Thread: ATS Vibe in a Tribal Fusion class?

I'm starting teaching tribal fusion classes in the near future, and I have been thinking about classes I have taken in the past.

I loved my ATS classes I took, partly because I love ATS and also because of the community it effortlessly created - we all made friends and took an interest in eachother's lives because through ATS and partnerwork we all connected with eachother. I've made lots of friends I see and saw outside of class, and went on adventures together and got into eachother's passions together (currently, we're trying hoolahooping, and getting lots of bruises!)

I have taken lots of different egyptian and contemporary bellydance classes with other teachers, and as it's an individual learning process, the connection and interaction with others was not quite there. I want people talking with eachother (not over me I hasten to add!), learning about eachother, and enjoying hanging out with their classmates. We are english, we are not very good at talking to strangers.

Do you think the community vibe can be transferred over or do you think it's just an ATS thing? Are there any techniques you have used to get your students talking together and creating a sense of team/community? Any ideas?

..g.:

It's been 10 years since I taught exclusively oriental/folkloric etc., but I remember that learning choreographies together helped create socialization among the students, as did having a goal like performing (that choreography) together.
Also, viewing videos in class or outside of class created more interactions among the students. You can comment on the videos & ask questions to get them talking.
Any kind of group activity in or out of class will help with the breaking down of walls. But you're right, the group improv vibe makes that happen pretty naturally

Originally Posted by Demelza

Do you think the community vibe can be transferred over or do you think it's just an ATS thing? Are there any techniques you have used to get your students talking together and creating a sense of team/community? Any ideas?

..g.:

group work. I'm one of the shyest ppl in a roomfull of ppl I don't know, but when you are put into a small group setting and tasked with creating a small choreo on the spot with other ppl, it creates that sort of community vibe.

you may not get the collective groan of dread after cueing that four spins though *g*

All that stuff doesn't ONLY happen with ATS!

That vibe will happen in any class if:
- the teacher creates plenty of group work/pairwork/circle dancing for students, so they interact with each other in class.
- the teacher encourages discussion, and creates opportunities for it
- the teacher encourages the discussion of extracurricular matters, eg other classes, workshops, demonstrations, haflahs, shows, performances, music, bazaars, etc etc
- the teacher facilitates extracurricular activities, eg extra rehearsals for a show, going to a haflah, going to a showcase, going for a meal at a middle eastern/turkish restaurant, shisha bar, video nights, whatever

It doesn't all happen immediately, but it *will* develop.

Good luck with the teaching!

Originally Posted by beafarhana

It doesn't all happen immediately, but it *will* develop.

yes, i don't think it can be forced, but will develop if the students feel like they are "in it together", so to speak ^_^

I turned a belly dance class and a tribal fusion class into groups because they work as such.
I teach ITS ( can't call it ATS as I haven't qualified as a FCBD instructor..you are so lucky to have been with one)
Communities just happen when people "click" wther they be Egyptian belly dancers or tribal dancers.
I am subbing for a local teacher who is having an op and her class spent before - time collecting for her,arrangng visits. They meet socially and the whole atmosphere in the class ( made up of her class and those who are also a fusion performance group) was very much of sharing and togetherness.
As to English people not being very friendly: a sweeping statement. . In my city , we'll talk to absolutely anybody wether they can understand us or not...g.:

Originally Posted by beafarhana

All that stuff doesn't ONLY happen with ATS!

That vibe will happen in any class if:
- the teacher creates plenty of group work/pairwork/circle dancing for students, so they interact with each other in class.
- the teacher encourages discussion, and creates opportunities for it
- the teacher encourages the discussion of extracurricular matters, eg other classes, workshops, demonstrations, haflahs, shows, performances, music, bazaars, etc etc
- the teacher facilitates extracurricular activities, eg extra rehearsals for a show, going to a haflah, going to a showcase, going for a meal at a middle eastern/turkish restaurant, shisha bar, video nights, whatever

It doesn't all happen immediately, but it *will* develop.

Good luck with the teaching!

It does depend a lot on the teacher's teaching style. I have taught other things besides Bellydance, and I like this approach. Works for me. Some teachers have a different approach.