Workshop Info

Workshop location - Tropical Soul Dance Studios, 205-207 Parramatta Road, Annandale.

Fierce Fusion Fragments with Belladonna

10am-12pm Friday 5th Sept

Learn Belladonna's Boho fusion group improv style of short choreographed fragments. Edgy and industrial strength combinations perfect for goth, industrial and some pop music

Open Level

$90

Performance Project with Belladonna

1.00pm-3.30pm Friday 5 September

Open level

Join Queen of Swords Belladonna for a performance project to be learnt over the weekend, and performed at our Open Stage on Saturday night. Students will need to bring 2 swords suitable for bellydance

This option is only available as a package with Saturday's session 2, as both sessions need to be attended to perform.

$250

Pick'n'Mix- Create Your Own Combos with Jessyka

1.00-3.00pm Friday 5 September

Beyond Beginner and up

Sentinels of Stone with Kylie Astarte

3.00pm-5.00pm Friday 5 September

Open level

Sirens vs Cyborgs with Aradia

3.30pm-5.30pm Friday 5 September

Open level

Creating combinations can make memorising choreography so much easier- but it can be so intimidating to start! How do we build a combo? What moves look good together? How do we create something dynamic and interesting?

In this workshop, we will first dissect the elements of effective combinations, before participating in creative exercises designed to expand our dance practise and help you find your own unique voice.

This workshop explores the archetype of the gargoyle or grotesque, the fearsome and sometimes horrifying figures that adorned the facades, rooftops and balconies of gothic architecture and cathedrals. We will examine the role of these figures in history and mythology through embodying the stoic, granite and stone qualities of these figures, exploring new and unique movement potential through muscle contortion and release, layering and levels. Leave feeling empowered and ready to scare away your demons or detractors.

Enter the Siren.... clash with the Cyborg. Who you take from is up to you but know your dance will be changed forever. Fluid and sleek lines mixed with circular and infinite shapes, dynamic splashes of breath and industrial madness! Create the ultimate story without words through the art of Industrial Bellydance. This workshop will focus on technique through drills and character development. Definitive movement on both a strikingly sharp and mesmerisingly slow transmission through intensive muscular drills and timing exercises. These drills are designed to challenge, excite and lead you on a path of dance discovery - but be prepared to fill the swear jar! Please bring an empty belly! (We recommend a light lunch on this day!)

$55

Boho Blade Cues and Combos with Belladonna

10.00am-12.00pm Saturday 6 September

Open level

A sword can be a powerful dance partner. And group improvisational dance can be a fun and exciting adventure. In this workshop, we will do both! Belladonna will introduce you to some of her signature Boho Blade combinations. Dancers will learn purposeful and powerful combos that incorporate a variety of grips, head and body balances, cues and transitions. No longer are you limited to a single head balance or only one way of holding your sword. A pioneer of modern sword technique, Belladonna will share tips and tricks to help you build dexterity, balance, focus and improve your sword work and spatial awareness, all while having fun in a community of other sword dancers.

**Please bring a sword appropriate for belly dance

$90

Shimmies of Mercy with Amanda PB

10.00am-12.00pm Saturday 6 September

Shimmies are the powerhouse go-to move for all belly dancers of all styles. They are the little black dress, the "goes with (almost) anything" move. We are going to dig into what makes a shimmy super impressive, and different ways you can style your shimmies for maximum effect. This session isn't designed to exhaust you, but it will have you walking away with a little extra sass in your stride.

Open Level

$55

Learn to Dance with Fire and Fire Safety with Wolf Ifritah

10.00am-12.00pm Saturday 6 September

Open Level

Palm Candles as an introduction to fire dance ( live fire!) We will cover – fire safety basics, This will set you up for success if you should ever want to perform with fire, support a friend or elevate/modernise your fire safety standards. Learn basic palm candle moves, then we will take turns to light up and dance with fire in a safe supportive environment ( palm candles – supplied ). I want to empower folks to claim a connection to fire, be brave and learn to hold a confident and powerful presence for fire dancing. Be intentional and understand both the risks and rewards of the fabulous art form of fire twirling or fire dance. These are the first steps on a journey you won’t regret, no experience or supplies are required. Bring a friend so you can document the process , and lean into the ASMR whoosh of your first play with fire. Dress code: cotton no polyester

PLEASE NOTE: because materials are supplied, this class is limited to 10 participants

$55

Belladonna Performance Project Session 2

1.00pm-3.30pm Saturday 6 September

Open Level

Session 2 of Belladonna's performance project (Please note: Must be booked as a package with Session 1, please use booking link above)

Costuming on a Budget with Jessyka

1.00pm-3.00pm Saturday 6 September

Open Level

Having a beautiful, attention grabbing and professional looking costume is essential if we wish to perform, but how can we do this if we're on a budget?

This workshop will go through tips and tricks on effective and cheap costuming, including for troupes. We will discuss suppliers, techniques, no-sew alternatives for clothing, and how to dazzle for less dollars.

Participants will all be stepped through creating their own mermaid skirt pattern, custom designed to their measurements, and designed to be sewn with as few seams as possible. All materials provided.

$55

Theatrical Stage Makeup Masterclass with Kalikah Jade

3.30-5.30pm Saturday 6 September

Open Level

Put your best face forward and learn some of Kalikah's tips to really define your look for stage lights & photo shoots. Learn how to achieve a flawless base that won't sweat or smudge off, plus learn handy tricks to enhance your features under harsh stage lights. We will cover application, product types and styling for all styles of bellydancers. We will especially focus on mastering the black, smouldering eyeshadow look perfect for your next gothic or fusion act. Please bring a makeup toolkit - a list with some suggestions will be emailed to registered attendees.

$55

Quiet Royalty Choreography with Sarah Moulton

3.00pm-5.00pm Saturday 6 September

Intermediate Level

Inspired by Rumi poetry, “Inside a lovers heart there’s another world and yet another…. Some nights stay up till dawn, as the moon does for the Sun” this choreography will delve into the emotive depths of the heart to the track of “Quiet Royalty” by Jef Stott. Experience the blending of slow, swoony, and slinky movements with powerful percussive hip work and body layers!

$55

Open Prop Jam with Wolf Ifritah - O'Dea Reserve, Camperdown

12.00-3.00pm Saturday 6 September

Open level

Join Wolf for an open prop jam! Bring your fans, poi, hoops, maybe a snack and jam with other Gothla attendees.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not an opportunity for Wolf to teach fire dance- that is the workshop held previously. If you wish to dance with fire, you will need to bring your own qualified and experienced safety person, as Wolf cannot safely supervise more than one person at a time. We also recommend previous experience with your prop.

No need to book, just turn up! Please note - safety protocols and fire safe dress code to be followed at all times.

Drawing Blood Occult Life Drawing with Venus Vamp

3.00pm-6.00pm Saturday 6 September

Open level

Concession $15, Regular $25

Do you feel your sketches lack spirits? Are your anatomical studies a little *too* scientific? Have you wondered how to make your art appear more ‘otherworldly’?   

DRAWING BLOOD - THE OCCULT LIFE DRAWING EXPERIENCE is here to fulfil all your artistic and magical needs in the one sacred spot! Come together as one at the temple of Gothla, Saturday 6th September to draw what visions appear before you as our mystical models will pose in various formations for your life sketching pleasure.

Bring your own satchel of magic tools - paper, pads, talismans, charcoal, pencils, crystals, inks, pastels, oil sticks, pens etc.

Doors open 3pm Saturday 6 September

VENUE TBC

Bewitch the Audience with Venus Vamp

10.00am-12.00pm Sunday 7 September

Open level

Have the audience eating out of your glamorous hand! Learn to perform with INTENT by controlling your movements, the stage and the audience using your presence alone.

Venus utilises a mix of skills from theatre, dance practises, modelling, roving acting, her personaly spiritual practise and 20 year performing histort. These elements combine to create a potent tool kill that ensures electrifiying and unforgettable performances.

Open to any level, however those with 2+ years of stage experience will benefit greatly from this. BRING- heels or sexy shoes, note paper and pen

$55

Bodycare with Belladonna

11.00am-12.00pm Sunday 7 September

Open Level

Whether you need to recover from a late Sat night or you are looking to kick start a fantastic Sunday, this class is for you!
Belladonna knows what Sunday morning can feel like when you have been over stimulated, overly stressed and super excited! This class will focus on taking a moment to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and reboot your adrenal system, meaning "rest and digest" and "refill your cup". One hour of restorative practice, stress relief and vitality restoration. Great to help you feel refreshed, help retain more of your workshops and for performance & photoshoot prep! No experience necessary. Yoga mat, blocks, and strap recommended

$35

Razorsharp-Double Sword Combinations with Belladonna

1.00pm-3.00pm Sunday 7 September

Open Level

Known for her cutting edge blade dancing style, Belladonna is excited to double the fun with two swords!

The Boho Blade sword system is built on the premise of Powerful Purposeful Presentation. In this workshop dancers will learn how to move with precision and dexterity as they move through some of Belladonna's most popular double sword combos. Emphasis will be on safety and specificity to help each dancer move from the inside out and feel empowered through these badass combinations! Participants need to bring two swords suitable for dance.

$90

Unleashing Your Creativity- Creating Unique Acts with Rassputin

1.00pm-3.00pm Sunday 7 September

Emerging from a banana peel like a bearded Venus, Rassputin was able to start a runaway career in fringe circuits while simultaneously becoming one of the most prolific weeds of an independent producer in Melbourne's cabaret scene. And he does it all by being WEIRDLY ENTERTAINING.

Jump into this workshop to find out the secrets to building or levelling up your gloriously unique acts with the guidance of a producer and performer who loves to bring the fringe to the mainstream. Learn how to embrace your inner creative hooligan and run wild in a way that will bring you and every audience joy every time they see you on stage. This workshop also gets down to both the business side and development of creating a successful, entertaining act and how to launch it.

Open to all backgrounds, skill levels, genders and performers aspiring or established from all cabaret variety disciplines.

Highly recommended for folks who have lost that *spark* or who are just starting out and want to emerge with a BANG.

Open Level

$55

Find Your Fierce with Vudu Doll

3.00pm-5.00pm Sunday 7 September

Open Level

Over 2 hours, students will learn a Neo Burlesque routine step by step encompassing that bad girl/boy/they/mx fierceness, sensuality and attitude! This routine is tailored to suit all abilities and fitness levels. Routine contains some slow floor work (you do not have to get on the floor if you're not comfortable!) and will not contain nudity. Students will need to bring a zip up jacket - or a robe will do! Let's get bbbaaaaadddddddd!

Participants need to bring - a zip up jacket (or a robe will do!). water, sweat towel, any necessary personal medication, knee pads (optional)

$55

What Are You Wearing? with Belladonna

3.30pm-5.30pm Sunday 7 September

Open Level

Many of us enjoy adorning ourselves with beautiful ethnographic bits and baubles. Some of which even have come to have special significance to us. Often though we do not know where these antique pieces came from, who made them and what they symbolize to their culture. In this lecture, Belladonna will explore and discuss some of the most popular “tribal” jewelry styles and pieces and their origins and significance. Dancers will gain an introduction to the Bedouin, Berber, Taureg, Maoi, Nepalese and more.

$90

PASSES

Belladonna VIP Pass

This pass gives you access to all of Belladonna's workshops over the Gothla AU weekend. We know a lot of you will want to make the most of this opportunity to learn from her! (PLEASE NOTE: This excludes the performance project as this has limited capacity)

Gothla AU VIP Pass

The Ultimate! This pass gives you access to EVERY SINGLE WORKSHOP we are running over the weekend. Make the most of it! (and maybe take Monday off)

(PLEASE NOTE: This excludes Belladonna's performance project and Wolf's Dance with Fire workshop, as these have limited capacity)

Triple Threat 3 class Pass

Save yourself some cash with our 3-class bundle! Pick any 3 classes and save (Please note- this does not include Belladonna's workshops or Wolf's Dance with Fire, as these have strict limited capacity) Workshops you can pick from include;

Pick'n'Mix- Create Your Own Combos with Jessyka, Sentinals of Stone with Kylie Astarte, Sirens vs. Cyborgs with Aradia, Shimmies of Mercy with Amanda PB, Costuming on a Budget with Jessyka, Theatrical Stage Makeup with Kalikah, Quiet Royalty Choreography with Sarah Moulton, Drawing Blood with Venus Vamp, Bewitch the Audience with Venus Vamp, Unleashing Your Creativity with Rassputin, Find Your Fierce with Vudu Doll

Please email jessykabellydancer@gmail.com to nominate your workshops, otherwise we cannot guarantee your spot if classes sell out

Festival 5 class Pass

Save even MORE cash with our 5-class bundle! Pick any 5 classes and save (Please note- this does not include any of Belladonna's workshops or Wolf's Dance with Fire, as these have strict limited capacity) Workshops you can pick from include:

Please email jessykabellydancer@gmail.com to nominate your choices, otherwise we cannot guarantee your spot if classes sell out.