Fusion in the Forest: A north coast bellydance gathering
Description
Join us for a vibrant two-day celebration of dance, music, and community. This immersive gathering brings together artists, musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts for a weekend filled with engaging workshops, cultural exchange, and live performances.
Participants can explore a variety of dance and music workshops led by experienced instructors, browse unique offerings from local and regional vendors, and connect with fellow artists and community members. Saturday evening features inspiring showcases highlighting the talents of dancers from traditional expressions to contemporary fusion performances.
Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in open mic performances and informal jam sessions throughout the weekend. These collaborative gatherings provide opportunities to share music, exchange ideas, learn from one another, and create spontaneous moments of artistry and connection.
Whether you are a seasoned performer, a curious beginner, or simply someone who appreciates live art and culture, this gathering offers opportunities to learn, create, and celebrate the powerful connection between music and movement.
We want this gathering to be an opportunity not only to attend, but to participate, connect, and contribute. Those interested in performing in the Rooted Showcase will receive priority consideration when they participate in one or more workshops.
If you are a musician and would like to sign up for open mic and jam sessions. Please see the link below.
We will also be accepting vendor applications for artists, makers, and small businesses interested in sharing their offerings throughout the weekend. If you are interested in vending in the event, please sign up in the link below.
In addition, volunteer positions will be available for those who would like to help support the event while becoming more involved in the gathering. Please sign up in the link below.
Showcase spots, vendor spaces, and volunteer positions will be limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.
Please reach out to fusionintheforest@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or concerns!
Artists
Zoe Jakes
Zoe Jakes has the desire and opportunity to bring belly dance to the masses, having performed at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo in front of thousands of people who don't know belly dance from an elephant. It is her passion that Belly Dance can get wider recognition and respect, and her classes reflect that with a focus on strong technique and long-term motivation. Zoe has classes at her home studio, Coven, in Oakland, travels all over the US to teach and perform, and has many classes on www.DaturaOnline.com. In 2015 Zoe launched her own tribal fusion belly dance format, DanceCraftTM. The purpose of this accredited dance program is to provide a structure in which dancers can progress towards an achievable goal and provide an opportunity to build a dancer's skills intelligently and clearly. This format applies strong technical training as a framework for artistry and creative expression. DanceCraft focuses on dance technique, strength and flexibility, musicality, choreography, improvisation, critical thinking, stamina, analysis, teamwork, belly dance history, teaching, and creating original work.
Pixie Fordtears
Pixie Fordtears is a fusion belly dancer from the Bay Area, in CA! With a captivating blend of belly dance, waving, hip hop, and yoga, her unique style is a mesmerizing tapestry of movement. She has had the honor of performing alongside renowned acts such as Beats Antique and House of Tarot. Her collaborations with these influential groups have further shaped her artistic vision and expanded her depth as a performer. Pixie Fordtears can be found sharing her passion for dance and movement as a guiding light. She believes in the power of helping others discover new ways to express themselves through their bodies. Her journey is not only about personal growth but also about uplifting those around her, encouraging them to explore new movements and embrace their own unique dance journeys.
Rachel Noel
Rachel Noel (S/he) is an multi- award winning and internationally recognized fusion dancer based in Oakland, CA. Her work aims to reunite African dance lineages in her body and investigate cultural connections from across space & time. They are inspired by years of study in multiple genres of diasporic social dance as well as music, theatre & poetry. Rachel believes fusion dance is a powerful way to embody their experience as a multicultural person, and to dissolve the boundaries & challenge the systems that society has created to separate human beings. He stays busy teaching somatic awareness through bellydance and performing for live musicians, nightclubs, private parties, community events, music festivals and multiple dance companies.
Alia Gamal
Alia Gamal is an Egyptian-American dancer and educator. Raised in Orange County, California, within the heart of the SWANA diaspora, she developed a lifelong passion for the history, music, and cultural diversity of the Arabi diaspora and its shared connections. Alia is the director of the Bay Area Chapter of the Qabila Foundation, which is dedicated to sharing education about the diversity of the Arab world through dance and culture. As a solo performer and artist, she uses Egyptian dance styles to connect with her roots and heritage. Her goal is to share these art forms to help others explore their own identities, highlight Arabi cultures, and build community. Alia's performances highlight her deep connection to music. Often playful and engaging, she invites the audience to experience every beat, the emotion of the lyrics, and the journey of the melodies alongside her.
Faisal Zedan
Born in Lebanon and raised in Syria, Faisal is an accomplished Arabic percussionist dedicated to preserving and teaching the rich traditions of Arabic music and drumming. With over three decades of experience, he has been actively involved in teaching and performing Arabic and Middle Eastern music since 1996.
Agenda
- 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Saturday 10/24 Faisal Zedan: Beginning balkan and middle eastern rythms
Discover the vibrant connection between Balkan and Middle Eastern music traditions in this engaging darbuka drumming workshop. Participants will explore the driving rhythms, dynamic accents, and unique time signatures that give Balkan music its distinctive energy while learning how Middle Eastern rhythms have influenced and intertwined with these musical styles for centuries.
- 10:15 am - 11:15 am
Saturday 10/24 Faisal Zedan: Intermediate balkan and middle eastern rythms
Take your drumming to the next level in this intermediate darbuka class. Students will build speed, precision, and musicality while expanding their rhythm vocabulary through more complex Middle Eastern and Balkan rhythms, combinations, and transitions. The class focuses on technique refinement, dynamic expression, improvisation, and ensemble playing, making it ideal for drummers who are comfortable with basic darbuka strokes and foundational rhythms.
- 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Saturday 10/24 Alia Gamal: Baladi
Join Alia for a workshop inn Egyptian Baladi style ! This class will explore the signature grounded posture and body movement , and expressive musicality associated with the baladi while gaining confidence and comfort with improvising to a baladi progression. All of these aspects are incredible on their own and also very useful for other styles, as you develop and strengthen your relationship with music and moving intuitively in the moment. Alia is an Egyptian-American dancer known for her playful and engaging stage presence and as a kind and generous instructor with a deep understanding of movement mechanics, dance history, and cultural context.
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Saturday 10/24 Zoe Jakes: West Coast Fusion Fundamentals
A class inspired by Zoes teachers and the influential artists of the west coast 60's-early 2000s In Zoes formative years she trained heavily with Suhaila Salimpour and Katarina Burda. She was lucky enough to catch some of Jamila Salimpours Sunday classes in Berkeley back in the day, and take a few workshops with John Compton. Her foundation for everything she has done ever since has leaned heavily on her dance history and she is excited to share the technique and spirit with you. We will work on the dance moves from this era and then bring them together in combos that will ignite and inspire your dance.
- 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday 10/24 Pixie Fordtears: Tick Lock Boom
Add new textures to your dance with this hip-hop–inspired class for bellydancers. We’ll break down elements like ticking, locking, tutting, waving, and gliding, then show you how to blend them seamlessly into your bellydance foundation. Expect drills, combos, and a focus on musicality, control, and dynamic contrast.
- 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday 10/24: Rooted Showcase
Rooted Showcase is a celebration of belly dance in all its beautiful diversity, bringing together dancers from different styles, backgrounds, and traditions for one vibrant evening of movement, connection, and community. Whether you dance Egyptian, American Tribal Style, Tribal Fusion, Turkish, Persian, folkloric, or another style of belly dance, Rooted Showcase is a space to share your artistry and celebrate what makes your style unique. Dancers who would like to perform can participate by purchasing one of the featured workshops. Workshop participants will receive preference for showcase performance spots. However, showcase spots are limited, so purchasing a workshop does not guarantee a performance spot. Once the available spots are filled, additional dancers may be placed on a waitlist. Rooted Showcase is more than a performance—it’s an opportunity to learn from one another, connect with fellow dancers, and celebrate the many roots and expressions of belly dance.
- 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Sunday 10/25 Zoe and Faisal: Drum solo
Experience the dynamic connection between dancer and drummer in this interactive fusion belly dance workshop featuring live darbuka accompaniment. Dancers will learn techniques for interpreting drum accents, rhythms, and musical cues while exploring movement combinations designed specifically for live percussion. Throughout the workshop, the drummer will provide rhythm instruction, helping participants recognize common Middle Eastern drum patterns, understand musical structure, and develop confidence responding to live music. Perfect for dancers looking to strengthen their musicality, improvisation skills, and stage presence while gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of live drum solos.
- 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday 10/25 Pixie Fordtears: Moon of Artemis
A dynamic choreography. Slathered with gooey movement, crisp attacks, and delicious recoil. You will learn some of Pixie’s signature style from her cross training and how she integrates it into her dance, and will see how she hears music through movement! This choreography will be aimed for Intermediate, but beginners are more than welcome!
- 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Sunday 10/25 Rachel Sanders: Somatic Awareness
This workshop will focus on how to collaborate with your music using your somatic awareness and mind- body mechanics. We’ll deep dive into what it means to be truly responsive to your music and how to build the physical toolbox that allows you to do so with the most freedom of self- expression possible.
FAQs
- Who is this gathering for?
The festival is open to belly dancers of all experience levels, from those taking their very first class to experienced performers and teachers.
- Do I need to have belly dance experience to attend?
No! Beginners are welcome. Workshops will be offered at different levels, so you can choose classes that feel appropriate for your experience.
- Can I attend without taking any workshops?
Yes. You are welcome to attend performances and other activities without taking workshops. However, workshop registration is required if you would like to be considered for a performance spot in the Rooted Showcase.
- Does purchasing a workshop guarantee me a performance spot?
No. Showcase spots are limited, and purchasing a workshop does not guarantee a performance opportunity. Workshop participants will receive priority consideration, but spots will be filled based on availability.
- Can I perform a solo, duet, or group piece?
Yes. Solo and duet performers will be given up to 5 minutes and group pieces will be given up to 8 minutes.
- Will there be vendors?
Yes! The festival will feature opportunities to shop from dancewear, accessories, and other vendors. If you'd like to sign up to vend use the link below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0JnSYlwVHMfUE-9OUvr-_WYtKgzHc9N3kopDIcGlP31qn7Q/viewform?usp=dialog
- Will there be food available?
Yes! There will be light food drink available at the venue. Additionally, there are several grocery stores and restaurants that are a short walk or drive away from the venue.
- Is there parking at the venue?
Yes. There is limited free parking at the venue as well as free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
- Where do I stay?
If you are coming from out of town there are several options for accommodations in Arcata such as Hotel Arcata, The Front Porch Inn, Lady Anne, Hampton Inn, and Best Western. There are also many Airbnb options and other hotel options within Arcata and in the neighboring towns.
- Is the venue accessible?
We are committed to making the festival as accessible and welcoming as possible. Please contact us with specific accessibility needs so we can help make appropriate arrangements.
- Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we cannot give refunds to purchased tickets, however, if you have an extenuating circumstance please reach out to the team and we can try and work something out.
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