Dark Fusion basics

Gothic Bellydance course

6 weeks of Dark Fusion

Would you like to explore a whole new side of bellydance?

Dark Fusion, or Gothic Bellydance takes the mood and aesthetics of Alternative culture and applies it to bellydance.

In this course of 6, 90 minute sessions, we will look at style, costuming, makeup, music and of course dance technique. Dancers will be encouraged to harness their own creativity and be supported in creating their own short performance, making the most of their individual strengths.

We will be exploring:

• Theatrical (gothic) bellydance

• Dark Cabaret (with a burlesque influence)

• Psychobilly

Mostly however, this course will be driven by you, and will evolve according to your preferences and inspiration.

Tribal fusion for beginners.

Are you interested in learning to dance the beautiful Tribal Fusion style? Whether you are a complete beginner, or an experienced dancer wanting to explore this style, Tribal Fusion Fundamentals is a 6 week course that covers all the basics.

The Fundamentals sessions that run alongside Shadow Shimmies will be focussing on Tribal Fusion technique, rather than classic Raqs Sharqui. We will look at some of the root ATS steps and focus on Tribal stylisation.

Complete beginners who book Fundamentals, will be able to take Shadow Shimmies alongside.

There is no "official" technique for Dark Fusion, although several dance schools have their own format, it is more an overlay that can be applied to a variety of styles of bellydance.  The dance may be theatrical, use music from alternative genres, or fusion music by artists using middle eastern influences, the costuming and staging is likely to fit a darker aesthetic. Many Dark Fusion performers have their roots in Tribal Fusion style bellydance, although others base their dance on classical Arabic performance. The key is originality, creativity, artistry and entertainment.

A collection of my favourite Dark Fusion performance can be found here.

I completed Bex Priest's Ghoul School intensive for Dark Fusion teachers in August 2013.