Brand new Sunday Sessions - Tribal Intensive Monthly Gathering - Starting this Sunday!

Why not join us for some fun and frolics getting to know Tribal Belly Dance.

Tribal Belly Dance is such a great and diverse style, drawing influences from traditional Oriental Dance, Flamenco and various world styles, it's a highly addictive dance form using core strength, increasing flexibility and muscle tone and really gives you an all over body work-out!

Dancing to vibrant music ranging from Balkan Gypsy Jazz to 1920s retro, these sessions will teach you the moves and technique, as well as how to lead a 'tribe'.

Suitable for all ages and abilities and perfect for beginners to Tribal, it's a great time to join.

Early bird discounts apply for early bookings, so to register your interest or to book a space, please contact Liz on bellysimmo@yahoo.co.uk

Bollywood/Tribal Workshop - spaces available and booking up fast!

The monthly workshops are going swimmingly and so far we've covered Bellynesian (Belly Dance/Polynesian Dance mixed style) in May, Dynamic Veil Choreography to a fabulous modern track in June and, now (how exciting) we're focussing on Bollywood/Tribal Fusion in July!

The Early Bird Discount of £10 (instead of £14) expires this Friday (24th) and spaces are booking up fast, so if you'd like to book a space, please contact Liz on bellysimmo@yahoo.co.uk to secure your space.

Working through traditional Indian and modern Bollywood moves and weaving them into modern Tribal Fusion style is a popular and vibrant way to fuse two dance styles in a fun, energetic way.

This workshop is going to be lots of fun, so why not come along and join us!

Here's to the Summer and lots of opportunities to get up, smile and dance in the sunshine :)

 Bellynesian Workshop attendees - Saturday 7th May 2016

Dynamic Veil Workshop attendees - Saturday 4th June 2016

BRAND NEW CLASS IN KIDDERMINSTER STARTING THIS WEEK!

The Severn Sirens perform at the Turkish Delights Summer Belly Dance Party, Sutton Coldfield - Friday 17th June

After hours of choreography, rehearsals and costume making the Bellysimmo Belly Dance performance troupe, the Severn Sirens, danced up a storm to a 1920s retro Tribal/Charleston Fusion piece to close the show at the Belly Dance Party!

It's very unusual for me to suffer from nerves, but I confess I was a bit jittery before my Tribal / Contemporary Dance solo earlier on in the evening...silly I know...but when the girls joined me at the end of the show, we had a blast :)

There's nothing like sisterhood, support and solidarity to bring out the confidence x

With so many great performers there and a really friendly and supportive atmosphere, the event, hosted by the fabulous Ozlem Akyol, was fantastic, with a mix of Turkish, Egyptian, Tribal and even Salsa dancers taking their turn on the dance floor.

It was a brilliant evening and the Severn Sirens and I had a wonderful time. Looking forward to next year!

Liz Xx

All the fun of the Fair! At Hallow Village Fair - 5th June 2016

A huge Well Done to the Bellysimmo Belly Dancers for bringing the sun out for the Hallow Village Fair!

Dancing a mix of Cabaret, Saidi, Tribal and Balkan Gypsy skirt dancing based on the routines we've worked on in class over the last few years, everyone did brilliantly dancing for the crowds in the arena.

And here are a few lovely pics, taken by the fabulous Camille Lee. Enjoy! x

1940s VE Vintage Festival Performance!

Well... the sun shone and victory rolls came out this weekend in Evesham for the VE Vintage Festival and we were delighted to be part of it!

Dancing a mixture of Improvised Tribal, Gyosy Jazz and pre-choreographed Cabaret routines, the girls from the Tuesday group and I went for a 1940s Gypsy style feel and had a great time dancing to some of our favourite tunes in the sunshine :)

Let's hope this is the start of a glorious Summer and we have plenty more dancing opportunities coming up, so watch this space!

Liz x

Tribal, Tribal, Tribal...!

Tribal Belly Dance is one of my favourite styles of dance. It's vibrant, fun, intense, beautifully serpentine and really teaches you how to take control, think on the spot and be creative. It builds confidence and gives you such an incredible feeling of sisterhood with your tribe that's hard to find anywhere else!

Although I've touched upon elements of Tribal in my main Cabaret groups by way of introduction to different styles, I've been dying to take a more dedicated and focussed approach to Tribal for years.

Having been lucky enough to study Tribal Fusion with Rachel Brice (and am booked in to do more this year with both Rachel Brice and Mardi Love...together!! How exciting!), Kami Liddle, Mira Betz, Deana Lawman of FCBD, local and national teachers in the UK and Melusina in Melbourne, Australia as well as being a student with ATS and Gypsy Caravan troupes in the UK, I still feel as though my personal journey is just beginning.

I hope to share my experiences with you and will always strive to teach faithfully and with soul, joy and creativity.

I suppose you could call this my Tribal 'Mission Statement', but whatever the future holds, I promise to spread the Belly Dance (Cabaret and Tribal) love, wherever I go smile emoticon

It would be great if you wanted to join me in this exciting and rewarding journey. Come and join the sisterhood! x

NB. New Tribal Belly Dance classes every Monday at 7pm - Hallow Parish Hall, Worcester

Class Update!

After returning from my travels around Australia and New Zealand I'm delighted to be back in Worcestershire and ready to dance!


...BRAND NEW BELLY DANCE CLASSES FOR 2016...

Mondays
Hallow Parish Hall, Hallow, Worcester, WR2 6LD
6pm-7pm: Belly Dance for Beginner/Intermediate Level 
(mainly Cabaret - traditional Egyptian/Arabic/Turkish with modern fusion styles and prop work)
7pm-8pm Tribal Belly Dance for Beginner/Intermediate Level 
(with elements of ATS, ITS and Tribal Fusion/World Dance)

Tuesdays
County Hall, Worcester (Invitation Only)
5:45pm-6:45pm: Belly Dance for Mixed Ability
(mainly Cabaret - traditional Egyptian/Arabic/Turkish with modern fusion styles and prop work)
7pm-8pm: The Severn Sisters Performance Troupe Rehearsals

Wednesdays
The Royal British Legion, 9 Lichfield Street, Stourport, DY13 9EU
5:45pm-6:45pm: Belly Dance for Beginners/Intermediate
(mainly Cabaret - traditional Egyptian/Arabic/Turkish with modern fusion styles and prop work)

...MONTHLY WORKSHOPS...


Bellysnesian (Belly Dance/Polynesian Fusion)
Saturday 7th May
Number 8 Arts Centre, Pershore


Dynamic Veil Choreography
Saturday 4th June
Hallow Parish Hall, Hallow, Worcester, WR2 6LD
1pm-3pm

July - tbc

So...there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, dress up, dance, get fit and have fun with the Bellysimmo Belly Dance crew!

All classes are fun, friendly and new faces are always welcome :)

There will will lots of opportunities to dance at local events too (if you fancy performing) and also informal social events for the groups, so here's to a shimmy-tastic 2016!

Belly Dance update... announcement soon!

Well, with so much going on over the last 12 months or so (exciting times) I've been a little neglectful of my Belly Dance Blog of late, but no fear... I will be posting more updates, class and event news, photos, handy hints and tips for dancers and working to create a forum for dancers to share ideas and allsorts!

I also have a Facebook page (search for 'Bellysimmo Belly Dance') where I post regular updates on news, etc.

To all my dancers, a big Thank You for your continued support and keep your eyes peeled... there will be exciting news coming soon...!

Class news...

...if you fancied giving Belly Dance a go, I currently teach a weekly class as follows:

TUESDAYS
5:45pm to 6:45pm at County Hall, Worcester (Intermediate/Advanced)

They are a fun, friendly way of getting fit and learning the ancient art of Belly Dance.

Classes cover traditional Cabaret Belly Dance and every week we dip into a different style, including Bollywood, Tribal Belly Dance, Gypsy Skirt dancing, prop/veil work, Latin and more...

There's so much to choose and so many dances to do!

Just turn up or contact me if you have any questions.

Wear comfortable clothes (leggings/yoga pants and vest top or similar) and soft, flexible flat shoes or dance bare foot :)

Please enquire for more details on bellysimmo@yahoo.co.uk,
or visit my Facebook page: 'Bellysimmo Belly Dance'

Worcester Music Festival

This year's Worcester Music Festival was another fantastic event celebrating music and dance and we had a great time.

I was delighted to be invited to deliver a 'Bellydance for Beginners and Beyond' workshop (see photo above) and the turn out was fantastic. For an hour and a half we worked on the basics of Turkish, Arabic and Egyptian belly dance and introduced the veil to work into a new mini-routine. All the girls did brilliantly and it was great to see so many smiles and hear the laughter throughout the workshop. Everyone looked great an picked up some new moves too!

The following I stepped in to deliver the 'Bollywood' workshop as the scheduled teacher was unable to attend. With just a couple of hours to prepare and a last minute venue change, we were ready to go and the centre was jam packed full of keen dancers learning how to chicken hop and master the energetic moves of Bhangra/Bollywood.

All in all it was a fantastic weekend of dance and music and I can't wait for next year!

*** Sparkle Sale ***

Ladies,

If you fancy grabbing yourself a belly dance bargain, costumes, jewellery, coin scarves, accessories, etc. or if you just want to have a Henna tattoo and eat cake, then come along to the Sparkle Sale at Hopwood Village Hall near Redditch (Jct 2 off the M42) on 1st October 2011 from 10am to 12 noon.

There'll be lots of stalls and goodies to choose from. Bring your friends and family (there will also be non-belly dance items available).

xxx

New Classes for 2011

Hi Ladies,

I'm pleased to announce the launch of two new classes in Worcester for Autumn 2011!

Wednesdays - Starting on Wednesday 5th October, I'll be starting a class at St Swithuns Institute in Worcester City (near O'Neills Irish Bar) from 6-7pm, £5 a class.

Tuesdays - On Tuesday 8th November, the County Hall class will return (hooray!) which is predominantly for County Council staff, however, there may be a couple of spaces available to non-council employees on request. £4 a class.

Both classes will focus on the different styles of cabaret belly dance and tribal fusion, bhangra/bollywood, prop work (ie, veils, canes, etc.), polynesian, samba, and possibly even can can and burlesque! Depending on how adventurous everyone feels!

Times are hard so we all need a giggle and a way to de-stress and keep fit through the Autumn and Winter. There are also financial incentives available to regular attendees and those who introduce someone new to class. Just ask for details x

I can't wait to get stuck into these new classes and get everyone shimmying again :-)

See you soon!

Liz x

Great News!

After a long absence, at last, great news! Class is starting again this Spring (2011) and, not only am I starting one class, but two classes. Thursday 5:45pm-6:45pm Shrawley Village Hall (starting on 7 April) Fridays 6pm-7pm Bishops Wood Environmental Centre, Stourport-on-Severn (starting 6 May) Spaces are limited so contact me asap if you're interested in joining! I'm hoping my ankle will hold up to the task but I'm looking forward to getting back into it and meeting lots of new people in class. It'll be great to hear the coins jingling and spend time having fun and learning new moves in the new groups. If you know of anyone who's interested in joining either the Thursday class or the Friday class (or both) then please pass this information to them. I look forward to seeing you there for a shimmy! Liz x

Performance opportunities!
Dates for your diary…


Wednesday 9 June (evening)
Kidderminster Hospital, Diabetes Unit

Saturday 19 June (day)
Arts Festival
Wilden All Saints Church

Friday 2 July (evening)
The W Factor
Wilden All Saints Church

Saturday 3 July (day)
Areley Kings Village Fete

You don't have to be perfect, do a solo or balance a sword on your head, these are just a great excuse to dress up and get up a dance together in very relaxed surroundings somewhere different.

We danced at the Hospital last year (see the blog entry from last year below) and it was great fun (if a little hot!). We'll go over dances we've previously done and work on some new, simple routines over the next few weeks too.

If any of you can make it, either to watch or to perform, just let me know in class or email me!

Tribal trials!

Well, I suppose you could say that Tribal Belly Dance is a bit like Marmite - you either love it or you hate it - but it does wonders for toning your upper body, particularly your arms and back, and is great for getting out some healthy aggression after a bad week!

This week we'll start learning a new, and simple, Tribal routine that the Worcester group really loved doing last year. Of course every group is different so we'll tackle it and see what happens!

One of the best things about Tribal Belly Dance / ATS - Fusion is making the costume. It is so completely different to the Oriental or Cabaret style and is a real DIY project. You can make it as detailed or as simple as you want it to be and the more flowers, feathers, studs, shells and makeup the better.

I love Tribal/ATS - Fusion and think that a little diversity in class is a great thing and hope you do too ;-}

Back to normal!

Well, after much disruption to class I am very pleased to announce that we are now back to normal!

Classes are every Friday evening at 6pm in Areley Kings Village Hall and each class still costs just £4.

If you love Belly Dance then come along and spread the word!

We have plenty of performance opportunities coming up over the Summer too so we'll be practising lots of new dances for those who want to get experience performing in a relaxed enivironment in front of friendly audiences.

I'll keep everyone updated with regular news and handy hints, tips and useful contacts and events so everyone can enjoy the fabulous art of Belly Dance as much as I do.

Shimmy, shimmy, shimmy x Liz

Hafla 2009!

Hi Ladies!

Don't forget it's the Hafla this Saturday so get your tickets whilst you still can!

It'll be a great evening of food, wine, dancing, live music and games to raise money for charity and it will all be taking place this weekend.

Please contact me or see me in class if you want extra tickets as they won't be available on the door.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Liz x

HAFLA 2009!

Tickets are now available...

Great news - tickets are now on sale for the Hafla in September!

Expect group performances, a selection of solos and duets and a guest troupe who will perform Burlesque for us!

There will be a live entertainment in a cabaret setting, a small bazaar and an Arabic disco to dance to and finish off the evening in style.

All proceeds from the tickets and from games on the night will go to The Meningitis Trust and to local charities (to be decided), so if you are involved with a local charity and would like it to be considered, please let me know.

Friends and family are welcome. Children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

It will be a bring your own drinks and food for a shared buffet event and bring plenty of spare cash for goodies on the bazaar and for extra fundraising activies.

Get your tickets early, especially if you want to perform on the night, as they look set to go soon!

Hospital Shimmy!

I just want to say a really big THANK YOU to the girls who came to shimmy with me at Kidderminster Hospital in June. As well as dancing our routines in the foyer, we also managed to promote healthy activities and had a good time teaching unsuspecting passers by how to belly dance!

Everyone had a great time and it was so good to see you girls shimmy and sparkle for a good cause. - x