A new workshop review for Paulette, just in, from the UK-Glasgow workshop,
sponsored by Deirdre MacDonald!
By Medha Tribal (Cayte, Jo, Lorraine & Sarah)
October 2009
A Day of Tribal Dance with Paulette Rees-Denis
On her blog Paulette describes herself as a bit of a taskmaster, so it was with a little apprehension – but lots of excitement – that Medha Tribal (Cayte, Jo, Lorraine and Sarah) hit the M6 northbound to Glasgow for a full day of tribal workshops with the wonderful founder of Gypsy Caravan, hosted by the equally fabulous Deirdre McDonald.
It was a ‘dree day’ (grey and dreary – we expanded our Scottish vocabulary whilst we were there!) when we finally arrived at the ‘Dance with Attitude’ studios. Having over-indulged at breakfast we controlled ourselves and managed to avoid more food in the very tempting cafe, plunging instead straight into our first workshop – ‘Shimmy Queen’.
After an hour of pretty intensive shimmying we were rather warm, to say the least! We had learned some fantastic new shimmies and combos and had a good old play with some improvisation – yes!
A brief water break and it was time for the second workshop of the day – ‘Tribal Props – Simplicity and Power!’ We were using shawls – a new experience for us. The workshop was a complete contrast to our earlier shimmies ; the shawl dancing was elegant, poised and beautiful. (Not that our shimmies weren’t – but you know what we mean!) We learned how to adapt existing tribal moves and also – once again – to improvise!
By lunchtime we were more than ready for a bit of sustenance – delicious home made soup in that cafe! A lovely and unexpected treat followed, as Deirdre shared some of her new baby’s christening cake with us. Thank you Deirdre! That really ‘put us on’ for the afternoon, as we say up here in Lancashire!
Refreshed and invigorated, we were ready for the two longest and most demanding workshops of the day.
‘Formations within the Tribal Group Structure’ was what it said on the tin – chorus lines, orbits, corner duets, pulsing choruses. You name it – all delivered with the incredible insight and passion of someone who has lived this dance for many years. A special mention has to go to ‘Cascading Triplets’, which are hard to explain in just a few words here. Suffice it to say that doing improvisational tribal doesn’t necessarily mean you all have to do exactly the same move at the same time (Jo tells us it’s moving ‘in canon’ as opposed to ‘in unison’). We’ll show you at the next Merhaba hafla,Kate!
And so to the final workshop of the day. The scariest workshop of the day. The one billed as being ‘for experienced tribal dancers only please’. Several dancers left at this point, and we did start to wonder what on earth we were thinking of by letting ourselves in for ‘Incorporating Solos into your Tribal Dance Formations’!
Well, what can we say?
In a word – fabulous!
For two hours we improvised, we leapt into the spotlight together in open choruses, we duetted and ... we soloed! All of us! More than once! And we loved it. It wasn’t half as scary as we had imagined; having that chorus line there to will you on and support you makes all the difference. It really is what Tribal is all about.
By six o’clock, after six and a half hours of improvisation, you would think that we would have had enough. A good curry did beckon – but we would have willingly traded all our Vegetable Pasandas for just one more hour with Paulette. She really is a fantastic teacher; she certainly is a taskmaster but is also warm, patient, supportive and encouraging. Her ultimate aim is to make every dancer be the very best that can be, and it shows. She has truly inspired us all.
We can’t finish without a special mention for Deirdre – the perfect hostess – and all the other dancers who helped to make the day so memorable. There was a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere, which made us feel at home right away.
Thank you girls – especially Paulette and Deirdre – for an amazing day.
Medha Tribal loved it – and we’ll be back for more!
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Praise and Awards for Paulette and/or the Caravan Dancers
Gypsy Caravan was delightful and graceful. The feminine moves and subtlety of their dance was a breath of fresh air!
From an audience member at the Totally Tribal Festival in Washington in August 2009!
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The Enterprise Newspapers: August 19, 2009
Belly dance performance shatters stereotypes
‘Totally Tribal’ festival performers open minds to an ancient art form
By Dale Burrows
For The Enterprise
Forget striptease, the skin they showed and anything else having to do with girls performing for men. These were serious minded women dancing for women. What an eye opener.
The event was “The Totally Tribal Dance Festival and Grand Bazaar” last Saturday at Country Village in Bothell. Fortune tellers, psychic healers and peddlers of jewelry and dress for decorating the female body were featured. But at the vortex of festivities was the whirl and swirl of belly dance, a respected art form about which the male ego has little understanding and less appreciation of, mine included; that is, until now. These goings on changed my mind.
Basic: Belly Dance is relevant. Pride in, and expression of self is what it is about. It originates in tribal behavior dated back primitive times in the Middle and Far East and Africa. Dance worldwide has influenced it since. Also, it is art form accelerating with our shrinking world in this information age. It is global. It is here to stay.
The fundamentals: hips and hands; hips for child-bearing, hands for work. The rest of the body figures in, but women still have kids and work. Also, belly dance is about women empowering themselves. The use of hands and hips in belly dance have sophisticated into a celebration of birthing, deeds and feelings about womanhood; more power to them, say I.
So how’d it look at Country Village?
The event headliner, Gypsy Caravan, contributed Tribal style, updated and with a heavy Mideastern influence; meaning: bracelets, beads, tattoos and baggy pants for body decoration; scimitars for props; and jazz and cha-cha to modernize the dominating Arabian sound. The flow was fluid, advancing and retreating, stepping into the spotlight to assert self and stepping back for others to assert themselves. In body line, form and motion, it was a society-enabling act of cooperative behavior without self-compromise. Not a bad way to get along, don’t you think?..."
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Sept 2009
Hi Paulette,
Hope you don't mind if I take a moment to say how much I admire you & your dance company. A friend of mine forwarded your newsletter to me and I was so moved by your warm and loving writing and of the women who respond to you through letters of their own. It is so wonderful to have such an inspiring woman like yourself in the dance community.
Sincerely,
Jen
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Gypsy Caravan Receives 2008 Best of Portland Award
U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., July 26, 2008 -- Gypsy Caravan has been selected for the 2008 Best of Portland Award in the Dance Instruction category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).
The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association, http://www.USLBA.net
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A Lucky Dance Community Going Global
By Myla Stauber
Jareeda Magazine, March/April 2008
"As a student of Paulette Rees-Denis (who founded The Gypsy Caravan Dance Company), I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have landed in Portland, Oregon, where her studio is! I know these feelings are shared by all who have had the privilege to have had her passionate teaching change our lives, minds, bodies, and spirits via Caravan Studio. A world of dance, the studio has become our refuge—our home away from home. A crucible, training ground, and spiritual haven, it merges our feelings about dance as endless and ever changing into a new world. In tones of crimson, saffron, and mustard, Caravan Studio is a place that I have had the pleasure of calling my home away from home for almost seven years.
One can feel the studio’s presence before even entering it; walking down the street the sound of tinkling glasses greets you 3 doors down and gradually grows louder into music until you are enveloped by the rhythmic sound of finger cymbals in unison. As you open the door, the cares of the day are momentarily displaced by the warm sound of the finger cymbals. From the sound of the zilling to the cozy dressing room full of tribal sisters, Caravan studio overflows with warmth and community.
I have not only witnessed the astounding healing community that Paulette has provided this warm space for, but been touched by it personally. When one tribe member is down, sick, injured, or in need of support, the others bring encouragement, food, love, friendship, shoulders to lean upon, and comfort of all kinds. At one time or another, we have all been heard asking, “what would I do without my tribal sisters?” It is a sisterhood unlike any I could have conceived of in my adult life. My thankfulness for this place, this dance form, and Paulette Rees-Denis—that amazing pioneer of dance and art—cannot be understated. While Paulette is always busy with one project or another, it is a labor of love and it is easy to see the passion in her eyes when she looks at the global tribal community that she has helped create. It must be fulfilling work to know that she has brought the possibility of community and happiness through dance to many people throughout the world.
Paulette has always traveled, and this year is no exception. Through workshops, teacher trainings, and performances, Paulette is bringing the magic and warmth of the tribal community to Seattle, Taiwan, Australia, and Spain—and all before this April! A trip to Chicago, Illinois, and Athens, Georgia, is slated for summer and there are also other events in the United States with different members of The Gypsy Caravan Dance Company as travel mates. Those of us in Portland have been blessed in the last few years to have Paulette host Tribal Quest Northwest—a dance festival worthy of high acclaim—which has brought the world of Tribal Dance to our doorstep.
In Paulette’s world of dance there is room for everyone who dares to shimmy. It is a joy to see first-time belly dancers—taking those nervous first steps into class—as wall as professional dancers and teachers alike, all of whom call Caravan Studio home. Instead of a rarified or elitist air, the Caravan Studio has a pervasive sense of inclusiveness that honors diverse body types, ages, dance genres, ethnicities, and skill levels. It is indeed a world of dance, a doorway that opens for each of us uniquely. Some may go on to perform in Gypsy Caravan and beyond, some will perform in Caravan Studio’s student troupe, The Urban Berbers, some will pass on the gifts they have mastered through teaching, and some will continue to attend the plethora of classes and workshops. Everyone, however, will take refuge in the solace and fresh joys that Dance greets us with each time we place our feet on the polished floor. At our own levels and in our own ways, we experience the amazing creations within ourselves and around us that this dance brings: challenges, surprises, triumphs, raised levels of consciousness, better attitudes, greater self-awareness, and love.
Once, I interviewed Paulette for another magazine article and I asked her about the amazing community her work has created. She told me that when it started, she had no idea that this phenomena would occur. Therein lies the true magic: she may not have set out to create a world for others, but because her own passions burn so incredibly bright, following them can’t help but create new worlds.
I’d like to sit down and tell Paulette all of this and more, but she is too busy jetting off to Taiwan in a couple of days to spread the unique tribal feeling! Besides, Paulette is an incredibly forward-thinking person and while she would thank me kindly for the compliment, I know most her wheels would already be turning over the next surprises in choreography, performance, or teaching.
A consummate artist, Paulette is not only one of the originators of the American Tribal Dance style—bringing her teachings to her own studio and beyond in the form of classes, workshops, and performances—but she is also a photographer, musician, and soon-to-be published author. Paulette’s book, Tribal Vision, A Celebration of Life Through Tribal Belly Dance, will be available this May. A powerful read for everyone in the Tribal Dance world, Paulette’s book will describe her journey with Tribal Dance and the effect it has had on others around the world.
Were my heart a planet, Paulette’s work would have circled it many times over like a shooting-star in orbit. The soul-quenching knowledge of dance—and ultimately self—that I have found has filled space with light.
For details about upcoming performances, workshops, teacher trainings, and more, please check out Paulette Rees-Denis’s beautifully-made website at www.gypsycaravan.us and for information about her upcoming book, www.cultivatormedia.com."
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"...Rees-Denis lives bellydancing - not only dancing but also teaching, performing, and publishing a journal for bellydancers, Caravan Trails,... Belly dancing, says Rees-Denis, is... powerful because it involves the full person: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It helps people feel good in their bodies, accept their bodies the way they are... You are beautiful as you are. Everyone looks beautiful doing this dance!" -excerpted from "Bellydancing As A Path To Spirituality" by Frances Caldwell/ The Oregonian
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"...she is the next best known ATS (American Tribal Style) teacher in the world after Carolena (Carolena Nericcio of San Francisco's FatChanceBellyDance), and the only other one who has established herself globally via award-winning performance and instructional videos and CDs."
-Zaghareet! July/August 2001
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"..."Besides beautiful and strengthening, it's powerful," says Rees-Denis, who founded Portland's Gypsy Caravan dance troupe in 1991. "It makes the women feel really good, that they can take care of themselves and be beautiful and be a woman, but be strong."..."
-The Oregonian December 19, 2000
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"Paulette Rees-Denis, founder of Caravan Studio, attributes the rising popularity of bellydance, and tribal bellydance in particular, to a human need for connection. "This is a place people can come together and support each other. People are so hungry for [community]."..."
-Nervygirl Magazine
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The Tribal Innovations and Gypsy Soul of Paulette Rees-Denis
By Myla Stauber
It was not only an honor and a pleasure to sit with Paulette Rees-Denis, founder of Gypsy Caravan and Caravan Studios in Portland, Oregon as she shared her history and artistic vision with me, but also an inspiration to my own life as an artist. Paulette is a fascinating, fiery catalyst and a leader.
After speaking to her I realized there are no limits, any limitations that exist are in the mind. One can soar to the heights of their most profound creative dreams while being sure to take those bends in the road that present themselves. Paulette is an embodiment of that bend in the road paradigm. Being in her presence makes it seem easy indeed to brush your own limitations aside and dare to ascend.
If it is Paulette's goal to inspire and fire others toward their own beauty and talents, and to always bring new ideas to her living, breathing artistic work, then her mission accomplished and well done, too. She called herself a catalyst and that is a perfect description of her role, to be fair, just one of many roles! If inspiration is sought, Paulette is a fountain of it. Once, she sat in San Francisco, loving tribal dance, but not sure how to tie all her talents together: dance, retail experience, musical performance, business sense, and tremendous artistic fire. It happened in Portland for Paulette and subsequently for her lucky students who get to benefit from her vision by being part of a deep and joyous work in progress at Caravan Studio.
I was interested in her transformations as an artist, and she is a consummate artist for sure, photographer, dancer, writer, musician. It's a fascinating journey that brought her to be one of the main innovators of tribal belly dance in the country.
She's always played various forms of music with Jeff, her husband of twenty-two years, now a member of Gypsy Caravan as well. She's thrilled that Jeff is part of Gypsy Caravan. His was a real journey, grew up playing clarinet, then to being a bass player in a punk band! His playing now in Gypsy Caravan is his passionate art.
When Paulette moved to Portland in 1991 she knew she loved and wanted to continue dancing with other women in the tribal style but no one in Portland was doing it. "I hadn't even touched upon it as a spiritual dance until I started teaching. When my students were so deeply touched, it was like, wait a minute, whoa! this is something different. I saw how it touched the community and was about community. It wasn't just a dance form anymore. I was learning from my students as well, and my background in magic,tarot, and dream work studies made studying dance ritual intriguing. Doing the old ritual and folk dances is really 'tribal' to me. I call what I do 'tribal' because I go back to the roots."
Tribal Belly dance is not a replication of the authentic dances of the Middle East, but rather a new dance form that borrows themes from world dance, mixed into a gorgeous and new stew by Paulette's artistic and spiritual vision.
"The dance needs to continue to grow on all levels and I love the idea of us dancing together and women taking over the world!! It might sound silly, but it's not, because I see what it does. I see how it brings people together. It's an ideal vision but it works," Paulette continued. I can affirm that most wholeheartedly when I think of how much it's done in my life to dance in a circle of women. I have felt the power!
I asked her how she knows what she knows, and she answered that she never stops searching for inspirations to bring to the dance and share with others. One of her biggest challenges in fact is that she cannot stand to do the same thing over and over. "Dance has to continue to grow on all levels, and though I love the idea of women dancing together, I see that people need training, structure, leaders." In other words, someone has to be a catalyst, someone has to give direction, and in order to be that someone constantly fresh and innovative, she keeps studying and taking master classes. She has studied many forms of traditional dance, bits and pieces of Flamenco and Tunisian, for example. "I take what I like and I readapt it into this style of tribal. Whatever was esthetically appealing for me in that dance, I would be reinvent. It's very personal."
No dancer dances alone in tribal dance and Paulette attributes her very presence in this time and place to all the people she has danced with and dances with now. "I couldn't do any of this without everyone else. It would be meaningless without all the people I dance with. I wouldn‚t be here without Gypsy Caravan; it‚s not about being up there alone. All the people that have come and gone through Gypsy have been important. They leave their imprints, full of love, tears, pain and excitement."
Fulfillment comes through seeing her students blossom. "It gives immense pleasure to me, to be fed by students process into blooming, and then I have a great life, when I see my students rise." I believe she has a talent for being able to be around all these women going through their process.
Though I talked to Paulette for nearly three hours and heard the story of her evolution, I felt that I had barely scraped the surface of the artistic genius that drives her. I know that I speak for many, many dancers that she has touched with her talents, in Portland, across the nation, and around the world, when I say I want to thank her for working hard to fulfill her own artistic needs to create and perform but to bring us all along for the ride. It is a life changing journey to stand by her fire. The most beautiful thing of all, a magic thing, is that when you do stand near the fire, whether it be in her classes, attending a workshop, or at one of her performances, a little piece of it becomes your own and you feel your own beauty rise. You are not copying her, but stepping into the circle with her, joining in a ritual to call forth the fire within yourself. What was buried is unearthed in rapture because Paulette has kept her finger on the pulse for us and makes it live. For this gift alone, Paulette is a rare flower indeed and the world has been made such a richer place with her in it.
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Praise and Awards for Gypsy Caravan
"You should know this - Gypsy Caravan rocks. Not rocks like rocks, but rocks like they are so super groovy if you don't go see them at least once in your life you're a clueless schmuck. This group of tribal bellydancers and musicians lulls you first with the experience, and then soon enough you forget you're in Portland and you have a headache and your car is leaking gas and you are so entranced by their performance that later you'd swear you were hypnotized. And maybe you were."
-Willamette Week November 23 - November 29, 1994 by Caryn Brooks
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The Poetry of Motion, Music, and Emotion: Portland's Gypsy Caravan Dance, A Legend of Their Own Making.
"Limbs adorned with bangles and baubles sway serpentine, physically whispering an ancient tongue. A Greek chorus of shimmies and hip rolls deepen the narrative, adding characters and subplots linked by the rhythmic pulse of a common, nonverbal dialogue. Props such as cradled baskets, fans and veils bespeak of communal toil, fertility and feminine ritual, while swords precariously balanced atop turbaned head add an atmosphere of elegant danger. As finger cymbals clatter in percolating unison, the story gains a thrilling momentum, erupting in an explosion of whirling skirts and Zaghareet shrieks. Just as this ecstatic tale threatens to spin out of control, the twirling characters magically regain formation in palpitating denouement. Suddenly, both music and movement miraculously stop on a dime, punctuating this mesmerizing tale with an exclamation point of shocking, precision silence, this - in the space of a heartbeat - soon gives way to thunderous applause and riotous gypsy trills. Such is the affect of a typical Gypsy Caravan performance... The distinctive dynamic of Paulette's tribe is what makes her troupe so special. The Gypsy Caravan dancers act much like individual spices that, when combined properly, for an intoxicating delicacy seasoned with precision, grace, history and rapturous abandon." -Jareeda October/November 1999 by Dale Basye
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Inspiring Fusionists...
If you want to be inspired, check out Gypsy Caravan. Impeccable performers, with an eye for fusing all the beautiful dance elements in the world they love. Paulette is always encouraging her troupe and students to draw from any and all inspirations they find in life to draw into their dance. What a great philosophy. - Sharon from inFusion posted on the ATS Tribe 11/05
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Praise and Awards for Workshops
From Pip, New Zealand
What can you say about taking classes from one of the premiere tribal teachers in the world? Not much you just let your jaw drop and remain amazed.
We probably punished ourselves, and Paulette a little, by scheduling 10 hours over 2 days, but we all agree it was worth it. We were mostly total newbies in Gypsy Caravan style, having studied tribal style, but nothing specific. We struggled with what felt like basic stuff and seemed to breeze through the harder things. As a teacher I could see their eager brains analzying each move, working out where they could fit it into new dances, I probably even groaned a little at the thought :) ten girls all remembering one thing, vs my one wee brain.
Jeff was incredible and I'm sorry I didn't convince more people to the musician gatherings we held at the end of Paulette's dance workshops each day. These were invaluable, we got to see all the instruments, hear them played, hear them played to music we knew and even zill along. It sounds too simple, but I can't stress how much fun it was and how much we got out of learning how to listen to music.
Haflas can be intimidating, all those dancers and all those moves, but nothing is as intimidating as dancing with Paulette. I wanted to yell 'hell no' and back out, how I could possibly hope to make a good impression. But she lured me with a surprise piece of music and made if feel like fun. The girls were fantastic, dancing in large rotating circles surrounded on 3 sides by friends and family, and an enormous amount of food.
Would I do it again, in a heartbeat :)
Thank you,
Pip
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Re: AMAZING Gypsy Caravan workshop in Orlando!
The workshop with Paulette and Jen was soooo totally cool - it was great to reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, and finally meet some tribe freinds too! Thank you Lisa, Sherry, and the American Bellydance Club for putting it all together. Y'all rak!
posted by:
Bhrigha GypsiKelt
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Agreed!
The workshop with Paulette and Jen from Gypsy Caravan this weekend was FRAKING AMAZING! I have some much new stuff to work on, new zill rhythms (old to me but new to my girls) to incorporate into our dance (I had no idea how a 3-3-7 or beladi would go onto a 4 count pattern until yesterday!).
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Lots of groovy new steps, things to perfect, new ways to explain things, LEFT SIDE LEADING (holds brain cells in while trying to do the turkish shimmy, ON THE LEFT!).
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So much information my brain is swimming and I could not be happier! Woot woot!!!
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And so many wonderful gorgeous talented dancers/friends from tribe that I got to meet and see perform at the show on Saturday. What a great show and what a great place for me and Starr to make our debut on the "big girl stage" (besides performing at local haflas, it was our first time performing at a 'belly dance show" with other dancers!)
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I am still grinning for ear to ear about the whole experience!
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Re: AMAZING Gypsy Caravan workshop in Orlando!
I'm totally Gypsyfied!!!! In total love with Paulette and Jen!!! You are both so right, the weekend was exceptional, incredibly amazing! Thank you to Paulette and Jen!
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I would move to Portland in a second, for the chance to learn from Gypsy Caravan!
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So glad I got to hook up with old friends and made new ones, I can't wait to be up there again for the next workshop.
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When would GC come back? I miss them already!
Lacey
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Re: AMAZING Gypsy Caravan workshop in Orlando!
I second, third, fourth!! Saturday unfortunately was the only day I was able to participate but I had a BLAST!! Paulette and Jen are the best!! The show was fantastic! Thank yous all around!! Lisa, Sherry thank you for organizing all of this it was so wonderful to see everyone!! Can't wait for next time!:)
j
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In Love with Paulette and Jen!
I just took my first classes with Gypsy Caravan, and I'm totally gypsyfied!!!
Thank you both for the amazing weekend, the awesome workshop and your
beautiful spirits!
Have a safe trip back!
hugs
Alina
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Re: In Love with Paulette and Jen!
Yes! I totally agree with Alina. It was a wonderful weekend!
Thank you and bright blessings to you both!
Aracelis
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Re: In Love with Paulette and Jen!
hear hear! A life changing experience...thanks for an amazing first workshop! Travel plans being made already...cya in Portland in August!
Fran
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Re: In Love with Paulette and Jen!
Welcome to the horde of rabid students and fans of the AMAZING Missy P and juicy Jen. You are in some very good company ;)
Alina
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Re: In Love with Paulette and Jen!
Thanks for the welcoming, I had heard so much of her. I'm totally enchanted! I can't wait to keep learning from her.
Bhrigha
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Re: In Love with Paulette and Jen!
They rakked so hard! It was a truly amazing workshop with some of the best gypsies ever. :-) Alina - you're totally a gypsified convert, I'd say;) Can't wait to see you in Portland someday.
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Ancient Echoes Retreat: Celebration of Tribal Bellydance, Women and Community
Detroit, Oregon, USA, April 2004
by Deirdre Macdonald
The Breitenbush experience was a different more holistic weekend than other dance weekends sometimes offer and it was very refreshing in this regard. It felt low-key but purposeful in reigniting the fire within.
The theme for 2004 was 'Tribal Vision - Weaving Fire with your Dance.' This was not about actual fire but about forging your life force into your own tribal dance! Both teachers lead the workshop, Paulette using her experience in tribal, music and trance, and Patrice is a storyteller, writer and counsellor in the 'wise woman' tradition. This was going to be a little different than other 'dance weekends' I had been to.
Breitenbush Hot Springs in Detroit, Oregon, is a natural healing place and permanent settlement for a dedicated community who use the land and natural resources, including their own geothermal energy from their own hydro plant on the river. There are conference facilities, wooden cabins for accommodation and outdoor hot springs as well as a sauna. Massages are available and there are plenty of trains to hike in too. It is the perfect place to go to recharge (no phones or electricity, not even mobile phone reception!)
We were...introduced to the fire goddess Brigit through Patrice's storytelling and then using our voices brought ourselves into the weekend through a variety of trancing and exercises to let go of our week's stresses and get fully present. It also involved giving and receiving energies of our sisters for the weekend. This was a releasing experience and it surprised me, once I allowed myself to let go of my inhibitions, that I enjoyed the freedom of expression.
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Called Ancient Echoes of Tribal Dance, the workshops acquaint participants with the mythology and healing properties connected to the dance. Women join a warm, accepting circle of other women and while learning the movements of bellydancing, the oldest dance in the world, they also develop their wholeness and spirituality. The two women (Paulette teaches this workshop with Patrice Schanck), working as a team, have presented workshops throughout the region...
-excerpted from "Bellydancing As A Path To Spirituality" by Frances Caldwell/ Oregonian
Gypsy Caravan in Olympia (March 10, 2001) "Representing Gypsy Caravan were Dulcinea and Adria. These two are great instructors. ...I noticed... that Dulcinea could demonstrate a step or move and then go around the room giving gentle individual correction while Adria continued modeling the step at the front of the room for all to see - fabulous!... The workshop looked like a lot of fun and everyone I talked to enjoyed it."
-Jareeda September 2001 by Kashani
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Tribal Synergy with Paulette Rees-Denis and Kajira Djoumahna in Greensboro NC. "The weekend was truly incredible! Instead of completely separate workshops, Kajira and Paulette worked together in a spirit of unity that wet the tone for the entire weekend. While one explained the steps and movements that she used in her particular tribal style, the other one assisted and demonstrated the steps.Throughout the day as we absorbed as much as we could, both instructors were very responsive to all of our questions! ... But we really saw the whole tribal spirit in the show on Saturday night. Paulette and Kajira performed two spectacular duets that really stole the show! It was hard to believe that these two dancers had not performed together for years, they were so perfectly synchronized! The audience was absolutely mesmerized!"
-Zaghareet! September/October, October World Tribe
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American Style Tribal Bellydance Workshops with Paulette Rees-Denis. "...The Saturday workshop was devoted to learning the steps. Based on Egyptian movements, they are nevertheless subtly different, and I always find drips (or hip bumps as Paulette terms them) going up instead of down difficult, and as the music is very Egyptian sounding I kept reverting to Egyptian movements. Paulette never seemed to mind going over the steps again and again when we asked. On Sunday, with a slightly different group of participants, Paulette went over the basic steps again. We took turns to perform in pairs mirroring each other, and experienced some of the unique dynamism and thrill of a group dancing in unison. An added and unexpected bonus on Sunday was the arrival of Amel's husband, Salah-Dawson Miller, and Paulette's husband, Jeff Rees, who provided us with exciting live music. We were all about to get ready to go home when Amel was asked to sing for us and teach us a song - another opportunity not to be missed! I have never heard Amel sing before and it was magic - such a powerful and emotional voice, although we enjoyed our own contributions they must have sounded pretty ropey after Amel's brilliant technique."
-Mosaic Issue 25, Summer 2001, England by Kathy Maynes
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American Tribal Fantasy with Paulette Rees-Denis of the Gypsy Caravan, Portland, Oregon. "...The first workshop began with a beautiful and comprehensive warm up. There was a great sense of fun and excitement in the air. Paulette took the group through some breathing and yoga exercises, even giving a few tips on special stomach toning exercises that feel like they really could work! She then went on to teach the fundamentals of Tribal. We were taught the Ghawazi with a few of its many variations, the Egyptian hip, again with a few variations. Each move was combined with beautiful arm and hand gestures sometimes simple, sometimes quite complex. We then went onto link movements together in sets. Paulette explained that although American Tribal is mainly improvised, it is still OK to string certain moves together, generally because they fit so well, and that it makes sense to do so. Paulette is intensely passionate about Tribal dancing and its relationship to all women. She stated that she was out to change the world. That all women could learn the dance regardless of age, size, or race and that once the structure was learnt, any women could feel free to improvise together. We were taught about the chorus formation - a crescent of dancers constantly revolving, with whoever is at the left hand side of the crescent leading the chorus until she reached the right hand side, allowing the next dancer along to take the lead. In between practicing the sections, moves and chorus Paulette also gave a brief but helpful turban tying/decorating lesson. The workshop was completed by a surprise musical demonstration by Paulette's husband, Jeff, who played his Turkish horn accompanied by Paulette playing a very large set of zils! For the second workshop, Paulette introduced more variations such as the full hip circle, half hip circle, Arabic variations (camels in many guises) and included more traveling moves, Arabic twists, Arabic rotations and various variations of shimmies. Gliding walks were next and Paulette insisted that we dig out our zils and play as we slid across the floor. She kept smiling even though the noise must have been deafening! We then went on to examine the chorus system. We were split into three groups of two sixes and one seven and had to use the moves we had learnt to either lead the chorus or improvise in duet whilst crossing to the right hand side. Very scary! This showed us that if we were leading we had to be very precise with whatever move we chose so that our partner or chorus could pick up on the move quickly enough to follow. You need sharp eyes and senses to get what move your leader is making. We soon felt comfortable enough to relax and dance with our partners in mind. This is the difference with American Tribal, you don't just dance for yourself, you dance for and with your Tribe. ... Paulette completed the workshop with a blessing to the dance, promising to return soon. We wait with baited breath."
-Mosaic Issue 22 Summer 2000, England by Dawn O'Brien
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Praise and Awards for Caravan Studio
We are very proud to announce that Caravan Studio has been awarded a BlueWorks award from the Office of Sustainable Development of Portland. The award is for recycling, reducing waste, buying environmentally preferable products and extending our commitment to the environment.
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Caravan Studio is honored to have been picked for the Willamette Week's FINDER, 2006 Edition! This is an up-to-date, on-it guide for our fair city of Portland, and is Willamette Week's seal of approval! We are thrilled and appreciate the notice, as we work hard to make Caravan Studio a great place for you to dance and workout. Thanks Willamette Week!
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Praise and Awards for Tribal Quest NorthWest
the 2nd Annual TRIBAL QUEST NORTHWEST 2003,
PORTLAND, OREGON, USA - THE FUSION AND EVOLUTION OF TRIBAL BELLYDANCE - 31 July - 3 August 2003
by Deirdre Macdonald
What an event - the second annual Tribal Quest presented by Paulette Rees-Denis and Gypsy Caravan was a five day energetic and uplifting fiesta...With over 200 participants, 15 classes and other activities such as yoga, instrument classes, meditative classes and henna paintings, there was a buzz about the North-East corner of Portland and tough choices to be made in terms of what classes to take. There was also shopping, shows, dinners or parties on each night ot the Quest including a potluck party (where everyone brings some food and a bottle to share) at Paulette's house for participants and teachers...
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from Mosaic Issue 29, Winter 2002/3
the 1st TRIBAL QUEST NORTHWEST - FESTIVAL ORGANIZED BY PAULETTE REES-DENIS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF GYPSY CARAVAN
by Amel Tafsout
For Paulette, it had been a year of brainstorming and planning, putting together five days of dancing workshops, performances and parties. To see it all unfold as she had envisioned it, dancers meeting dancers of various styles, performances of music and dance and not much sleep... Paulette was delighted...
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Tribal Quest NorthWest took place in Portland, Oregon from July 31st to August 2nd, 2002. The guest teachers and performers were FatChance Belly Dance's charismatic artistic director Carolena Nericcio and her assistant Karen Gehrman, Gypsy Caravan, Kajira Djhoumahna and her troupe "United We Dance", Heidi and her African Tribal dance troupe "Domba", two dance members of "Zafira's troupe, Patrice Hawkwood Schanck, Judy Piazza, the hand drummer Bruce Beaton and myself...
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...I saw so many Tribal women walking on the street with their beautiful long skirts and their heavy ethnic jewelry that attracted with their sound the attention of every passersby to join the party. It reminded me of an 'Eid- festival in Algeria, just after Ramadhan when every one is wearing beautiful clothes that coloured all the streets like flowers in a beautiful garden...
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...After giving so many workshops, the dance and rhythm teachers performed in the evening of the fourth day at the Hollywood Theater. It was a real revelation of the evolution of the Tribal dance style. Carolena, the pioneer of this style, and Karen from FCBD performed a masterful duet where each dancer gave a short improvisation with belly rolls and lay back very gracefully... Gypsy Caravan troupe performing with grace a dramatic piece inspired by Spanish costuming, "Domba" with their African Tribal, bringing African spirit, life and humour to the tribes, Kajira and her troupe performed to a Rai music piece of Cheb Mami; "Zafira", a duo that has been inspired by Rajestanese barrel dance elements and created a real art piece that gave incredible homage to tribal dance. Among all these amazing performers it is important to mention Judy Piazza who opened a performance of solo drumming and singing. She transported everyone to a very deep place of consciousness, a real way to initiate into the Tribal world...
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Praise and Awards for DVDs
The Turning
"This is a very innovative and wonderfully done production. The Turning garnered a Giza Club Award in 1997 for "Best Group Choreography." I recommend it highly, not only for its wonderful dancing and music, but for its message and sheer entertainment value. Its an hour and fifteen minutes of enthralling visual and audio treats, professionally done."
-Zaghareet! September/October 1999. Review by Kajira Djoumahna.
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Caravan Trails "Caravan Trails is a fun visit with Gypsy Caravan. With performances and glimpses into the group, it is a delightful way to pass the time. Live music makes such a difference in the intensity of their performance and adds to the energy of this video... There is some jamming outdoors and something that looks like a totally improvisational house jam. It's truly spontaneous and has the feel of an evolution of something fantastic... This video brings color, dimension, and innovation to a potentially predictable and boring style of dance... It can be inspirational for troupes who are just beginning this style or trying to incorporate tribal into their repertoire. It is fun to watch and also a valuable resource to have for references."
-Zaghareet! May/June 1999
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"Initiation: A Music and Dance Mythic Extravaganza. I am very excited about this video! ... This one really got me; in fact, I'd say it is definitely one of the single most entertaining videos I have ever seen! Why? Because it is so creative; because it has a wonderful sense of humor written into the script by master storyteller Patrice Hawkwood Schank; because it is also quite creepy and spooky in spots, and we all like a little of that, too, right? The dark and the light! After all, it is in each and every one of us who dances, walks, talks, sings, plays music or breathes. Be aware that this 1999 IAMED Award winner (for Best Entertainment Video) and Giza Club Award winner (in two categories - Best Troupe and Best Choreography for the Camera) is anything but your typical, run-of-the-mill belly dance entertainment video! ... What you will find, beyond the superb technical aspects ... is a chance to witness the inner journey of dancer Beauty's own personal underworld ... And why should we expect anything less from the producer and director, Ms. Rees-Denis? She already set the precedent with her previous theatrical release, The Turning, ... This one had to meet or surpass the standards set for that great film, and it did."
-Habbibi Vol. 18, No. 3, Kajira Djoumahna
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Praise and Awards for CDs
by Jacqueline Jamal
The Gypsy Caravan: Live from Berbati's & Key Largo. 1994-96
Energetic, full, rousing music; including Saidi, slow and trances. Atmospheric-classic Tribal fusing of influences and pace. Great watercolour on the cover. Every tribal dancer needs one.
Gypsy Caravan: Caravan Rhythms. 1997 & 2001
One tune in each of the popular rhythms. Handy for getting to know rhythms and for practicing. Also for listening to a range of possibilities within each rhythm. It does not have the fuller and more engaging pieces of, 'Live from Berbati's' or 'Migration' but it does have some slow Baladi - always difficult to track down.
Gypsy Caravan and Friends: Migration. 1999
Some Turkish feel; not as arresting as, 'Live from Berbati's' but some very haunting, atmospheric passages and a nice Flamenco-y number. If you can afford to, get it.
The Gypsy Caravan: Awakening. 2002
There is a heavy Saidi feel to the first three tracks. Some possibilities for Pharnonic interpretation. Also a reminiscent medieval feel. 'Dunyah Raks', includes the Brazilian instrument, Berimbau. Lovely, captivating sound and a nice idea to introduce. 'Suite of Mirrors', is 11m 40secs long and has changes of pace and mood which make it a good possibility for a longer performance.