Date: January 19th 2009

Greetings everyone!

We've got more Gothla US news for you!

***Performance Line-up!!!***
Asharah, amazing woman that she, has put together an awesome line-up for the festival. You can see the schedule here:http://gothla.com/perform.html

And yes, if you haven't sent in your performer application (and this includes those of you who just dropped her an email, you MUST send in a physical application!), you can and get placed on the waiting list. We have a couple of "TBA" slots that are being held temporarily for folks missing their applications, so get your butts in gear and get those to Asharah before she gets mad, or else those slots are going to other folks who know not to make her mad. Cause you don't want her mad ;)

***PRETTY SHINY THINGS!***
I've got a partial list of vendors up on the website - more are being confirmed and added every week. You can see them here: http://gothla.com/vend.html -and if you're a vendor without a link, please drop me an email so I can have your URL!

Speaking of which, I have just a couple of spots left for vending! If you're interested, get a move-on, because right now , we're playing musical chairs - essentially there's a lot more interested vendors than slots

AND - have you reserved your Gothla Merch yet? Just like last year, we'll primarily be catering to those who placed pre-orders, and ordering just a few extra of each design - so be sure to get your style in your size by ordering NOW! http://gothla.com/merch.html

***SMART DANCERS, WE HAZ THEM"
Workshop registration is moving along swiftly, all of the workshops are halfway to being full or beyond, so as soon as one workshop hits full, we'll be closing down the special packages: Gluttons and whatever day that workshop falls upon go first! Glutton registration has been amazing - and no surprise since they'll be getting a complete Gothic package - style, technique, drama, prop-usage, and more - for a well-rounded dancer. We dare you to move outside of your same-old, same-old comfort zone and try something different to challenge yourself as a dancer! Think it's all about the "technique", then try a class focusing on drama, trance, or ritual ----think you're a "drama mama"? Get hardcore and push it! Sign up here! http://gothla.com/workshops.html

And from each newsletter from now on, we'll focus on a different day. Today's special is FRIDAY!

FRIDAY, MARCH 6th!
Kick off your Gothla experience with area favorite Marjhani from 3:00-5:00pm with "Understanding the Gothic Scene"In this class we will discuss the different looks and sounds found in the Gothic Sub-cultures: Ethereal/Romantic/Dark Wave, Industrial, Death Rock, EBM & Powernoize. We will cover what type of movements and costuming goes with which sound as well as cover genre appropriate stage presence and space utilization. This workshop is designed for dancers of all levels and the curious at heart.

Then expand your mind further with dance legend Lee Ali from 5:15-7:15pm in her workshop on "Trance Dancing" Trance dancing is a personal journey into altered states of consciousness and creativity. Light trancing is the ultimate stress reliever. It is a Zen exercise for learning to “let go” and dance mindlessly in the moment. As we advance, deep trance is a powerful, mysterious tool for harvesting self-knowledge and spiritual ecstasy. We will explore trance from 3 different angles. First as an ancient ritual, second, as a performance art for dancers, and third, as a traditional women’s social dance. Segment 1 of the workshop will introduce simple techniques for descending into trance as well as a rhythm drills and music suggestions for practicing trance on your own. In segment 2 students learn a 2-minute choreography inspired by the Egyptian Zar, a traditional ritual for healing spirit-possession. This routine is a theatrical version of a real Zar and may be performed as par
t of a tribal fusion or gothic dance piece. Segment 3 will explore group trance dancing. Part African, part Arab, these spicy movements and interactions are based on Moroccan women’s dances. This is the Moroccan version of a mosh pit! We will rock, spin, jump, flick, and shake with abandonment. Bring kneepads and eat lightly before class. This is a rhythmic and hypnotic workout!

Which is the perfect segway to our big event for Friday - MOTIF! from 8-10pm. That's right, "Motif" - that mythic covert success from Tribal Fest 8 comes to Gothla US: Motif is an experimental gathering, merging music, dance, and ritual, open to Gothla US attendees only. Please arrive promptlly before 8pm, and expect to participate until 10pm. This is NOT a performance - it is a communal interaction. The event will have a formal beginning to awaken our space, and will be guided throughout the evening by the lead dancers and musicians, and have a formal conclusion. Motif is the brainchild of Tempest and Lee Ali - and it's first instance was at Tribal Fest 8- and we're thrilled to be able to present it to you at Gothla US. Not only is it an opportunity to meet and greet your teachers and fellow attendees, it provides the perfect beginning for your weekend - preparing you mentally and physically for what's to come, in style! Participants are welcome to bring rugs, pillows, and
beverages. Musicians are welcome to bring their instruments, dancers - come prepared to dance!

Sign up here: http://gothla.com/workshops.html

Again, thanks for all your support and enthusiasm. We are super excited about Gothla US this year - it's bigger and better than ever, and we look forward to experiencing it with you!

Cheers,
The Gothfia