Upcoming events.
Be Tribal 2024
Take my workshops:
Friday 11/22
2p – 4p: “Cave Goblin Fusion”: Known for his propensity for moving like a cave goblin who learned to belly dance, Drake teaches the fundamentals of his unique “cave goblin” grunge style of fusion. This class will explore counterintuitive movement pathways, creative floorwork, and body conditioning to unlock the goblin within.
4p – 6p: “Sagat-cha! Multi-Tonal Finger Cymbal Technique and Fusion Combos”: “Multi-tonal technique” is a finger cymbal technique that accompanies Middle Eastern music in a euphonious way that feels as good as it sounds. It is recommended that dancers bring LARGE finger cymbals that are at least 2.5–3” in diameter.
Saturday 11/23
3 – 5p: “Muscle Micromanagement: Layering Praxis”: This class will help students refine their mind-body awareness to create complex, complimentary layered movements. We will explore muscle cueing and resistance-assisted techniques, so resistance bands or something comparable are recommended.
5 – 7p: “Stage Presence Clinic”: In this workshop, we explore how to reconcile with inner conflicts to be our most authentic and vulnerable onstage. Movement and intellectual exercises will be led to help identify sources of presence, develop a relationship with the audience, and practice self-forgiveness.
Essence of Belly Dance
Essence of Belly Dance is a premier annual belly dance festival which includes a variety of workshops by some of the most notable dancers in the industry! We tie it all together with a star-studded gala, competition and awards ceremony celebrating diversity in our beloved art form!! Countless hours of pure Belly Dance! It is truly an experience! Whether you are new to belly dance or an experienced professional, you will walk away with a solid foundation to help you improve as a dancer. We hope you can join us.
Essence of Belly Dance 12 will take place Thursday, September 26 - Sunday, September 29, 2024. All workshops will be held at Doubletree Atlanta Dunwoody 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341 located in the Atlanta metro area conveniently near Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Doraville and the I-285 Perimeter, and just a few miles away from one of the top malls in the city, Perimeter Mall which offers plenty of lodging and dining options.
Take my workshops:
Friday 9/27 9AM - 11AM
“Fragile Like a Bomb”: Dynamism and contrast are essential to creating visual texture in a performance. Using a variety of combinations, this workshop explores the juxtaposition of sinuous, grounded belly dance technique with explosive, high-impact movement qualities.
Saturday 9/28 11AM – 2PM
“John Compton Intensive: History, Combos, and Culture”: This hybrid class will start with an overview of the work of John Compton, a legendary figure in the history of belly dance. After our discussion, we will spend the rest of class learning combos with John’s signature stylization and exploring what made him unique.
Sunday 9/29 2PM - 4PM
“Cave Goblin Fusion”: Known for his propensity for moving like a cave goblin who learned to belly dance, Drake teaches the fundamentals of his unique “cave goblin” grunge style of fusion. This class will explore counterintuitive movement pathways, creative floorwork, and body conditioning to unlock the goblin within.
Technique in Tandem workshops
A day of raqs sharqi and fusion belly dance workshops with Drake von Trapp and Devin Alfather.
This workshop weekend partially benefits “Camp Breakerz”, a foundation benefitting children in Gaza through dance, clothing, and educational needs since 2004. Donate via the donation button, or by using the add-ons at checkout.
Workshop schedule
11a – 1p: Infringing Foundations with Devin
Serpentine movements combine into mind melting combinations in this accessible challenge for beginner to intermediate dancers. This delectable bevy of dance-nuggets will culminate in a hypnotic, rib-sticking choreography. Our movement vocabulary will consist of Raqs Sharqi, Fusion, and Contemporary Dance.
1p – 3p: Fragile Like a Bomb with Drake
Dynamism and contrast are essential to creating visual texture in a performance. Using a variety of combinations, this workshop explores the juxtaposition of sinuous, grounded belly dance technique with explosive, high-impact movement qualities.
Regular price: $50/ea or $80 for both
Early bird: $40/ea or $70/both
Code: earlybird
The Return: Santa Fe
Invaders of the Heart 2024: The Return is a multimedia dance theater production from renowned choreographer and director Myra Krien, featuring the Mosaic Dance Company, the Starbelly Dancers, Drake von Trapp, and Kamrah.
Propulsion
Propulsion
May 11–12, Milton Keynes
May 11, 10am – 12pm: Cave Goblin Fusion
Known for his propensity for moving like a cave goblin who learned to belly dance, Drake teaches the fundamentals of his unique “cave goblin” grunge style of fusion. This class will explore counterintuitive movement pathways, creative floorwork, and body conditioning to unlock the goblin within. Alternative movement options will be offered to floor work.
3:30pm - 5:30pm: Stage Presence
In this workshop, we explore how to reconcile with inner conflicts to be our most authentic and vulnerable onstage. Movement and intellectual exercises will be led to help identify sources of presence, develop a relationship with the audience, and practice self-forgiveness. This workshop is a hybrid of lecture and movement.
May 12th, 9:30am – 11:30am - Fragile Like a Bomb
Dynamism and contrast are essential to creating visual texture in a performance. Using a variety of combinations, this workshop explores the juxtaposition of sinuous, grounded belly dance technique with explosive, high-impact movement qualities.
World of Orient: Hannover, Germany
World of Orient
May 3–5, Hanover, Germany
May 3, 11hr – 15hr: John Compton: History, Combos, and Culture
This hybrid class will start with an overview of the work of John Compton, a legendary figure in the history of belly dance. After our discussion, we will spend the rest of class learning combos with John’s signature stylization and exploring what made him unique.
May 4, 10hr – 12hr: Serpentine Fury
Dynamism and contrast are essential to creating visual texture in a performance. Using a variety of combinations, this workshop explores the juxtaposition of sinuous, grounded belly dance technique with explosive, high-impact movement qualities.
May 5, 10hr – 12hr: Muscle Micromanagement - Layering & Isolation
This class will help students refine their mind-body awareness to create complex, complimentary layered movements. We will explore muscle cueing and resistance-assisted techniques, so resistance bands or something comparable are recommended.
Gothla France
Gothla France
Apil 26–28, Aix en Provence
April 27, 14h – 16h : Spectral Embrace
We will expand your improvisation skills and dance tool belt by using celestial bodies to inspire movement. This workshop will include guided improv exercises, movement scores, and creativity mining techniques to inspire the imagination.
April 28, 15h – 17h: Muscle Micromanagement - Layering & Isolation
This class will help students refine their mind-body awareness to create complex, complimentary layered movements. We will explore muscle cueing and resistance-assisted techniques, so resistance bands or something comparable are recommended.
17h-18h: - History of Fusion Bellydance Lecture
This short lecture will provide a brief overview f the history of fusion belly dance, along with a discussion regarding topical concerns in the fusion belly dance community, such as cultural appropriation, integrity, and ethics.
Raks Geek
Raks Geek: A Sci-Fi Fantasy Speakeasy
Experience sci-fi seduction from a world-class cast in a unique circus cabaret! As seen on WGN-TV, UK Channel 4, MSN, Bleeding Cool, & more.
"Set phasers to stunning." - The Daily Mail (UK)
These shows often sell out!
After the show: Enjoy a specialty cocktail and meet the performers!
* Limited capacity (max 65%). Masks strongly recommended.
SALE: GET 15% OFF TICKETS! Use code MANDALORIAN. Ends Sun. 2/25.
Migrations 2024
Men and Masculinity in American Belly Dance
In this lecture, we will explore excavated histories of men in belly dance in the United States using a transfeminist theoretical framework. We will discuss topics such as male dancer privilege, gender politics, heterosexism, and femmephobia