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Hi ladies, I have a question! Paulette Rees-Denis is going to be in my town to teach two three-hour classes. The first one is "Beg/Int Tribal," and the second is "Tribal Stylings."
All I know about tribal style I've learned from FCBD's Tribal Basics 1 and 4 DVDs, because while there is one tribal troupe around here, they don't teach regular classes. So my knowledge of tribal style is minimal (but my desire to learn it is huge!). I'd give my left arm for the opportunity to attend the first class, but because I have to give a presentation that morning, I won't be able to go. :(
I can, however, work my schedule around so that I can attend the Tribal Stylings class. My question is, would this be OK--both with Paulette and with the other workshop attendees? A trusted teacher told me this: "As long as you go in with the attitude that 'I'm going to learn something here,' well that's really all you need. Sure, maybe some things will be over your head - things are over my head at workshops all the time as teachers differ in their styles and how they execute moves - but the whole idea behind this is for people to get a chance to take a class in something that's either new to them, or something they know a little about and want to learn more."
So that is encouraging, but I really don't want my lack of knowledge to be an impediment to anyone's enjoyment of the workshop (including my own). So if anyone has been to any of Paulette's classes and/or has any advice to offer, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks!
February 21 2006, 01:31:25 UTC 6 years ago
I am an avid student of Paulette's, certified in her style of dance and teaching, and highly recommend her. She is a wealth of knowledge, a fount of creativity, and encouraging of each student's individual vision and goals. If you are truly concerned about piggybacking on the second class, just write Paulette and tell her what you told us. She will let you know what is appropriate and you can put your mind at ease.
Have fun!
April 10 2006, 06:10:13 UTC 6 years ago
Unfortunately Paulette was sick and unable to make it, but Michele came and taught the class and she was so wonderful! What a sweetheart! She mentioned you, too, when she was teaching us about the "two fingers of happiness." ^_^
Now I am totally hooked, but with no place to go, since as I mentioned in my post, nobody teaches ATS around here. Would buying the Gypsy Caravan DVD set be an effective way to learn the style, or is it something that absolutely has to be taught in person? I'm not thinking of starting a troupe or anything, I just think it would be fun for me and a friend or two to learn so we can dance together for fun.
BTW, I saw the video on YouTube of you dancing a solo, and girl, you ROCK! That was so cool to watch. Your moves were interesting and well-executed, and you looked like you were having such fun. I wish the video clip was longer so I could see more.
April 10 2006, 17:43:16 UTC 6 years ago
Yes, do get the videos. It is how I started when there was no tribal in my town. If you ever get inspired, you could take teacher training from Paulette and be the one to bring tribal to your town!! I was so sad not having a tribal community in Seattle, and wanted to create what Paulette had in Portland. So far so good. ;)
And thanks for the sweet words on my solo. It's brief, true, but considering I nearly never solo, and when I do it is in the "hug" of my tribal sisitah's chorus, that felt long. LOL
April 11 2006, 00:58:37 UTC 6 years ago
Unfortunately I'll need four more years of dance experience before I'd be eligible for Paulette's teacher training. :) However, I'm really hoping the popularity of the classes Michele taught caught the attention of the teaching community here. There were probably over thirty people attending the Tribal Stylings class, and this was in the morning on a work day! Who knows how many more gals would have come had they been able to get off of work! There is definitely an interest here. So if you're looking for a teaching gig, we'd love to have you come visit us in Minnesota! ^_^
Thank you so much for the DVD recommendation. That makes me feel much better about investing in a set! I bought the Tribal Stylings (#6) DVD from Michele so I could remember everything I'd learned at the class, and I really like it. Everything is presented very clearly, and it's easy to follow. And the performances are so fun to watch!
April 11 2006, 05:56:53 UTC 6 years ago
Have fun learning learning learning, dancing dancing dancing!
February 21 2006, 15:22:44 UTC 6 years ago
girl...
if you learned everything tribal from FCBD then you are More than ready to rock a class out. unless the teacher has a prequisite of the first class, you should be fine. almost more then fine. i've been doing classes for a year. anyone that has a prob with you going to class can kiss your shimmy! since tribal is mostly defined as "lead and follow". the more class you can attend to enchance " giving/reading" cues from live people the better. undulations.. etc.. are fine for home. i love three hour classes.... HAVE FUN!p.s. wtf tribal "stylings" ?..
February 22 2006, 00:27:31 UTC 6 years ago
Have fun!
February 22 2006, 02:56:25 UTC 6 years ago
February 22 2006, 00:45:10 UTC 6 years ago
Tribal Stylings Workshop
HiI held the Paulette Workshops here in New Zealand and I had some people who just came to Tribal Stylings, it was fun and there wasn't anything too complicated, lots of skirt stuff and different moves.
Ask yourself this: how well do I pick up choreography and lean new moves? if you do ok then you will be fine.
Obviously its easier if you have attended the first two workshops, but ultimately Tribal Stylings is new stuff, so provided you are prepared to concentrate and work hard, you should be ok.
**Disclaimer: in my workshops everybody was a Gypsy Caravan newbie so we learned at the same pace.