Bio's

Kath

I started Belly Dancing in 1995 and have done many styles of oriental dance.

I first started American Tribal Style with Devi Mamak in 2001. I performed in Ghawazi Caravan for 8 years and created some of the choreographies Ghawazi used during this time.

I have taken classes/workshops both here and overseas with Carolena  Nericcio Director of FCBD and many other teachers such as Jill Parker, Rachel Brice etc,as well as a few classes/workshops in Sydney with local teachers.

What I love about Tribal is the strength, posture and presence it portrays to an audience. There is a real neatness to the movement particularly the arm lines that can be hard to achieve in oriental styles.

I love the improvisation, language and connection between dancers, but I also love choreographing. This is why Tribal Fusion is perfect for me as it allows me to incorporate different styles of dance, play with movement and use my creativity. There is so much more to learn and experience. I can’t wait, BRING IT ON!

Kath is tattooed by Trevor Bennett

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Lara

How long have you been dancing?

I started belly dancing in 1994, teaching myself for about 6 months before attending my first class in 1995. I originally started in oriental styles learning from a variety of teachers, which allowed me to grasp a number of different styles and techniques.

How long have you been doing Tribal?

I started taking classes in 2001 with Devi Mamak. I trained in the Fat Chance Belly Dance (FCBD) format for the next 8 years and was a performer/choreographer in Ghawazi Caravan from 2001-2008. I have also studied with Carolena Nericcio - director of FCBD and while overseas attended classes and workshops with a number of FCBD teachers, as well as with many other respected teachers in a variety of other styles.

What appeals to you about Tribal?

The style displays strength in the posture and movements, particularly the slow which requires you to have a strong core and really use your muscles, it’s a great way to stay toned. The synchronicity of the dancers and the connection felt when improvising with fellow troupe members also appeals to me and I like how I can improvise with another dancer across the other side of the world who knows the language, it’s pretty cool.

What draws you to Tribal Fusion/other styles of dance?

I like movement in general and love choreography. I have been fortunate to have taught my work to others and to have been given opportunities to have performed my own choreographies at some of the major belly dance festivals within Australia and overseas. My love for creating choreographies is probably why I’m more drawn to tribal fusion and other dance styles. I love the fact that I can add theatre to my performances and would love to explore this more, oh so much to learn.

Other interests?

Like my fellow dance sister Sandy, I would have to say fitness and health and I also enjoy yoga. I love to take classes/workshops in other dance genres - when I can find the time and would have to say my other pass time is to just do nothing and sleep.

Lara is tattooed by Trevor Bennett

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Sandy

    A Bit About Sandy

Sandy teaches beginner, intermediate and advanced tribal belly dance and is director of performing troupe ‘Aziff’ and newer sister troupe ‘Sawat’. 

Sandy has a wealth of experience as a tribal teacher and performer, dancing tribal with Ghawazi Caravan under Devi Mamak’s direction since 2000 and teaching since 2003.

Sandy has been belly dancing since 1999, prior to then, she was a qualified fitness instructor and has practiced yoga on and off since she was 17. Sandy has studied with Devi Mamak, Carolena Nericcio, Paulette Rees-Denis, Rachel Brice, Jill Parker, Kajira,
and Melusina Rogers.
 

           What do you love about tribal?

       The whole scene. Apart from the fitness it generates, it’s a spiritual path – understanding ourselves and each other on a deeper level. There is a quality about Tribal style that nurtures the dancer, allowing expression through dance. Within the boundaries of the dance moves, improvisational choreography can bring out such creativity and cleverness, it’s great for the brain too! I love the friendships that have developed. As we are each unique and individual, we find a common ground in this earthy style of dance.

                  What do you do for a living?
I work as a specialist Anaesthetic and Recovery Room nurse in the Operating Theatre.
I have 2 beautiful boys who are growing fast and 1 tolerant husband.

        Your Other Passions?
Fitness and health. Being a pretty strict vegetarian, I practice Ahimsa. I love nature so much (who doesn’t?), I don’t swat flies. I practice meditation. Organic food is important to me- it sustains me and my family- and the planet! I am a member of The Vegetarian Society and Greenpeace. I also love my Kombi.

          Where do you see yourself in the future?
So far, ATS has taken me to a lot of places. Tribal fever is happening right now!  There will definitely be more classes, bigger student troupes and wonderful performance opportunities, oh, and bigger earrings!

Sandy is tattooed by Emma Yo

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