Gothla US 2010 Newsletter

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter Online Buttons End Today! Motif Almost Sold Out! DVD Info!

2010-02-28T11:55:58Z

Hi again folks! We know it's only been a few days since the last newsletter, but we've got some very important news!

First - just a reminder, TODAY - February 28th - is the END of online registration for workshops, advanced ticket sales, and special packages! Head to: http://www.gothla.us/workshops.html - This is your last chance to get special pricing on all day workshop/event packages (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and the Gothla GLUTTON), all event tickets, Gala Show, Motif, and Festival - after the buttons go down, you can buy them separately at the door (if space allows), CASH ONLY, at the day-of price. So save money by using the PayPal Buttons TODAY!

ALSO - MOTIF - on Friday evening - is ALMOST SOLD OUT! We warned ya, it happened last year, and we're on route for this year too. Use the PayPal button NOW to get your tickets before they're all gone! http://www.gothla.us/darknights.html

Performers - you can also pre-order your DVD from Rob of Candlelight Productions - and DVDs will be ready for you THAT DAY! The link for pre-orders is: http://candlelight-productions.com/gothla2010_video.html

And that's all the news for today! See you soon!

The Gothfia
http://www.gothla.us

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter One Week! Gothla US is nearly here!

2010-02-25T17:45:54Z

Hi folks!

Hard to believe it, but it's true - Gothla US is just a week away! And here's our last installment of event run-down details!

1. Ruin - This Saturday!
2. Sunday Events
3. Registration & Advanced Ticket Deadline!

1. Join us this Saturday, February 27th at RUIN HOLLYWOOD for a darkly dreaming, elegant evening of Beautiful Music for Beautiful People as spun by DJ Xian and DJ Baron, a bellydancing performance by Ascend Tribal (Sashi & Raine), and THE NIGHT GALLERY as curated by Heidi bluegirl! $5 Entry and $5 Well Drinks before 10:30PM with RSVP!!! --- http://www.LADEAD.com - http://event.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=524212.27848

2. Sunday! This year, we have expanded our festival to TWO whole days - so that's one more day of not just workshops but also performances, vending, live music!

Workshops! Start things off saucy at 9am-10:30am with Madame Raine and her "Flirty, Filthy Drills"! Then from 11am-1pm, explore the Moroccan Guedra Blessing Ritual with Kajira Djoumahna (of Tribal Fest and BlackSheepBellyDance!). From 1:30-3:30, we're very honored to have the Gothic Bellydance Pioneer of Australia, Ma'isah, bring you Gothic Fusion Sword Workshop "No Limits". And last but not least, from 4-6pm, join Sashi for "Spirit Part II: Cultivating the "Spirit of The Dance" using Ascend Signature Combinations". Register NOW at http://gothla.us/workshops.html

New this year! Panel discussion with Gothla US instructors - do you have questions for our instructors, or about bellydance and Gothic Bellydance specifically? Email your questions to panel@gothla.us

Live Music with Kardia Mortis and Mather Louth and Radio Noir! Check out the updated performance schedule at http://gothla.us/perform.html

Then, when it's all over...it's not! We're heading to Malediction Society in Hollywood for our afterparty! http://www.myspace.com/maledictionsociety

3. Online Registration ends 2/28 - this includes workshop registration and ticket sales for Motif, the festival, and Gala Show. Get an all-events pass for only $40! After 2/28, all prices go up and you can only purchase tickets and workshops at the door, with CASH (no checks or credit cards). So if you want to use a credit card - pay now online and save money!!

So, that's a taste of what's set before you on the Gothla US path! See you soon!

Cheers,
The Gothfia

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter Message Latest News From Gothla US!

2010-02-18T19:15:47Z

Greetings! A lot of very important info and some changes in this newsletter, so please read carefully! Topics are:

1. Special Gala Guest Announced!
2. Parking at CalPoly!
3. Saturday's Sensational Schedule!
4. Workshop Location Change!
5. Program Deadline Approaching!
6. Pre-Order Merch Deadline Upon Us!
7. Sunday Night After Party!
8. Are You Volunteer Minion Material?

1. Gala Show! We are very pleased to announce that on top of our already stellar line-up of Gothla US instructors, Sera Solstice of NYC will be performing! Check her out at http://www.boldbellydance.com

2. CalPoly has informed us that a new parking policy has been put into place, and this will affect all Gothla folk just slightly: Parking for all day Friday is $5. Please buy a permit from the Visitor Parking Booth or from the big yellow pay station. You are allowed to park in the big lot like last year AFTER 5:30pm. If you arrive before 5:30pm, you must park in the parking structure and walk to the Bronco Student Center. To avoid getting lost, follow the directional signs that guide you to the library, then veer towards the buildings further back to the left of the library. Saturday/Sunday PARKING: Due to CA's bad budget, parking is $3 for all day Saturday and Sunday. Please buy a permit from the Visitor Parking Booth or from the big yellow pay station. You are allowed to park in the big lot like last year. (visit http://gothla.us/faq.html to view a pdf map of the campus)

3. Saturday brings us 3 great workshops, daylong festival activities including performances, live music, vending, fashion show, and the Gala Show! Starts things off with a bang at 9am with Asharah's "Dancing Your Demons: Dramatic Dance through Emotional Expression". From 12-2pm, get down with Anaar for "Descent to the Underworld: Floorwork", and from 3-5pm, have a blast with Princess Farhana in her "Drama Queen! Exploring Theatrical Oriental Dance Presentation". To register for any of these workshops (or take advantage of the special Saturday package when gets you all *3* workshops, festival admission, and tickets to the Gala show for just $100, while supplies last!)

The Festival runs from 10am-5pm, and will feature a variety of performers from all over the world, a fashion show, a fantastic marketplace, and finish the festival with the amazing sounds of Nathaniel Johnstone and the Mutineers (and yes, the very same Nathaniel of Abney Park, and also featuring Jeff Diehm of The Last Dance!). Get your festival tickets at the registration section of the workshop page (scroll down!) http://gothla.us/workshops.html

And last, but not least, we end Saturday evening with the Gothla US Gala Show! Doors open at 7pm and the show starts promptly at 7:30pm. Get your tickets at the above link! $15 advance, or $20 at the door, if we haven't sold out!

4. The location of the workshops have changed from Ursa Minor to the Orion Room. Everything is still in the same building, and if you attended Gothla US: The Divining, then it's the same place we were before. There will be signs to direct you.

5. The deadline for advertising in the program is fast approaching, 2/21! Don't miss this great opportunity to have your products, services, and events featured! http://gothla.us/program.html

6. The deadline for pre-orders for Gothla US Merch is also upon us at 2/21! Make sure you order your size and style now, because we will not be ordering a lot of extra stock to have on hand, and especially no XXL sizes. So get thee to http://gothla.us/merch.html and order!

7. Sunday! Each year, we have an afterparty/club-outing for Gothla US. For the last 2 years it has been at The Chamber, but this year, we're moving to Malediction Society in Hollywood! Details are here: http://gothla.us/darknights.html

8. We're looking for just a few more volunteers to help out with Gothla US operations, particularly security/door detail. This is the perfect job for significant others who want to show their support, but look tough and reliable at the same time, and earn their partners (or themselves) some perks :) If interested, please write Marisa at volunteer@gothla.us!

It's just a few weeks away, and we're very much looking forward to seeing all of you!

The Gothfia

http://www.gothla.us
Gothla US: The Evoking
March 5th-7th, 2010
Pomona, CA

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter Gothla US News - Friday Features & Performance Schedule!

2010-02-07T17:00:24Z

Greetings! We're now just a month away from Gothla US: The Evoking!

In this newsletter:
-Friday's Fabulous Features
-Festival Schedule Up
-Vendors & Vending
-Volunteers & Merch
-Discussion Panel

FRIDAY FABULOSITY:
Gothla US kicks off on Friday, March 5th - with FOUR amazing workshops and the return of MOTIF! We kick things off first at 9am-10:30am with Lacey's "Tribal for Tribal Fusion Dancers" - really putting the TRIBAL in Tribal Fusion! Then from 11-1pm, Mortifera brings us the secrets to their amazing make-up with "Liner, Lipstick and Lashes...Oh My!". From 1:45pm-3:45pm "Journey to the Underworld" with Gothic Bellydance pioneer Tempest, and challenge your perceptions of yourself and why you dance. Then we amp it up with the high-energy ladies of Shakra, "Exploring the Anatomy of Power" from 4-6pm. Then after a dinner break, come back to experience MOTIF with the luscious Lee Ali, from 7:30-10:30pm - that's right, you loved it last year so much, you asked us to make it longer, and your wish is granted - but be sure to get your tickets ASAP, because we sold out last year well in advance, and even though we have a bigger room, we expect to do it again this year! Complete detai
ls on all of these events and registration can be found at http://gothla.us/workshops.html

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE UP!
The festival performance schedule for Saturday and Sunday is now UP! Due to our extended schedule, we have room for a few more performances on both Saturday and Sunday, so if you haven't sent in your application yet, visit the page and get it in to Asharah right away, cause those spots are going fast - and you don't want to miss this opportunity to share your dance at the largest Gothic Bellydance event in this hemisphere! You can see it at http://gothla.us/perform.html

VENDOR LIST!
We have over two dozen confirmed vendors and more on the way! Check out the growing list at http://gothla.us/vend.html - and we have just a couple of "island" spots available (wall spots are completely sold out!!!) so contact Tempest at tempest@meddevi.com if you wish to vend your unique wares!

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers get great perks and amazing karma - if you'd like to volunteer, contact Marisa our coordinator at volunteer@gothla.us

MERCH!
The pre-order merch buttons will come down soon, so be sure to order your Gothla US tank tops, tee's, and tote bags NOW - featuring the gorgeous "Dances from the Underworld" artwork by Tempest - and remember, we will have VERY limited stock on hand, so this is the BEST way to get your size, your style (especially for larger sizes!!!) and be eternally happy. So hurry to http://gothla.us/merch.html

DISCUSSION PANEL
We are having a discussion panel on Sunday - this is your chance to ask some of the nation's most renowned Gothic bellydancers questions about all aspects of the dance. Don't be shy - send in your questions now to panel@gothla.us!

And that's all the news for this week - up next newsletter, Saturday's Sizzling Show and announcement of a special guest at the Gala Show!

Sincerely,
The Gothfia
http://www.gothla.us

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter Gothla US News Update!

2010-01-14T17:42:46Z

Greetings all!

We hope that the new year finds you in good spirits and with a fresh start! Things are very busy at Gothfia cyberhome space as Gothla US is now less than 2 months away! Expect biweekly updates as we get closer to the event..

Lot of news and important details here, so please be sure to read carefully!

-The performer applications are due 1/15 (Friday!)- be sure you have gotten yours in the mail by tomorrow! We do expect to have a waiting list - but keep in mind, spots often come available at the last moment, so be sure to get your application in NOW! ALSO - if you are planning on taking workshops (and you should, cause there's so a great variety, and it will add priority to your application), please be sure to sign up ASAP so that we can schedule your performance without conflict. We will have videography info for you shortly as well!
*Performer Application is here:http://gothla.us/perform.html
*Workshop Registration is here: http://gothla.us/workshops.html

-Vending is almost full - vendors if you have contacted Tempest, but haven't sent in your application/payment, you must do so ASAP, or you may lose your spot! We are excited to have many of your old favorites back, plus some new and exciting offerings as well! And remember, Gothla US has TWO festival days this year! Our list of confirmed vendors will be up shortly!
*Vendor application is here: http://gothla.us/vend.html

-Live Music! We are very pleased to announce that we will have live music again this year, and our featured band is Nathaniel Johnstone and the Mutineers! Nathaniel is also a member of Abney Park, and Jeff Diehm of The Last Dance will also be a part of it! More info to come!

-Panel Discussion! On Sunday, we will have a panel discussion with Gothla US instructors and special guests. Do you have a question about Gothic Bellydance (past/present/future), about Gothla, our instructors, etc? Please email them to panel@gothla.us!

-Food! We have an awesome food vendor for Saturday and Sunday, offering both vegetarian and meat meals!

-Volunteer! Being a volunteer at Gothla offers awesome perks and scores major minion karma points :) If you'd like to volunteer, please write us at volunteer@gothla.us

-Have you ordered your merch yet?? We ALWAYS sell out our Gothla Merch - and you especially won't want to miss having this year's artwork! Be sure to pre-order your merch ASAP at http://gothla.us/merch.html

-WORKSHOPS! They're filling fast! Be sure to get your spot now - and we are currently estimating that the cart will go down on 2/21 - so plan accordingly and sign up so you don't miss a great opportunity. We have a new bigger workshop space for this year, but we're keeping the limits on the classes so everyone gets attention and not crowded! Workshop Registration, Bios, Schedule, etc is here: http://gothla.us/workshops.html

Spread the word with banners! http://gothla.us/banners.html

Ok, that's almost everything for the moment - get cracking on it, it's a new year with great possibilities to grow in your dance!

Cheers!
The Gothfia

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter Gothla US 2010: Website is LIVE!

2009-10-27T22:09:22Z

Greetings everyone - just in time for the season - the Gothla US website is alive and kicking with complete info for 2010!

Gothla US: The Evoking - "Dances From the Underworld" will take place March 4th-7th, 2010 in Pomona, CA - again at CalPoly. And many awesome good things and changes are in store!

1. 12+ instructors!
2. Bigger and even closer workshop space!
3. TWO days of Festival - that's TWO whole days of vendors, performances, a fashion show AND a discussion panel
4. More food nearby as the event is happening!
5. MORE Motif!

So, now you can peruse the workshop info and register! You can download the performer application! You can download the vendor form! You can reserve your own awesome Gothla US merch!

YES!

Head to: http://www.gothla.us

And here's to another awesome year!
The Gothfia

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter Thank you!

2009-03-16T17:41:06Z

Greetings everyone!

The Gothfia would like to thank EVERYONE who made Gothla US 2009 such a huge success: teachers, vendors, volunteers, students, performers, attendees, media, and everyone in between - we couldn't have done it without you! It was a lot of hard work, but y'all made it worth it! We're still decompressing a bit, but some news and details we wanted to share:

-We raised $200 for Azure from the benefit raffle - great job everyone! Much thanks to the vendors and artisans who donated their wares, and the many folks who bought tickets!

-We've been making lists of what y'all liked and what needs to be improved. We are planning on using the same venue next year (we're confirming our dates right this moment, so we'll be announcing them shortly), so we're looking at increased signage, bringing in food vendors/caterers, bigger workshop space with access to mirrors, more time for Motif. If you have more suggestions on what you liked/would like to see more of/etc, please email us at info@gothla.com - have good or bad feedback about hotels, restaurants, and other local services? let us know!

-Much thanks to our videographer Lisa Hoglan, who not only shot beautiful video, but got it out quickly to everyone who pre-ordered theirs! If you didn't get a chance to, hurry to http://lisahoglan.com/order.html

-LA Weekly did a great article on us - complete with a gallery - check it out: http://blogs.laweekly.com/style_council/events/dancing-the-dark-side-at-gothl/

And as always, network online with other Gothla-goers at http://tribes.tribe.net/gothla

Thank you again! Dance darkly!

blessings,
The Gothfia

http://www.gothla.com and http://www.gothla.us

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter The Last Newsletter Before Gothla US!

2009-03-05T20:48:37Z

Alright folks, we are less than 24 hours away from Gothla US 2009!

Some important last minute details:

-Website buttons will come down on the website on Friday morning by 9am. This is your last chance to get advanced ticket sales and discounted workshop sales! After that, it's $15 for the festival, and $20 for the gala show. Cash ONLY at the door.

-There will be a benefit raffle during the Festival on Saturday - our merchants and artisans have donated an array of beautiful items, all to benefit Texas dancer Azure of the Gothic Bellydance troupe Khandroma, who lost her home to a three alarm fire in February. Tickets are $1 each, $5 for an arm's length.

-Workshops are $40 at the door per single workshop, but if you wish to purchase more than one workshop when you register (whether it's the same day or not), they will be $35 each. Cash ONLY at the door.

-There will be shruggeries. There is the new release of Sashi's BRAND NEW DVD. And many fantastic shiny things. There are two ATMs on the premises.

-Friday attendees will need to pay $5 to park, so carpool and save! Parking is FREE on Saturday and Sunday.

-MOTIF IS SOLD OUT! Asharah's workshop is SOLD OUT. The other workshops are getting close, so again, buy now and secure your spot!

Anything else, it's on the website. REALLY! We swear! http://www.gothla.com or http://www.gothla.us

See you at GOTHLA US!!

signed,
THE GOTHFIA

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter The Second to Last Update, or the end is near!

2009-02-24T15:04:32Z

Hi folks!

Things are going full-steam at Gothfia headquarters, as we're just 10 days from the second Gothla US! There's a lot going on, so here's some of the latest news:

Our Friday night gathering "Motif" is almost sold-out! We have just a few tickets left, so scoop them up because chances are, there won't be any left to buy the night of! Don't miss out! You can buy the Motif tickets separately, or part of the Triple Event Tickets package which includes Motif, the Festival, and the Gala Show! http://gothla.com/darknights.html

Wednesday, February 24th is the last day to pre-order your Gothla Merch! We are only ordering a few extra of each item in S-XL, and no XXL's. Go here to order your favorite style and size NOW: http://gothla.com/merch.html . You have been warned.

If you are attending any event on Friday, please note that there is a fee for parking on Fridays. The official word from Lady Hui: For anyone attending Gothla on FRIDAY, parking is $5. If anyone is staying at Kellogg West, parking is free and you can walk down from the hotel to the Student Center. If you know anyone staying at Kellogg West and you are not, hitch a free ride with them to save 5 bucks. ;-) Saturday and Sunday parking is FREE and there's lots of parking available.

Have you signed up for the workshops you want to take? We've got workshops that are just a couple of slots away from closing! http://gothla.com/workshops.html

And so far, we've done features on Friday and Saturday, so last but not least is Sunday's awesome line-up!

Sunday @ The Orion Suite
12:30-2:30pm Anaar Ritual Theory
Using her experience as a priest in the Feri Tradition of Witchcraft, we will cover the basics of ritual theory and how this theory applies to dance. First we will begin with welcoming gestures. Then we will learn to set the space as sacred and make invocatory gestures to call in a force of power. This workshop will delve deeper into ritual than Anaar's dvd by focusing on movements around the concept of spellwork. Some floorwork will be involved. By the end of the workshop you will have enough concepts and practices to develop your own ritualized performance. This workshop is suitable for the beginning level dancer but advanced dancers new to ritual will certainly gain from this.

2:45-4:45pm Shakra Transfusion Drills, Combos and Choreography
Style: Our unique blend of fusion, our high energy afro-industrial fusion!!
Level: General open level- any dance experience will help!
Description: Come sweat and stomp with Shakra! (Oh how our little dark hearts love to stomp.) This high energy and cardiovascular workshop will give you a crash course to Transfusion Dance. We’ll be focusing on the Afro-Industrial fusion side of Shakra’s style, which is heavily influenced by African dance, but incorporates other high energy movements from donor styles such as Bhangera, Hip Hop, Modern, and Bellydance. This side of Transfusion Dance will focus on bringing power and extension into your movements and embrace the need for speed when working with powerful and fast beats.

5-7pm Callisto Sai Choreography
In this workshop we study the use of the ancient Asian weapon sai, using it to create a powerful expression in a full gothic fusion choreography. You will learn the fundamentals of handling the sai, and you will practice holding, striking and blocking with it, and looking like you mean it too. We also discuss the use of weapons in dance, and "dos" and "don'ts". You will learn how to incorporate the use of sai in your dance as a beautiful and powerful prop, without losing the elegance nor flow in your dancing, but bringing strength and attitude into it. We make the sai the special element in your dance for creating a breathtaking impact on your audience. Bring a pair of sai, knee pads and a water bottle for this workshop.

AND THEN!!!!!! Come PARTY WITH US @ THE CHAMBER!!!! Gothla US returns to The Chamber @ Club Bravo! Come finish off a fabulous weekend with us on the dancefloor! Don't forget to pack your club gear! Gothla US attendees get in free with special pass - be sure to pick up your pass at the registration & admission booths at Gothla US!

Club Bravo | 1490 S Anaheim | Anaheim, CA 92805 | Phone (714)533-2291
http://www.clubbravo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thechamber_bravo

Directions:
From Los Angeles: Take I-5 South and exit Disney Way / Anaheim Blvd. Go left and turn left onto Anaheim Blvd. Look for Bravo (right side) 1 block.

From San Diego: Take I-5 North and exit Katella / Disney Way. Go straight following signs to Anaheim Blvd and turn right. Look for Bravo (right side) 1 block.

From Long Beach: Take SR-22 East to I-5 North and exit Katella / Disney Way. Go straight following signs to Anaheim Blvd and turn right. Look for Bravo (right side) 1 block.

From Pomona: Take SR-57 South and exit Ball Rd. turning right. Make a left on Anaheim Blvd. Look for Bravo (left side) 1 mile.

And if you managed to get down this far, just some clarification so everyone understands the method behind the madness:
Admission Notes:
-If you are signed up as a Glutton - that gives you access to all of the workshops plus Motif, the Festival, and the Gala Show. Your tickets are covered.
-If you signed up for a DAY Package - that gives you access to all workshops and all events happening THAT DAY. So FRIDAY gets you 2 workshops and Motif. Saturday gets you 3 workshops plus the festival and the gala show.
-There is an Events ticket, which gives you discount on tickets for the events ONLY - meaning Motif, the Festival, and the Gala Show. (This is a great ticket for spouses/partners/friends who are not performing or taking workshops)
-You can also buy advanced tickets (cheaper than day of!) for Motif, the Festival, or Gala Show. (For anyone!)
-Performers get in free to the Festival. (not Motif or Gala)
-If you're NOT performing, and you did NOT buy a package deal (let's say you bought 2 workshops on Saturday and 1 on Sunday), you WILL need to buy a Festival ticket to get into the Festival! The workshops are in a separate room from the main Festival! (this is where I expect the most amount of confusion, so you all capiche?)
-If you're a volunteer, you should check with the volunteer coordinator about what events are comp'd to you!

Ok, that's all the news that's new from Gothfia Headquarters!

Cheers,
The Gothfia

Gothla US 2010 Newsletter Less Than a Month away! Saturday's Line-UP!

2009-02-09T15:11:13Z

Greetings everyone!

Things are really hopping here at Gothfia headquarters, as we prepare for Gothla US next month! We've been very busy, so please read the following carefully!

- The Performer list has been updated again! http://gothla.com/perform.html

- You can advertise in the Festival Program - pricing is super affordable, and the deadline is Feb. 21st! Details at http://gothla.com/program.html

- Help spread the word! We have some great banners up on the website you can add to your own to help spread the word! http://gothla.com/banners.html

- The vendor list has been updated! We have just ONE space left (a wall) - to check out the awesome goodies coming your way, or to duke it out for that last spot, visit http://gothla.com/vend.html

- Have you ordered your Gothla Merch? Many of you have asked if our Steampunk Kali will be on a t-shirt or tee, and the answer is YES!!! But to assure that you get yours, we HIGHLY recommend that you pre-order the style and size you want NOW! The buttons will come down in LESS than two weeks, so get busy, get buying! Go HERE: http://gothla.com/merch.html

-In the last newsletter, we featured our Friday events. Now it's time for Saturday's amazing goodness. How good is Saturday? It's totally made of WIN! Not only do we have our daytime festival featuring well over 50 dancers, but we'll kick the day off with L.A.'s premiere Steampunk band - The Unextraordinary Gentlemen in the morning, and the amazing Jill Tracy will grace our stage in the afternoon. Saturday is your day for shopping as well - as this is the ONLY day that you will be able to experience our amazing market of dark and delightful creations.

But wait, there's more! Saturday features 3 workshops! Taught by Sashi, Asharah, and Tempest!

First, start your morning getting thoroughly woken up by Sashi, from 10am-12pm with "Body: Skins & Bones": The Skeleton of the Ascend Gothic Tribal Format - In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of Gothic Tribal Fusion Bellydance as well as a complete and thorough introduction to Sashi's signature technique: The Ascend Gothic Tribal Format. You will learn proper posture and technique as well as the movements that set the Ascend Format dancer apart from the crowd. Proper posture includes positioning of the pelvis, utilization of the transverse abdominis and solar plexus, lifting of the shoulders and chest and placement of arms and hands. Techniques we will review include posture as is related to execution of moves specific to Ascend Gothic Tribal Format. Once these aspects are established we will learn how to combine the AGTF movements to create captivating combinations of your very own. Knowledge of basic Tribal Fusion and Gothic Bellydance is helpful. All levels a
re welcome. Bring a yoga mat and water.

Then you have an hour to recover before your next beating---err workshop, with Asharah! From 1-3pm, experience "Danse Mécanique" - Integrating Elegant and Technical Movement for Tribal Fusion Bellydance - Experience Level: Intermediate beginner and above. This workshop will help you refine your technique and add elegance to your bellydance movement. While sharp pops and locks are an essential part of the tribal dancer's repertoire, grace and polish are equally, if not more, important for conveying expression and feeling from the stage to the audience. Asharah will lead students through an intense warm-up that will prepare the body for fluid arm-work, well-defined isolations, and dramatic extension. We will drill smooth bellydance movements (such as arm waves, interior hip circles, and undulations) and hard contraction movements (such as chest locks and hip work in various directions), and Asharah will teach a short combination using these moves in a choreography, emphasizing
flow and musical interpretation.

Then last, but not least, a dramatic and powerful intensive with the "GothMutha" - Tempest from 4-6pm! While the two earlier workshops will focus on working you from the inside-out, "Dancing On The Right Side of the Brain" will work you from the outside-IN. Gothic Bellydance isn't just about unusual movements and dark costuming - it's about EFFECTIVELY telling a story and making it COHESIVE. Think you've got your body together? How powerful is your presence, how strong is your story? Far too many dancers fall short of bringing their story to life on stage. Artists, writers, and other creative folk are said to be "right-brained" -they think in pictures, images, and random patterns. Engineers, accountants, and other numerical/factoid people are said to be "left-brained"-meaning they think more mathematically, linearly, orderly. There's benefits to both sides, but most people find it hard to step out of the box and really think and act creatively. What this means for us in
dance terms is learning to not only present a technically strong presentation, but also something that is truely a work of art that comes from the soul. To present a dance that is distinctly YOU. Learn to unleash your creative side and truly be "in the moment" with your dancing. In this unusual workshop, we're going to do combined mental and physical exercises that will challenge your boundaries, push your definition of dance, and take it to the next level.

To sign up for these workshops and our Friday/Sunday workshops, head quickly to http://gothla.com/workshops.html - space is running out!!!

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! Then we have the GALA SHOW! Which will feature our Gothla US instructors PLUS JILL TRACY and more special guests!!!! Get your tickets for the show at http://gothla.com/darknights.html

Whew! Ok, that's it, really! Until the next newsletter, where we tackle Sunday's greatness!

Until then, keep smiling with evil thoughts :)

Cheers,
The Gothfia

Gothla US: The Divining - Performance Line-Up & Other News!

2009-01-19T15:12:56Z

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