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.

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.