Feb 29 – March 2: Tribal Pura, Bloomington, IN , www.ddbd.org/pura/
Description of Workshop and Theme: Tribal: Pura
The exclusive partnership of Devyani Dance Company and FatChanceBellyDance

In 1996, a new student caught my eye. Megha Gavin was talented and focused and approached the dance (and me) with respect. After moving away in 1998, she continued to refine her technique and often traveled to perform as a guest with FatChanceBellyDance. In 2003, she completed FCBD certified teacher training. Megha now directs the Devyani Dance Company in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tribal:Pura an alchemy of art and science is our exploration of Traditional Tribal Style Bellydance. Using the guidelines of classical art and the science of anatomy to communicate an absolute style. We hope you will join us in our enthusiasm for Tribal in its original form.

Tribal Pura Workshop--a review by Stephanie Rose Bird

*These workshops occur all over the world and are a chance for belly dancers to learn and retreat.

Tribal Pura Bloomington was a well organized event from the close (walking distance) of the very clean, reasonable, comfy (group-discounted) Homewood Suites hotel to the spacious dance hall and ever-ready supply of a variety of chilled drinks and breakfast buffet. The performance Friday night was interesting—with one of few contemporary young male dancers I’ve seen in a while, lots and lots of ATS and some oriental thrown in which made a refreshing change, as well as Smoke from the Chicago area, performing a Moroccan Six and a sassy number over-all. The Leap Year evening Performance was enjoyable, presented in an intimate space. Carolina and Megha where stunning, the zilling—true perfection, duet turns mesmerizing; Carolena’s flutters and Megha’s exquisite Indian temple dance stylizations—all were a heavenly sight to see.

So what of the workshops? I had mixed feelings. First there is something to be said for being in the same room with someone who has belly danced and zilled for thirty plus years ... and you can certainly tell. Carolena’s presence as a dancer is stunning and Megha’s stylizations and technique are excellent. When I first saw Carolena in street close she looked like an old-time Hollywood actress, understated and mysteriously clad in all black.