bellydance classes
winter 2008
Ventura and Ojai, CA Bellydance Classes
with Natasya Katsikaris
Please call 805-640-5781 or
e-mail Natasya
mondays 7:00-8:15 pm (ventura)
mixed-level bellydance class
special intro for new students:
6:30-7:00 January 7, 2008
Levels 1 & 2
Learn dance moves, zills, and combinations.
Tribal, "Tribaret", and historically-inspired folkloric roots styles.
Natasya
teaches a fluid fusion of traditional Near Eastern dance, modern cabaret, folkloric, and American Tribal style bellydance.
$40/4 classes or $15 drop-in
Pulse Drum 2434 E. Main Street, Ventura
Winter class session begins January 7, 2008
wednesdays 7:00-8:15 pm (ojai)
mixed-level bellydance class
starts january 21, 2008
Please join us at our NEW Ojai Studio.
If you are an advanced dancer interested in joining Byzantium Dance Troupe, please call for an audition. 640-5781.
see us at Ojai Day 2007
about the classes
Natasya's classes combine the best of the west (musical count and movement break-downs) with the soul of the east (improvisation and music interpretation). Traditional Near Eastern Style, American Tribal Style, and "Tribaret".
bellydance faqs page (questions & answers)
natasya's bellydance students' study guide
Beginner
/ Level 1: Learn basic universal bellydance movement and traditional Near Eastern rhythms, combinations for tribal style group dance. Focus on correct posture and body alignment. Basic Zills (finger cymbals). |
Intermediate
/ Level 2: Focus on perfecting traditional zill rhythms and deepening your understanding of near eastern music. Layered and complex movements. Group improvisation. Cabaret & Tribal stylings. |
Advanced
/ Level 3: Musical interpretation for solo and group improvisation. Polish performance skills and develop poise. Advanced movement combinations. Advanced Zills (finger cymbals). |
performance & teaching credits
Portland Community College
City of Ventura
Ojai Department of Recreation
Ventura Community College
Loma Vista Middle School
Kajira Djoumahna's Tribal Fest
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Ojai Day
Ventura Art Walk
City of Ventura 4th of July Street Fair
Ventura Bellydance Festival (founder & producer 1999-2004)
Equinox Tribal Bellydance Festival (founder & producer 2002-2004)
Vesselo Festival (Eugene Oregon folk dance festival)
Various Multi-cultural events at Ventura and Oxnard schools
University of California, Santa Barbara
(UCSB)
Middle Eastern Music Ensemble
Ojai Pirate Festival
Santa Barbara Renaissance Fair
Olivas Adobe Music Under the Stars
about natasya
A second generation Greek-American, Natasya grew up learning the
music and dances of the Asia Minor Greeks. She first studied bellydance
with Alexandra King and performed with the U.C.S.B. Middle
Eastern Music Ensemble (1991-93). After two years with the Ensemble,
Ms. Katsikaris began her professional career dancing in Greek and Arabic
restaurants. She was a featured dancer at Ventura's Greek at the Harbor
for 7 years (1996-2003).
In 1999, Natasya opened fusion studio, Ventura's first and only bellydance
studio. She founded and produced the first Bellydance Festivals in Ojai and Ventura (Ventura Bellydance Festival 1999-2004 and Equinox Tribal Bellydance Festival in Ojai 2002-2003). She has taught hundreds of bellydance students. Natasya
lived in Portland OR from 2004-2007 during which time her students,
including Vicki Westerling, continued teaching bellydance in the Ventura
area.
In 2007 Natasya and her husband, Daniel returned to Ojai, CA