Dance the Elements

Dance the Elements
Expressions of Earth, Air, Fire, Water with AstroBelly
Explore the twelve routines and their four Elements
A practical, colourful and fun 12 week course plan to learn how to
dance & creatively incorporate Keti Sharifʼs AstroBelly Routines
Dance the Elements
Earth, Air, Fire, Water with AstroBelly
From AstroBelly – Dance the Zodiac © www.ketisharif.com
Water
The element of WATER in Bellydance is sensual, deep, soothing, mesmerizing and
mysterious.
Figure eights, shoulder rolls and undulations are a feature of the Water element. Water expresses
femininity, intuition and beauty. Keep hands elegant and dance movements graceful and flowing. The
Water element brings out emotion and sensitivity. Its energy and moods are a blend of receptivity,
feeling and intimacy.
3 week lesson plan:
Week 1: Teach the three WATER routines
Week 2: Layer 2-3 lines of dancers performing water routines in choreography, like waves in various
shades of blue
Week 3: Incorporate the WATER routines into a theatrical improvised dance 'taqsim' - Cancer's
feminine qualities, Scorpio's mystery and Pisces flowing elegance.
The Cancer Bellydancer - Soft & Feminine
Cancer is symbolized by the Crab and is ruled by the Moon, planet of the receptive feminine. The
colour is SILVER and Cancer rules the chest and belly. The Cancer character is intuitive, sensual,
feminine, caring, deep and creative. Cancerian dancers are beautiful, refined dancers with a touch of
mystery and some warm, fun playfulness.
The Scorpio Bellydancer - Magnetic and Mysterious
Scorpio is symbolized by the Scorpion and is ruled by Pluto, planet of transformation. The colour is
Burgundy (or black and red which create burgundy)and Scorpio rules sexuality. The Scorpio character
is private, intense, psychic, deep, mysterious, alluring and of course, sexy!
The Pisces Bellydancer - Flowing & Elegant
Pisces is symbolized by the Fish and is ruled by the Neptune, planet dreams. Pisces dancers are
beautiful, graceful and have a special tranquil quality when they dance - soothing to an audience. The
colour is purple and Pisces rules the feet. The Pisces character is intuitive, artistic, elegant, poetic,
sensitive, feminine, compassionate and creative.
TAQSIM
AstroBelly WATER choreography - track #4 MoonRise CD
This WATER choreography is for Track #4 'Ear to the Ground' from MoonRise CD.
Music by Omar Kamel, choreographed by Keti Sharif. Its genre is modern Ambient
Arabic classical with sensitive violin and qanoon. It contains AstroBelly WATER sign
routines Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio plus A-Z original Routine D Delta. It is easy to
follow, music changes in 16 part blocks - music was written especially for AstroBelly!
Intro 16 counts
Walk onto stage sensuously, slowly
Section 1: 16 counts
QANOON AstroBelly Pisces routine, flowing steps, soft hands and a sway of the upper body
Section 2: 16 counts
QANOON and TABLA AstroBelly Scorpio routine with very deep circles and lotus hands
Section 3: 16 counts
VIOLIN AstroBelly Cancer routine with sensual shoulder rolls and rolling figure eights
Section 4: 32 counts
QANOON A-Z Original Routine D Delta x 2, first in line, then in own circlular floor plan
Section 5: 8 counts
TABLA AstroBelly Scorpio routine one side only with very deep hip circles and lotus hands
Section 6: 8 counts
QANOON SOLO Qanoon shimmy, soft sensitive quivering shimmy of the hips x 8 counts
Section 7: 8 counts
TABLA AstroBelly Scorpio routine other side only with very deep hip circles and lotus hands
Section 8: 8 counts
QANOON SOLO Qanoon shimmy, soft sensitive quivering shimmy of the hips x 8 counts
Section 9: 16 counts
VIOLIN AstroBelly Cancer routine with sensual shoulder rolls and rolling figure eights
Section 10: 16 counts
QANOON A-Z Original Routine D Delta in linear floorplan
Section 11: 16 counts
QANOON AstroBelly Pisces routine, flowing steps, soft hands and a sway of the upper body
Dance the Elements
Earth, Air, Fire, Water with AstroBelly
From AstroBelly – Dance the Zodiac © www.ketisharif.com
Fire
The element of FIRE in Bellydance is passionate, dynamic, proud, powerful and exciting! Aries rules the head, Leo the heart and back and Sagittarius the thighs. Shimmies, travelling steps
and expressive gesture are a feature of the Fire element. Fire brings forth courage, boldness and
creativity. Keep hands and face expressive and dance movements gesturing outwards. Fire's spirit is
lively and flamboyant, generous in nature and always extremely confident. The Fire element brings
out passion and strength. Its energy and moods are a blend of openness, reaching out and giving. 3 week lesson plan:
Week 1: Teach the three FIRE routines
Week 2: In red and yellow scarves and skirts, the group dances like flames, in close formation, in a
circle facing both in and outward.
Week 3: A dynamic layered choreography in reds, in a circle using a cane - each dancer in circle is an
odd or even number. Saiidi Sagittarius step is the constant while odd no. dancers come forth to
perform Leo and evens perform Aries routines, then swap.
The Aries Bellydancer - Bold & Dynamic
Aries is symbolized by the Ram and is ruled by Mars, planet of war and action. The colour is red and
Aries rules the head. The Aries character is bold, daring, charismatic, pioneering, independent,
straight-forward, energetic and strong. Ariesʼ natural charisma makes her very sexy and self-assured!
The Aries character creates a confident dancer.
The Leo Bellydancer - Grand & Dramatic
Leo is symbolized by the Lion and is ruled by the Sun, planet of fire and kingship. The colour is Gold
and Leo rules the heart and back. The Leo character is warm, generous, grandiose, dramatic,
flamboyant, passionate and courageous. A striking dancer, Ms Leo can certainly put on a show and
Leos find fame easily.
The Sagittarius Bellydancer - Joyful & Exuberant
Sagittarius is symbolized by the Archer and is ruled by Jupiter, planet of expansion. The colour is Blue
and Sagittarius rules the legs. The Sagittarius character is charismatic, cheerful, explorative, energetic
and playful.
SAIIDI CANE DANCE
AstroBelly FIRE choreography - track #8 SunDance CD
This FIRE choreography is for Track #8 'Purr-Caution' from SunDance CD. Music by
Omar Kamel, choreographed by Keti Sharif. Its genre is modern Egyptian Saiidi with
powerful drums. It contains AstroBelly FIRE sign routines Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
plus A-Z original Routine S Saiidi and advanced Routine C Cabaret. USE A CANE. It is
easy to follow, music changes in 16 part blocks - music designed especially for
AstroBelly! Note: YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KZ7F2wI-BE
Intro
16 counts
Walk onto stage, slowly with cane tracing shapes around body
Section 1: 16 counts
AstroBelly Aries routine, kick cane from ground to shoulder and twirl on hip drops. Both sides.
Section 2: 16 counts
AstroBelly Leo routine keep cane above head and push towards hip with hip accents, Both sides.
Section 3: 16 counts
A-Z Original Routine S Saiidi keep cane above head.
Section 4: 16 counts
AstroBelly Sagittarius routine with cane above head for saiidi hops and twirling as you step forward,
at chest as you shoulder shimmy and step in circle.
Section 5: 16 counts
A-Z Advanced Routine C Cabaret keep cane shoulder level.
Section 6: 16 counts
Hip drops with twirl cane one side for 8 counts, then shimmy, powerful quivering shimmy of the hips
for 8 counts twirl cane both sides of body - dramatic!
Section 7: 16 counts
AstroBelly Aries routine, kick cane from ground to shoulder and twirl on hip drops. Both sides.
Section 8: 16 counts
AstroBelly Leo routine keep cane above head and push towards hip with hip accents, Both sides.
Section 9: 16 counts
A-Z Original Routine S Saiidi keep cane above head.
Section 10: 16 counts
A-Z Advanced Routine C Cabaret keep cane shoulder level.
Section 11: 16 counts
Hip drops with twirl cane one side for 8 counts, then shimmy, powerful quivering shimmy of the hips
for 8 counts twirl cane both sides of body - dramatic!
Section 12: 16 counts
Shimmy, powerful quivering shimmy of the hips for 8 counts twirl cane both sides of body - dramatic!
Then walk off with cane resting on forehead.
Dance the Elements
Earth, Air, Fire, Water with AstroBelly
From AstroBelly – Dance the Zodiac © www.ketisharif.com
Earth
The element of EARTH in Bellydance is robust, sensual, grounded, rhythmic and strong.
Taurus rules the throat and shoulders, Virgo the belly and Capricorn the knees. Earth signs are
usually good at playing tabla and zills. Powerful shimmies, stealthy steps and grounded gesture are a
feature of the Earth element. Patterns in the rhythms are the secret to keeping the power in the earth
sign's dance. Keep hands and face relaxed, confident and hand movements gesturing downwards
towards earth or at hips. The Earth element grounds the dance, giving it dynamic form and reality. Its
energy and moods are a blend of receptivity and instinct; receptivity to drums (especially to live tabla
rhythms) and instinctive technique (particularly with movements of the hips).
3 week lesson plan:
Week 1: Teach the three EARTH routines
Week 2: Live drums and jam session with earth routines
Week 3: Layered choreography with dancers in a square formation, doing earth routines facing one
another.
The Taurus Bellydancer - Sensual & Earthy
Taurus is symbolized by the Bull and is ruled by Venus, planet of love and sensuality. The colour is
peach or copper and Taurus rules the neck, shoulders and throat. The Taurus character is earthy,
practical, romantic, sensual, stealthy, determined and tactile.
The Virgo Bellydancer - Detailed & Refined
Virgo is symbolized by the Virgin and is ruled by Mercury, planet of communication. The colour is
Green and Virgo rules the metabolism and belly. The Virgo character is analytical, elegant,
perfectionist, natural, discriminating, methodical and earthy.
The Capricorn Bellydancer - Robust & Powerful
Capricorn is symbolized by the Goat and is ruled by Saturn, planet of structure. The colour is dramatic
midnight black and Capricorn rules the knees. The Capricorn character is bold, enigmatic, earthy,
independent, energetic, surprising and has a great lust for life!
TABLA SOLO
AstroBelly EARTH choreography - track #11 MoonRise CD
This EARTH choreography is for drum solo Track #11 'Purr-Caution Drums' from
MoonRise CD. Music by Omar Kamel, choreographed by Keti Sharif. Its genre is
modern Egyptian tabla with plenty of shimmies and accents to powerful drums. It
contains AstroBelly Earth sign routines Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn plus A-Z
original Routines G Ghawazee and H Hagalla. It is easy to follow, music changes
in 16 part blocks - music designed especially for AstroBelly.
Intro 16 counts
Soft hip shimmies with layered accents (very subtle) to the main beats
Section 1: 16 counts
AstroBelly Taurus routine, with gusto and shoulder shimmy instead of sway
Section 2: 16 counts
AstroBelly Taurus again but softer with a sway instead of shoulder shimmy
Section 3: 16 counts
A-Z Original Routine H Hagalla keep hips relaxed, keep accents small yet defined
Section 4: 16 counts
AstroBelly Taurus again but softer, even rounder with a sway instead of shoulder shimmy
Section 5: 16 counts
A-Z Original Routine G Ghawazee
Section 6: 16 counts
AstroBelly Virgo refined movements and EXACTING accents!
Section 7: 16 counts
A-Z Original Routine H Hagalla keep hips relaxed, keep accents small yet defined
Section 8: 16 counts
AstroBelly Taurus again but with soft shoulder shimmy
Section 9: 16 counts
A-Z Original Routine G Ghawazee
Section 10: 16 counts
AstroBelly Capricorn again - strong and powerful with string hips and shimmies
Section 11: 16 counts
AstroBelly Virgo refined movements and EXACTING accents!
Section 12: 16 counts
AstroBelly Taurus again but with hip shimmy instead of shoulder shimmy
“Dance the Elements
Earth, Air, Fire, Water with AstroBelly
From AstroBelly – Dance the Zodiac © www.ketisharif.com
Air
The element of AIR in Bellydance is light, playful, flirtatious and free. Gemini rules the hands,
Libra the hips and Aquarius the ankles. Air signs can spin, tur and travel with ease and have a sinewy
graceful flow to their dance. Freedom and expressiveness are enabled through the added character
shown through the articulation of the hands and face, with many upward gestures. The Air element
requires freedom, space and room to move. Its energy and moods are a blend of changeability and
clever expression.
3 week lesson plan:
Week 1: Teach the three AIR routines
Week 2: Use veil with each routines (see AstroBelly DVD Indi fusion)
Week 3: Layered choreography with veil where dancers facing each other, two dancers at a time
mirror and reflect each other with the flowing routines. Effect is light a bird or butterfly in flight.
The Gemini Bellydancer - Playful & Lively
Gemini is symbolized by the Twins and is ruled by Mercury, planet of communication. The colour is
Orange and Gemini rules the hands and arms. The Gemini character is witty, flirtatious, coquettish,
intelligent, charismatic, friendly and fun.
The Libra Bellydancer - Flirty, Graceful & Light
Libra is symbolized by the Scales and is ruled by Venus, planet of love and beauty. The colour is Jade
and Libra rules the hips. The Libra character is charming, artistic, balanced, refined, social, diplomatic
and flirtatious.
The Aquarius Bellydancer - Electric and Surprising
Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer and is ruled by Uranus, the electric planet. The colour is
Aqua and Aquarius rules the ankles. The Aquarius character is unique, humerous, intelligent, liberal,
open-minded and sometimes eccentric!
VEIL DANCE
AstroBelly AIR choreography - track #2 MoonRise CD
This AIR choreography is for Track #2 "Hawaii Psycho" from MoonRise CD.
Music by Omar Kamel, choreographed by Keti Sharif. Its genre is modern Ambient
Arabic/Latin classical with guitar. It contains AstroBelly AIR sign routines Gemini,
Libra, Aquarius plus A-Z Original Routines E Exotic Egyptian and K Karimah. It is
easy to follow, music changes in 16 part blocks - music designed especially for
AstroBelly. It is a great chance to incorporate veil techniques for flowing dance.
Intro 16 counts
Walk onto stage sensuously, slowly with veil behind you
Section 1: 16 counts
Guitar Snake arms and shoulder rolls with soft hands holding veil and a sway of the upper body, bring
hands in together infront of eyes after each lots of snake arms on counts 7 & 8
Section 2: 16 counts
GUITAR TABLA AstroBelly Libra routine with very veil behind, close veil and hide body on
undulations and open as you step out, veils flows with body
Section 3: 16 counts
GUITAR TABLA A-Z routine E Exotic Egyptian with very veil behind
Section 4: 16 counts
TABLA A-Z AstroBelly Aquarius routine with very veil behind, twirl if possible mid section
Section 5: 16 counts
TABLA A-Z A-Z Original Routine K Karimah in diagonal floorplan
Section 6: 16 counts
GUITAR veil twirls, free dance, get veil in front
Section 7: 16 counts
TABLA AstroBelly Libra routine with veil in front
Section 8: 16 counts
DRUMS AstroBelly Gemini routine with veil behind - use shoulder shimmies
Section 9: 16 counts
DRUMS AstroBelly Gemini routine with veil behind (this time to each side instead of to front)
Section 10: 16 counts
Quietens down, zills A-Z Original Routine K Karimah in linear floorplan
Section 12: 16 counts
Quietens down, zills A-Z Original Routine K Karimah in diagonal floorplan
Section 13: 64 counts
Landing on the Moon talking - FREE DANCE with veil, butterfly veils, twirls, etc
When drums come in, start twirling veil strongly
Section 14: 16 counts
DRUMS AstroBelly Aquarius routine with veil behind
Section 15: 16 counts
DRUMS AstroBelly Gemini routine with veil behind, use shoulder shimmies
Section 16: 16 counts
DRUMS AstroBelly Libra routine with very veil behind
Section 17: 32 counts
Fades out music, dancer twirls with veil and leaves stage
Dance the Elements
Earth, Air, Fire, Water with AstroBelly
From AstroBelly – Dance the Zodiac © www.ketisharif.com
The Grand Sioree
Finish the 12 week course with SOIREE with the "Elements in Dance" theme, with foods from
each of the groups served on tables with different coloured cloths:
RED – serve hot spicy dishes on the FIRE table, with a red cloth,
GREEN – serve green vegetables on the EARTH table with a green cloth
BLUE – serve cool fruits and drinks on the WATER table with blue cloth and
WHITE – serve fluffy rice and Persian spun sugar dessert (white fairy floss) on the AIR table
with a white cloth.
Students can then perform the choreographies in groups for each Element! This is a really fun night!