Colleena

Upcoming Events :: 2009

2009-03-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

April 27
MADRID, Spain
RED LOTUS :: Performance. Workshops at the school of Patricia Passo.

May 7 - June 7
USA (booking dates)
RED LOTUS :: Performance and workshops in SF, Honolulu and ...? Currently booking dates. For more info on Red Lotus visit: www.theredlotusproject.blogspot.com

May 13 - 18
TRIBAL FEST. Sebastapol, CA - USA
Workshop: Sublety in motion. Vending on the front lawn all week! Performance: RED LOTUS sneak peek!

June 6 & 7
Honolulu, HI
'PUJA' performance in Hawaii. Workshops tba.

August 1- 30
*'QUEENZ'* Performance and workshop tour with Queen Harish! Bellywood!!! Currently booking dates. For more info: www.colleenaandqueenharish.blogspot.com

Upcoming Events :: 2009

2009-03-14T02:44:00.000-07:00

April 27
MADRID, Spain
RED LOTUS :: Performance. Workshops at the school of Patricia Passo.

May 7 - June 7
USA (booking dates)
RED LOTUS :: Performance and workshops in SF, Honolulu and ...? Currently booking dates. For more info on Red Lotus visit: http://www.theredlotusproject.blogspot.com/

May 13 - 18
TRIBAL FEST. Sebastapol, CA - USA
Workshop: Sublety in motion. Vending on the front lawn all week! Performance: RED LOTUS sneak peek!

June 6 & 7
Honolulu, HI
'PUJA' performance in Hawaii. Workshops tba.

August 1- 30
*'QUEENZ'* Performance and workshop tour with Queen Harish! Bellywood!!! Currently booking dates. For more info: http://www.colleenaandqueenharish.blogspot.com/

2009-03-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

::RED LOTUS::
The Lotus is a universal symbol of divinity and purity. Red is a color which invokes feminine energy and images. In the west people often think of red as the color of seduction, passion and desire; a woman at her most vulnerable and powerful point. In India, red represents the divine feminine in the concept of Shakti (power or divine force of the Goddess; as the activating force in the universe). The color red defines the focus on feminine movement which is the unifying theme of this work. Though the dances present in Red Lotus are from far corners of the globe, the aesthetic value of their movements is femininity in its many shades and contrasts.Each petal of this ‘Red Lotus’ reveals another possibility of feminine strength and grace. Contrasting dance styles are presented such as Western and Indian classical, Spanish and Rajasthani ‘Gypsy’ offering both disciplined and improvisational forms from East and West. These dances are merely different facets of the same spirit. This spirit is explored in the conclusion with a Fusion Belly Dance piece.

:: SPECTACLE: A New Work in Dance ::
From Classical to ‘Gypsy’… Natural to Contemporary… Passionate to Divine…This performance leads us through the contrasts and fusions in the works of Patricia Passo and Colleena Shakti.Elemental dance forms:Odissi Classical Indian DanceWestern Classical and Contemporary DanceFlamenco: Spanish ‘Gypsy’ DanceRajasthani ‘Gypsy’ DanceFusion ‘Belly Dance’
Act.1 SPIRIT: Introducing the Function of all dance. Pushpanjali is the offering of flowers at the beginning of a performance. In Indian philosophy it marks the auspicious opening of a prayer in the form of dance.
Act.2 BODY: Form Classical Dance from East to West: activating different studied forms of communication. Imagine two women talking about the sacrifices made in their life on their search for freedom… each one speaks a different language yet the stories share much similarity.
Act.3 EARTH: Feeling “Gypsy” Dance - Rasa and emotional movement of the human experience. Emotion creates a reaction. Reaction is movement, and for some, that reaction defines their whole being. Act. 3 relates the similarities and differences of traditional dances based on the experiences of women living as ‘outsiders’ of their society.
Act.4 FREEDOM: Integration of form and feeling - Fusion. If technique gives us freedom, emotion challenges the limits of our form. Fusion is the natural evolution of those seeking beyond their expectations. True self expression is unique beyond categorization.

:: INTEGRATION: Expert Dance Instruction :
:Dance workshop topics:
1. FORM: Postures, balance, turns, movement quality, etc.· Western classical / contemporary dance technique· Indian classical dance technique· Applying Western and Indian methods in unified movement
2. FEELING: Experience and expression through traditional folkloric dances.· Flamenco· Indian/ Rajasthani· Comparative movement
3. FUSION: Applying foundational tools in a fusion choreography.

::DUET::
The Bond:The personal sacrifices and determination of each artist is immediately recognizable in their dedicated approach to dance. Patricia Passo, moved to Spain from Brazil to learn Flamenco and other dances influenced by the Arabic presence in Spain throughout history, while Colleena moved from America to India, to immerse herself in both classical and ‘Gypsy’ dances of India.The artist relationship of the two dancers is based on a similar experience with dance in their life. As foreigners entering into dance traditions of their adopted land, they have been able to keep a clear idea of who they are as individuals within the personality of their chosen dance form. An outside perspective along with a diverse background in dance allows them to understand nuances about traditions which others may take for granted. They both describe not only their dance, but their lives as ‘fusion’.
The Movement::
Colleena and Patricia have both done their preliminary training in classical dance. Patricia studied at Uni Rio University, at Espaço Novo Ángel Vianna in Brazil and at Complutense University and Rey Juan Carlos I University in Spain. Colleena is trained in Odissi classical dance under the careful guidance of Guru Shree Padma Cheran Dehury in India. The structure of classical dance has set a strong foundation which allows their dance practice to remain focused and aware of subtleties as they create their own fusions. Classical dance, whether in the East or the West, aims to reshape the muscle habits to move in a very specific line of movement until it becomes a new nature to the artist. Their physical discipline remains in tact even as they bring primitive, Gypsy and contemporary movement together in one body, creating a unique awareness in improvisational and traditional dances.

“Within the city of Brahman (spirit), which is the body, there is the heart, and within the heart there is a little house. This house has the shape of a lotus, and within it dwells that which is to be sought after, inquired about, and realized.What then is that which dwells within this house, this lotus of the heart?Even so large as the universe outside is the universe inside within the heart of the lotus. Within it are heaven and earth, the sun, the moon, the lighting, and all the stars. Whatever is in the macrocosm is in the microcosm…Though old age comes to the body, the lotus of the heart does not grow old. It does not die with the death of the body. The lotus of the heart where Brahman resides with all his glory – that, and not the body, is the true city of Brahman.”

'Q U E E N Z'

2009-03-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

*'QUEENZ'*

Queen Harish and Colleena Shakti Present:

A new Chapter in Bellywood history…

Performance and workshop tour: August 2009

Our favorite dancing desert drag queen and innovator of Indian fusion belly dance bring to you the first chapter in Bellywood history. Comic, elegant and delightfully fresh, Queen Harish and Colleena Shakti whirl together Bollywood, Fusion Belly Dance, Indian Classical and Rajasthani ‘Gypsy’ dances with climactic emotion.

THE SHOW:

*‘Queenz’* is a fluid one hour show contrasting the many faces found in Indian cinema. Bellywood dance is created as Queen Harish and Colleena tie Belly Dance and Bollywood together with finishing touches of Rajasthani ‘Gypsy’ dance. This stage performance highlights all new solo and duet pieces set to a most bizarre and eclectic soundtrack.

WORKSHOP:·

Bellywood Breakdown:

Part One: Technique: Setting the stage for fusion

Kathak:-Basic footwork to understand where we keep the rhythm in our body in Indian dance-Postures and arm movements. This is where the elegance styles of Bollywood get their moves!-Spins: Techniques and mysteries revealed. Odissi:-Eyes, head and torso movement to give softness to your dance.-Mudras. Belly Dance:-Basic and original movement vocabulary used in our fusion.

Part Two: Style, emotion, sequencing and choreography!

Bollywood: Mujra style-Sequencing movements with a song-Emotion: facial expression and using the moves to tell a storyBellywood!- A fusion all our own, you’ll have to come to see for yourself!

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE:·

Rajasthani Dance:A complete introduction to the most beautiful tribal dance of India.

Main focus will be on Khalbelia ‘Gypsy’ style dance which is known for its witty charm and rapid spins. A wide range of movements will be taught along with short sequences. Queen Harish and Colleena share their experience and secrets to creating an improvisational performance in Rajasthani dance.

2009-01-26T09:13:00.002-08:00

Recent or upcoming performances:

Dec. 28 :: Bhubaneswar, Orissa

ODISSI NATIONAL FESTIVAL

Performing 'Jaya Bagavati' with live odissi musicians.

Jan. 21 :: Jaipur, Rajasthan

CHEB I SABBAH : COLLEENA : QUEEN HARISH

Jaipur Literature Festival, Diggi Palace

Jan. 21 :: Jaipur, Rajasthan
CHEB I SABBAH : COLLEENA : QUEEN HARISH
Jaipur Literature Festival, Jaipur City Palace

THE RED LOTUS

2008-09-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Currently booking May 2009 tour of Spain and USA...

What is The Red Lotus...

:: Classical ::

:: 'Gypsy' ::

:: Indian ::

:: Flamenco ::

:: Fusion ::

D A N C E

__________

SPECTACLE:
Classical to ‘Gypsy’… Natural to Contemporary… Passionate to Divine…
This performance leads us through the contrasts and fusions in the works of Patricia Passo and Colleena Shakti.

Elemental dance forms:
-Odissi classical Indian dance
-Western classical and contemporary dance
-Flamenco-Rajasthani ‘Gypsy’ dance
-Oriental fusion / Tribal fusion ‘belly dance’

INTEGRATION:
Expert Dance InstructionDance workshop topics:

1. FORM: Postures, balance, turns, movement quality, etc.· Western classical / contemporary dance technique· Indian classical dance technique· Applying Western and Indian methods in unified movement

2. FEELING: Experience and expression through traditional folkloric dances.· Flamenco· Indian/ Rajasthani· Comparative movement

3. FUSION: Applying foundational tools in a fusion choreography.
For more info visit:

http://www.theredlotus.blogspot.com/

http://www.colleenashakti.com/

http://fusionoriental.com/index_en.html

THE RED LOTUS

2008-09-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Currently booking May 2009 tour of Spain and USA...

What is The Red Lotus...
:: Classical ::

:: 'Gypsy' ::

:: Indian ::

:: Flamenco ::

:: Fusion ::

D A N C E
__________
SPECTACLE:

Classical to ‘Gypsy’… Natural to Contemporary… Passionate to Divine…

This performance leads us through the contrasts and fusions in the works of Patricia Passo and Colleena Shakti.

Elemental dance forms:

-Odissi classical Indian dance

-Western classical and contemporary dance

-Flamenco-Rajasthani ‘Gypsy’ dance

-Oriental fusion / Tribal fusion ‘belly dance’

INTEGRATION:

Expert Dance InstructionDance workshop topics:

2. FEELING: Experience and expression through traditional folkloric dances.· Flamenco· Indian/ Rajasthani· Comparative movement

3. FUSION: Applying foundational tools in a fusion choreography.

For more info visit: http://www.theredlotus.blogspot.com/
http://www.colleenashakti.com/
http://fusionoriental.com/index_en.html

THE RED LOTUS

2008-09-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Now booking for May 2009 Tour of Spain and USA...

What is The Red Lotus...
:: Classical ::

:: 'Gypsy' ::

:: Indian ::

:: Flamenco ::

:: Fusion ::

D A N C E

SPECTACLE:

From Classical to ‘Gypsy’… Natural to Contemporary… Passionate to Divine…This performance leads us through the contrasts and fusions in the works of Patricia Passo and Colleena Shakti.

Elemental dance forms:

-Odissi classical Indian dance

-Western classical and contemporary dance

-Flamenco-Rajasthani ‘Gypsy’ dance

-Oriental fusion / Tribal fusion ‘belly dance’

INTEGRATION: Expert Dance Instruction

Dance workshop topics:

2. FEELING: Experience and expression through traditional folkloric dances.· Flamenco· Indian/ Rajasthani· Comparative movement

3. FUSION: Applying foundational tools in a fusion choreography.

http://www.colleenashakti.com
http://fusionoriental.com/index_en.html

Workshop and Performances in Honolulu, HI

2008-05-30T01:19:00.000-07:00

PASSPORT PRODUCTIONS Presents-

The Return of the Captivating COLLEENA SHAKTI!
Colleena Shakti, founder of the Shakti School of Dance in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India, returns to Hawai’i for a limited teaching and performance engagement. Colleena shares her personal, studied, culturally sensitive dances of India, including Classical Odissi, Folk dances of Rajastan and Indian Arabic Fusion belly dance. This is a special opportunity to explore the depths of these dances and invest in your own dance journey. www.colleenashakti.com

June 3rd, 2008,Tuesday Form and Flow: East Indian Dance Styling!
Add depth, quality and artistry to your dance, focusing on movement and vocabulary from Classical Indian dance, gypsy and Indo-Arabic flavored belly dance! A must for ANY dancer, regardless or style or skill level!

Kapiolani Community College, Maile Dance Studio, Upper Campus.
Registration 6:30 p.m., Class: 7 – 9 p.m. Free Parking. $55 special for PUJA attendees, $70 at the door. Colleena will have one of a kind, unique hand made treasures, clothing and jewelry from India for sale.

Colleena Shakti PERFORMS in PUJA: An Offering In Dance.
Experience the beauty of dance and movement from around the world! 2 Shows ONLY!
June 7th, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 8th, 2p.m.
Windward Community College, Paliku Theater, Kanehoe.
Tickets available – contact Willow Chang @ 292 0820 or willowchang.com

Performing at FIRST FRIDAY - Hawaii State Art Museum
First Friday (June 6) The Hawai‘i State Art Museum, 250 Hotel St., The art museum will feature middle eastern dance performances by Sangha Dance Theatre starting at 5:00 PM , Colleen will be performing at 7:15 & at 8:15.

3 Day Dance Retreat with Colleena :: AUG. 7-10

2008-05-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

________________________________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION:
· 3 full days of instruction! (16.5 hours)
· Includes healthy vegetarian meals and accommodation
· Open to ALL levels (No previous experience needed)

ODISSI :
Classical Indian Dance from the Temples of Eastern India.

Odissi began with a tradition spanning over 2,000 years in which women lived a life in service to God, as devotional dancers. These women (called devadasi) lived disciplined lives within the temples and danced daily in temple ritual. Dance has been considered the highest offering one can give God (because it transports both the dancer and the spectator into a higher spiritual and esthetic space). Therefore, these women were viewed as manifestations of auspiciousness for the community. Today the dance has been revived as one of India’s 7 classical dance styles, and is best know for its expressive, devotional and feminine qualities.

COLLEENA:

Colleena has devoted her life completely to dance since she moved to India in 2001 to train under her Odissi dance master: Guru Padma Cheran Dehury. In 2004 she opened Shakti School of Dance in Pushkar, Rajasthan (India), which offers monthly intensive courses in Odissi dance and Rajasthani folk dance. Colleena approaches Odissi dance with deep reverence of its significance as a spiritual practice and medium of prayer, as well as reinforcing the importance of classical discipline to achieve purity in dance.
_______________

WHAT WILL WE LEARN ??
For those students who cannot travel all the way to India to study Odissi dance, this is the perfect opportunity to study Odissi classical Indian dance in
a traditional and holistic manner. Training includes:

3 sections of Odissi training:

Stepping Class: We begin with traditional strengthening exercises for classical dancers. After the warm-up, basic postures and techniques of Odissi dance are broken down.

Item Class: Students will learn a section of a traditional dance ‘item’ (choreography) which will include both pure dance (nritta) and storytelling dance (abinaya).

Theory Class: History, Hindu concepts, classical Indian music theory, mudra’s and other helpful tools for dancers will be discussed.

_____________________

Additional classes:

Rajasthani: This class will be a fun and invigorating introduction to various Rajasthani folk dances.

Mantra Movement:
Grounding… Reflective… Relaxing…
Mantra repetition is a powerful tool to calm the mind and open the heart. Using Yoga and Classical Indian Dance movements, the benefits of dance meditation will be explored.

____________

SCHEDULE

-Open Yoga & Meditation - 8-9 am

-Odissi stepping class Classical Indian Dance techniques and exercises. - 9-11 am

-Breakfast and tea -11-12

-Odissi item class (Beginning choreography) - 12-1 pm

- Lunch - 2-3 pm

- Rajasthani dance - 4-5 pm

-Odissi theory class Classical Indian Dance Theory. (Mudra’s, concepts, etc.) - 5-6:30 pm

- Dinner - 7:30 pm

________________

Arrival:

Thursday, Aug. 7th - 7 pm (Orientation dinner)

Classes:
Friday, Aug. 8-10 - 3 full days! (see schedule)

Departure:
Sunday - Aug. 10th - 7pm after dinner -OR-
Monday - Aug. 11th - before 10 am
____________

Location:
Only a few hours East from the SF Bay Area (approx. 45 minutes from Sacramento), tucked in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, “The Yoga Place” in Georgetown, is a serene forest retreat center ideal for total immersion in sacred dance. Gorgeous hiking trails, lakes and swimming are all nearby. Massage is available by appointment. Very comfortable ‘dorm style’ accommodation is offered in yurt or barn house. Three vegetarian meals a day!

For more info on the retreat center go to:
www.yogaonthedivide.com/retreats.htm
__________________

3 Day Intensive Dance Workshop Includes dorm style lodging (in yurt or ‘barn house’), vegetarian meals & more than 16 hrs. instruction!

$450.00

_____________
3 Day Intensive Workshop With camping, vegetarian meals and instruction.
$425.00

________________
3 Day Intensive Workshop With private bedroom and bath, vegetarian meals and instruction.
$500.00

_____________

Registration:

Registration deadline: July 17 !!!
Space is limited. Email to check availability and to register online using Paypal:

colleenashakti@yahoo.com
Or leave a message at: 805-218-4229
____________

FAQ:

· I have never tried Odissi before, can I still come?

YES! No prior experience is needed, you just need to be ready to work hard and enjoy trying new things.

· Can I come for just 1 of the 3 days?

No. The intensive training period is designed to integrate students, mind, body and soul… so that the experience is complete.

(The Yoga Place- Georgetown, CA)

We hope to see you there!

The Red Lotus

2008-05-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

THE RED LOTUS

:: Classical ::

:: 'Gypsy' ::

:: Indian ::

:: Flamenco ::

:: Fusion ::

D A N C E

Queens.....

2008-04-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Colleena and Queen harish on tour - Summer 2009

Khalbelia 'Gypsy' Dance

2008-02-05T17:01:00.001-08:00

Theater performance- Taipei 2007

2008-02-05T17:00:00.001-08:00

Arabic Indian Fusion Belly Dance

2008-02-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

Theater performance- Taipei 2007

Odissi Classical Indian Dance

2008-02-05T16:58:00.001-08:00

Theater performance- Taipei 2007

Tribal Fest

2008-02-05T16:57:00.001-08:00

Tribal Fest video on Youtube

Colleena

Upcoming Events :: 2009

Upcoming Events :: 2009

*'Q U E E N Z'*

THE RED LOTUS

THE RED LOTUS

THE RED LOTUS

Workshop and Performances in Honolulu, HI

3 Day Dance Retreat with Colleena :: AUG. 7-10

The Red Lotus

Queens.....

Khalbelia 'Gypsy' Dance

Arabic Indian Fusion Belly Dance

Odissi Classical Indian Dance

Tribal Fest

'Q U E E N Z'