Tribal Style Belly Dance
San Jose, CA
Kathy Stahlman, director of Tribal Moon, is dedicated to bringing the traditon of Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) Belly Dance to the South Bay... and beyond.
As a former member of FatChanceBellyDance, Kathy's classes are rooted in the tradition of American Tribal Style belly dance, a style that was created by Carolena Nericcio and the legendary tropue, FatChance BellyDance -- the originators of American Tribal Style belly dance, commonly called ATS.
Our style of belly dance is an exotic fusion of dance movements and costuming inspired by the ancient entertainers from India, Turkey, North Africa and Southern Spain.
The structured dance steps unique to Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) allow dancers to “shadow” each other as they give and read nearly invisible body cues to seamlessly transition from movement to movement. The connection between the dancers is so strong that the audience does not realize that what they are seeing is a completely 100% improvised performance, nothing is choreographed.
The uniformity and precision displayed in this dance form comes from the technique of dancers being trained to lead and follow each other, learning how to give and read clear cues so that all the dancers move as one. It's alchemy in action.
With a background in ITS/ATS you can dance, without preparation, with other ITS/ATS-trained dancers because you share the same vocabulary of movements and know how to read and give clear cues and transitions to your fellow dancers.
If you have ever been amazed watching a flock of birds flying in beautiful formations, or have seen a school of fish swimming to and fro, and wondered how they look so synchronized, then you have witnessed the magic behind the philosophy of ITS.
The tabs on the left will lead you to information on Improvisational Tribal Style classes and workshops in San Jose and Sunnyvale, links to vendors, other notable teachers, and information on upcoming bellydancing events where you can see my troupe (Tribal Moon) perform.
Please check on the Class page for information about class cancellations and
schedule changes.
Level I -Tribal Basics
Saturday 10:30 - 11:30 am (San Jose)
Monday 6:30 - 7:45 pm (San Jose)
Thursday 6:30 - 7:45 pm - (Sunnyvale)
Level I Tribal Basics class is required for students new to belly dance, or for dancers new to Tribal Style. Drop-in is OK, open to all levels. No previous belly dance experience required.
Level II - Beyond Basics & Intermediate
Saturday 11:45 - 12:45 pm (San Jose)
In Level II class we refine our technique and build on the basics to create more complex moves with an emphasis on leading and following. This class is for advanced beginners (by teacher approval), intermediate and advanced students, and soon-to-be performers ready to work on complex Tribal dance moves. Previous ATS training required.
Locations:
San Jose: Cambrian Yoga Studio, Cambrian Yoga Studio, 1900 Camden Ave, Suite 201
(Yoga Studio is on the second floor of the the Intero Real Esate building, near Leigh Ave)
Sunnyvale: Lunatic Fringe, 182 South Murphy Street (at Washington, across from Macy's)
