From the root k-s-r, the form I verb is kasar, “he broke”; form II is kassar, “he smashed to bits”; and form VII is inkasar, “it was broken up.”- arabic

When we originally discovered kassar, we found the definition as simply "all broken up". More recently we discovered this arabic definition. We felt this was very appropriate for us as we pull inspiration from various cultures and artists for our music, costume and dance.

Melanie Wood has been studying Middle Eastern dance since 1997. During her first year of dance she was given a tape of Fat Chance Belly Dance, and immediately fell in love with the mix of ethnic dance styles and costuming pieces. She first began performing at the NJ Renaissance Festival where she had the opportunity to do traditional choreographed pieces as well as tribal improv. Pennsic, an SCA event, was also an outlet to learn a variety of Middle Eastern, West African, and Indian dance techniques, which is now fused into what has become her tribal style. Melanie's dance style is forever evolving, integrating new and interesting forms and dynamic moves. She looks forward to her future in dance, learning more and experiencing new things through this ever-changing art form.

Karin Hein-Parks began studying classical ballet at the age of 4. She continued into her twenties performing professionally with Ballet Dallas, New Jersey Ballet and the MorganScott Ballet Companies. In 1998, Karin was first exposed to tribal bellydance at Pennsic. Inspired by the elaborate costuming and dramatic, earthy dance style, she began immersing herself in the world of tribal bellydance. Soon after Karin began collaborating with Melanie on a tribal performance for the New Jersey Renaissance Kingdom and from there the duo was born. Throughout her dance career Karin continues to take numerous workshops and classes in various forms of all dances styles, seeking to incorporate various elements of dances of the world.

 

Currently Melanie and Karin travel around the United States teaching workshops and performing. They will be forever grateful to those who have inspired them. There are so many wonderful dancers out there who have greatly influenced and pushed Melanie and Karin to practice and better themselves in the art of dance.

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