Overview of Each Phase
Phase I: Initiation
Initiation, phase one of the 8 Elements™ training, introduces and explores 8 key concepts building from the simple to the complex with the purpose of laying a foundation to unlock the "how" of dance making and healthy dance practice. In Initiation participants are introduced to the key concepts of the approach which encompass biomechanics, vocabulary development, improvisation, choreography, musicality, practice development, belly dance history, costuming, and performance preparation and experience. Participants in this intensive will come away with a tool box full of methods and concepts to improve technique, stimulate creativity, and begin to build effective and dynamic dances, whether improvised or choreographed, solo or with others.
Initiation is open to all levels of dancers, from the familiar beginner (1+ year of experience) to the seasoned performer seeking to strengthen the foundation of their dance.
Phase II: Cultivation
Cultivation, phase two of the 8 Elements™ training, continues the focus on technique and creativity as engines for expression while expanding the dancer’s creative ‘toolbox’ for building a unique approach to vocabulary, musicality, adornment, improvisation, and choreography. This intensive goes deeper into the fundamentals of belly dance technique and yoga asana, exploring Rachel’s dance vocabulary, shared vocabularies, while practicing solo and group improvisation. Participants will create original choreographies, expand proficiency in musicality and odd-metered rhythms, and practice design for adornment. Initiation is an overview of a well-rounded dance practice, and in Cultivation the approach is advanced and refined to support the dancer’s process of development and discovery.
Cultivation is open to dancers who have completed phase one, Initiation.
Phase III: Culmination
Culmination, phase three of the training, continues with the refinement of technique alongside a process-based focus on practice, costume creation, presentational and performance elements of belly dance. In addition to daily technique training, the student will create original solo and group choreographies with costumes to be shown at a local theatre for the general public. We will cover structuring a group rehearsal, designing and constructing costumes, navigating the challenging situations presented by rehearsal and performance, and creating optimal conditions for group work. The intention of Culmination is for the 8 Elements™ training be applied and blossom in a real life experience.
Culmination is open to dancers who have completed Initiation and Cultivation.
Phase IV: Transmission
Transmission, phase four of the training, focuses on transmitting what has been learned from these trainings and other performance experiences to other dancers. Subjects will include demonstration, observation, corrections, different teaching styles and methods, ethics, non-violent communication, inspiration vs. imitation, and the business of belly dance. Participants will teach each other in class, and discuss some of the different situations that may be in encountered in a classroom setting. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through teaching classes at Rachel’s home studio Datura.
Transmission is open to dancers who have completed Initiation, Cultivation and Culmination.
Upcoming Intensives
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Phase: Registration Opens:
8 Elements™ Intensive I, Initiation: June 30 - July 4 2012, Portland, OR............................ SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive II Cultivation: July 21 - 27 2012, Portland, OR............................... SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive II Cultivation: October 6 - 13 2012, Portland, OR........................... SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive I Initiation: October 20 - 24 2012, Portland, OR............................. SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive I, Initiation: March 16 - 20 2013, Portland, OR............................... SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive II Cultivation: April 6 - 13 2013, Portland, OR..................................SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive I, Initiation: July 13 - 17 2013, Portland, OR....................................SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive I, Initiation: September 21 - 25 2013, Portland, OR ........................SOLD OUT
8 Elements™ Intensive II Cultivation: October 5 - 12 2013, Portland, OR.........................MARCH 25th
Please sign up for our mailing list and check with our facebook page to be notified of workshop registration as they become available. If a workshop is sold out you may sign up for the wait list on the registration page.
Words From Past Participants
"This program is unique in that it meets each dancer where she or he is. From beginners to professionals, the 8 Elements approach provides a solid foundation in all aspects of belly dance--and it's the most motivating, inspirational dance training experience I've ever had the good fortune to participate in!”
Sarah Kate Moore, Seattle, WA
"The 8 Elements experience gave me invaluable inspiration and tools to better craft my dancing, much more so than I ever expected. What I didn't expect at all was how the experience and the 8 Elements community would creep into my heart and become a source of continual inspiration, insight, and support."
Lauryn
“The 8 Elements Intensives offer a holistic approach to the art of Middle Eastern Dance, which can be extremely beneficial for the artistic growth at any level or stylization of belly dance. Rachel Brice fosters a supportive environment which nurtures a dancer's creativity and confidence levels, while also emphasizing a strong technical foundation in dance and yoga. I've been waiting for Rachel's program to emerge for years and look forward to growing as her student for many years to come.”
Michelle Manx, TX
“The 8 elements is the first real Belly Dance theory we have been able to study in this format. I think it is a great way to honor our dance form, cultivate a deeper understanding of our history and lineage, as well as a deeper understanding of the body, movements, and integration of the essential components of a well rounded dancer.”
Lacy Dickerson, Chattanooga, TN
“8 Elements is not just about physically becoming a better dancer, though training with Rachel goes a very long way in that regard. It's about questioning and breaking through our own limitations, thereby catching a glimpse of our true potential as dancers, as artists, and as beings.”
Absinthe (Kate Darling), Elgin, IL
“The 8 Elements Initiation has genuinely accomplished all of its intentions. This unique, dynamic, diverse & supportive program has indeed caused a process to begin, it has magically stimulated my own creative growth, it has enriched & enhanced my perspective to new ideas, and has given me a new set of tools & skills that have allowed me to further my dance education and career to its greatest potential.”
Luna Moon, Northern California
“Rachel's initiation course was an inspirational gift to me at a point where I was feeling in a creative rut in the personal evolution of my dance. The course taught me techniques for building a dance from beginning to end, and building upon each individual movement. Rachel's class helped me to find the ability and re-find the passion to push my own personal limits, and an invaluable skill set to realize the truth: personal creativity is limitless.”
Carlissa, Portland, OR
