About Ghawazi Caravan
Upcoming Performances
Previous Events
Dancers Bios
Classes
About Your Teachers
Workshops

Student Troupes
Articles
Gallery

Links
Contact
Home
 
 
Cristie - Troupe Member
 

When were you born?
25th August 1976

What other styles of dancing have you done?
Very brief foray into Rock and Roll, a small amount of Cabaret last year and quite a bit of my own kind of freestyle boogie in the lounge room.

How long have you been doing Tribal style??
Since May '02. I first saw Ghawazi Caravan perform at a street festival not long after I moved to the Blue Mountains. I was blown away and thought, "I want to do THAT!". I enquired about classes and couldn't believe my luck that this amazing style was taught only 10 minutes from where I live. I started classes with Devi and.... In September '03 I performed for the first time at Lawson Carnivale.

What appeals to you about Tribal?
I love the idea of improvisation. This format of strong, defined movements, cues and communication between dancers - discipline mixed with spontaneity - is magical to dance and to watch. As with many art forms, it is the boundaries or rules of the medium that produce the most creative and satisfying results.

Although ATS is the only style I've studied and Ghawazi Caravan the only organized group I've ever joined, it seems that 'Tribal', in particular, is not just a style but a mindset. Everybody in our group wants to progress for personal reasons but equally for the good of the group which is a very special thing. .... And I really dig the costumes.

If Tribal is your current passion, what was your previous passion?
Drawing, designing and sewing clothes. I studied fashion design and for much of my life, that was a great passion. Dressing up continues to be!

Where do you see yourself and Ghawazi Caravan in the future?
Continuing to refine and perfect our style. Continuing to have fun. I'd love to see us performing at some Australasian tribal festival alongside a healthy and inclusive tribal community.

(Hell... let's be imaginitive and say we're all gonna give up our day jobs and just dance and have fun, travel around like a band of gypsies, family in tow... spreading the word...he he...Yeah!)

 
Photos by Michael Mamak Captured Memories [ back to top ]