| Everything you wanted to know about Ban-dál.... and maybe some you didn't! |
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| Ban-dál is a Tribal-Fusion belly dance troupe from Orange County, California. Originally based in the Society for Creative Anachronisim (SCA), Ban-dál fuses ATS improvisation with upbeat choreography. Always energetic with fast paced music and rhythms, this high-energy troupe mixes their dance styles like they mix their drinks.... Shaken, not stirred! |
It is Ban-dal's belief that dancing should be FUN. And there is no reason that we cannot belly dance to ANY kind of music! Ban-dál mixes traditional Middle Eastern rhythms with classic rock, pop, and hip hop. If it has a beat, Ban-dál has a bump. (No kidding). |
| Ban-dál's fusion started back in 2006 when they performed their rendition of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Since then, they've done other favorites such as "Fever," "Wind it Up," the Peter Gunn Theme to "Spy Hunter", and "Rebel Yell".... |
| *.Dancer Bios.* |
| Abby is the troupe's "fearless leader," (or at least that's what she tells them!) and one of Ban-dál's founding troupe members. She's been a tribal belly dancer for six years. Previous dance experience includes tap, jazz, ballet, and interpretive dance. A recent graduate of CSU Long Beach, Abby earned a BA in Costume Design in May of 2005, and is currently seeking a Masters program. She is addicted to coffee and chap stick and digs a good martini. Abby has just recently began teaching Tribal Fusion in Orange County! Her goal is to teach everyone locally what she knows in order to create a strong Tribal community in this part of Southern California. Her motto: Work hard, work fast, and have fun! While she adores improvisation, Abby seeks to be a Tribal Choreographer. |
| Colette is the "little thug" of the group that keeps us in line. She is the molder of young minds, and teaches special ed by day. Previous dance experience includes clubbing with a good gimlet. Favorite hobbies include cooking, hanging with her chicas, and laying in the middle of the road. If you've seen her dance, you know what we're talking about when we say this gal has the moves! (Just watch her neck go!) |
| Kerri, a.k.a. "Chi-Chi-Po" works either in the insurance industry, or as a spy... We aren't sure yet. She is "The Enabler." Kerri has extensive training in classical ballet, as well as salsa and ghetto-rump-shaking. Her hobbies include historic costuming, travel, and enabling her friends to drink more. She loves to mortify strangers! If you want to be Kerri's friend, bring her a tanqueray and tonic. Kerri currently manages Ban-dal's myspace account- contact her to join! |
| Lalena gives Ban-dál its attitude. She is a loan processor by day, and is interested in calligraphy (Medieval Tagging), sewing, and cats. Previous dance experience includes classical indian, ballet, and Lindy Hop. Lalena just recently moved up to the fabulous tribal community in Sacramento (where she's gonna steal some good moves for us!!). She gets to come down and play with us occasionally:) |
| Liz is one of the original founding members of Ban-dál. Liz received a BM with a double major in voice and music theory, and is a classically trained opera singer. Currently, Liz with her family and fiancé in Wisconsin. She is missed, but not forgotten :) |
| Ban-dál was founded almost four years ago under the direction of Abby Duval, and has grown since. Current (and active) members include Abby, Colette, Kerri, and Sarah. Ban-dál has studied and taken workshops with some phenomenal dancers and performers including Rachel Brice, Frederique David, Kajira Djoumahna, Amy Sigil of UNMATA, and Sashi Wasserman of Ascend Tribal Dance. Ban-dál is constantly motivated to strengthen their technique and skill in tribal belly dance. Ban-dál now strives to strengthen and increase the tribal community in the Orange County area, as they are one of the only surviving troupes in the area. Stay tuned for updates on future workshops and instruction in the area! |
| Sarah is the Newest New Member of Ban-dal. She has been dancing informally all of her life, but began studying Middle Eastern dance eight years ago with Angelika Nemeth (in whose performance troupe she has been for 4 yrs.) Sarah has her degree in foreign languages and voice. She began studying Tribal Fusion dance with Abby last year. She loves designing costumes, teaching bellydance to her girls at the Anaheim YMCA, swing dancing, reading and her cat Beau. She adores H2G2, and has just recently begun learning to knit and to play the Arabic Drum (Doumbek). She enjoys a good Organic Merlot. |
| *.Ban-dal at large.....* |