Instructors and Class Descriptions
Aleili
Seven decades of experience, knowledge and practices to share with all who appreciate music and dance dance. Founder of the Veils of the NIle, Aleili truly looks forward to greeting and playing with the Emerald
Classes
Mermaid Experiences:
Mermaid experiences of dancing, undulating & shimmying with waves, dolphins, eagle & manta rays and shape shifting like the octopus and much more.
Miserlou dance
I’ll also teach the Miserlou dance & ancient story of the women who danced off the cliffs rather than be taken as slaves or worse. It’s empowering, inspirational & sacred. We will use a veil for this dance and perform it with the band at the Hafla
Aubre Hill
Aubre Hill is an international dance artist, choreographer, somatic teacher, and event producer. The artistic director of the Qabila Folkdance Company, Lumina Dance Co, and Beyajja Dance Theatre as well as a prolific performer, Aubre is known for her diverse stylings rooted in cultural understanding while pushing the boundaries of expectations with innovation.
Classes
Turns and Traveling for Raqs Sharqi (1.5 hrs)
As the venues for performing have changed so has the need for more dynamic use
of space. Learn essential techniques for turns and a variety of traveling patterns to
add spice to your performances.
Essential Egypt (2 hrs)
Learn what makes Egyptian Raqs Sharqi iconically Egyptian. Posture, arms,
traveling steps, folkloric foundation, musicality, and dynamics. Technique drills,
movement exploration, and musicality exercises. *As an intensive this material is
developed for a full 8-12 hour in-depth study of Egyptian Raqs Sharqi.
Express, Emote, Evoke (2 hr)
Technique, emotion, and connection are what make us dancers instead of just
movers, and artists instead of just entertainers. Aubre will walk dancers through a
variety of exercises to explore these concepts and dive into the true meaning of
what it is to be a dancer & artist.
Kate has been dancing for over 17 years, the last twelve of which she has spent learning and teaching FCBD® style. She loves nothing more than to make dancing accessible to anyone who wants to learn. She spent three years teaching at the Washington State University and co-founded Crimson Grayce, a student oriented troupe that performed around the Palouse. After moving back to the Seattle area she became certified in FCBD® style and founded Siyrren’s Song Dance Company so that she could continue to help dancers achieve their goals in dance.
Classes
FCBD® Style: Fundamentals
This workshop is going to focus on the main movement families, the basic mechanics of group improv, and how to incorperate it into other style of belly dance.
Jane Hall
Jane Hall has been entertaining audiences since age 10. At first as a folk singer with a guitar, she then picked up the hand drums during high school. In the mid-90’s, she met Stephen Elaimy and David McGrath and began the journey of a lifetime in Arabic music. Through several trips to Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino, California, and after many master classes through the years, she became the percussionist for House Of Tarab, a Middle Eastern music group whose focus is the Golden Age of Arabic music from the 1930-1970s. Jane’s main instrument, the Riqq (Arabic tambourine), is considered the conductor of the ensemble. She also plays tabla or darabuka, a goblet-shaped hand drum and a tabl’ beledi, which is a large bass drum played with two differently-sized sticks.
Classes
Drumming
“Tarab” is a state of ecstasy and surrender one enters while listening, with body and soul, to music. Whether it’s the dancing strings of the oud, the mystical call of the nay, or the pulsating rhythm of the drums... the “House of Tarab” invites you in.
HOT is an integral and beloved part of Emerald Sanctuary, providing live vintage Arabic music sets for our Friday and Saturday night haflas. For a dancer, performing collaboratively with sensitive, engaged professional musicians is a peak experience; at camp, this opportunity is gifted to all! When not on stage, you're likely find the members of HOT jamming on the lawn, providing the soundtrack to workshops, and enriching the ambiance of camp most hours of the day.
Morning Movement Instructors
Stephen Elaimy
Wing Chun Kung Fu
Join us for an engaging and dynamic class with Stephen Elaimy, a respected Wing Chun instructor from Seattle Wing Chun. This session is designed to introduce the fundamental principles and techniques of Wing Chun Kung Fu, an effective and elegant martial art known for its focus on close-range combat, efficiency, and directness.
Stephen will guide you through the essential elements of Wing Chun, including structure, balance, and sensitivity. His teaching approach combines rigorous training with a supportive and encouraging environment, making this class suitable for beginners and those with some martial arts experience.
Discover the art of Wing Chun through practical exercises and interactive drills that will help you develop coordination, reflexes, and confidence. Don’t miss this chance to experience the power and grace of Wing Chun Kung Fu with Stephen Elaimy Emerald Sanctuary.
Awareness Through Movement®
Ready to unlock a new level of body awareness and grace in your dance? Come experience the magic of Feldenkrais® with me at dance camp!
In this lesson, we’ll dive into gentle, mindful movements that help you explore how your body moves and find easier, more efficient ways to dance. Whether you're looking to enhance your technique, reduce tension, or simply move with more freedom and joy, this class is for you!
We’ll be focusing on:
Exploring Movement Patterns: Discover how small, subtle movements can lead to big changes in how you move and feel.
Enhancing Body Awareness: Tune into your body's natural rhythms and uncover new ways to dance with ease and fluidity.
Integrating Mind and Body: Learn how to connect your thoughts, feelings, and movements to enhance your overall dance experience.
No matter your dance style or experience level, Feldenkrais® offers insights and tools that can transform your movement from the inside out.
So, come as you are and let's explore how mindful movement can elevate your dance journey. Can't wait to see you there!
