approval only. At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, we continue to refine and expand our vocabulary and explore more complex moves and combinations. We introduce basic finger cymbal technique, and learn to create dances within the group improvisation format. . Strategies for musical interpretation are also refined, and we work on creative choreographies, the use of props, and soloist skills.

For information on the above classes, contact Stephanie at 773-975-0242 or via e-mail at starkana@aol.com.

Class Fees

The cost for each session is $9. There is also the option to purchase a discount card good for 5 classes @ $40. The discount cards have no expiration date, and can be used for classes at Lin Shook Studio and Blue Cat Studio.

 

All classes listed below are taught by RMH Director STEPHANIE BARTO unless otherwise noted.

TRIBAL BELLYDANCE
CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE


LIN SHOOK STUDIO
4057 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL


Beginner Level/Tribal Bellydance Basics classes are every Tuesday night, 7:30-8:30pm

Introduction to Group Improvisation is held every Tuesday night at 8:30pm.
Description:. This class offers an introduction to the Read My Hips tribal bellydance group improvisation format, and is suitable for dancers who have a good command of the basic moves of our vocabulary. Class is taught by Amy Mate and Stephanie Barto.

NOTE: These classes are held in the private studio of modern dance choreographer Lin Shook, director of Perceptual Motion Dance Co. The studio is at the intersection of Damen and Belle Plaine. The entrance is on the SIDE and towards the back of the building ... look for a brown gate, walk through to the next door and you're there :-).


BLUE CAT STUDIO
3627 N. Bosworth Avenue - 1st Flr.
Chicago, IL

A Beginner Level/Tribal Bellydance Basics Class is held every Monday night at 7:30-8:30pm.

Tribal Bellydance Technique Drills classes are held every Wednesday at 7pm
Description:. This class focuses on breaking down of common bellydance movements with an emphasis on muscle control and fine-tuning. It also includes work geared towards expanding and perfecting the use of layering for more complex movements.

RMH Troupe Rehearsal classes are held every Wednesday at 8pm

An Int/Advanced Choreography Class taught by CC is held every Thursday at 7:00 pm. For more information, please contact CC at yanzheng303@gmail.com

An Int/Advanced Choreography Class taught by Lee Na-Moo is held every Thursday at 8:30 pm. For more information, please contact Lee at bulcthgin@hotmail.com

 

ADDITIONAL CLASSES AT BLUE CAT STUDIO


PRIVATE LESSONS IN TRIBAL BELLYDANCE

Private lessons with Stephanie Barto are also available, and cost for an individual is $20 per hour. If you and some friends would like to do a semi-private group class together, the cost is just $5 per additional person. Please call or email me for scheduling and/or further details.

STUDENT EXPERIMENTAL WORKSHOPS

Are you a student of RMH with experience outside the realm of bellydance that you'd like to share? Anything from Kathak to Hip-Hop, or perhaps you would like to get together a group to explore yoga/stretching exercises or ethnic percussion ... any discipline that involves music and movement, ancient or modern. If so, we hope you'll consider hosting a workshop at Blue Cat to share your knowledge. If you have an idea for a workshop, please contact Stephanie to discuss your idea and schedule the space.



 

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