Ranya Renée began her performing career more than 30 years ago as a theater actress and comedienne, and moved to NYC in 1992 to continue her work as a theater director. She was gradually sidetracked by bellydance until it became her life! One of New York City’s leading Egyptian-style dancer-instructors, Ranya specializes in teaching holistic technique and theatrical performance skills and coaching. She produces live events in New York and tours internationally. Ranya’s signature “Breathwork for Performance” method has enabled thousands of artists worldwide to more effectively connect with their own art, and with their audiences. She strives to create a supportive atmosphere in her workshops for both technical precision and artistic growth. Ranya’s instructional DVDs Bellydance “Egyptian Style: The Baladi” and “Modern Oriental” have earned rave reviews from dancers worldwide. In 2010 she launched her own company, Ginger City Productions, to produce more teaching and performance videos. Ginger City’s first production, “Bellydance Taqasim: Improvisational Skills and Drills,” is being released this year. For more information about Ranya Renee, please go to: www.ranya.net
Ranya will be teaching:
Step into Saidi: Saidi dance puts a spring into your step! Focus will be on choreographed combinations with some Reda-style steps. Bring your Canes!
Shimmy Clinic: Ranya the Shimmy Doctor welcomes you to her Clinic, to help diagnose whatever might be getting in the way of your free and powerful shimmy, and lead you through excercises and drills across the range of shimmy options! You will learn techniques to free your shimmy through breathwork, stretching and mental relaxation training. The Doctor knows that the shimmy experience is not the same for all body types, so she'll give pointers for working with what you've got, whether you are tight or loose, slim or juicy, or somewhere in between.
Balancing Act: How to balance sword, tray of candles or shamadan on the head; techniques for staying relaxed while balancing; traveling techniques, spins, floorwork, etc. Core abdominal technique for keeping the head and uppoer body stable during balancing (with applications for Egyptian-style technique as well). Bring metal or wood trays or big salad bowls, not breakable, or a big heavy book!!
Classical Oriental: Technique, Combinations, and Aesthetics from Egypt’s “Golden Age” Explore the early 20th century roots of Egyptian Oriental dance and its development as a cabaret and stage art, builing movement vocabulary inspired by such famous names of the black-and-white "Golden Age" of Egyptian cinema stars such as Samia Gamal, Naima Akef and Tahia Karioka..
Lodging for two nights, 6 meals, 8 hours dancing instruction, special activities for $250.00
Space is limited. A $50 deposit will hold your place. The balance is due by April 15.
If you prefer your own single room please add $50 - for a total of $300
This retreat is designed to be an intimate intensive workshop. Accommodations are simple and rustic but confortable. You will share a room with a roommate. This is an alcohol-free environment. Smoking limited to outdoor spaces and the gazebo.
Let this retreat take you away from all the pressures of daily living. It is a chance to do what we love to do: dance, talk, eat and shop (but not necessarily in that order!) and to spend valuable time with friends old and new. (Nataj and Conchi)
