And that was it – a few hours sleep, a big fat coffee, a trip on the Bart to the airport. We cleared security fairly quickly again, but were still split up. I was sat with a rather large lady who popped gum for 9 hours…. tell me, am I really easily annoyed or do I attract them ?
If you are thinking about a visit and want to do some dancing ? – Id say :
get used to the public transport, its cheep and easy
email ahead of time and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want
triple check where the live dancing is – I think we were really luck, but it sounds like the Sunday night is a regular thing at the mo. Get onto BHUZ, MySpace and Tribe and beg for info.
Ultra Gypsy and Fat Chance studios are in the Mission, and I wouldn’t go there alone – get a cab.
The locals were more worried about going to the East Bay which is where Suhaila and Shabnam taught. I felt fine in both of these areas, but local knowledge is probably better so again maybe go with someone else.
If you are passionate about dance and can freedance well visit Amina – you will love it and learn more in an hour than you ever thought possible.
Suhaila’s class is only for the very fit and more workout than dance.
Fatchance is well worth doing but maybe only the level one class if you arms arn’t strong or you don’t have all the videos.
Shabnams class was the most welcoming – thats were I got a feeling of being part of a larger group and dancing together. We didn’t do her beginners class, but I imagine it would be great fun. Her terminology was the most familiar and I would recommend her to anyone.
If I lived there I can see that I would get addicted to Ultra Gypsy and would recommend those classes to anyone with a resonable level of fitness and an understanding of the basics. Jill was a fantastic teacher, spliting down the moves and having a good understanding of dancers abilities. My top tip would be Roses class midweek as it was small enough to provide lots of one on one attention and she was one of the nicest teachers I have ever done a session with. The classes arn’t really Tribal, their performance style is more sensual, even sexy, but thats not what you get from the classes. Its a work out, but also a very interesting way to look at the moves and put them together.
I know some of you are going in the next few months and I hope that helps you to be brave enough to take a class or two. It has really done me the world of good to see other styles and learn from new teachers – give it a go !!
