meet the psybels performance troupe

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What happens when you bring a group of dance students together in an atmosphere that supports  growth and encourages the celebration of each other's victories? 

The PSYBels Dedicated Performance Troupe. 

Made up of students of various experience levels who find joy in dancing together and connecting together, they are truly the group that straightens each other's crowns. The Troupe celebrates the joy of dance together by dedicating themselves to advancing as a cohesive performance troupe. 

While all students are eligible to perform in student shows, some have made a further commitment, and that is where the PSYBels come in. 

Lovingly referring to themselves as the "A Team", the PSYBels go a step further than our student groups.  Collectively, they've agreed to: 

1. Commit to weekly rehearsals 

2. Create new dance moves and combos 

3. Explore other styles of belly dance  

4. Embrace the responsibility of setting up shows and fundraiser performances to support the community 

5. Assist in workshops and mentoring newer students 

Regardless of what level a student is at, they are an integral part of an amazing family.  Some students choose not to perform at all, preferring to be the cheerleader on the side lines for the other dancers, coming to performances, helping dancers get ready, and encouraging success of their other dance family members. Regardless of which path a dancer follows, they are part of the PSYbel family! 

PSYbel strives to show EVERYONE that ANYONE can be part of dance.  Many times I hear people say "I would love to belly dance but I can't because I am too...big, small, short, tall, fat, thin, young, old, clumsy, etc." . And  the list goes on, and on. Here is how to be a belly dancer in two steps. First, have a body. Second, belly dance.  Never have I seen this to be more true than with my students who let nothing stop them from experiencing the joy of dancing. There is no competition between our dancers, there is only joy.  In my mind, belly dance is not about perfection (especially improv and cue driven styles of belly dance) instead  it is about connection. Yes, there are professional dancers who train many hours each day to perfect their Art. For the PSYBels, belly dance is about connecting to the music, and in group formats, connecting  to each other, and exploring each new move and seeing how it flows through YOUR body, regardless of your body type or age. Though some moves may look different on different body types, they always remain beautiful.  

The PSYbels do not strive to be a Troupe with exact carbon copy movements, but rather a group of connected dancers allowing each individual's abilities to shine through. Their goal is to engage the audience, and each other, to share and express the joy in their dance.   

 Though primarily trained in the GCTB ( Global Caravan Tribal Bellydance) format  the dancers of PSYbel have worked hard  to learn and include other styles of Bellydance in their shows  and performances. They have included Theatrical Performances,  GC Tribal Performances, Fusion Performances , Fly Fusion Performances and, more  recently , have begun adding more  Traditional Oriental Performances in to their repertoire.  With several PSYbel Troupe members now expanding their knowledge base into  more Traditional  Oriental Bellydance Techniques these  Troupe members have set  goals   to showcase the more Traditional side  of  Oriental Bellydance. Through training with Kalilia in the A to Z Technique and additional training in  a more standard Oriental style of Bellydance with kalilia ,and other teachers , these Troupe members  are working hard  to promote knowledge , respect and love for the more Traditional Style of Oriental Bellydance with it's beauty and cultural significance.  Dance is a  living , breathing, growing Art Form and PSYbel looks forward to sharing it with everyone !!!