2018

The UK's premier gothic bellydance event is back for it's 12th year

Tickets

Schedule

July 20th, 2018

12:00pm – 5:00pm UTC
Sharon Kihara Friday

You are invited to join Sharon for an intensive exploration of the dancer's infinite innerspace, through the embodied practice of Ankoku Butoh, and supported by modern psychosomatic therapeutic techniques.

"There are several advantages to Butoh dance as a psychosomatic exploration method: a Butoh dance is suitable for perceiving the delicate relationship of conscious intention and subconscious reaction. Induced emotional reactions sometimes open much deeper bodily reactions, and experiencing such movements gives easing and healing effects to the person through dancing. The dancing person becomes capable of selecting and tuning the emotional or physical level according to his/her condition." -Itto Morita

Through challenging theatrical exercises, games and experimentation, dancers will learn to divine the line between allowing and opening to a dance "happening", and engineering the reality that comprises the dance space. We seek to access our deep unconscious and subconscious, using our personal past as well as universal experiences to come into greater contact with ourselves, as dancers and as humans.

This 10 hour intensive will consist of practice, history and conceptual discussion, group and partner work, and aesthetic choreographic creation. All levels of dancer/moving breathing human are most welcome to attend.

2:00pm – 5:00pm UTC
Ida - Corps(e) de Ballet

Don't fear the living ballet! No need to be a ballerina in order to profit from the concepts and technique of ballet. Let's awake the most elegant ghouls! You can be undead as hell – as long as you know your metier you win the stage! Meet the principles of healthy posture and go one step further by improving your flexibility through posture. The focus of this workshop lies in creating movements of absolute grace, finding not only beauty but sense in footwork, mastering balances and gaining deep confidence in your body's abilities. By learning from the dark romantic stage-personas of classical ballet, we form our own mesmerising corps(e) de ballet.

Beginner/Improver

2:00pm – 5:00pm UTC
Princess Farhana - Masterclass - Alien Belly

This workshop will focus exclusively abdominal technique laying the foundation for truly otherworldly abdominal work. Learn how to flutter and achieve amazing belly rolls- we'll drill rolls upwards, downwards and from side to side! You will also learn Princess Farhana's signature abdominal movements, like the amazing "flundulation", a flutter layered over a belly roll and several of her hypnotic illusion moves, which look absolutely insane to the audience but are easy to achieve once you, know the secret.

Pretty soon you'll be yellin', "That's Just How I Roll!"

Open to advanced beginner/ improvers through professional level

2:00pm – 5:00pm UTC
Sam Hough - Can Can

Wanted: Sailing crew required to join our motley crew aboard the Black Raspberry, sailing the seven seas in search of hidden treasure. All hands-on deck, where the rum flows free, Pirate Wenches and Buccaneers needed to Stomp to the beat, party on your dancing feet and sea legs for a high energy roof raising performance! Attitude is a must, to survive life at sea..

Skills required include skirt swooshing, heel tapping and jolly good pirate antics.
Spend 3-hour working on a fun and sassy dance routine to be performed with the Cancan Collective on stage in the teachers show case, if you have the bottle! Arr! Costuming requirements will be discussed with all participants and open to all with the desire to perform.

7:30pm – 10:30pm UTC
Theatre Show

Friday Night

July 21st, 2018

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Bridie - Yoga in Black

The Dark: it's so bright it'll blind you. Near Dark

Yoga in Black seeks to combine the movement and flow of Dru Yoga with imagery drawn from the Western Mystery Traditions, all to a soundtrack of Drone, Dark Ambient and Doom Metal.

I am the flame that burns in every heart of man, and in the core of every star. Al II v.6

Dru Yoga focuses heavily on the integration of the 5 Koshas: Annamaya kosha, the physical layer, our physical bodies and our movement; Pranamaya kosha, the energetic layer, fueled by the breath; Manomaya kosha, the emotional layer, accessed through visualisation; Vijnamaya kosha, the intellectual layer, that can be inspired through positive affirmations and thoughts, and the Anandamaya kosha, the Bliss layer, where it all comes together. The name 'Dru' comes from the word 'Dhruva', the Sanskrit name for the North Star, the fixed point around which everything turns. In Dru Yoga we are attempting to access that still point, the 'Dhruvakasha', within us where we can find peace and tranquility whilst life moves on around us.

In the sphere I am everywhere the centre, as she, the circumference, is nowhere found. Al II v.3

In this workshop, we will attempt to tap into all 5 Koshas through the use of movement, breath, visualisation and affirmation to prepare and inspire body and mind for a full weekend of learning, dancing, sweating, shopping and partying. We will begin with some gentle activations to get the blood flowing and raise the energy levels, then go through an Energy Block Release sequence to move stuck energies within the body, before going into more specific sequences and asanas designed to free up the joints and limber up, and finally integrating it all with a deep relaxation. Any experience and ability can be catered for, from total beginners to Ashtanga masters. Open to dancers and non-dancers alike.

My adepts stand upright; their head above the heavens, their feet below the hells. Tzaddi v.40

Please bring a yoga mat and strap or scarf if you have one (I will have a few to lend out), a blanket, a bottle of water, and an open heart and mind.

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Darkstar - Vampire Hoodies

Born From a new generation of gothic belly dancer, Darkstar gives you Vampire Hoodies. A workshop that brings her own styling of fusing popping and belly dance with a dark gothic and theatrical aspect all wrapped up in a sexy cool routine with a modern day vampiric twist.

My vampire does not lurk in the shadows, it's sexy cool and runs the dark eerie streets it surveys, a gangland Vampire in black hoodie with intense stair. The urban Vampire moves fast and swift with a knowing swag and a brazen tude, making the Vampire hoodie the coolest mover on a darker dance floor.

Be a Vampire Hoodie and explore slowmo liquid movements contrasting sharp powerful precision in this unique and challenging workshop focusing on clean technique, flow and characterisation of the coolest kind. Come take a Vampire bite with me.

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Ian - Drumming

The aim of this workshop is to introduce beginners to the Tabla, Doumbek or Darabuka, (A goblet styled hand drum, often used in belly dancing), to some of the basic rhythms favoured by dancers, and to offer hints and tips (and a jam) for those just wishing to improve their playing.

I shall hope to cover:

1) How to hold and play your drum to get the various sounds. 2) Learning hints and tips, and how to read simple notation. 3) Basic Arabic rhythms such as Saidi, Baladi, Maqsoum and Masmoudi. 4) The advanced version of same rhythms (for those with more experience). 5) And a few Medieval rhythms, (we are at Gothla are we not?).

I hope this will be of interest to those of you with nothing to do whilst the girls (and guys) are in their dance workshops. Maybe you wish to improve your playing, or have just been given a Tabla drum as a present and want to know what end to hit. I have a fanciful goal of having a drum band to offer to the stage in future Gothla events…….. Who knows? This is an open workshop for all abilities, there is no pass/fail, just so long as you have fun, and hopefully go home with a few handy tips to improve your Tabla playing. Unfortunately I am unable to supply drums for all, so please bring an appropriate drum along (ie: goblet style drum, Tabla, Doumbek, Darabuka or Djembe (African) or even a Duf (frame drum).

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Ita - Fans

The fan dance we will learn, is choreographed by Ita (she brought the house down at last Year's Open Stage!!!); it is a modern variation of a traditional Chinese fan dance, combined with Tribal Fusion elements. The fan dance is used in celebrations and, particularly in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Ita's version is faster than the slower, traditional dance, adding modern movement for variety and to showcase the possibilities of dynamic stage use, whilst adding an element of surprise for the audience.

Although the dance seems simple, it requires a lot of practice in order to perform it well, but that's why we are here. Starting with small exercises, holding and moving the fans in different directions and exploring the possibilities. Later, we'll put together some moves into a whole choreography. The dance should express your inner conflict of life and the expectations one has for the future.

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Nihoma - Crafting

In this workshop we will be channeling the spirits of warriors through the ages, while learning to make armour inspired jewellery. Ingenuity and patience will be our sword and shield, as we wield pliers and wire to shape our designs. We will learn to make the original medieval chain mail that knights wore – European four-in-one. During the workshop, we'll learn the techniques of correctly opening and closing rings, then progress to linking them to form mail sheets. There will be time to make a cuff bracelet during the workshop, but you'll be able to use that knowledge to make necklaces, trims for costumes, or even entire costume pieces. I'll be bringing examples of larger pieces along for you to see for ideas.

We will use anodized aluminium and synthetic rubber, which is fairly easy to work with, and has a very low allergy risk. Plus, the aluminium is shiny and doesn't tarnish! All materials and tools will be provided, but if you have favourite pliers at home, feel free to bring them.

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Princess Farhana - Boo-Lesque: Showgirl Sorcery

Unleash your femme fatale onstage! This class focuses on the dark side of burlesque, using non-traditional music & movement. We’ll go over classic walks, bumps ‘n’grinds and glove work, then sprinkle them with some showgirl magick. We will also touch upon costuming, stage presence and witchy attitude. Princess Farhana is not only a belly dancer, but for thirteen years was one of the stars of America’s first and most well-known neo-burlesque troupe, The Velvet Hammer, as well as the principle dancer in Margaret Cho’s touring burlesque show, “The Sensuous Woman”. Since May 2017, she’s been the producer of Belle, Book And Candle, the popular occult-themed Los Angeles burlesque show. .Bring high heels, a pair of gloves, bra and panties, a veil and a boa Please dress as you would for any dance class! * THIS CLASS IS PG-RATED: NO NUDITY REQUIRED! Open Level

10:00am – 12:30pm UTC
Sharon Kihara Saturday AM
1:00pm – 3:00pm UTC
Bex - The Book of Shadows - Crafting

If you ever had a moment where you feel your note taking in classes and workshops were lost or forgotten about or your own choreography scribbles make no sense after a week or so this workshop is here to lend a little Magick. Based on a witch's book of shadows we will use the ideas Bex uses in both her dance and ritual to create a dancer' s 'book of shadows'. We will look at organisation, making things clear and memorable and making things personal to you. Through decoration, collage, collected objects and images and will begin creating your own workbook that is also a piece of art!

You will need to bring with you a ring binder or folder and punched pockets OR a notebook of no smaller than a5. Also any flyers, images of dancers/events/art/magazines/clippings/feathers/beads/dried flowers etc that inspire you or are personal to you in your dance journey.

1:00pm – 3:00pm UTC
Coralie - Stranger Things

Your belly (and your whole body) can achieve things you do not expect! In this workshop, Coralie will help you discover the "bizarre" potential of your body through dance moves and stage presence!

Through a series of technical exercises, we will explore the movements within the rib cage, belly roll and the diaphragm (flutter). But also, how to use hands movements to created dramatical moves and highlight body movements. This course will use repetitive drills and combos to help you create intimacy with your body movements and learn to master those.

Stage presence is the essence of a dancer, to connecting you with the audience and making them feel something strong. This is one of the key differences between artists and technicians : world- class technique on its own is not sufficient, it is the ability to create and share emotions that makes a strong and beautiful performance. In this workshop, we will work on exercises that help develop intention, strong presence on stage and the importance of creating a story. We will learn, how to step into a character, use the eyes to create an emotions and adding more depth to your performance.

Coralie will then propose to mix these technique with dance through a small choreography on the theme of the Death.

1:00pm – 3:00pm UTC
Lady C - Bitten By The Kitten

Here is a fun workshop for all bellydancers who would like to add some cat skills to their dancing. Hopefully you will learn dance combinations that have locks, pops and drops; slinky sways and isolations; juicy hips and a whole lot of attitude! With influencecs drawn from the Borg, Icanhazcheezeburger and Siouxsie and the Banshees, you will join the Itty Bitty Bitten Komitty and possibly never be the same again... What to expect: Dance combinations that you can take away with you to use or adapt. Dancing in a group using various formations. Dance moves that are explained and broken down for understanding, with tips on how to practice at home. Suitable for anyone who is a Gothla virgin (easy prey) to those who fanciy adding a bit of kitty quirk to their repportiore. What to bring: Yourself and a whole lot of Kattitude! Prepare to be assimilated...

1:00pm – 3:00pm UTC
Lynne Chapman - Drumming - Beyond Basics

When learning anything new the basics are always quite easy to come across but what happens next? How do you take it that step further and actually start to sound like something more than a novice? How do you navigate your brain confusion and start to feel more comfortable? Learning should be fun right, so why does it sometimes feel like such a chore?

Well this workshop will help give you some strategies, ideas and reassurance! As a teacher I don't assume prior knowledge as there are always learning gaps of things that just didn't sink in for one reason or another, so basics will be looked at but our aim is to go beyond, so we will look at things like ornaments which are the cool sounds you can make within a basic rhythm that just take it to the next level and make you feel like you are a real musician.

We will also look at changing from one rhythm to another and how to make up your own song - for yourself or for you to play for a dancer - and how those two things might be quite different!

1:00pm – 3:00pm UTC
Patricia Zarnovican - The Dark Fusion of Doom: Slow and Scary

Dive into the sound scape full of melancholy; we will focus on slow and flowing movement combinations and drills to Doom Metal Music. The looping, slowly rolling guitar riffs, combined with the typical, slow-motion and serpentine Tribal moves create a harmonic performance.

Intermediate

1:00pm – 3:30pm UTC
Sharon Kihara Saturday PM
3:00pm – 5:30pm UTC
Morgana - The Gypsy Curse

Learn a full choreography with a gypsy steampunk dark style using the tribal steps you already know and have fun with your workshop mates. Don't forget to bring your tribal long skirt and a hat or scarf for the head.

This choreography can be represented in the Open Stage or show.

Medium Level

3:30pm – 5:30pm UTC
Ida - Prom Night of the Necrodancers

One necrodancer is good, two do the magic! In this workshop, we will create duets of hellish beauty. (Threesomes are welcome too, we are open-minded.) Ida & Max introduce you to dancing with one or more stage-partners. What moves are the most effective when dancing together? How do we leverage differences in body type? Which concepts, images and movement patterns do help us shape meaningful choreographies? Let's synchronise our inner rhythm and waltz through the night to become the prom kings and queens of the butcher's ballroom!

Intermediate

3:30pm – 5:30pm UTC
Princess Farhana - Makeup

Learn to apply gorgeous stage makeup that will accent your natural features…or turn them into something else entirely! No matter what you look like in real life…or when you first wake up (!) you'll leave this workshop looking like a larger-than-life vamp. Learn to apply gorgeous, stylized makeup with dark-rimmed, heavy-lidded bedroom eyes, expressive brows and lips. You'll learn to apply false eyelashes painlessly and quickly, and be exotically stage or camera-ready…in the blink of an eye! Please bring a set of false eyelashes and your own make-up and applicators. Tissues and make-up remover will be on hand at the class. Arrive with a well-scrubbed face, leave as a dark, ethereal starlet ready for her close-up!

Open to all levels.

July 22nd, 2018

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Anna - Bra & Belt 1

These are not the typical "how to decorate your outfit" workshops. We'll focus instead of how to create costume pieces that have the structural integrity to withstand years of use. We will work on tailoring the fit to your own body and not some generic shape, and which tools to use to make things easier. Finally, we'll cover types of decorations, how to handle the most common decorations, and other extras that can make life easier for you as a dancer. You don't need to have previous sewing experience, but it would be advantageous. Closer to the date you will receive guidance on the best options for fashion fabric and tools.

Workshop 1: Belts for dancing 101 In this workshop we'll make patterns for our own belt bases, adapted to our individual bodies, then create the bases from scratch, sturdy enough to support the weight of our choice of decoration. As we progress, we can have a Q&A about working with difficult fabrics like brocade or assiut; and decoration and beading basics, both from a design and a craft point of view.

You will need to bring: - some paper to create your pattern, - pen or pencil, - tailors chalk pencil or similar, - scissors suitable for fabric (you can share these with one or two friends), - your own chosen fabric to cover the belt (the "fashion fabric layer").

Optional but recommended: - a good thimble with a ridge around the top, - a spool of thread to match your fashion fabric, - extra textiles, trims, ethnic buttons, etc, if you get to the decoration stage.

I will be providing: - the base fabric (black or white) - belt D-rings hardware in silver colour - needles, pins, basic thread

You will not be getting: - a finished belt, but you will take away what you have worked on to finish at home - any outer textiles, big terminals or decorations for your belt, although I will supply suggestions on where to get them

You will receive further instructions on suitable fabrics and tools closer to the date, and an illustrated step-by-step hand-out explaining the process. I strongly suggest you give this guide a quick read before attending.

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Darkstar - Rock Star Bellydance

Be a rock star for a day. This full throttle workshop set to anything from AC/DC to Kid Rock, Motley Crue to The Darkness is action packed full of fun with killer riffs to really bring out your rock star vibes. Let's jam with hard core drills and cool combinations to really blow your mind. Expect locks and pops, waves and ticks all with a devil may care attitude. Now let's turn that shimmy up to 11 and go out with a bang!

Rock Star Belly Dance is Darkstars own unique blend of serpentine Tribal Fusion with the sass and playfulness of traditional belly dance styles along with her passion for hip hop and the magic of body popping to create this sexy cool and bad girl dance style.

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Elisa - Schattenspiel (Shadow Play)

How mesmerizing can a shaped moment be? Gestures are a rich and important way of expressing yourself or a story and can change everything about a moment and mood. Your gaze, fingers, hands and arms can be used in multiple ways to change or manifest a moment and mood for the spectator. Using different music and musical patterns we will explore these manifestations and changes with fused Tribal and Indian layered combinations.

10:00am – 12:00pm UTC
Princess Farhana - Stage Sorcery

This master class is designed for dancers to help build strong, dynamic dance pieces of any style. You will learn to access your creativity and strengthen your dramatic skills by exploring improvisation, mime, body language, dance technique and non-verbal storytelling to move your narrative along. We'll get into character development and back story, plus the power of pauses and poses onstage, creative use of performance space, and building your dance vocabulary by adding texture and intent to movement. This workshop ends with a guided meditation designed to calm stage fright and get performance ready- to eliminate fear and ease into accessing your emotions onstage.

Open to all levels

12:30pm – 2:30pm UTC
Anna - Bra & Belt 2

These are not the typical "how to decorate your outfit" workshops. We'll focus instead of how to create costume pieces that have the structural integrity to withstand years of use. We will work on tailoring the fit to your own body and not some generic shape, and which tools to use to make things easier. Finally, we'll cover types of decorations, how to handle the most common decorations, and other extras that can make life easier for you as a dancer. You don't need to have previous sewing experience, but it would be advantageous. Closer to the date you will receive guidance on the best options for fashion fabric and tools.

In this workshop we'll focus on creating a bra (almost) from scratch, reinforcing it to take the heavy decorations we use in Tribal Fusion and ATS. We will discuss how to give more coverage to the cups if necessary, how to create sturdy straps that won't sag or stretch, and how to replace bra bands. As we progress, we can have a Q&A about working with fabrics like assiut or brocades; and decoration and beading basics, both from a design and a craft point of view.

You will need to bring: - a bra with well-fitting foam cups that haven't been stretched, - some paper to create your pattern, - pen or pencil, - tailors chalk pencil or similar, - scissors suitable for fabric (you can share these with one or two friends), - your own chosen fabric to cover the bra (the "fashion fabric layer").

Optional but recommended: - a good thimble with a ridge around the top, - a spool of thread to match your fashion fabric, - extra textiles, trims, ethnic buttons, etc, if you get to the decoration stage.

I will be providing: - the strength base fabric and reinforcing extras (black or white) - bra D-rings hardware in silver colour - needles, pins, basic thread, boning, boning casing.

You will not be getting: - a finished bra, but you will take away what you have worked on to finish at home - any outer textiles, big terminals or decorations for your bra, although I will supply suggestions on where to get them

You will receive further instructions on suitable fabrics and tools closer to the date, and an illustrated step-by-step hand-out explaining the process. I strongly suggest you give this guide a quick read before attending.

12:30pm – 2:30pm UTC
Bex - The Dark Arts

2 hours of pure dark fusion drills. Bex style! Working from head to toe we will hone our skills with technical precision. Slow and serpentine motions in the core, arms, hands and head ending with a short combination of moves to help you put the skills into fluid dance. Sharp and powerful locks, pops and hits old school style in the head, chest, core and hips. Also ending in a combination to some old school ebm from the best of the goth revival! Tummy work such as flutters and rolls to add little accents in your performance are an added bonus ;) get ready to work Hard and dance harder!

12:30pm – 3:00pm UTC
Morgana - From East to West, Native Dances

We travel in this workshop through two big regions and inspiring cultures in which we will learn earthly spiritual elements and moves to fusion with our dance style. From the East, we will study the Mongolian Native dances and throat singing music that will give us different dark notes to our choreographies. From the West, we will practice and enjoy some American Native dance steps, jumps and turns, following the earth drum rhythms in a modern electronic fusion.

Medium Level

12:30pm – 2:30pm UTC
Patricia Zarnovican - Tribal Style Zillar

Don't fear the cymbals!

We are not only focusing on and practicing the ATS®-typical "Gallop", but we will also try a variety of other Rhythms and combine them with Tribal Style moves. We will look at different techniques of playing the zillar, as well as tricks for clean and effective zilling.

This workshop is aimed at newcomers to cymbals and/or fusion and also for "old hands" (Alte Hasen in German, which means Old Hares), who want to polish up their technique.

Beginner/Improver