-- Classes are for women only --
Sorry, we are no longer accepting new students.
Kathy Stahlman teaches Improvisational Tribal Style Belly Dance in San Jose and holds frequent workshops in the Bay Area and beyond. Her classes are rooted in the traditional style of FatChanceBellyDance/American Tribal Style (ATS).
Last class in San Jose, CA - Saturday Nov 21
Bye bye Bay Area, hello Bend!
Kathy is moving to Bend, OR on Dec 1 where she will continue to teach ATS bellydace classes and direct her troupe Tribal Moon.
Scroll down this page to read about class descriptions, schedule updates and workshops.
Class Schedule
Level 1 (Beginning)
Monday 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Saturday 10:30 - 11:45 am
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Class Descriptions
Level 1 is offered two times a week
Level 1- Basics, Fundamentals & Foundations of Tribal Style Bellydance
Monday 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Saturday 10:30 - 11:45 am
This is where it all begins.
Level 1 classes are required for dancers new to
ATS and Improvisational Tribal Style belly dance.
Designed for students new to belly dance or for dancers new to Improvisational/American Tribal Style belly dance. Each class begins with drills and body awareness exercises, followed by an in-depth approach to learning the essential slow and fast movements necessary for the Improvisational Tribal Style dancer. We also drill basic finger cymbal patterns. From day-one you'll learn to dance in duets and trios, connecting with fellow dancers as you learn to the art of leading and following - Tribal style.
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Cost:
$15 drop-in
$48 with purchase of 4 class cards
$50 with a purchse of 5 class cards
$100 with purchase of 10 class cards
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What to wear:
This is the most frequently asked question from new students.
Beginning level clothes are pretty easy, just wear comfy, stretchy pants (like yoga pants, lycra workout pants), and a tank top, sports bra or yoga top.
If this is a dance form that you want to get into see the Links tab about where to buy the full skirts, pants, tops (choli), hip scarves, etc.
But for your first class, just come in clothes that you can comfortably move and stretch in.
2009 Workshops
March Maddness - Saturday Zill Drills - 10:00 - 10:30 am every Saturday in March (prior attendance to Intro to Zillks Skills class is required) - free if staying for Level I
No time to practice zills outside of the classroom? Now there is. Join us in March for .30 minute Zill Drills before Level I class. For dancers new to the art of playing zills (finger cymbals) or students who just want more practice. Free for students staying for Level 1 class. Students must have attended the Intro to Zill Skills or have a basic understanding of the basic zill pattern.
Sunday, Feb 22 - An Intro to Zill Skills for Tribal Style 12:00 - 1:00 pm
A fun and informative 60 minute workshop for dancers new to the art of playing zills (finger cymbals) or students who just want more practice. Zill skills covered in this 60 minute workshop include:
*The relationship between zill patterns and hip movements
*Drill and review of three zill patterns (basics, alternating, and combinations)
*Music that compliments Tribal style zill patterns
*Tips and tricks for practicing at home (without driving people crazy)
Come for one or both workshops. Cost is $12. RSVP is required. Handouts will be provided.
Past 2008 Workshops
Sunday, October 26 - Two Flamenco for Tribal Style Belly Dance Workshops - Take one or both workshops - $45/for a single workshop or $75/for both
October 26 - Flamenco for Tribal Sytle Belly Dance Part I- 11:30am to 1:00 pm
This workshop with Master Flamenco dancer and teacher, Carolina Lugo, will focus on upper body strength and flexibility, Flamenco arm movements used in Tribal style belly dance, hand floreos and how to find an present the classic Flamenco attitude.
October 26 - Flamenco for Tribal Sytle Belly Dance Part 2 - 1:30am to 3:00 pmThis workshop with Master Flamenco dancer and teacher, Carolina Lugo, will focus on spins, turns, traveling steps, and the use of skirts and shawls that can be incorporated into Tribal and Fusion style belly dance.
Sunday Series (6/22 and 6/29) at One World Music Studio in Ben Lomand, CA
741 Redwood Drive (Mt. Hermon exit, right on Glen Canyon Road, left on Redwood Drive)
June 22- Cues & Transitions Part I- 12:00 - 3:00 pm An informative and fun workshop for advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers with previous ATS training, who want to learn the improvisational choreography style of improvisational Tribal Style belly dance following the ATS format. We’ll practice duet, trio and chorus formations as we review and drill essential cues and transitions used in both slow and fast songs. You’ll get to feel the energy and art of improvisational belly dance, ATS style
June 29 - Cues & Transitions Part II- 12:00 - 3:00 pm An informative and fun workshop for advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers with previous ATS training who want to learn the improvisational choreography style of improvisational Tribal Style belly dance following the ATS format. We’ll practice duet, trio and chorus formations as we review and drill essential cues and transitions used in both slow and fast songs. You’ll get to feel the energy and art of improvisational belly dance, ATS style
Prior bellydance experience required for workshop attendees.
Price: $35/drop-in for each workshop
Series Price: $60 for both
Saturday, May 31 - San Jose Tribal Dance school is proud to host the amazing Sabine, of Tribalation!, for two sword dance workshops in San Jose.
Workshop #1: “The Essence of Sword Dancing” - 10:30-11:45 a.m.
We’ll cover the art of balance, great slow sword moves and combos, strong hip isolations, and powerful arms, and even block out a slow & sensuous sword routine. Cost: $35
Workshop #2: “Dangerous Sword Dancing” - 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Delve into sword dance with layered moves with isolations, tricky spins and holds, sword manipulation, floorwork, power moves, and some of Sabine’s signature combinations for powerful sword performance. Cost: $35
Sign up for both workshops for $60. RSVP is requested, space is limited.
RSVP to Kathy Stahlman at: sanjosetribaldance@hotmail.com, or cell phone at: 408-705-3655
About Sabine:
Sabine is a master of “Raks al Sayf,” the sword dance, where the grace and flow of the dance movements are contrasted by the dangerous sharpness of the huge Turkish Scimitars that she balances. Sabine has taught her own special brand of “Dangerous Sword Dancing” in workshops and festivals all over the Northwest. Sabine brings a strong and unique presence to the stage. Her dancing has been called "powerful", "mesmerizing", and "beautiful".
Sunday, Feb 3 and Feb 10 - An Intro to Zill Skills for Tribal Style
Both workshops from 12:00 - 1:00 pm, come to one or both
A fun and informative 60 minute workshop for dancers new to the art of playing zills (finger cymbals) or students who just want more practice. Zill skills covered in this 60 minute workshop include:
*The relationship between zill patterns and hip movements
*Drill and review of three zill patterns (basics, alternating, and combinations)
*Music that compliments Tribal style zill patterns
*Tips and tricks for practicing at home (without driving people crazy)
Come for one or both workshops. Cost is $12 for each or $20 for both. RSVP is requested.
Handouts will be provided.
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Workshops in 2007
December 8: Tribal Shimmies and Cues & Transitions - Tokyo, Japan
Tribal Shimmies (1 hour) - Shimmies are one of the universal belly dance moves many belly dance styles share. In this fun and fast paced workshop you will learn five signature Tribal shimmies that can also be used to travel, turn, and spin. You’ll come away with Tribal style shimmies that can be used to complement your dance style.
Cues & Transitions (1 hour) - An informative and fun workshop for advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers with previous ATS training who want to learn more about the improvisational choreography of ATS tribal style belly dance. We’ll practice duet, trio and chorus formations as we review and drill essential cues and transitions used in both slow and fast songs.
October 6 and 7: Yoga for Belly Dancers
Taught by certified yoga instructor, Lisa Radding, this hands-on workshop is for any style belly dancer who wants to learn, or review, yoga techniques to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit as you build strength and flexibility to become a better dancer.
Each workshop covers different movements designed to help you become a better dancer.
Sign up for one workshop, or both.
Saturday, October 6: 12:45 – 2:45 pm
Sunday, October 7: 12:45 – 2:45 pm
Yoga Workshop Location:
San Jose Tribal Dance / Cambrian Yoga Studio
1900 Camden Ave (in the Intero Real Estate Building, second floor, Suite 201), San Jose
What to bring:
Bring water and a yoga mat if you have one.
Yoga mats, straps and blocks will be provided for free.
Cost: $20 for each workshop, RSVP is requested.
Summer Series Workshops (August 4, 11, 18) 12:45 to 1:45 pm
With summer is in full swing, it's time for our bi-annual Intensive Workshops. I hold them in the Winter and in the Summer to help expose new and beginning students to the movements and magic of Tribal Style Belly Dance.
While you'll eventually cycle through each of the moves during your studies at San Jose Tribal Dance, wouldn't it be nice to take a peek into the future and see all of the basic fast and slow moves without the wait?
The workshops are best for new, beginning and low-intermediate students.
Below are the dates and brief description about the three August workshops coming up.
Reserve your spot - space is limited!
1) Saturday, Aug 4 – 12:45-1:45: An Intro to Basic Fast ATS Moves
This 60 minute workshop will introduce you to six basic Level I fast and mid-tempo American Tribal Style (ATS) movements. You’ll get to feel the energy and art of improvisational belly dance, ATS style. Basic moves covered in this workshop include:
*Egyptian
*Arabic
*Turkish
*Pivot Bump
*Shimmies (Singles, Walking, Ghawazee)
2) Saturday, Aug 11 - 12:45-1:45: An Intro to Zill Skills
A fun and informative 60 minute workshop for dancers new to the art of playing zills (finger cymbals) or students who just want more practice. Zill skills covered in this 60 minute workshop include:
*The relationship between zill patterns and hip movements
*Drill and review of three zill patterns (basics, alternating, and combinations)
*Music that compliments Tribal style zill patterns
*Tips and tricks for practicing at home (without driving people crazy)
3) Saturday, Aug 18 - 12:45-1:45: Intro to Slow ATS Moves
This 60 minute workshop will introduce you to six smoldering basic Level I slow American Tribal Style (ATS) movements. It’s a great opportunity for beginning and low-intermediate students to drill and review the sultry slow movements of ATS belly dance with a focus on:
*Snake arms and undulations
*Tribal hands and floreos
*Snake hips (Taxeem and Maya)
*Hip and rib circles
May 20 - Tribal Fest 2007 - Dynamic Duets - 12:14 to 2:15
Tribal Fest, Sebastopol.
April 14 - Introduction to Zills for Tribal Style Belly Dance - 12:45 to 1:45 pm
Join us for a fun and informative workshop for any level dancer who needs to improve her zill skills. By the end of this 60 minute workshop you will know how to play three basic patterns used in Tribal Style belly dance, understand the relationship between zill patterns and hip movements, and learn tips and tricks for practicing at home
Cost: $20.00
Location: Camden Yoga Studio, 1900 Camden Ave, San Jose
February 25 - Tribal Shimmies - 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Teacher performance showcase: 6:00pm to 9:00pm (Tribal Moon performs at 7:00pm)
Join us at Hafla at the Hoover, sponsored by Bay Area MECDA organization.
Shimmies are one of the universal belly dance moves that dancers of all styles have in common. In this fun and fast paced workshop you will learn five signature Tribal shimmies that can also be used to travel, turn, and spin. You’ll come away with Tribal style shimmies that can be used to complement your dance style.
Cost: $30 in advance (see MECDA website to pre-pay
Location: Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose
January 13 - Tribal Basics Slow Moves - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
This workshop is designed as an overview to all of the slow movements that are covered in Level I and is a preparation for moving to Level II. New students will get a glimpse into the mesmerizing and intoxicating slow movements used in improvisational Tribal Style belly dance. Level I and Level II students will have an opportunity to evaluate their technique and gain insight into what they should work on as they advance to Level II and beyond.
Cost: $35 in advance / $40 at the door
January 27 - Tribal Basics Fast Moves - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
This workshop is designed as an overview to all of the fast movements that are covered in Level I and is a preparation for moving to Level II. New students will get a glimpse into the mid-tempo and fast movements used in improvisational Tribal Style belly dance. Level I and Level II students will have an opportunity to evaluate their technique and gain insight into what they should work on as they advance to Level II and beyond.
Cost: $35 in advance / $40 at the door
