 Junior Troop 306 with Tahya, February 2007  Junior Troop 1974 with Tahya, November 2007 |
Connect to Creativity & Celebrate Beauty within!
The Tahya Technique explores history and traditional rhythms and movements from ancient and enduring arts steeped in women's culture. Program incorporates a mini-lecture plus participatory component for girls and troop leaders. Discover women's role in ancient Egyptian ceremony. Delve into the use of percussion instruments used by women in ancient civilizations, historically handed down from generation to generation, grandmother to granddaughter.
Grace is developed as self-esteem is boosted.
Comments from Girl Scout Leaders: I really liked that you empowered the girls to feel comfortable in their own skin. I think it's so very important for them to appreciate who they are and that they are unique and beautiful. |
Location: Your community and/or Click here for PDF Flyer with Winter/Spring 2008 dates of programs at Girl Scouts Eastern PA Lehigh Valley Service Center
Times Offered: Flexible ~ days, evenings, weekends
Max: 40 person maximum ~ e.g. 20 girls plus leaders and mothers/grandmothers welcome!
Cost: Fees vary per event ~ approx. $10-12/pp (plus mileage)
Preferrably, please schedule 6-8 weeks in advance
Questions: Contact Tahya 610-776-7045; tahya@tahya.com
Historically this dance has been a part of women's heritage for thousands of years and the Tahya program typically begins with a brief overview of the history of the dance including a bibliography handout for the scouts to take home. When relaying this brief history I underscore the fact that this dance is deeply steeped in our heritage as women, and these movements have been handed down from generation to generation. Participants are then introduced to one of the more popular rhythm patterns and are invited to step and clap along with live percussion accompaniment (optional, additional fee). Finally, everyone learns hip lifts and graceful hand and arm movements, and, if time permits, we finish with the ever popular shimmy!
This program is applicable, for example, to several Brownie, Junior, Cadet and Senior badges; however, badge or no, this is a fun activity for your troop. Furthermore, leaders are encouaged to extend an invitation to the scouts' mothers, sisters, and grandmothers. Their participation expands this to a beautiful and fun inter-generational family affair!
Team up with neighboring troops. Enjoy a fun-filled day in Lehigh Valley, PA
Click here for PDF Flyer with Winter/Spring 2008 dates & details!
Register on-line: Go to
E-Council
Join Tahya for a fun, educational and stimulating class! Learn a basic belly dance step and the history of a dance deeply steeped in women's heritage. Discover the prominent role of women in ancient Egyptian ceremony. Delve into the use of percussion instruments in ancient civilizations & co-create a processional incorporating rhythm instruments and movements inspired by artifacts from antiquity. Bringing ancient civilizations to life, this program includes a mini-lecture plus participatory component for girls and troop leaders. Participants will learn to re-create a processional for future ceremony and develop ability to share this information with others. Rhythm instruments provided. Take-home handouts included!
GREAT IDEA for 'Thinking Day' and 'Parent Partnership' Planning!
Comments from the Girl Scouts:
"Thank you so very much, I loved every single thing.* * *
It was so much fun, please don't change it one bit... I loved it." - Sophie, Troop 306"I liked it ALL!" - Margie, Troop 306"I liked doing the hip movements.
What I would have changed (would be) to stay longer and learn more." - Victoria, Troop 306I liked how you taught us so many moves and the history of bellydancing."Totally Wicked AWESOME. I loved it!!!" - Gia, Troop 790
What I would have changed (would be) to teach us more about the history." - Laura, Troop 306
"It was very fun and an exciting experience" - Michelle, Troop 790
"Very Kool with a K" -Julia, Troop 790
"I liked the music and the dancing. Tahya was great. I thought the program was the best." - Morgan, Troop 568
"I really liked learning about the history of belly dancing." - Joelle, Troop 568
"I LOVED learning about your outfit." - Lauren, Troop 568
Are you interested in this program applying toward a badge? For example, when considering Invitation to the Dance, the program may include an introduction to mudra (hand gestures) from Classical South Indian (Bharta Natyam) dance along with a beautiful invocation to the dance known as the "Golden Rule."
For something additionally unique, consider henna "tattoos" (just above the ankle or perhaps on one's shoulder) ~ The history of henna tattoos also dates back thousands of years. Cultures from Africa to the Arab world to
South Asia have embraced the art of henna body decoration-for fashion
and beauty, for personal expression, for social and religious occasions,
for healing purposes and more. In recent years global travel and
migration, increased communication and cultural sharing has
brought henna to many parts of the West, mingling traditional practices
with new interpretations and uses. Since the mid-1990s henna body art
has enjoyed a vogue throughout the U.S., Europe, and the world.
Henna body art is a (way cool!) all natural, temporary, painless, and safe for all
skin types - a unique way to decorate your personality, spirit, and
body. Henna derives from a plant, whose leaves are dried and crushed to
make a powder with natural dying properties. The application of henna
creates beautiful designs that temporarily stain the skin a reddish-brown that often develops into a rich brown color and lasts one to three weeks, depending on the care
the dyed skin receives.
From the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt to modern-day wedding parties, henna
has enjoyed a variety of applications and meanings throughout the
centuries.
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