to the earth class info

Some of the information we cover in class is available here for your personal practice. These class handouts may not be used for any other purpose (i.e. if you're another instructor) without our permission. We're not likely to keep you from using our stuff; we just want to know what you're doing with it.

Outline from mixed-level drills class - includes warm up, movement list & conditioning suggestions for home practice; this is a good, simple resource for practice at home.

Fundamentals Syllabus - the original Fundamentals class plan outlines all the basics covered in our standard fundamentals class.

Music Ideas - music suggestions for students' practice, including things we play in class & perform to.

more places to learn

how to find what you're looking for

There aren't a lot of other tribal teachers in Richmond, but there are plenty of excellent teachers of other styles. Check out the offerings from the Henrico, Richmond & Chesterfield county Parks & Recreation offices, the Latin Ballet of Virginia, the Richmond Athletic Club & Sheva's School. The Women of Selket and Sahara Breeze dance also offer a series of mini-workshops throughout the year, advertised on their website.

If you're committed to tribal, check out the offerings in DC - particularly for a weekend workshop with a big name in tribal dance, a few hours in the car isn't a bad deal. There are several tribal & fusion instructors in the DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia area.

No matter where you are, Tribe.net is one of the best places to find information about tribal bellydance online. Many of the tribal groups we link on our Links page also have discussion fora on Tribe.net.

Other local artists & venues - places to see dance

Art Works - To the Earth performs monthly at 4th Friday openings.
First Fridays - To the Earth sometimes joins the River City Burners.
Richmond Tribal on Tribe.net - info on haflas & tribal performances; please post your own questions & events!
Bellydance Richmond on Tribe.net - general performance info for local dancers.
Dancers are also featured weekly at Curry House in Innsbrook. Haflas (large shows with several dancers) happen several times a year at Pho 79 & monthly at Positive Vibe cafe, too.

Local bellydance teachers & workshops

Jewels of the Oasis and Oasis Tribal (cabaret and tribal student and semi-pro troupes - good place to start performing)
Scheherezade Imports (local costume importer & cabaret teacher through Henrico county - Lucy rocks!)
Women of Selket (cabaret performance & workshops; members also teach individually)
Sheva's School (cabaret teaching & performance)
Sahara Breeze Middle Eastern Dance (teaching, performance & workshops - BatSheva's also in TTE)

classes & workshops further away

These are all either friends or people we've studied a tiny bit with. We recommend them highly! Some even have superpowers!
DC Tribal
Marta/Move Your Belly (DC)
Joy of Motion (DC)
Shakra, Dancers of the Tribal Grove (MD)
Transitions Yoga & Dance (Northern VA)
Blue Moon Dance Company (NC)
Mandara (Southwest VA)
Baraka Mundi (Asheville)
Sammati (DC)

workshop & video instruction

Fat Chance Bellydance (creators of ATS - our teachers)
We recommend their videos! For beginners, Carolena's "Art of Bellydance" package is a great deal, too.
Devyani Dance (led by Meg, our other teacher!)
Megha's based in Birmingham, but teaches workshops on the east coast fairly regularly.
Other ATS-style videos: Black Sheep Bellydance and Gypsy Caravan both have videos out with different styles of tribal. You can also get a drills video from Rachel Brice (fusion), which is great for conditioning.
Mahea Uchiyama (hula/Ori Tahiti)
Her MUCID company was the inspiration for some of the Tahitian-infused movements To the Earth does.
Dalia Carella
Dalia Carella's Romani/gypsy dance videos inspired a few choreography ideas for TTE.

Costuming & Other Stuff to Buy

In addition to these sites, check out eBay and Tribe.net's sale and swap communities for good deals on costumes. Keep in mind that, while it's a lot of fun to get costume pieces, you really don't need anything for class but comfortable clothes and a set of zils.

Flying Skirts - good source for everything; we love Flying Skirts
Belly Roll - beautiful pantaloons & skirts
Velvet Peacock Designs - one of the prettiest cholis you can buy
Shimmy Bliss - good prices on quality belts and accessories
Goddess Garden - loads of accessories and DIY supplies
Theora's Bellydance Boutique - good prices for custom-made costume basics
. Wicked Harem - elaborate belts & big skirts
Scheherezade Imports - imports from Egypt; good accessories
Saroyan - lovely-sounding zils
Rom Deussen - fun face glitter
Touch the Earth - drums, percussion & textiles
Auralynne - hair ornaments and headresses