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 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.

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.