We are pleased to announce that acclaimed Gothic and Steampunk bellydance instructor Tempest, along with musician Nathaniel Johnstone, a former member of Abney Park, will be holding classes in mythic and ritualistic dance at FaerieCon West. Together, these two artists will bring a new creative dimension to the showcase of mythic arts that is FaerieCon West.
Tempest pulls from her visual arts background, literary tendencies, and global inspirations to create dance that crosses the boundaries of time and culture. She is the premiere instructor of both Gothic & Steampunk Bellydance in North America, and her extensive work in these genres has helped to define and develop these fusion styles across the world. Her compellingly artful performances exemplify her distinctively theatrical, unique, and expressive style, and are rooted in oriental dance technique with a transcendent approach. Her costume designs have revolutionized the look of modern bellydance, and continue to inspire new and old generations of dancers alike. Tempest is also the producer of “Waking Persephone: Dancing Through the Dark & Unusual” – a dark fusion bellydance festival, and “Tapestry: A Dance Retreat Experience” which focuses on folkloric dance traditions and spirituality. She is based in Seattle, WA where she balances her time between teaching and performing dance, and working as a professional visual artist and jewelry designer. www.darklydramatic.com and www.owlkeyme.com
Nathaniel Johnstone loves music of all shapes and sizes. He is perpetually tinkering with tunes on a multitude of instruments: guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, and banjo. Surrounding himself with an ever-changing roster of like-minded souls, he creates music for his many friends in the dancing world. For the past several years Johnstone has been recording and touring with the steampunk band Abney Park, but has moved on to focusing on his solo work and other projects. He has also sat in with a number of other ensembles: The Ghosts Project, Jill Tracy’s Malcontent Orchestra, Ego Likeness, The Last Dance, The Hellblinki Sextet, and others. To hear more of his work, check out this link: www.nathanieljohnstone.com
