Upcoming events.
Sanctum Beltane: A Sword Magick Retreat
Sanctum Beltane: A Sword Magick Retreat
It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol - Brené Brown
Dancing with Sigils
What is a Sigil? Oxford Eng. Dictionary says “An inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power.”
Sigils can be painted, drawn or, in this case, danced. In this workshop, a sigil is defined as “A pattern of movement meant to channel intention and direct energy toward a specific intention or goal.”
Students will be guided in how to create a sigil, and then how to dance it. Please bring a journal and a writing implement as well as some water.
This workshop is available to all bodies, all levels.
The workshop is free with a day or overnight visit to Harbin Hot Springs. Register for your stay here and come find me at the appointed time in the Events Center!
Witchcraft 101
Witchcraft 101:
This is a lecture based class that delves into modern witchcraft.
Students will be invited to participate in exercises exploring the elements, how to create solid intention, and the importance of meditation and mindfulness and connection to the land around you to facilitate a deep and meaningful practice.
Please bring:
- A journal or notebook
- A writing implement
- Water Bottle
This is a non-denomenational exploration of the crooked path. All faiths are welcome.
The workshop is free with a day or overnight visit to Harbin. Register for your stay here and come find me at the appointed time in the Events Center!
Sword Magick: Alchemy
Hosted by Virginie Violett of Freiburg Germany, join Shannon for a three hour workshop learning a choreography steeped in ritual and dripping with magick. The choreography will echo all the steps of spell-crafting - a ritual in sword dance form: casting the circle, calling the elements, building the energy and performing your will.
€60
To register, please email swordmagickshannon@gmail.com
Put A Sword On It!
Hosted by Virginie Violett of Freiburg Germany, join Shannon to learn the game that started it all! In a three hour workshop, begin to make YOUR own sword movement! We will open class with a review/introduction of some sword dance technique and review some foundational fusion bellydance movement. From there, through a series of prompts, students will be invited to layer, change, and challenge themselves to create their own short phrases and combinations.
€60
To register, send an email to swordmagickshannon@gmail.com
Sirens Fest
Join me and the crew at Siren’s Fest, 2024 in Sebastopol, CA July 19,20, 21 for workshops, performances, shopping, food, and lovely community.
Can’t wait to see you there! Watch THIS SPACE for details!
Ravens Night: Alchemy
Raven’s Night is a seasonal celebration of living in the here and now, as well as an acknowledgement of those who came before us. It is devised in a way to help spark individual creativity as well as creating a space for you to be whatever version of yourself you want to celebrate!
Together Belladonna and Ken Vegas hope to create a space that transcends gender binaries, cross pollinates sub-cultural communities and brings folks together for an evocative evening of entertainment, from start to finish.
Ascension
Join me for Ascension, a Stygian Dance online festival! If you have been curious about Sword Magick, this is a great opportunity to check it out!
Sword Magick: Transformation
Use the power of witchcraft to unlock inspiration and potency that already lives within yourself.
The Longest Night
Snakes, pomegranates, keys, and brimstone. Meet us at the crossroads and follow us into the underworld where we will meet the goddess of witches to claim our power.
The Dancers of Nyx present our exploration of the goddess Hecate. We are an East Bay dance project directed by yours truly. Tickets for this event, celebrating The Longest Night, can be found HERE along with more information.
TWO NIGHTS! 12/22 and 12/23 at 7:30 at the Circus Center: 755 Frederick St., San Francisco, CA
Dark Mother
We have reached a full circle around the sun, back to the first Sabbat we celebrated at MFA. This a very special event. Here we honor the Dark Mother, may she carry you through the dark season, may the warmth of inspiration stir a fire within you.
Performance Magick with special guests- Priestess Faelan Shiva and Sword Magick with Shannon Burla
Join us for this powerful evening DEC. 16TH at 7:00 pm RSVP HERE
Sword Magick For All Bodies
Introduction to Sword Magick for All Bodies - This class includes movement with swords that culminates in a small simple ritual together at the end of class. Students will learn how to cast the circle, honor the four directions, shielding, protection and healing. There will be live sitar and frame drum playing for us while we move in class. Students are encouraged to bring their own swords, but there will be some provided.
DATE: November 20
TIME: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
LOCATION: Events Center Harbin Hot Springs, 18424 Harbin Spring Road, Middletown, CA USA
Registration is free (however donations are gratefully accepted) with day use or overnight reservation at Harbin Hot Springs for the day and time of the workshop. For more details, click HERE.
Witchcraft 101
Witchcraft 101 - This is a lecture based class that delves into modern witchcraft. Students will be invited to participate in exercises exploring the elements, how to create solid intention, and the importance of meditation and mindfulness and connection to the land around you to facilitate a deep and meaningful practice.
DATE: November 19
TIME: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
LOCATION: Events Center, Harbin Hot Springs- 18424 Harbin Spring Road, Middletown, CA
Registration is free (however donations are gratefully accepted) with day use or overnight reservation at Harbin Hot Springs for the day and time of the workshop. For more details, click HERE.
Raven's Night - Workshop
Makeup Magic:
Dive into Shannon’s more than 20 years of SFX makeup experience! In this workshop, students will learn tips and tricks for applying and painting prosthetic makeup used throughout the history of Hollywood. Students will learn about two different types of prosthetic makeup pieces, how to choose them, how to apply them, blend them into the skin , and how to paint them to match your natural skin or body paint.
Raven's Night - Show
Raven’s Night
We are one of the most captivating
Theatrical Halloween Belly Dance shows in the world.
Our show is mesmerizing with dramatic lighting, great sound, a multi-media backdrop, stage decorations all set up to transport you to another dimension of the fantastical journey that our talented performers and hosts will take you on.
Sword Magick: Steel and Bone
Save the date! Workshop timing, pricing and registration information coming soon! Check back here or HERE for updates mid-April!
The Witch: A Sword Magick Performance Intensive
The Witch: A Sword Magick Performance Intensive
Snakes, pomegranates, keys, and brimstone. Meet me at the crossroads where we will dance together into the underworld to meet the goddess of witches.
All classes will happen May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, (NO CLASS 6/25), and July 2. See below for timing and details.
You have two paths to choose from:
Sword Magick: Steel and Bone - for this class, you can join online (or in person for a limited number of people) to delve into the technique of sword dance, and begin to learn about the energetic connection between sword and dancer that is Sword Magick.
12:30pm-1:30pm PST
______
Sword Magick: Witch - a very special performance intensive that is in person only. Should you choose this path, you will also gain entrance into Steel and Bone, as well as learn a dynamic new choreography that is dark and empowering.
12:30pm -2:45pm PST at Spring/Fall Studio in Berkeley, CA
28 hours of instruction including: technique, choreography, hair and makeup workshop (date for this TBD), and additional guided rehearsals before the show (dates and times also TBD).
Performance at Sirens Fest 2023 as well as entrance to the festival the day we perform
Professional photos and video of our performance.
*Due to the nature of the choreography, the performance intensive path is in person only - there will be NO online option for Sword Magick: Witch*
Because this is operating as an intensive rather than a series, there will be recommended reading. This will be gentle. We may reference the book in class from time to time, and it will be helpful in knowing the history and folklore around the deity we will meet, but there will be no book report and no one will be graded.
Registration opens: Wednesday March 29 at 11:11am and Closes Saturday, May 6 at 5:55pm PST
Sword Magick: Equinox
Bring your journal and your sword as we explore what needs to be carved away using two mighty tools: the pen and the sword.
We will delve into the magickal movements of carving away and calling in, sharpening and honing our goals and intentions for the coming season, and letting go of that which no longer serves us.
Join me Sunday, March 5 from 12:30-2:30 in person or on zoom. In person spots are limited to 10 dancers. Online
$65 for two hours of instruction.
15% Early bird discount from 2/17-2/23 with discount code EARLYBIRDMAGICK
Tickets are non-refundable, but you can transfer your spot to another dancer. All attendees will get a recording of the workshop that will be live until April 5.
Tickets HERE!
Fire + Shadow
Fire is pure instinct. It is creative and destructive. It is in constant motion. Fire, unlike the other elements, does not exist in its natural form. Fire is the transformer, converting the energy of other objects into other forms: heat, light, ash, and smoke. Fire is used to ward off the darkness of the night and casts shadows. During these cold Winter months, we bring Fire into our homes and we go inwards toward ourselves, often being faced with our Shadow side. Turning to face the Shadow can bring transformation, growth and illumination. This show explores the duality of light and darkness, both in nature and within ourselves. We hope that you will join us and bring some Fire and light home with you for the rest of the Winter days!
February 25, 2023
8:00pm
Circus Center Theater
755 Frederick St. San Francisco
Tickets HERE
Belly and the Beast
The Dancers of Nyx present a piece of dark fusion that explores the question: What do our shadows do in the dark?
Dark fusion dance, live music, vendors and bar. Tickets going on sale soon! Watch this space for ticket link.
Ravens Night
Join us for our annual soirée of the macabre as Raven's Night descends in to the Underworld.
A feast for your eyes and a supercharge for your soul. We will gather in person and bring you an evening of entertainment!
From the preshow exposition to the dinner concert and then culminating with the theatrical fusion bellydance spectacle!
Dress in your finest or favorite costume and celebrate the season and welcome All Hallows' Eve a few days early!
Saturday October 29th
5:00pm doors
6:00pm seating
7:30 Theatrical fusion dance showcase (Timings are in EST)
Tickets on sale soon! Watch this space!
Beaucoup de Bellies
Join us for a lovely autumn afternoon filled with dance performance and friendly faces. Light snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. $5-$10 sliding scale at the door. Family Friendly event - proceeds go to Sirens Studio for the Youth and Arts Non-Profit. See you there!
Sword Magick: Samhain
Bring your dark, shadowy, fun and scary pieces to share at this community showcase! Doors at 7, show at 7:30. Tickets will be $10 NOTAFLOF. Event will take place at Spring/Fall Studio 2547 Eighth St., #20 Berkeley, CA
Please contact me if you would like to perform!
More details coming soon.
Danse Du Tarot
Wicked Leggz Productions, the producers of Peepshow, Spiritus Cabaret and Club Bodice bring to the Ivy Room a unique variety show, Danse Du Tarot. Watch as some of your favorite Tarot Cards come to life on stage. There will be drag performances, belly-dance, a touch of burlesque as well as live music, with special illuminations on some of the major arcana by Laurent, the creator of the America Eclipsed Tarot Deck.
Live Performances By:
Dorian Dietrich
Bobby Ashton
Wicked Dollia
Sophilya Leggz
Shannon Burla
Dancers of Nyx
Wednesday, October 12th, 2022
Doors at 7:30
Show 8:30
General Admission $12
Seating $15
Ticket Link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/61269/orders/new
Sword Magick: Showcase
Small intimate showcase - a great opportunity to bring students - a stage where experimentation is welcome, impromptu improv is encouraged, and gratitude abounds!
Doors at 7, show 7:30-9(ish). Please wear a mask when you are not actively eating or drinking.
- Workshop Attendees/Performers get in free (please email swordmagickshannon@gmail.com to get in the lineup)
- $10 cover for guests
There are 11 spots to dance: soloists get 4-5min, groups get 8-10min. Please email swordmagickshannon@gmail.com if you and/or your troupe would like to perform! All styles of dance are welcome. All bodies are welcome. Please wear a mask when not performing or actively eating or drinking.
*A note on children - if they can handle loud music, adult content, foul language, and can avoid whirling blades of death on the dance floor, they are welcome (this is for their safety and enjoyment as well as that of the performers).
Sword Magick: Technique and Showcase
Workshop: 4:30-6pm $45 - Delve into Shannon's magical world of sword dance: technique and drills, influences and inspirations - pulling from a deep connection to art, nature, spirit, and all things in between. Students will also get the opportunity to create something beautiful and meaningful together as a group, AND have the option to perform what they have created at the showcase later in the evening.
Option to attend online or in person. In person spots are limited to 10. Option to attend online or watch the recording.
Showcase: Doors at 7, show 7:30-9(ish). Invite your troupe-mates, dance partners, friends and loved ones to dance or just be in the audience!
- Workshop Attendees/Performers get in free.
- $10 cover for guests to cover operating costs for the showcase (See Showcase event for tickets here) .
There are 11 spots to dance: soloists get 3-5min, groups get 8-10min. Please email me at Swordmagickshannon@gmail.com if you and/or your troupe would like to perform!
*** There are no refunds, BUT you may transfer your spot to another dancer should you not be able to attend the event. Also please note that ALL attendees will receive a recording of the workshop, so you can still re-watch it even if you aren't able to attend live.
***If you sign up for an in person spot, but are unable to join in person, you may transfer your ticket to be online. Please let me know ASAP so I can release your ticket to another dancer.
***If you want to come in person, but the in person spots are sold out, please let me know and I will put you on the wait list in the event a spot in the studio opens up.
***Best form of communication for all of the above is: swordmagickshannon@gmail.com***
Sahra
Join us for a showcase of nine of the best belly dancers in the Bay Area for an evening full of incredible dance and Middle Eastern/African culture. Hosted by Zoe Jakes (founding member of world-acclaimed music group Beats Antique) and award-winning dancer Nicole Maria, this event will deliver a brilliant variety of belly dance performances that will demonstrate why this 6,000-year-old art form personifies feminine magic.
'Sahra' translates to 'evening party' — full of nonstop entertainment and delightful interactions with performers — complete with a seasonal 3-course menu created by our Michelin-acclaimed chef (included in ticket price). North African exotic cocktails and exclusive Mediterranean wines are available for an additional price to elevate your dining experience.
Attendant parking will be available for $20, location is 1474 Broadway, on the corner of Broadway and Polk Street.
**A 20% gratuity, tax, and 6% SF Mandate charge will be added to your dining bill after the event. This is to ensure our staff and performers earn a livable wage.**
Performers:
Zoe Jakes (@zoejakes)
Nicole Maria (@nicolemariadance)
Alia Saeed (@alialulugamal)
Jennie Marie (@pheline_aspex)
Basinah (@basinahdances)
Juliano (@julianowade)
Shannon Burla (@shannon.burla)
Teresa Wong (@twong444)
Amira (@thelesliebyrd)
Tickets HERE!
Sword Magick: Equinox
Harvest season is officially upon us. The Fall Equinox falls at the second of the three harvest festivals of the year, a time that approaches the end of the pagan calendar, the final harvest - Samhain. A time when light and dark again find balance between the sun and the moon. A time for gratitude, and for recognizing and protecting our harvest for the winter ahead.
Learn a piece of Sword Magick that is designed to protect your harvest and your property- ensuring all your hard work throughout the year will not go to waste in the season of darkness and quiet.
*In person or Online attendance*
Optional performance opportunity on Oct. 22 (details to come).
Get your feet wet on Thursday Sept 1 from 7-8:15 with movement drills, group formations, and dusting off our swords, getting ready for magick.
Thursdays Sept 8 and 15, we welcome an honored guest, so there will be no Sword Magick classes.
On Thursday Sept 22, we get to work learning the choreography - beginning with a celebration of the equinox, where our focus will remain until Oct. 20.
The Business:
Because this is a choreography series where the material is presented in a way that is cumulative, Thurs Sept 1is the only class that will allow drop ins. It's a great class to get your feet wet, refresh/relearn/or learn some technique and get acquainted with the Sword Magick format.
The early bird price for the series is $160 for 6 classes: Thursdays 9/1; 9/22; 9/29; 10/6; 10/13; and 10/20. 7-8:15
To get the Early Bird pricing, use promo code: EARLYBIRDMAGICK (To use the promo code, scroll to the top of the ticket selection window, you'll find the link at the very tippy top. You have to enter it BEFORE checkout).
Price increases Aug 31 at 11:59PM to $180.
or $30 to drop in Thursday 9/1. (There is no early bird rate for the drop in).
Note about timing - Because there is another group starting right after us, we will get started at 7pm sharp every week, and will finish at 8:15 sharp every week.
***There are no refunds, but your spot is fully transferable to another dancer should you need to cancel.
Email me at swordmagickshannon@gmail.com with any questions!!
Sirens Fest Workshop and Performances
This weekend is FULL of shenanigans with internationally renowned dancers and musicians!
Performances all day, including my solo at 3:08, and the Dancers of Nyx at 6:50. I will also be joining Elizabeth Strong and Lunascope for a reprise of the first sword dance I ever learned!
AND Saturday evening from 6-7:30, I will be teaching Sword Magick: Technique! Description and link to register below:
Sword Magick: Technique
Delve into Shannon's magical world of sword dance: technique and drills, influences and inspirations - pulling from a deep connection to art, nature, spirit, and all things in between. Students will also get the opportunity to create something beautiful and meaningful together as a group. (90 Min)
Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d4aada72ca6fb6-sirens2
Superstars of Sword III
Join me and so many other amazing performers for an evening of Sword Dance! 6-8PM Eastern/ 3-5pm Pacific. A Portion of the events proceeds will go to UNICEF specifically to help children in Ukraine.
Tickets can be found here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/superstars-of-sword-iii-tickets-373487570377
Sword Magick: Germany
All times listed are for German Time (MESZ)! To convert to PT, CT or ET, go here. You can add your timezone if you are outside of one of those listed above!
Classes are hybrid style, with recordings available if you cannot attend live! In person option held in Freiburg, Germany. For more details click the image. To register, please email: Info@Tribal-Freiburg.de
In these workshops, Shannon will introduce the concept of using the dancing sword as an Athame. Students will also learn how to use specific movements to create moving spellwork.
Performances at Manifest
Come see Shannon LIVE and in person with her students and troupe!
Saturday, May 21 5:01pm with The Dancers of Nyx - A theatrical dark fusion troupe bringing to the stage a collaboration of magic and mystery.
Sunday, May 22 2:34pm with Sword Magick: Beltane - The culmination of the Sword Magick series from March! Come see what they are conjuring…
Click image for details!
Double Reverb 2022
I am deeply honored to dance again for this wonderful online event! Reverb is a celebration of big bodies in bellydance! Join us!!
Coming up Saturday, May 14 at 7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific, and presented by Sacred Shimmy Studio and Tribal Unicorn. Attendance is free and tips are greatly appreciated. Info about how to do that will be given during the show.
Show will be broadcast on Facebook Live! Visit Sacred Shimmy Studio for details closer to the event! https://www.facebook.com/SacredShimmyStudio/
Sword Magick: Thursdays
Beginning May 5, 2022 I will have an ongoing weekly class on Thursday evenings from 7-8:10pm PST. Occasionally I will plan a series of cumulative classes, sometimes we will play a game of Diceolations at the beginning of class to see what the dice think we should work on, and sometimes there will be more of a plan. No matter what, we will dance, drill, and have a heckuvalotta fun together and with our swords! Classes will be hybrid style with room for 6 dancers in person at Spring/Fall in Berkeley, CA (if there’s a lot of interest for in person classes, we will do a rotation so everyone can have a chance in the studio), and unlimited space online with recording. These classes are geared toward adventurous beginners to the advanced practitioner!
Classes are $20 drop in (each week is a new adventure), or $110 for all 6 classes. Register here!
Different pricing may apply for occasional special series!
Rebel Kings of Oakland
I LOVE when I get to perform with this amazing group of humans!
My performance this night is dedicated to Ukraine. Everything I earn that night will go to Nova Ukraine (https://novaukraine.org/) to support the humanitarian aid our friends in Ukraine need right now. Come join us for an amazing evening of drag, bellydance, and shenanigans (SO MANY SHENANIGANS!).
Sliding scale $5-$10 at the door (nobody turned away for lack of funds!!) at The White Horse Bar on Telegraph and 55th in Oakland, CA. In person only! Hope to see you there <3