The 8 Elements™ Intensive I : Initiation

June 30th to July 4th, Portland, OR

Optional Testing Offered

Class size limited

34 Hour Program

Schedule

Saturday 6/30      1pm - 8pm

Sunday 7/1         1pm - 8pm

Monday 7/2         9:30am - 4:30pm / 7:30pm - 9:30pm Costume Cafe

Tuesday 7/3        9:30am - 4:30pm

Wednesday 7/4    9:30am - 4:30 / 5:00pm - 7:00pm testing / 8:00pm - 10:00pm Hafla

The 8 Elements™ Approach Overview

The 8 Elements™ is a technique-based approach developed by Rachel Brice. It is rooted in tribal fusion, american tribal and american cabaret belly dance styles, other contemporary and ethnic dance forms, and viniyoga™. 

The 8 Elements™ is a multi-phase training designed to impart a strong, creative and dynamic foundation to one’s belly dance practice, and as a way to complement and converse with the many belly dance styles. The intention of this student-centered approach is not to teach a set style of belly dance, but rather, seeks to explore the underlying architecture of many dance styles, honoring traditions, while encouraging discovery, excellence, innovation and joy.

8 Elements™ Intensive I : Initiation

Initiation, phase one of the 8 Elements™ training, introduces and explores 8 key concepts building from the simple to the complex with the purpose of laying a foundation to unlock the "how" of dance making and healthy dance practice. Through Initiation participants are introduced to the key concepts of the approach which encompass biomechanics, vocabulary development, improvisation, choreography, musicality, practice development, belly dance history, costuming, and performance preparation and experience. Participants in this intensive will come away with a tool box full of methods and concepts to improve technique, stimulate creativity, and begin to build effective and dynamic dances, whether improvised or choreographed, solo or with others. 

Initiation is open to all levels of dancers, from the familiar beginner (1+ year of experience) to the seasoned performer seeking to strengthen the foundation of their dance.

Testing Recognition and Certification

The 8 Elements™ intensives are intended as an approach for exploration and development of one’s personal dance practice, with the opportunity to join a network of other practitioners and teachers who have displayed a degree of commitment and proficiency in the approach through testing for recognition at each phase and two culminating certifications:  A Practitioner’s Certification and a Teacher’s Certification. 

The Practitioner’s Certification will be offered for participants who complete phases I - III and who satisfy the requirements and testing for each phase. The Teacher’s Certification will be offered after the completion of the Practitioner’s Certification and phase IV, the Teacher Training phase and it’s requirements. A document of recognition at each phase will also be provided for those who complete and have passed the testing for each phase. Participants who complete all phases and testing, earning the Teacher’s Certification, will be certified to teach the 8 Elements™ approach. 

More information about Rachel Brice's 8 Elements™ method and a FAQ can be found here.

Requirements for the Intensive 

A minimum of 1 year of belly dance training and at least 18 years of age.

English language proficiency in both reading and writing.

A willingness to work with others and actively participate in an intensive group setting.

The ability to dance at least 5+ hours per class day.

Location

Studio Nia

918 SW Yamhill St, 4th Floor

Portland,OR97205

http://www.nianow.com/studio

StudioNia is located on the 4th floor of the Pythian Building in the heart of downtown Portland.

Below are some resources to help you get here and plan your stay.

Portland International Airport (PDX) Visit the official Port of Portland site for airport and passenger services.

Blue Star Airport Shuttle Phone: (503) 249-1837 Visit this site to arrange ground transportation.

TriMet - MAX Light Rail Portland's award winning public transportation. You can ride the Redline Train directly from Portland International Airport to the "Galleria/SW 10th Avenue" stop one block north of StudioNia.

Portland, Oregon Visitors Association (POVA) - Visit the official tourism and meeting website for Portland, Oregon.

Portland Citysearch - A great resource for finding all of the area hotspots.

Area Accommodations + Discounts

StudioNia is located in the heart of Portland's Downtown.The following is a list of places to stay. You can find additional hotel information from POVA(Portland Visitors Association).

The Nines Hotel: www.thenines.com 525 SW MorrisonPortland, OR 972045 blocks from StudioNia 877-229-9995 -OR- 503-222-9996 $139/night Special Nia Rate (use the Corporate Account Number 374543 to receive your discount)

Paramount Hotel: www.portlandparamount.com. 808 SW TaylorPortland, OR 97205. 2 blocks from StudioNia: 503-223-9900 / 1-800-663-1144. $99/night when you stay for 5 or more nights (NIA5), or $109/night when staying less than 5 nights (NIATE) -double occupancy (Nia Group Rate) Reserve your room online using the Account "NIA5" or "NIATE" to receive your discountor mention that you are with a Nia Intensive Training for phone reservations.

Hotel Modera: www.hotelmodera.com 515 SW ClayPortland, OR 97201. 503-484-1084.

The Ace Hotel: 1022 SW Stark St.,Portland, OR 97205:(503) 228-2277. www.acehotel.com

15% Discount when you mention Nia

Mark Spencer Hotel: 409 SW 11th AvePortland, OR 9720510 minute walk to StudioNia 503-224-3293 | 800-548-3934. Ask about their apartments availble for weekly rental! Mention Nia and receive a Discount

Portland Int'l Hostel: Northwest. www.2oregonhostels.com. 1818 NW GlisanPortland, OR 97209. 20 minute walk to StudioNia, or easy Street Car Ride. 503-909-4776 | 800-909-4776

Portland Guest House: www.pdxguesthouse.com 2185 NW Flanders St. Portland, OR 9720920 minute walk to StudioNia, or easy Street Car Ride. European-style accommodations for the budget minded, independent traveler.

Connect with other workshop attendees on the Facebook event page here.

Terms of Service:

Please be certain you wish to register for this intensive as it is not refundable or returnable.

In the case where a registrant is unable to attend, it is their responsibility to sell their spot and notify the event organizer with the new registrant's email and name. Registrations can not be transferred within 30 days before the first day of class.

The intensive can not be taken in part or shared between more than one person.

If workshop sells out please sign up for the waitlist and post your interest on the Facebook event page wall. The waitlist is not for public use.

Little Scarab and Rachel Brice retain the right to refuse registration, enrollment or participation to anyone at any time.

These provisions are necessary to guarantee the best experience for all participants. If you have any question please contact the event organizer. Thank you.