So you think you can shimmy?

Ready to take the shimmy challenge! Focus on various shimmys and move these throughout the body. Along with various styles and types of shimmies, add to the challenge with layers, transitions, traveling and more.

2-3 hours

All levels

Your Arms & Your Hands – The Complete Picture

Think fluid – float – flow and sharp – strong – sexy. What about those limbs often forgotten in bellydance? Oh yeah – those arms and hands. The workshop includes technique and drills include strength, movement, transition, position, framing, highlighting, poses and awareness. In addition to movement, Phoenix includes ways to match the energy and shape of the movement using the whole body for a complete picture.

2-3 hours

All levels

Bring on the Layers

Have a little fun with layering! In this workshop, we will work with ideas to layer your basic and advanced moves for a more dimension.
Movements will include: sharp, shimmy, smooth, upper and lower body along with traveling. Phoenix will have a couple of fun building combinations to utilize with your layers!
This workshop is geared for those with bellydance experience but beginners can enjoy working on the single layered movements and combinations.
Bring a water bottle, notebook and you ready to layer it up!

2-3 hours
Geared for advanced beginner and up

Workshop can be geared for the advanced level dancer

All styles welcome

Slink, Shake, Quake Layering – Movement & Combos

Are you ready to slink it, shake it and quake it? In this workshop, we will work with two combinations utilizing layers. The layers will include smooth and slinky movements along with sharp and shimmy quakes.
Get ready to rock, roll, pop, lock and shimmy …. slink, shake and quake your combo!
This workshop is geared for those with bellydance experience but beginners can enjoy working on the single layered movements and combinations. Bring a water bottle, notebook and you ready to layer it up!

2-3 hours
Geared for advanced beginner and up

Workshop can be geared for the advanced level dancer

All styles welcome

Drills Drills Drills! – Various Options

Phoenix offers a variety of drills focused on technique, muscle memory, muscle control, isolation and strengthening.
Topics for the drills vary and can include:  drum routines, specific rhythms, sharp and speedy, slow and slinky, zills and varying your dance moves.  Ask Phoenix if you are interested in a particular topic to focus on in a drill format.

2 hours
Geared for advanced beginner and up

Workshop can be geared for the advanced level dancer

All styles welcome

Slow-Snakelike Movement

Do you enjoy the ooey-gooey bellydance moves? Join Phoenix of Denver for a muscular based bellydance workshop focused on slow & slinky movements. Improve technique through muscle control to add that boneless quality appearance. Work on isolation to create a fluid & mysterious appearance. The workshop will slow it down for slinky & snakelike movement!

This workshop can be given a Gothic theme with “Entering the Darkness”.

1-2 hours
All levels

Slink It! Slow Move Combinations

Slow fluid combinations add a memorizing presence and improve technique through rigid muscle control. The workshop drills slow moves to strengthen the movement. Focus on the grace and intricacies of each movement.

2-4 hours

All levels

Sharp to Slinky Combos

Mix it up! Phoenix will share a number of combinations incorporating various styles including Egyptian, Turkish, and Tribal Fusion. Along with the combinations, learn to work with music and engage your audience using zills, emotion and drama. The combinations will include slow-slinky, fast-energetic and drum accents for a variety of ideas.

Note on zills: Zills are not required for the workshop but an option to add an additional dimension to the combinations and a challenge for more advanced dancers.

2-4 hours

All levels

Tribal or Cabaret? Fusion Combos

The combinations will explore the similarities and differences between the cabaret and tribal fusion styles. Phoenix will break down the movements and technique for the combinations, give ideas for music to match the presentation and add a few fun surprises for the audience.

Note: Zills are not required but an option to add accents and an additional challenge for dancers.

2-3 hours

All levels

Khaliji (Folkloric Dance)

Khaliji is a traditional dance performed at celebrations in the eastern Gulf countries by women for their own entertainment. The dancers enjoy the sisterhood of this dance.
The workshop will focus on Khaliji moves, footwork, hair and music. This is a fun and uplifting dance for women. This will include the history of the dance and understanding.

2 hours

All levels

Shimmy & Slink with the Drum

Learn new and fun movements outside of the basics box for your drum solo dance. Mix it up to surprise your audience and challenge yourself.
Phoenix will go over some of the basics in your drum routine recipe but add some new ingredients too!
Get ready to pop, lock, shimmy and slink it!

2-3 hours

Levels can vary depending on requests: beginner to advanced.

Sharp, Surprising, Smooth and Slinky Ideas for Your Drum Solo

Ready to rock or raq the drum solo? Drum solos and routines are challenging to create and fun to watch. Working with drum solos/choreography gives the dancer opportunity to show their own personality.  Join Phoenix to work through various ideas on accents, flow, transition, surprises, musicality and construction for your own personal drum choreography.  Phoenix provides combinations and ideas to utilize in your own choreography. The combinations are open for the dancer to add their own style and flair.  Get ready to raq out your own combos with ideas given.

2-3 hours

Levels can vary depending on requests: beginner to advanced.

Moderation or Overindulgence – Combos to Vary Your Intensity

Ever feel stuck in one level of energy within your performance? Learn to vary the intensity and create clean transitions. Let’s mix the concept of slow-fluid-gooey movements mixed with strong-sharp hits and shimmy accents. And what about those arms? In addition to varying your movement, your arms and hands will complete the picture and assist with clean transitions. Paint your performance by varying the energy level and completing the big picture.

This workshop is a combination of drills, concepts and combos to apply to your own performance style. The drills will include slow motion muscle control, arm work, tight to loose shimmys and clear transitions. In addition to drills, combinations will be given that can fit various styles of dance. Join Phoenix for a 3 hour workshop focused on varying your dance.

3 hour workshop

Levels can vary depending on requests: beginner to advanced.

Going to the Floor
(2 Floorwork Workshop Options)

Going to the Floor – Basics & Variations:
Learn the basics of safe floorwork, exercises to strengthen and stretch and the ‘dos & don’ts’ to keep it smooth and graceful.
Also – alternatives to various moves for those who have injuries, knee & back issues, etc.
In addition to moves, Phoenix discusses appropriate times/places, costuming and more to prep for floorwork.
Beginning and Up Levels

Going to the Floor – Advanced Moves & Variations:
Get into more advance floorwork movements including backbends. It is often assumed that floorwork requires the ability to do backbends – this workshop will show various alternatives for those that are unable to do the more intense floorwork.
The basic knowledge of safety is a requirement but can be quickly reviewed.
In addition to moves, Phoenix discusses appropriate times/places, costuming and more to prep for floorwork.
Intermediate Level

2-3 hours for each workshop

Veil & Fan Veil
(Various Options)

Known for her wing and veil work, Phoenix offers a variety of workshops using veils and/or double veils. Participants can work with silk or chiffon veils.

Veil Technique & Combos:
Learn to work with the veil and make the tool a part of you. Work on grace and fluid veil work along with how to incorporate into your dance routines. Learn different ideas and unexpected moves. The workshop includes 2-3 combos with fun transitions and movements.
(Silk, Chiffon, Rectangle, Semi Circle Veils are all welcome)

Veil Surprises & Choreography with Phoenix:
Known for her wing & veil technique – Phoenix shares technique, secrets, combinations & exciting surprises using veil. Includes combos to add to your current choreography or strung together for a veil routine.
(Silk, Chiffon, Rectangle, Semi Circle Veils are all welcome)

The Art of the Double Veil:
Learn the art of dancing with two veils. The workshop will include basic technique, ideas for revealing two veils, spins, recovery and more. Participants will need two semi circle veils (chiffon or silk). Phoenix will include 2-3 combinations to use in your choreography.

Fan Veils:
Learn the art of dancing with one or two silk fan veils. Phoenix will discuss posture, positioning, various moves, surprises and more. Also, the participants will learn a combination to apply to their own choreography with ideas for variations.

2-3 hours each

*If there is a special technique or request, Phoenix can provide a workshop tailored for your need.*

All levels with exception of Double Veil. Best to have veil experience for double veil.

Fire & Flame: Dancing with Candles

Candle dancing adds a nice touch to any dancers treasure chest. Begin with the basics idea of candle dancing and move into various ideas for a dramatic fire dance. The movements will include balancing, hand movements, fun accents and combinations. Along with dancing, Phoenix will discuss some ideas of potential issues and preparing for your fire dance.

2 hours

All levels

Feather Fantasy Choreography

Entice your audience with a feather fan dance. Phoenix will teach a fun choreography and movements using feather fans. Movements can be altered to use the larger ostrich fans also.

2-3 hours

All levels

Sword Workshops
(2 Options)

Sharp Pointy Things!
Basics of sword along with a number of fun moves and ideas. Combinations to give the dancer ideas for a personalized dance.

Sword: The Beginning to the Floor
Take the basics of sword movements from the beginning to floorwork. Fun-fusion combinations will be included to put the moves together.
Phoenix will demonstrate various ways to include floorwork with your sword dancing to include all levels and abilities. Even if you struggle with the idea of floorwork – there are many ways to alter the moves for all.
Phoenix will also show the group strengthening exercises and stretches to keep your body strong and safe.

2-3 hours for each workshop

All levels

Isis Wings
(Variety of Wings Workshops!)

The Isis Wings Technique Workshop
The workshop will provide technique specific for Isis Wings, moves, combinations, accents & turns. Also, we will work on stage presence and imagery to build your own personalized performance.

Magic Box Choreography Workshop
The workshop begins with technique and discussion on the use of the wings.
Combinations are taught and then strung together to create a choreography to “Magic Box” – great for soloists or groups.
Movements from the Isis Wings with Phoenix are used.

Wild Wings & Partnering Ideas for Isis Wings with Phoenix
Enhance your wing performances with some fun, wild ideas. Create an original wings choreography with the unexpected. Add levels and partnering ideas to your choreography.
Phoenix will introduce some fun and exciting ideas for you to create a more interesting but smooth performance. Along with technique and combinations, the group will pair up for partnering ideas which can be used as a soloist or in groups.

Also – specialized requests are also welcome!

2 hours

The studio will need to be large enough for wings including higher ceilings.

All levels

Performance Presentation
(2 versions)

Express Yourself: Turn on Your Performance
(Concepts of listening to the music & changing your presentation)
Understand how to harmonize your dance with the music through theatrical exercises and concepts. Learn techniques to utilize & hear music cues, energy, emotion, timing & more. Synchronizing your presentation & movement to the music is key for expressive dance & striking performance. In this workshop, Phoenix will use traditional and modern music to include various styles of performance.

Ready set – LIGHTS!
You have the moves and are now ready to ‘perform’.
Phoenix will concentrate on performance presentation, music interpretation, restaurant versus stage, entrance/exits, stylize your dance, make your music & performance match and more. Take the technique and choreography to the next level by adding theater from the heart and soul to capture your audience.

These are more focused on concepts and enhancing your performance.

2 hours

All levels!

Improvisational Dancing

Have you wanted to learn how to improv? Learn some ideas and concepts to utilize and practice your improvisation dancing.

Phoenix will go over the basics of rhythms and music to give you an understanding. Next, we will work with various concepts and ideas to keep you moving and mix it up. This will not be a “put on the music and just do it workshop” – instead you will learn specific technique and ideas to get your improve moving and shaking.

Additional for longer workshop:
Along with learning to plan your dance in the moment, gain an understanding and comfort with working with a live drummer or band.

2-3 hours

Basic technique suggested.

Let’s Communicate – A Zill & Movement Illustration 

Zills are useful to express emotion, enhance your movement and create a fluid transition or surprising change. Building on basic knowledge of zills using patterns, rhythms, flow, and combinations. This workshop will start with FUN zill drills designed to turn off the brain, relax, listen and respond. We will then combine these with movement and progress to more of a conversation with each other and the music and will incorporate some fun new ideas on creating an illustration with your movement and zills. All styles are welcome and participants need to know basic belly dance movements along with triplets and alternates using zills. This workshop offers musical understanding for those newer to zills along with creative challenges for intermediate and advanced zillers.

2-3 hours

Some zill experience is suggested

Zill Basics: Pulling It All Together

Learn the basics of music theory and zills. Utilize two simple rhythms to understand basic zill patterns.

Phoenix breaks down the music in simple terms. Begin with a basic rhythm to hear the pattern. Along with rhythm, Phoenix will provide various technique ideas to make the patterns easier and separate the mind from the music.

Phoenix approaches the zills from a different dancer to help those that struggle with zills and expand ideas for more experienced zill players. Phoenix combines the drummer & dancer perspective when teaching zills. This allows the dancer to understand the music rather than memorize the pattern.

Great for the beginner or the intermediate still struggling with zills while dancing.

2-3 hours

This can be a basics workshops for the beginner or a more advanced workshop – please specify level of dancers.

Dance & Zill with a New Perspective

Phoenix approaches the zills from a different dancer to help those that struggle with zills and expand ideas for more experienced zill players. Phoenix combines the drummer & dancer perspective when teaching zills. This allows the dancer to understand the music rather than memorize the pattern.

The workshop will work with two rhythms, focusing on creating the rhythm in your body, dance combinations and various zill patterns. Phoenix will include cabaret and tribal fusion dance combinations along with encouraging participants to come up with their own ideas.

2-3 hour workshop

All levels

Zill Rhythm & Improvisation Dance Series

Often dancers learn basic patterns such as triplets or one way to play a rhythm such as a beledy. Work with the music and understand to learn how to vary the rhythms and become the dancing drummer!

This series is for all styles of dancers – you will be using your own moves, personal style, and some new combos.
This is not a dance technique workshop series – instead a series focusing on zills, body rhythm, improvisational dance and working with live drummers.

The series will build by starting out with easier rhythms to gain the understanding of the music and drums. As the series moves forward, the rhythms will become harder (different rhythms in each class). The last class is pulling this all together and working more with improvisation.

The workshop focuses on 6 rhythms, variations of each, & creating the rhythm in your body.

6 hours for the zill work
2 hours for the putting it together and improvisation intensive

**The series is normally four classes – 2 hours long. If a sponsor cannot do the full series, Phoenix can offer any section of this in 2 or 4 hour workshop.**

All Levels!

Got Zill Skills?

Part 1:
Join Phoenix of Denver for a fun filled workshop combining rhythms, patterns, movement and traveling with zills. The workshop utilizes drum rhythms and zill patterns to show various ways to work with the music and increase your confidence. Understand the music rather than memorizing a pattern.
For beginners, Phoenix’s style introduces various approaches to understanding the music and gain confidence playing zills.
For the more experienced zill player, Phoenix offers challenging tasks to expand their skills and explore creative variations. Some zill experienced is suggested.
Bring your zills and gain new skills!

Part 2:
Phoenix will begin with more creative patterns and a review of the beledy. After the participants are warmed up, the workshops moves into a more complex rhythm and how to overlay the various patterns.
Get ready for additional ideas on varying your zills and expanding your improvisation and choreography using the rhythm.
Some zill experienced is suggested.
Bring your zills and gain new skills!

2 hours each

Part 1 is for all levels

Part 2 suggest there is a basic knowledge of triplets and alternates with zills.
Beledy rhythm will only be used for short term.
More advanced patterns and rhythm used.

All styles

Zill Rhythm & Rolls

A zill technique class that will focus on hand position, speed drills, rolls and maintaining tempo all while we are dancing!
Join Phoenix for a fun workshop with zilling madness.

Are you:
Struggling to move and zill?
Working on increasing speed with your zills?
Trying to coordinate moves with zills?
Join us to work on all of the above along with some fun challenges to gain confidence and skill with your zills.

1.5 hours
All levels welcome

Geared for the beginner to advanced beginner

Working with Live Musicians

Have you wanted to dance to live music but unsure of where to start?
*Learn how to understand the music and also work with the musician.
*Gain an understanding of the musicians’ language and concepts.
*Learn the idea of rhythms and work with at least one during the workshop.
*Get ideas and technique on how to lead and follow the drummer. This is a team effort but there must be a basic language that is needed to work with live musicians. The language is in the moment and on the stage.

Basic belly dance is needed.

2 hours

Add 1-2 hours if you would like to combine with one of the rhythm workshops and add zills. This is actually really wonderful if we can add the zill portion in as musicians really understand and love that!

Business of Bellydance

This is not a movement workshop – instead of towels & coin belts, bring your pen, paper and questions. Many dancers learn technique but are not always taught the business side of bellydance. Are you ready to ‘shimmy the pavement’ for work, teach and/or more. This workshop is going to cover questions you may have & many you may not know to ask.
Topics will include: professionalism, bringing the community together, ethics, various types of performance, DOS/don’ts, negotiation, vending, insurance, venues, safety (personal and for your students), teaching and more.

Whether you dance as a hobby or want to develop into more — this workshop is for all levels of dancers!

1-4 hours

If less than 2 hours then focus the discussion to specific areas.

All levels!

Awaken the Elements

(2 hour version)
Intensify your performance, presence and technique by awakening energy of earth, water, fire and air.
Link the elemental energy and power to your dance!
(3-4 hour version)
In addition to working with the elements, link your chakras into your presence. Combine the power of the elements and energy within the chakras to intensify your dance practice.

Various options from 2 hours to full day
(Focuses more on internal work than dance drills)

All levels and styles – no dance experience needed.

Drill Through the Elements!

Phoenix guides the students through a series of drills utilizing the visualization and energy of each element. Drills are focused on increasing technique, fluid flow of transitions, varying the movement and performance presentation.
Intensify your performance, presence and technique by awakening energy of earth, water, fire and air.
Link the elemental energy and power to your dance!

2 hours
All levels but some experience suggested.

Balance

A workshop focusing on the individual participants needs for balancing the mind and body.
Phoenix of Denver works with balancing the chakras through visualization and dance.
The participants identify their individual needs. Working with movement and combinations, the workshop focuses on calming the mind and connecting the body to create fun combinations while creating balance.

Time flexible
Usually 2-3 hours

(Focuses more on internal work than dance drills)

All levels and styles – no dance experience needed.

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