* Level One TEACHER TRAINING and CERTIFICATION in the BlackSheep BellyDance Format!
(also available are Equivalency Certifications) with KAJIRA DJOUMAHNA.*

DATES: May 7, 8 & 9, 2010 (2 days prior to Tribal Fest!)

Dear Tribal Fest Attendees,

          Over the years I’ve had requests to hold a Teacher Training at Tribal Fest, but my duties as Co-Producer prevent that. So, while flying from Mexico to Austria to Germany to England, all the places in which I taught my Teacher Training Program since last May 2009 Tribal Fest until today (Nov. 2009), I’ve had my Tribal Fest people on my mind. The solution I came up with is simply to offer this right before Tribal Fest starts! That’s the best I can do, but think about it: for once I’m offering this Training in a place you’re coming to anyway! I hope this “double whammy” of Tribal Fest 10 and becoming a Certified Teacher will entice anyone who’s been unable to catch me throughout the U.S. and abroad.

   

* WHY IS THIS OPPORTUNITY VALUABLE?

* You’ve a sincere desire to teach at least one Level One Class in my KD/BSBD Format per week (which is the 1^st step to becoming a member of BlackSheep BellyDance if that appeals to you)

* You have the need to understand the strong foundation of Synchronized Group Improvisation (SGI), the most important hallmark of ATS, in order to perform kick-ass Tribal Fusion solos or group work informed by this 3-day intensive study so you have a strong root-form base to draw from while designing your future fusions

* You’re already teaching your own (or someone else’s) format and would like to add new ideas into your existing class curriculum

* To learn other musically correct ways to break down steps and cymbals for your students, right away from their very first class!

* You’re an Oriental Dancer (or other) who wishes to learn what’s different between SGI, ATS, ITS and other styles in order to continue your education 

* You’ve been teaching for years and wish to add more to your “wisdom bag”, including possible new ways to think about or incorporate into your established style

* You’ve been studying ATS or another similar form but have questions your instructor can’t answer

* You’re a curious dancer who wishes to understand how Synchronized Group Improvisation works

* You’re a long-time teacher with your first (or more) touch of “Teacher Burn-Out” and wish to “Recharge”

* You’ve never taught before but have heard and felt “the call” to this type of “service work” (which I feel it is – this form is definitely a healing modality) and you care enough to start teaching with a firm foundation that will not let you or your students down and will save you (and your students) from years of “new teacher” agonies.

* You and your troupe-mates enjoy each of your choreographies and solos, and are now looking for something else that’s fun and different for you and your audiences. There is no reason you troupe cannot put on an hour-long show as long as you have enough variety.

* The improvisational aspect of the form I’ve created can also take stress away while planning a show. For example, you won’t need to know where the audience is, where the band is, or even the stage entrance/s, as your group’s “front” and chorus can move at will, and works particularly well with audiences on both sides, 3 sides or even in the round!

* WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL?

* This intensive and comprehensive course will be held over a period of 3 days. Please allow up to 8 hours per day and in rare cases, longer. The classes will be held in the daytime, from approximately 11 a.m.-6 p.m. It is possible the last day could end a bit earlier, but don’t hold your breath. J

* As I teach more of these, I’ve realized just how difficult it is to “pin-point” the length of the Trainings. But I will say this: now that I have my entire Level 1 Format on one DVD, we may have to spend less time on the moves themselves as long as everyone does their homework in advance by studying that DVD.

* During our time together we’ll go over everything I, my Certified Teachers, and hopefully – YOU - teach in a beginning (Level 1) 8-week course. I will teach you how to teach as we go, presenting steps in the same order as I would in an actual class session each week and why. (Those important things that can’t be taught in a DVD.)

* For many steps I will teach the difference between the (mostly) Jamila Salimpour Format origins and early FCBD ATS. In my own style, I use many ATS steps and credit the fertile soil of my teacher and mentor, Carolena Nericcio of FCBD, as the foundation that sprouted my own Kajira Djoumahna/BlackSheep BellyDance (KD/BSBD) Format.

* You will learn exactly what made a step ATS as I learned it from 1991-1999 and adhered to as I created my own BSBD Format, along with other core values intrinsic to this form. You will learn some of its history, too, because knowing where it came from and honoring our dance ancestors is an important part of my teaching style.

* Throughout our time together, I will stress safety for you and your students, which is the number one thing to think about as teachers, especially of a beginning class.

* CLASS SIZE

* Is limited to NO MORE than 10 applicants. YOU are guaranteed personal attention. This is very important to me. 

* WHEN?

May 7, 8 and 9, 2010. That’s the Friday, Saturday & Sunday preceding Tribal Fest. So, you’ll have two days off in between to rest and “let it all sink in” while you wait for Wednesday, May 12 – the first day of The Fest! If resting isn’t your idea of fun, visit the Redwood Trees at Armstrong Woods State Park (in the Russian River area), Osmosis Spa, Bodega Bay and anywhere else up or down Highway 1 along the coast (which has beaches galore), Sonoma Mountains and their many parks (on a clear day you can see San Francisco 60 miles away from the top of the range), historic Petaluma, go wine tasting starting just outside Santa Rosa, enjoy the healing waters of Calistoga, see the Petrified Forest and Old Faithful Geyser, or get a head start on shopping in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa or even San Francisco.

* WHERE?

The Teacher Training will be held at the same location as Tribal Fest, at the Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol, CA. We’ll be in the Bolshoi Room, the same room that becomes the Dressing Room during The Show. It’s at the very back of the Main Building. HAPPY NEWS! We now have air conditioning throughout the entire Main Building! Yay! J

 

* WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REGULAR CERTIFICATE AND THE EQUIVALENCY CERTIFICATE? 

* The “regular” Certificate says you are a Certified Teacher for Level One classes in the Kajira Djoumahna/BlackSheep BellyDance Format for Synchronized Group Improvisational Tribal Style BellyDance. It comes with a date, and is good for one year. If I don’t hear from you during that year, you become “un-certified”. To keep your certification current, all you have to do is email me a link or send me a DVD of your 3^rd 8-week session, filmed on the 7^th or 8^th week.

* Please film from the back of the room (or at an angle in the back) so I can see how you and your students have progressed. I’m looking to see that they know what they should by that time, and that you are “on time” with the curriculum. By those last two weeks, they should have pretty long transition practices happening (at least 5 minutes both slow and fast, or longer) and if filmed on Week 7, I can see you review and teach new material as well. Don’t worry, that’s why I give you until your 3^rd session, so you, too, can practice and get better. Teaching, like dancing or any other skill, takes practice.  I know this, so you can relax. Plus, you’ll have the DVD to practice with now before each class!

* I will offer critiques for you if needed, then send you a new Certificate with a new date. This will continue every year. You never have to pay more money; you only have to teach the Format as it is given to you. Teachers who teach other subjects are welcome to this Certificate as long as they start a whole new class devoted only to this material.

* Once certified, I expect you to keep in touch with me (not the other way around), and as long as your Certification is current, I am here for you to answer any questions that come up, any time, over the phone 808.891.8891 or if absolutely necessary, via email: TribalFest@aol.com – but please put “For Kajira” in the subject line, or it could get lost in the shuffle. Depending upon the time of year, my touring schedule, and various other factors, it can take me several days (sometimes longer while traveling) to return phone and email messages. But I will return them a.s.a.p. and I thank you for your patience.

The Equivalency Certificate was created for teachers who already have classes going and plan to incorporate some SGI into their existing curriculum, but not teach it exclusively. It also appeals to teachers who’ve always wanted to teach finger cymbals to their students but needed this course for the breakdowns and musical aspects. In rare cases, The Equivalency Certificate is given to dancers who, IMO, still need more work perfecting the moves, isolations, etc., and if they work hard and send me visual proof, I will exchange their certificates for them later. This doesn’t happen often, but I do reserve the right to not certify as a KD/BSBD Format instructor someone who is not ready.

* WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

This class is open to anyone who can:

* Answer, using at least one or two key points, to me and others present in our class “What is SGI (Synchronized Group Improv) and how does it differ from regular bellydance?” (Because once you start teaching and performing it, you will be asked that a LOT!) J  And, yes, of course I will help you.

* Perform a ¾, or Walking, Shimmy on the “up”, full time to at least a medium-fast tempo song, on the balls of the feet and flat-footed.    

* Play cymbals full time in at least a basic pattern while dancing. Don’t worry too much, the cymbals pattern/s used in Level One will be taught with each fast movement, just like you will teach them. And they are on the DVD for your review convenience.

* There is no discrimination in my classes due to gender, sexual preference, race, religion or lack thereof, body types/heights/weights, etc.

* For the Teacher Training Certificate (though not necessarily for the Equivalency Certificate) you must be able to physically do the moves with my support and guidance. This means: ability to raise your arms over your head while keeping your shoulders down, putting weight on each foot equally and unequally, including high on the ball and with flat feet, knowing which foot has weight on it, and have at least some of the strength needed to hold your arms out in what I call “Tribal Standard”, elbows to the back, with your shoulders down, for fairly long periods of time.   

* WHAT TO BRING EACH DAY:

* The best attitude you can choose that day so your mind is open to new information. A great way to start the day!

* I’ve purposely started the classes late enough for you to eat breakfast. Please do so! Trust me, you will “last longer” and retain more information if you do. Bring a lunch and snacks for our breaks, and lots of bottled water. The breaks are NOT long enough to go out to eat or buy food to bring back. These are long days, so please come prepared. We will eat inside or just outside the classroom, depending on the day. If you like deli sandwiches or healthy “to-go” food, why not stop by Whole Foods the night before (if your room has a ‘fridge) or on the way to class.

* Finger cymbals.

* Notebooks are optional – my thorough handouts provide blank back pages for quick notes. I don’t recommend that you attempt to write every word I say - most of it is either in the handout or in the new Level One DVD. I will also give you time to write things down during our breaks.

* Questions! I love questions! So between now and then, if any come up (about anything - dance-wise or personal), write them down so you won’t forget, and I’ll answer them for you in person (unless you’d prefer privacy, then no problem. I’m sure we can “take five” outside or elsewhere before or after class).

* Please do NOT wear long skirts, pantaloons or loose-fitting tops. It’s imperative that I see your legs and feet as well as your torso. Dance pants, capris, yoga pants, tight sweats, shorts, leggings… Cholis, sports bras, midriff tops or form-fitting tank tops are great choices for your upper body. If you have Melodias, please tie them up above the ankle or knee, or firmly tuck the ends into your hip belt. If you usually use dance shoes, ‘paws’, or the like, feel free to do so.

* Do let me know if there is anything physical about you I should know about; “tricky” knees, chronic pain, trouble lifting your arms over your head, etc. so we can work within your boundaries of safety. Be aware that physical limitations that prevent proper demonstrations of the moves, may make it necessary for you to go for the Equivalency Certificate.  

* Sometimes a person will become emotional during this intense process because we end up moving a LOT of energy, some of which has been “stuffed” or stagnant. This is necessary for growth and is to be dealt with by all present with compassion and, if appropriate, celebration for the breakthrough accomplishment that it is. These are some of the most valuable moments – gifts, really – that teachers can aspire to. It means you have created a safe space with clear focus where a student can “go deep” in our multi-faceted journey of dance. If you carry on my traditions, perhaps one day it will happen for you, too. And to you. This dance IS HEALING and that is why my motto continues to be: “It’s much more than a series of steps”…

* PREREQUISITES:

* Each dancer enrolled must purchase at least my new Level One DVD released in 2009 when you sign up and send your tuition payment so you have time to familiarize yourself with the Level 1 moves. (Some of these are also on my 2 IAMED releases in 2003.) Of course, I’ll have all 5 of my DVDs to sell. This is what you’ll follow week-by-week as you start teaching, so it is mandatory that you own at least the new Level One DVD.

* Of course, if you don’t have my first 2 IAMED (International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance) DVDs yet (out in 2003) or all 3 of my new DVDs (I now have a total of 5 DVDs out), you may wish to take advantage of the current, nearly at-cost sale. All prices are in U.S. Dollars:

All 5 DVDs purchased at one time: $85 plus $6 domestic shipping, international shipping is $11;

 3 new DVDs only: $50 plus $6 shipping (int’l. $11);

1 new DVD by itself (for example, your required Level One) is $20 plus $6 shipping (int’l $11).

1 IAMED DVD IS $35, or BOTH FOR $60 (IAMED SELLS THEM FOR $49 EACH!)  

* (If you’re reading this after March 15, I can try to send them, but may ask you for cash at the door instead, collected on our first day.)

* VERY IMPORTANT! *

* PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PAY FOR YOUR DVD/S VIA THE TRIBAL FEST 10 SHOPPING CART. That is for Classes ONLY, including the Teacher Training.

* PLEASE SEND A TOTALLY NEW PAYPAL TO US FOR THE DVD/s YOU PREFER. Please make sure to write into the message section of your DVD PayPal that you have enrolled in the Tribal Fest Teacher Training and that this (or these) are your prerequisites, as I’ll be keeping track of that. Make sure you specify which DVD/s you ordered. Also make sure your return email addy is visible, thanks!

* If you don’t know how to send money, please email Chuck: TribalFest@aol.com and he can send you an invoice. Don’t forget to put “TF Teacher Training DVD/s” in the subject line, to help him find your email more quickly.

* If you live within the U.S. and prefer using a check or money order, please make it to: BlackSheep BellyDance and send it to: P.O. Box 791000, Paia, HI, 96779-1000. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER MARCH 15. If you’re reading this around then, I will accept PayPal now (preferred) or Cash at the door of the first class. Please confirm whether or not I still have room before sending money, thanks!

* TUITION:

* I have always asked $500 per person for this invaluable training. But, I am offering a $50 discount to those of you enrolled in this first-ever Pre-Tribal Fest Teacher Training!

* Your special fee is only: $450 for all three days of up to 24 hours! All fees in U.S. Dollars, please.

* You must be paid in full before the first class.

* Unless you signed up late, I expect you to have a basic idea (or better) of all moves presented in my format’s Level One Session, from your DVD “pre-homework”.

* Please use the TRIBAL FEST SHOPPING CART to pay your tuition for this and any other classes you plan to take at Tribal Fest 10, “A Decade of DecaDance”. J

* Do call me if you’re interested but need to break your payment into two payments due to the financial times we’re all facing these days.

BIO

* About Kajira: * About Kajira: She is the founder and creator of the KD/BSBD Format for SGI TS BD, which is based upon her 8 years of study with Carolena Nericcio, creator of the original ATS form. Kajira was lucky to have studied directly with Carolena for 8 years. From 1992-2000 Kajira listened, learned, and danced her way into numerous FCBD Student Salons, festival shows, restaurants, nursing homes, even hair parlors for AIDs benefits and more, as a member of her student troupe/s at the time.

During these valuable 8 years, Kajira found herself feeling like a bit of a "black sheep" in the traditional sense of the word, as she constantly had ideas as her understanding of the form grew.

Kajira would ask questions every few months such as, "Why can't we enter from the other side once in awhile and just turn the chorus when we get there?" to "Why can't we do Choo-Choos and Turkish (etc.) leading with the other foot?" Carolena's answer was simple and always the same: "It must be like this to facilitate the improv." So, Kajira was Carolena's "black sheep" long before it became the name of Kajira's current dance company. J

To this day Carolena and Kajira still get along great, and Kajira feels she and Carolena have mutual admiration for one another's creations, both in dance and costume. Kajira's noticed more than a few pieces first worn as BlackSheep costuming on FCBD after BSBD had worn it. Kajira was honored to receive a request from the then "Official Costumer to FatChanceBellyDance", Gwen of Flying Skirts, asking Kajira if Gwen could use an early bra style Kajira had made and, later on, the FCBD cholis with the shoulders bare, which are variations of Kajira's original design. These can be seen worn by BSBD in the Tribal Bible and IAMED DVDs. BSBD has been honored to see that FCBD seemingly has adopted some BSBD moves and, just as Kajira did, stylized them a bit differently, so the new moves could be original to FCBD, and in my educated opinion, because of Carolena's old saying, "A copy is never as good as the original." And to Kajira, Carolena is as original as it gets.

"A copy is never as good as the original" was a common statement of Carolena's at the time, and is in The Tribal Bible (the same interview is also on this web site under 'Writings."). It would not be a stretch to notice new chorus variations for FCBD as coming from BSBD, who pioneered some seriously freeing chorus innovations for those who enjoy ATS/SGI. Give and take, share and teach - that's the Tribal Spirit! Plus, also as Carolena taught me, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Along these lines, in November 2009, Carolena asked Kajira to change the name of her BSBD Format and not call it "ATS" anymore since our styles have diverged. (It was probably that whole "both sides of the body for all asymmetrical steps thing" Kajira created using steps ). Kajira believes Carolena's from FCBD, among other things, LOL! request was also, in part, to make it less confusing to Carolena's current students and Teachers. As a well-travelled teacher herself, Kajira knew for some time that confusion had been building, and readily agreed to Carolena's request.

Kajira feels honored and recognizes the privilege it was to be 'allowed' to use "ATS" to describe her Format for so long anyway (more than a decade!). Morocco of New York coined the moniker "ATS" to describe what Carolena and FCBD did (later 'adopted' by Carolena once she realized how unusual her style is in the world of dance).

Carolena's and Kajira's email communications occurred in November 2009, and Carolena told Kajira to go ahead and make sure everyone understands that, "Carolena applauds Kajira's journey from ATS to BSBD" and that "Carolena definitely approves of Kajira's variations." YIPPEE! Whoo-hoo! Such staggering compliments from one's mentor seem to only happen in dreams. Those words did Kajira's heart SO MUCH good to hear them! Mahalo nui loa, Kahuna Kumu Hula!

Why did Kajira have any variations? Well, being the curious, creative and passionate BlackSheep that she is, she just had to try out her ideas. And one leads to another! When it became time for Kajira to teach, she took private lessons in person from Carolena and gave her videos to critique of Kajira's classes for Carolena's evaluation in the early years, while continuing her study in person with Carolena for the first couple years during her transition. As Kajira's style progressed, moves were sometimes changed slightly or a lot, so as not to be a copy and to be ethical. Other, mostly Jamila Salimpour Format, moves were added as well, it being the "parent format" for ATS.

Kajira still feels that Carolena's creation of Synchronized Group Improvisational dance is the greatest gift to the dance world as a whole since Isadora Duncan! Think about it - no one else does it. Modern dance has contact improv and even a form of "energetic" tableau improv, but in no other dance form on earth will you find this type of SYNCHRONIZED, at-one-ment, or experience the magic of the whole being more than the sum of its parts, or even the ability to achieve darshan/tarab or oneness with the All - with others! Not to mention the freedom of dancing with others while in the moment! (All alpha wave brain activity!)

Kajira is also the creator and co-producer of Tribal Fest, as well as author of The Tribal Bible (1st printing in 2003 with 3 or more additional printings that followed), subject of two IAMED-Produced DVDs (2003) and three recently self-produced DVDs (released in 2009) as well as recipient of several awards for Instructor, Lifetime Acheivement, and for Event Producer. She's taught throughout the U.S., including being on Staff for over a decade at the esteemed Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp, four years aboard a bellydance cruise ship, once during a snowstorm outside Quebec, Canada, three times in Taiwan, twice in Austria, and three times in both Germany and England on separate occasions. She's taught in Mexico and looks forward to returning in July '10. And, yes, most of these were (and will be) Weekend Workshops with Teacher Trainings during the week! Spreading the JOY inherent in her style is what is most important to her.