© 2013 Moria Chappell LLC All rights reserved.
The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude. Friedrich Nietzsche
Moria Chappell Tribal Fusion Bellydance
Workshops & Intensives
2013 Moria offers 30 workshops and intensives. These courses range from beginner and intermediate to advanced and master. Her workshops are serious, challenging, fun, innovative, and most importantly, worthy of the time and investment of the sponsors and the dancers they mentor and support.
Workshops & Intensives Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 1 Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 2 Tribal Fusion Fundamentals Advanced Layering & Shimmy Techniques Tunisian Odissi Temple Dance Fusion Tribal Fusion Hula Serpentine Slow & Strong Strength & Conditioning Tribal Fusion Floorwork Yoga for Bellydancers Props Fine Tuning Master Class
Rhythm & Refinement Tribal Drum Solo Costume CafĂŠ Make-up The Complete Look Tribal Vogue Archetypes in the Dancer Chakra Bellydance Sacred Dance Structuring a Class Developing a Theme & Character Anatomy of Bellydance The 64 Yoginis Choreography Theatre & Staging
Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 1
Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 1 1-Day Workshop
Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 1 teaches the drills and exercises necessary for intense muscular-isolation, four different-shaped shimmies, and the conditioning necessary to develop glutes for crisp hip-work. Hip, head, belly, chest and shoulder isolations will be drilled as well as fluid transitions from move-tomove, and traveling with isolation. Fundamental spinning techniques will also be covered such as spot turns, paddle turns and sutinues. Combos, posture, fluid arms and creative poses will be highlighted as Moria shares Tribal-Fusion choreography. As a dancer, you will learn the tribal techniques of stretching, toning, and drilling in order to gain the muscular control that places you in command of your body, as well as variations on classical tribal combinations. All levels are welcome.
Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 2
Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 2 2-Day Intensive
Tribal Bellydance Bootcamp 2 is Moria’s most popular workshop. In it you will learn the drills and exercises necessary for intense muscularisolation, four different-shaped shimmies, and the conditioning necessary to develop glutes for crisp hip-work. Hip, head, belly, chest and shoulder isolations will be drilled as well as fluid transitions from move-to-move, and traveling with isolation. Fundamental spinning techniques will also be covered such as spot turns, paddle turns and sutinues. Combos, posture, fluid arms, and creative poses will be highlighted as Moria shares a Tribal-Fusion choreography. As a dancer, you will learn the tribal techniques of stretching, toning, and drilling in order for you to gain the muscular control that places you in command of your body, as well as variations on classical tribal combinations. All levels are welcome.
Day One L o w e r B o d y E m p h a s i s On the first day, dancers learn the sharp and staccato articulation necessary for emphasizing movement and rhythm. Together, we will drill twists, locks, drops, squares, ummies, and shimmies in order to develop the muscles in the lower abs and pelvic area to create crisp, strong hip articulation. Dancers will also learn movement across the floor and around the room, as well as drills to increase flexibility and range of motion in the hip while maintaining strong posture and arms. Moria will also share unique, new-tribal combinations that will be pieced together for a brief choreography followed by a Costuming CafĂŠ workshop. Hour one focuses on conditioning, hour two on combinations and movement, hour three on choreography, and hour four on costuming secrets for the stage.
Day Two
U pper Body Em phasi s
The second day focuses on round and smooth articulation emphasizing shapes and fluidity. This portion of the class is devoted to upper body extensions and articulation. A variety of drills will sharpen and intensify chest ticks and locks while maintaining perfect arm and shoulder placement. Arms, undulations and laybacks will also be drilled, as well as the art of creating unusual shapes with the body. Exquisitely slow and intense combinations will culminate in a slow, serpentine choreography. Level changes and floor work will also be incorporated. What to expect: The conditioning portion of the class is designed as an intense, muscle building and strengthening workout. Yoga, squats, sit-ups, and push-ups are incorporated to develop the body for increasing your capacity to lift and articulate. Drills will be used in a repetitive manner to emphasize posture and isolation in order to bring the commands and combinations into the body for muscle memory and refined strengthening. It is recommended that dancers bring a yoga mat and water bottle. It’s best to wear comfortable, stretchy pants and a top, and also kneepads if necessary.
For the make-up portion of Day 2, please bring any products that you absolutely love, or conversely, that you don't know what to do with. Time will be available after each lecture for individual questions concerning coloring and personal face-and-body structure. Pen and paper are again highly advised since there will be an extensive amount of information covered in a brief period of time.
Tribal Fusion Fundamentals
Tribal Fusion Fundamentals 2-Day Workshop
Tribal Fusion Fundamentals teaches the posturing, hand articulation, essential combinations, and spinning techniques that comprise the foundation of tribal-fusion bellydance. In this fun and informative workshop, Moria teaches lifted postures and torso articulations as well as arm positioning and hip movements as they combine to form fusion combinations. For dancers who are new to tribal fusion, or for those who are looking for new fusion combinations and fresh inspiration, Moria will methodically, comprehensively, and creatively teach drills, patterns and choreography that will help dancers invigorate their newfound fusion expression.
Tribal Fusion Fundamentals can be a one-day four-hour workshop; or it can be combined with another of Moria’s workshop subtopics; or it can be extended to a two-day workshop with three hours each day for fusion fundamentals. It can also be presented as a one-hour each day subtopic.
Advanced Layering & Shimmy Techniques
Advanced Layering & Shimmy Techniques 1-Day Workshop
Advanced Layering & Shimmy Techniques is designed to help more experienced dancers who are looking to expand their movement vocabulary and push their abilities to the max. Topics include musicality in layering; playing different rhythms and tempos within different sections of the body to create orchestrated movement; layering shimmies with precision on virtually every part of the body; and footwork and patterns as part of the layering extravaganza! The layering aspect of the workshop is intended to build from Moria’s Bellydance Bootcamp Fundamentals workshop. Advanced Layering & Shimmy Techniques puts together the various drills and traveling-patterns previously learned in order to build control and stamina in layering. Advanced drills will show dancers how to maintain deliciously crisp isolations while layering 2, 3, or 4 different components of the fundamental moves. Some of the more advanced elements of this workshop include using turns, traveling, and layering movements to culminate in new, advanced combinations that will be worked into a Tribal-Fusion choreography.
Hour One
Lower Body Emphasis
Sharp and staccato articulation will emphasize movement and rhythm. Twists and pelvic locks will be drilled in order to develop the muscles in the lower abs and pelvic area to create crisp, strong hip articulation. Dancers will learn movement across the floor and around the room as well as a variety of drills to increase flexibility and range of motion in the hips while maintaining a strong posture and arms.
Hour Two
Upper Body Emphasis
Round and smooth articulation will emphasize shape and fluidity with upper body extensions and articulations. Drills will be repeated to sharpen and intensify chest ticks and locks while maintaining perfect arm and shoulder placement. Arms, undulations and laybacks will also be drilled, as well as the art of creating unusual shapes with the body.
Hour Three
Level Changes
Backbends, knee-slides, floor-spins and drops are the core movements associated with floorwork. In addition to learning these basics, dancers will also learn how to execute smooth transitions down to and up from the floor.
Hour Four
Slow & Intense
Exquisitely slow and intense combinations will culminate in a serpentine choreography that incorporates level changes, floor patterns, and deep movement.
Comfortable, stretchy clothes, water, yoga mat, and a notebook are suggested but not required. Kneepads are highly recommended.
Advanced Layering & Shimmy Techniques is one day, four-hour workshop that can be combined with another single day workshop to create a two-day intensive.
Tunisian
Tunisian 1-Day Workshop
Tunisian is designed for the dancer who wants to differentiate her dance and explore styles of movement that utilize more complex rhythms and high-energy combinations. Tunisian techniques place heavy emphasis on twisting, unique posturing, and unexpected floor patterns. Moving forward, backward, and up and down, you will learn this intricate and exciting form of ethnic dance and its combinations as they apply to Tribal Fusion bellydance.
The focus will be on muscle conditioning for Tunisian twisting, locking, dropping, and shimmying, as well as intensive drills of Tunisian combinations for moving and stationary applications. Folkloric and fresh, sweaty and unique, Tunisian culminates in a tribal-fusion choreography. Hour one focuses on muscle conditioning for Tunisian twisting, locking, dropping and shimmying; hour two on muscle conditioning and the intensive drills of Tunisian combinations both moving and stationary; and hour three on Tunisian-fusion choreography. Dance shoes are recommended.
Tunisian can be a one-day workshop; or it can be combined with another of Moria’s workshop subtopics; or it can be extended to a two-day workshop with three hours each day for Tunisian. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Odissi Temple Dance Fusion
Odissi Temple Dance Fusion 1-Day Workshop
Odissi Temple Dance Fusion focuses on one of the oldest classical dance forms on Earth. Passed down from Guru to student for thousands of years, Moria has recently spent time in India intensively studying this art form and now offers its most fundamental combinations and exercises that can be fused with Tribal Fusion performances and practice. Learn the body isolations, temple stance, Odissi posture, and mudras of this sacred devotional dance and see how they can be applied to modern music and movement.
Odissi Temple Dance Fusion can be a one-day workshop; or it can be combined with another workshop subtopic; or it can be extended to a two-day workshop with three hours each day for Odissi.
Tribal Fusion Hula
Tribal Fusion Hula 1-Day Workshop
Tribal Fusion Hula demonstrates how ancient hula was a temple dance performed to extensive chanting and drumming. Its origins can be traced all the way back to India via Thailand, Indonesia, and the Polynesian islands. Moria teaches fundamental hula footwork, hip sways, and hand and arm articulation in its ancient style and then fuses it with an avante guard tribal fusion choreography.
Tribal Fusion Hula can be a one-day workshop; or it can be combined with another workshop subtopic; or it can be extended to a two-day workshop with three hours each day for Hula. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Serpentine
Serpentine 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Serpentine is a study in the sultry and strong movements that comprise slow tribal dancing. In this portion of the instruction, dancers will learn the flexibility and strength required to make slow, fluid movements that drip from combination to combination. Bellyrolls, halfsided belly isolations, and reverse bellyrolls will be featured as well as how to integrate these subtle muscular isolations into movements that read strongly on stage. Liquid arms and body flow, facial and hand expression, as well as maintaining a strong posture from the upper back are emphasized. Dancers will learn control and isolation while dancing with the grace and strength required for slow techniques. They will visualize receiving movement through one part of their body while keeping the audience’s attention as they send it out to create expression from their face through their fingertips. Emphasis will be placed on laybacks, flexibility, and floor-work. Kneepads are recommended.
Serpentine is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Slow & Strong
Slow & Strong 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Slow & Strong uses multiple fusion combinations to focus on steady and smooth transition techniques for complete body fluidity. In this portion of the instruction, dancers will learn the power of smooth, slow movements through a variety of shapes and poses.
Dancing slowly has its own principles and ideology, which emphasizes extended muscle contraction and flexibility to create big, serpentine combinations poured through with an intensity of flow. As we focus on the muscles between the muscles, and through a variety of shapes and poses inspired by Indian temple dance while using backbends and level changes, our class will culminate in a slow tribalfusion choreography.
Slow & Strong is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Strength & Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Strength & Conditioning is a two to three-hour class where fusion techniques and drills help the dancer learn crisp and intentional movements for hips, arms, chest, traveling, and then putting it all together. From head-slide to heel-drop and everything in between, dancers will learn the fundamentals of muscle awareness, access, and
isolation for their dance. This class will introduce you to your glutes, psoas, obliques, scapulas and more, as well as teach you to isolate, strengthen, and coordinate your musculature to find your foundation for the sharpand-smooth finesse of it all. All levels are welcome.
Strength & Conditioning is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Tribal Fusion Floorwork
Tribal Fusion Floorwork 1 to 2 Hour Class
In Tribal Fusion Floorwork, the dancer will learn what drama and slinkiness floorwork can add to her repertoire. Focusing on backbends, knee-slides, floor-spins and drops, this class offers the information and strength training tips to safely and smoothly execute floorwork both as improvisation and choreography. Tribal Fusion Floorwork adds regal and strong elements to a dancer’s performance. Floorwork and flexibility will be woven into components of hip articulation and upper body strength. You will learn smooth transitions down to and up from the floor, floorwork combinations and direction changes, formations, and shape-making practices. All levels are welcome; kneepads are recommended.
Tribal Fusion Floorwork is a one to two hour class that is often added as a subtopic to longer workshops. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Yoga for Bellydancers
Yoga for Bellydancers 1 to 2 Hour Class
Yoga for Bellydancers is
Yoga is the best friend of
designed to use the asanas
muscular bellydance
and breathing techniques of
because it enables a
a yogi to achieve the
dancer to achieve the
strength and physique
greatest amount of reach,
needed to express
curve, and muscle
bellydance’s most intricate
integration in order to create
moves.
serpentine movement and jaw-dropping articulation.
The specific asanas Moria has chosen include a sunsalutation variation meant to warm the body from the inside out. Focus on psoas and hip openers will be taught to deepen and allow for pain-free backbends. Chest and torso lengtheners will help to release the lower back and allow for a stronger fusion posture and torso articulation. All levels are welcome; yoga mat is recommended.
Although Yoga for Bellydancers is typically offered as a one to two hour class, it is often added as a subtopic to longer workshops. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Props
Props 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Props are a fun and exciting
Adding circus flair and
way to embellish your dance
creative interpretation,
and help emphasize balance
Moria teaches you how to
and isolation while adding
interact and dance with
drama and personalized
your prop as your partner.
expression.
From tahtib to umbrella,
Traditionally, swords, trays, baskets, and candelabras were balanced on the head to demonstrate a dancer’s physical prowess. Learn how dancers can now balance a sword, a candle, or a stick on virtually any part of the body.
Moria has experimented with numerous props and offers her personal tips and techniques to make dancing with a prop fun and exhilarating to watch.
Props is a two to three-hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two-hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Fine Tuning
Fine Tuning 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Fine Tuning is a two to three hour workshop where techniques and combinations are drilled to improve fluid movements while keeping the hands intentionally placed and expressive, the head and shoulders aligned, and the arms fluid and strong—all the while maintaining strength and control in the hips and abdomen. As the last step in refining your dance, and thus your segue to professionalism, this class focuses on the polished moves that make a dancer exquisite to watch.
Fine Tuning is a two to three hour workshop that works well with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Master Class
Master Class 2-Day Intensive
Day One
Lower Body Emphasis
In Day One of our 2-Day Master Class, you will learn sharp and staccato articulations that emphasize movement and rhythm. Together, we will drill twists and pelvic locks to develop the muscles in the lower abs and pelvic area in order to create crisp, strong, hip articulation. Dancers will learn how to move across the floor and around the room using techniques that increase flexibility and range of motion in the hip while maintaining strong posture and arms. You will also learn Tunisian combinations and rhythm followed by a Neo-Tribal Tunisian choreography. The day ends with a Costuming CafĂŠ workshop. Hour one focuses on conditioning, hour two on combinations and movements, hour three on choreography, and hour four on costuming secrets for the stage.
Day Two
Upper Body Emphasis
Because round and smooth articulation emphasizes shapes and fluidity, day two will focus on upper body extensions and articulation. Dancers will learn drills to sharpen and intensify chest ticks and locks while maintaining perfect arm and shoulder placement. Arms, undulations and laybacks will also be drilled to refine articulation as well as create unusual shapes for the body. A series of exquisitely slow and intense combinations will culminate in a slow, serpentine choreography. Level changes and floor work will be incorporated into the workshop. Hour one focuses on conditioning, hour two on slow combinations and shape building, hour three on choreography, and hour four on stage make-up theory and practice.
What to Expect The conditioning portion of the class is designed as an intense, muscle building and strengthening workout. We will incorporate yoga, squats, sit-ups and push-ups to develop the body for increasing your capacity to lift and articulate. Drills will be used in a repetitive manner to emphasize posture and isolation in order to bring the commands and combinations into the body for muscle memory and refined strengthening. Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle. It’s best to wear comfortable, stretchy pants and a top, and also kneepads if necessary. For the costuming portion of our Day 1 workshop, please feel free to bring whatever projects you are working on that you either wish to share with the group, or that you may feel stuck on and need some input. A pen and paper are recommended for taking notes and jotting down inspirations. For the make-up portion of Day 2, please bring any products that you absolutely love, or conversely, that you don't know what to do with. Time will be available after each lecture for individual questions concerning coloring and personal face-and-body structure. Pen and paper are again highly advised since there will be an extensive amount of information covered in a brief period of time.
Rhythm & Refinement
Rhythm & Refinement 2-Day Intensive
Rhythm & Refinement Intensive is
Rhythm & Refinement is what every
designed to teach dancers and
dancer needs to know to have a
drummers of all levels ways to
firm understanding of rhythm, its
incorporate the rhythm and
originating culture, and its place in
refinement of Middle Eastern music
history. When you know the
and dance into their performances.
heartbeat of Middle Eastern music,
During this two-day workshop, you
and feel comfortable moving to it,
will learn to combine tabla, duff, riq,
a wide range of musical
and finger cymbals with your
accessibility opens to you. This
dance, which will enable you to
exciting weekend focuses on
understand the essence of Middle
enabling both a dancer and a
Eastern music and its culture.
drummer to achieve a more
You will be instructed on count, measure, technique, and rhythm
powerful and professional expression.
while also learning the techniques
Rhythm & Refinement is a
and methodologies behind
weekend-workshop intensive
physicalizing these powerful beats;
divided into eight sections.
you will learn which beats to emphasize and be shown how to do it.
Section I
Rhythm for Dancers & Drummers
2-Hour Class This section teaches dancers and drummers the rhythms most often used in Middle Eastern performance and music. You will learn how to play and understand each rhythm—then Moria will demonstrate and teach combinations created to enhance and express these rhythms.
Section II
Advanced Rhythm for Dancers & Drummers
2-Hour Class This class expands on the more complex rhythms available through Middle Eastern percussion. Moving beyond 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 into 6/8, 9/8 and 10/8, drummers and dancers will learn, as in Section I, how to hear, identify and create these more advanced rhythms. Moria will also demonstrate and teach more complex dance combinations and expressions to complement these rhythms.
Section III
Finger Cymbals
3-Hour Class Finger cymbals (zils) have been described as the bellydancer’s best friend. These delightfully small musical instruments are a fun and exciting way to demonstrate musical prowess as a performer. Hour One: Learn the techniques and rhythms that can be played using finger cymbals as an accompaniment to the tabla. Hour Two: Learn how to dance with zils utilizing simple body-patterns in combination with the zil-playing. Dancers will drill and play clean rhythms with set dance combinations. Hour Three: Putting the two together, drummers will play tabla rhythms while dancers learn how to segue dance and zil-playing with live accompaniment. Finger cymbals will be available for purchase. Prices vary upon size.
Section IV
Tribal Drum Solo
2-Hour Class In this class you will learn the techniques required for precision to accent and expand a rhythm, how to maintain a connection with the audience, self, and musician during live accompaniment, as well as various tribal fusion combinations that apply to drum-solo work. This is a choreography, rhythm, and theory class and the drum solo is available on CD via the Bellydance Superstars. Using all of the material from Rhythm for Dancers, you will learn a drum-solo choreography specifically geared for tribalfusion dancers. During the choreography, rhythmic choices, transitions, and embellishments will be explained and matched with technical stylization of fusion’s drills and combinations. You will learn each rhythm and the technique and emphasis used to create the rhythm then learn combinations and various choices of expression that dancers can adapt and perform to these rhythms.
Section V
Riq & Duff
2-Hour Class Riq and duff are fun and expressive instruments that can be learned quickly as a means to support, embellish and interact with tabla players. Both dancers and drummers will learn the hand techniques, postures, and ear for hearing and playing the riq and duff. If you do not have your own riq or duff, these instruments will be available for purchase. Prices range from $45 for a duff to $65 for a riq.
Section VI
Tabla for Beginners
2 or 3-Hour Class Beginning students will learn right-hand and left-hand techniques, posture and instrument positioning, how to create accurate notes, and how to play four different rhythms. Since it is important for drummers and dancers to understand the fundamentals of proper technique, this class is open to all levels. The class also includes an introduction to the fundamentals of Middle Eastern drum theory.
Section VII
Tabla for Intermediate to Advanced
Drummers 2 or 3-Hour Class Moving beyond 4/4 rhythms, this class teaches some of the more complex and unusual Middle Eastern rhythms. You will learn how to perfect drum rolls, pops, snaps and slaps. Drummers will also learn how to create their own drum solo with a more advanced lecture on Middle Eastern music theory.
Section VIII
Middle Eastern Cultural Heartbeat
1- Hour Class This class is a presentation on various Middle Eastern rhythms. Since rhythm and its instrument are inextricable, the meaning of the rhythm within the instrument including its history, place of origin, and purpose within the culture will be discussed. You will also learn the traditional dances that accompany these rhythms and explore how they have worked together while traveling across land and sea for thousands of years.
Tribal Drum Solo
Tribal Drum Solo 1-Day Workshop
Tribal Drum Solo offers a unique take on percussion and rhythm. In this class, you will learn to play the music through your muscles using Tribal Fusion’s signature locks, breaks, fluid arms, shapes, combinations, and muscular techniques for layering, traveling, and transitioning. Incorporating several of Tunisian’s folkloric twists and turns, this fast-paced and fun workshop will culminate in a tribalfusion drum solo choreography.
Costume CafĂŠ
Costume CafĂŠ 1-Day Workshop
Costume CafĂŠ offers unique and innovative approaches to costume design. For the stage, the process of becoming a character, entering another realm, and understanding the rules and function of this realm can be intimidating. In this very candid and open forum, Moria shares with each dancer the basics of costume design, fit, and function. Colorcombining, textures, fixtures, durability, and body types are all a prime focus. Spanning the darkest to the brightest, these techniques can be applied to any fusion motif.
Tribal Fusion offers a huge range of costuming potential. In Costume CafÊ, dancers will learn the rules and then how to break them while maintaining the spirit of Tribal Bellydance. They will also learn what works and what doesn’t for the stage; costuming’s short cuts and long cuts, how to turn the usual into the extra-ordinary, and how to construct a masterpiece that is easy to take on and off. From initial inspiration to sewing the first stitch, selecting the fabric to fitting-themood, dancers will learn how and where to find the resources, as well as the techniques and ideas necessary to begin, continue, or rediscover their inner costume designer.
Dancers are asked to bring a pen and notebook and feel encouraged to bring their own costuming conundrums for questionand-answer.
Costume CafĂŠ can be taught as a full workshop or as a one-hour addendum to another workshop. The extended version will also cover costuming history, jewelry and headdress design.
Make-up
Make-up 1-Day Workshop
Make-up showcases Moria’s
waterproofing, smoky eyes, false-
training as a high fashion and
eyelash techniques, and amped-
bridal make-up artist to show
up lip and cheekbone
dancers how to combine facial
enhancement.
composition and structuring, undertones and color combinations, contour and color-correction with her passion for theatrical character make-up. In Make-Up, dancers will learn the secrets of flawless stage make-up including
Moria will review her favorite products, colors, and application techniques. She will also demonstrate the best use and applicability of a myriad of makeup brushes, glitter types, and bindi glue.
Dancers are welcome to bring their own make-up. Moria welcomes questions about what make-up you may have collected or tried, as well as questions about how to enhance your personal features. Learn master techniques that will make your face pop and give your stage performances that finishing touch. Make-up also includes information in hair design and ornaments.
Make-up may be taught as a quick one-hour subtopic, a two-hour thorough brush-and-make-up technique study, or a three-hour personalized instruction in which each dancer will bring her own make-up and practice these techniques while Moria teaches, watches, and corrects.
The Complete Look
The Complete Look 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
The Complete Look is a dynamic class on make-up, hair, contouring the face, and creating a stellar stage persona. As one of Moria’s most popular and favorite subtopics, The Complete Look teaches the secrets of what goes into creating an enticing bellydance stage persona. As independent creators, bellydancers are expected to know it all! In The Complete Look you will learn how to choose a style that’s right for you, learn the different messages each style projects, and then learn how to link these elements with your own emotion, music, and choreography. As a group, we will also dig into the nitty-gritty of how to take things apart and reconstruct them into a style that suits your dance.
As an experienced make-up artist, Moria shares the techniques used in creating a smoky eye, eye-and-lip color combinations, reshaping the face using contouring, as well as eyebrow sculpting and eyelash application. You will also learn how to select haute looks from the runway to incorporate into your theatrical expression. In the section on tribal hair construction, dancers will learn how to texture and segment their hair to provide a base-shape as well as sound structure upon which to add various buns, braids, and falls to create numerous, different, and exciting looks for the stage and style of dance. The section on hair also includes techniques on how to slim, lengthen, or open your face. The section on tribal costume design is a study in the nitty-gritty surrounding body-shaping, contouring, lengthening, and using complementary and contrasting colors from bright to black in order to wow your audience. You will learn what yarns and tassels work, what pant-shapes work for you and your music, and what can be done with accouterments that don’t seem to work, as well as various methods of constructing a bra including shapes and attachment.
The Complete Look is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Tribal Vogue
Tribal Vogue 1-Day Workshop
Tribal Vogue is a one-day, six-hour
Tribal Vogue assists the dancer in
workshop designed as the fusionist’s
pushing herself to her next personal
practice companion and How-To
level. The make-up portion of this
guide for creating a unique look and
workshop explores some of the most
persona.
effective methods of cosmetic
Fusion is not only the various dance disciplines that you choose to combine; it’s also the incorporation of music, costume, hair, and make-
application: selecting brushes, howto applications, successful color combinations, and your choice of products for stage performance.
up in order to successfully create a
The section on costuming is less of a
character-piece to express a
how-to and more of a lecture forum
particular vision and lend credence
on conceiving a personal look while
to the dancer’s voice. Tribal Vogue
considering materials, patterns,
provides practical drills and exercises
embellishments, body-type, and
developed to train the body in the
product accessibility.
strength and flexibility necessary for isolation, clean layering, internal dance techniques, and serpentine movements. This class includes yoga, squats, drills, and across-the-floor patterns.
The section on hair offers quick solutions for creating a tribal headdress that is both beautiful and practical.
Archetypes in the Dancer
Archetypes in the Dancer 1-Day Workshop
“My fate was sealed. I couldn’t wait to learn to dance as the goddess did.” ~Martha Graham
Archetypes in the Dancer is a highly visual and interactive presentation that explores the Great Mother Archetype and demonstrates how she uses her mercurial partner-in-crime, Trickster, to form this world.
Dancers will learn why image-is-everything, and how, once activated, these archetypes enhance your creativity, choreography, costuming, and your ability to bridge the gap between you and your audience. By learning the secret of how archetypes rise from inside your body and transmit themselves non-verbally, you will also learn how to make an audience automatically feel every chill and thrill activated by you.
“The function of the image-symbol in the psyche is always to produce a compelling effect on consciousness.� ~Erich Neumann
Taught in a PowerPoint forum utilizing both discussion and movement, Archetypes in the Dancer offers various ways to explore the psyche in order to increase awareness and creativity.
Chakra Bellydance
Chakra Bellydance 1-Day Workshop
Chakra Bellydance is based on
also takes dancers a step
Hindu mythology and yogic
further to use these isolations to
study which suggests that there
tap the chakra energy-centers
are seven energy centers within
in order to promote increased
the body that can be
energy, relaxation, creativity,
stimulated via specific physical
intuition, emotion, voice, and
movements, breath work, and
expression.
visualizations. Using bellydance movements, breath work, and
When using refined muscular
color visuals, Moria will clearly
techniques to delve into the
lead dancers along an
energetic centers of the body,
energetic path that not only
bellydance can become the
practices muscular isolation as
living dance of a yogini.
it pertains to bellydance, but
Sacred Dance
Sacred Dance 1 to 2 Day Workshop
"I see dance as being used as communication between body and soul to express what is too deep to find in words." ~Ruth St. Denis
Sacred Dance is the willingness to
Moria will use yoga techniques,
let go of dance as an outer
tribal-fusion bellydance, and the
practice and use it as an opening
gestures and postures of Odissi
into the inner world where
Temple Dance to demonstrate how
movement unifies the dancer with
the timeless principles of sacred
the great dance of creation.
dance come alive and work their
Called “dance as prayer,” or “the
way into expression in your
moving mystery,” sacred dance is
temporal dance. As part of the
the housing holding ancient and
sharing of these mystery traditions,
modern ecstatic practices such as
Moria will show how the navel
the Native American Ghost Dance,
contains the memory of divine
classical Indian Odissi Temple
essence and also serves as the
Dance, the Bushman’s Trance
dynamic axis for all circular motion,
Dance, European circle dances,
in dance as well as in the universe.
and the spinning of the Whirling
The goal of these practices is to
Dervishes in union. It is from this
encircle the inner landscape with
crucible that these movements
sacred movement and thereby
arise and are able to be fused with
draw the divine from within.
contemporary bellydance.
Along with discussions on sacred dance, Moria offers an illustration-rich PowerPoint presentation to help dancers see how these movements have traveled down to them through the ages and how their dance is a continuation of the first dance.
Both versions of Sacred Dance will culminate in a devotionoriented choreography that can become part of a dancer’s daily practice, or serve as an introductory piece for a spiritually oriented stage performance.
"To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak." ~Hopi saying
Structuring a Class
Structuring a Class 1-Day Workshop
Structuring a Class is a study in the mechanics of creating an exciting class during an allocated time period that students will want to repeat. Moria will also cover one-and-a-half hour time slots in minute-byminute sequences, as well as how to construct a viable and dynamic 8-week course.
As part of understanding the essential subjects necessary for creating gifted dancers, Moria will cover the important movements your dancers will need to know in order to give a fantastic performance. Moving beyond theory, Moria offers detailed advice and notes with specific guidelines. Of special interest will be a section on keeping a steady influx of beginner students.
Structuring a Class is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two-hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Developing a Theme & Character
Developing a Theme & Character 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Developing a Theme & Character suggests ways for dancers to design a compelling performance piece from the first shimmy to the final bow. Thematic considerations may include the performance’s musical score; its dance style (for example Polynesian fusion versus Odissi fusion); the palette of movements available for that style; colors, tones, and textures for costuming; the development of thematically rich jewelry, the possibility of using theme-enhancing props; and discuss when live accompaniment can make a significant contribution to a theme. Moria shares insights on dynamic elements that help support an overarching theme — a theme suggested by the title of a festival or an Intensive, a musical review, or a segment of a larger choreography.
Developing a Theme & Character is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
Anatomy of Bellydance
Anatomy of Bellydance 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Anatomy of Bellydance helps dancers gain confidence and become clear in their movement vocabulary. This course provides the information necessary for you to comfortably communicate specific moves and shapes, and describe your corresponding cultural influence. Moria will discuss and demonstrate balance and isolation, circles and infinity, head slides, chest slides, hip slides, horizontal chest circles, hip circles, umies, snake arms and undulations in relation to Arabic Habibi culture. Maya, guci, and bellyrolls will be discussed in relationship to Arabic Maya (water) culture. Accents and muscle control, ups, hip shimmies, hip crescents, chest accents right, front, left, back, up, and down will be discussed in relation to the Arabic Zaghareet. (Zaghareet is a high-pitched ululation made with tongue behind teeth or between the lips; a luh-luh-luh made fast and high.)
Beladi/drop kick, shoulder accents, shoulder shimmy, and finger waves will be discussed in relationship to Arabic Beladi/Baladii/Beledi/Belady. In addition to a specific move and style in bellydance, this is the most pervasive Middle Eastern rhythm in modern bellydance.
Anatomy of Bellydance will also help dancers clearly understand the various approaches to movement including moving from the skeleton as well as from the muscles in the feet, knees, pelvis, spine, the belly (four parts), rib cage, sternum, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers. Various movement families will be discussed including slides, circles, undulations, 8’s, shimmies, and using one hip at a time. These movements will also be translated into steps and turns.
Anatomy of Bellydance is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
The 64 Yoginis
The 64 Yoginis 1 to 2 Day Workshop
“What is here is elsewhere. What is not here is nowhere.” ~Mahabharata
The 64 Yoginis focuses on the sixty-four yogini statues standing in niches encircled by a mandala-shaped temple known as the Hirapur Chausat Yogini Shrine located near Bhubaneswar, India. Thought to have been constructed in the 9th century CE, this openair temple houses goddesses who dance atop their vahana, a Sanskrit term meaning “that which carries or pulls.” In this regard, they serve as the deva’s vehicle and are referred to as her mount. These symbols also serve as clues to her mythological essence.
In this experiential workshop, Moria helps dancers explore the yogini mysteries. With Moria’s guidance, the dancer first visually experiences the yoginis and mounts, and then learns their stances and gestures, a divine alphabet, which activate the sacred feminine in order for it to incarnate inside the dancer. Through her personal passion, spiritual power, and deep insight, each dancer learns to breathe life into the goddesses who in turn work with the dancer to access limitless power, and choreograph the majesty of creation.
“The 64 Yoginis represent the sum total of energy in the Universe.� ~Venkat Veeraraghavan
Choreography
Choreography 2-Day Intensive
Choreography is the art of
Bringing this expertise to the
designing sequences of movement
classroom, Moria demonstrates how
in which motion and form are
to create choreographies that are
specified. Moria has
memorable and exciting using
choreographed solos, duets, and
classical modalities for entering and
group collaborations, incorporating
exiting the stage, maintaining a
both Oriental and Tribal-Fusion
dominant position while on the
artists, to produce a tableaux of
stage, and creating drama by
juxtapositions of light and dark, soft
utilizing proven techniques for
and strong, fiery and temperate to
drawing the eyes of the audience
pull each dancer to her edge and
onto the shapes and forms a
offer what they embody most on
dancer creates with the motion of
the stage. Her choreographies are
her body.
eccentric and unusual.
Theatre & Staging
Theatre & Staging 2 to 3 Hour Workshop
Theatre and Staging focuses
The course includes
on the essential information
information on stage lighting,
dancers need to know about
special effects, and creative
how to make the most of
ways to use various types of
every stage, and how to
stages including industrial,
enhance the dramatic
outdoor, restaurant, or large
qualities of any theatrical
venues to a dancer’s best
setting.
advantage.
Theatre & Staging is a two to three hour workshop that works well in combination with another one to two hour subtopic. It can also be presented as a one hour each day subtopic.
FinalĂŠ
For the FinalÊ‌
Moria will work with you to compose and perform a fresh, exciting, and innovative tribal-fusion choreography.
What workshop attendees have to say
“Moria blew our minds and kicked our butts here in Mexico last weekend. I was so very impressed by what a thorough and careful teacher she is. And I can’t find words to describe her performance. I couldn’t stay in my seat. Thank you, Moria! Can’t wait to have you back again!” ~Workshop Sponsor SHARON Guernavaca, Mexico
“Just being in your presence created a very safe and empowering place to absorb and learn your deeply rooted knowledge of this art.” ~Workshop Sponsor JAIA Knoxville, TN
“Moria, thanks for an amazing weekend. You are such a wonderful teacher (I was able to go to both workshops in ATL this weekend) and positive energy just oozes from you into every nook and cranny of the room.” ~Workshop Attendee BASTET Alburquerque, NM
“I just took her workshop in Knoxville Saturday, and I have to say if you EVER get a chance to study with her...DO IT! She is a WONDERFUL teacher!! Her workshop was a challenge but not frustrating. It was so informative. She told us things I would never have thought of. It was really inspiring.” ~Workshop Attendee TRA Knoxville, TN
“I just had at least one day of a workshop with Moria. She is one of the most beautiful dancers I have ever witnessed—both within and without. Moria views each and every student with equal possibility. Her laser-like perception of a dancer's strengths or weaknesses is incredible. She is skilled in the science of kinesiology. She KNOWS the scientific and artistic characteristics of dance. I shall never forget her grace, her insight, her beauty, and her willingness to share.” ~Workshop Attendee REANNAN
“I love Moria. I took classes with her and she is a wonderful teacher. She doesn't teach us to dance like her; she helps us to find our own style and to be true to ourself. She is very generous as a dancer but also on a personal level.” ~Workshop Attendee NADINE DUGUAY Germany
Moria’s Background
Moria’s formative training includes classical dance, gymnastics, yoga, circus art, cabaret, fire performance, runway, photography modeling, public speaking, professional make-up design and application, as well as costume design and construction. This substantial background provides the foundation for her workshops and intensives on belly dance technique, costuming theory, stage presence, musical choice, make-up, and hair design. Her classes cover a wide range of dance styles including tribal fusion, Tunisian, and classical Indian Odissi. Moria’s teaching style is thorough and informative. Her systematic approach is refreshing and challenging from beginner to master level. Over the last decade, Moria has taught hundreds of workshop and intensives around the globe. Her performances and workshops are world-renown for polished professionalism and excellence in presentation.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you.
For inquiries, please contact Moria Chappell at the following address:
moriachappell@yahoo.com