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‘Belly Dance’ comes from various folk dances throughout the Middle East. As it has been passed on through generations and traveled around the world, we have seen many changes, though one thing remains…. the subtlety, power and grace of the female is celebrated through the dance. In the beginning it was a dance women did for each other in celebration. It is in this spirit women can be both sensuous and empowered at the same moment.

 
     
  Colleena’s passion for dance was sparked by Belly dance and all the freedom it allowed within Arabic music. She preformed with Troupe Muraja in the Northwest and eventually became a solo dancer, studying specific regional styles of the Middle East with teachers such as Suzie Tekbilek. Today she performs regularly in India with her troupe of Khalbelia ‘Gypsy’ musicians. This has added yet another layer to her Belly Dance style; Indian-Arabic fusion.
 
 
  Arabic Indian Fusion:
Colleena has developed her own unique style of Oriental dance through her strong influence of Indian classical and folk dance. The grace and precision of Odissi Classical dance poses, rhythmic whirling movements of Rajasthani dance mixed with the inward undulations and fluidity of Arabic dance movements create a timeless expression of the divine feminine mystic.
Learn more about Colleena's group Kala Nag: Serpentine

Talwar (Sword) Dance:
Balancing a sharp sword on the head demonstrates the dancer’s skills of concentration and isolation of movements. The sword dance is a common image found in the harem paintings of Oriental era. The arch of the Turkish Saber (sword) accents the curvatatious and snake like movements of Belly Dance, creating a dramatic and unforgettable image of strength and beauty.

 
 
  Fire Belly Dance:
For dramatic and dreamscape performance settings, fire props such as ‘Fire Fans’, ‘Fire Rope’ and ‘Lamps’ are added to a performance set to take the climax to a higher aesthetic. Using this powerful element of nature creates an ambiance that draws the audience on an inward journey.


Traditional Egyptian and Turkish Belly Dance:
Using the beautiful traditional music, costuming and movements from Egypt /Turkey the classical images of the Orient come to life. Belly Dance is a celebration of femininity and grace.
 
     
   
  Arabic Indian Fusion Belly Dance (Series 1):
With the goal of becoming a more grounded dancer, Colleena introduces her methodology and approach to dance. Strength and flexibility are essential for dancers who wish to take dance to a higher level, this is achieved through yoga and classical Indian dance techniques. Colleena instructs students on a set of daily exercises that develop the body for dance and healthier living. Defining movements and stylizations, which create this dance form, will be introduced such as: Subtle eye and head movements, new hand positions (mudra), gaze/focus, spins, powerful transition steps and beautiful temple dance poses which melt into fluid Arabic movements.
 
 
  Choreography in Indian Arabic Fusion Belly Dance style (Series 2):
These workshops work more specifically on transitions expressed in choreography. Techniques of each movement and pose are explained thoroughly, though it is recommended to begin with Series 1. The classes begin with methodology and exercises, then move into drills on timing and rhythm.
 
     
  Cultivating Shakti in your Dance:
Techniques to improve dynamic energy in your dance and feel more vibrant in your performance. We will explore Vedic (Yoga) techniques for dancers in India from ancient times including breath techniques, stretches and strengthening exercises as well as meditation techniques and more. This is a fascinating look inside of ourselves; work that every performer must do to deepen their art. I use many techniques from Odissi classical dance and from intensive yoga practice.
 
     
   
  Shakti School of Dance in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Learn more about Shakti School of Dance!
 
  View More Belly Dance Photos  
  Upcoming Performances  
     
  “When Colleena enters the stage she has a calm almost devotional grace that comes with her. It is a very relaxing experience to watch her dance. I just knew I had to learn from her.”
– Annette Junger, Germany. In Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
 
     

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