2010 classes & workshops

nb: All classes are capped at 16 participants only, booking your place is essential. A 10% discount applies to 2 or more enrolments in the same term.

TO EACH CLASS: Please bring a yoga Mat and wear comfortable clothing for dance. Absolutely no coin belts please. Cameras and note pads are fine. No spectators or small children please.

The 2010 'Elysium Temple Series" Workshops in Geelong: Hosted by Embellysh Belly Dance and in Ballarat, hosted by Christine Fiscalini

These workshops resume in March 2010. Bookings are required so please register your place for the Elysium Temple Series workshops in Geelong in with Lisa on 0413 955 065, to book in Ballarat visit the Facebook page or email maisah@raqsgothique.com

Elysium: What is it?

Elysium is gothic fusion belly dance in the Raqs Gothique style, as created by Maisah. These are taught in a combined choreography and tribal-inspired format, meaning it is a group or duet based dance, either improvised, choreographed, or both, where the leader gives cues to communicate the dance to the group during a performance.
Elysium is an easy way to learn dark fusion dance, creating dynamic performances and exciting dance innovations. Elysium is offered in Melbourne as ongoing classes or as a workshop option. Please note classes are designed to be progressive, with focus on your dance development.

Elysium student group "Dark Djinn" lead by Maisah perform Darshan and Reptile at the 2009 Goddess Belly Dance end of year concert, December 4th 2009

How it works

Elysium is divided into Priestess and Goddess levels for intro and intermediate levels respectively. The Elysium terminology is taught as each move and combinations have names and infinite possibilities.
To progress to the Elysium Goddess level its is required you then complete at least 4-8 terms in Elysium Priestess to refine, polish and completely drill that level to perfection so you are ready for the next challenge.
Everyone starts in Priestess level, the Goddess level will be unveiled in either late 2010 or in 2011

The Elysium levels are:

* Elysium Priestess: The intro/beginner level. Open to all
* Elysium Goddess: Intermediate level. At least 4 terms of Elysium Priestess required.
* Advanced level and Elysium Teach Training *to be revealed in 2011.

The Elysium families are:

* Egyptian (Earth. Based on Egyptian beladi and cabaret belly dance)
* Indian (Air. Inspired by Indian kathak, odissi and tribal fusion)
* Dark (Fire. Moves based on dark gothic and tribal fusion)
* Occult (Water. Moves based on ultra slow intense dark fusion)

Every student will get a timetable at the start of each term that outlines the syllabus week by week, ensuring the class does indeed progress, as well as scheduling time for group, partner and individual assistance.

F.A.Q.'s

What happened to Elysium A, B and C?
I have decided to restructure Elysium Priestess classes for beginners and remove the titles Elysium A and B and C, replacing them with simply Elysium Priestess. The A B and C groups seemed to create some confusion where it was hoped to simplify - oopps. lol! Also, I listened to all who participated in 2009 and the overall feedback was there was maybe too many moves and not enough repetition in the intro/priestess level. So in 2010, Elysium Priestess will be streamlined, adding new combinations and more drills and partner work. Each term will cover different moves from a selection of the four dance groups; Indian, Egyptian, Dark and Occult, so it is always new and exciting for everyone.

So where do I start?
You can start in any term during the year labeled Elysium Priestess, as each term will be different and offer a unique set of dance moves and combinations, so no matter when or where you start you will be developed and supported in the Elysium format. Please be aware that staring Elysium mid-term may be a bit tricky as the rest of the class will have developed quite a bit by week 4-5.

Do I need any belly dance experience?
Not specifically but it will help. it doesn't matter if you have cabaret or tribal experience, if its a few weeks, months or years, I teach my dance format and technique the same way to all, with emphasis on creating dancers that can dance in groups and partners and remain in unison. Solo dance is also encouraged, however for class we focus on group and duet work. If you feel it is too advanced for you, or you feel you are not a natural dancer or a fast learner, you may enjoy the beginner classes to start with.

Do you accept male students?
Yes. I absolutely do. I understand this may be a bit confronting for some ladies, however I feel strongly dance is for all and fusion, especially dark fusion, should have no barriers. So I will always be welcoming to dance students of all varieties. Bring it on!

So what is Gothic belly dance?
That requires a long answer, but the short version is it a dark fusion version of the Egyptian dance with some tribal fusion elements and many variations throughout the world. Gothic belly dance, Raqs Gothique as I named my fusion back in 2001, began with many dancers in many places about 10 or more years ago, I being one of those early dark fusion dance pioneers. Others of note include Tempest and Sashi and there are many more; it seems that after ten years, gothic fusion has finally reached a level of acceptance, and I'm excited to still be a part of it all, and look forward to pushing the boundaries of goth, steam punk and dark fusion dance.

All bookings and payments are made directly with Goddess belly Dance or the relevant workshop sponsor. Please arrive 10 minutes prior in appropriate dance attire. No coin belts in classes or workshops please.

To hire Ma'isah for a Workshop please see the bookings page. At this time private lessons are available in 2010 after March, please email Maisah for more info.

Bookings Workshops
A downloadable form with fees and info is available from the bookings and contacts page. Please note your reply may arrive via Dominika @ Goddess Belly Dance.

You will need:
Bare or socked feet, dance pants or leggings under skirts. Dressing up is encouraged. Hip scarves and comfortable dance wear is the minimal required but NO coin belts please.

Water and your own yoga mat or towel is essential.

Pen and paper optional. Cameras are fine, but recording is for personal use/refference only. No spectators please, participants only.

These workshops are not suitable for under 10's. Child minding [if available] is arranged directly with the workshop sponsors and not with Raqs Gothique. No unsupervised children in workshops please.