Time for dancing! I was unsure about performing since its been a while with me being in school and off the dance floor for a while, but I decided just to wing it. And I'm glad I did cause I really had fun and I really wanted to perform in the bra I had made. It was also my first time performing since I got my tattoo which didn't occur to me until I saw this picture: I really need to get that thing colored in, lol. It will be less of an 'ummm, what is it?' type of tat when I do. (pssst! Its a mermaid btw, and her boyfriend is on my back where you can't see ;) ) Also, if you notice the curtains blowing the wind kicked up during my performance, which was totally cool and spooky! Thanks to the wind gods for pumping up my performance ;)

I have missed performing. I think if I get more performing out of my system I won't be so resistant to teaching. I keep thinking once I start teaching that I'll have no time for personal exploration of my own style, so I'd like to have that more firmly in my mind before that. Though I'm realizing more and more that I don't really have a trademarked style, I do what I like, which is a little bit of everything.

BTW, the string behind me is attatched to a pinata, which was merrily bashed by a birthday girl and when the candy and confetti came out the Hafla (arabic for 'party') really got going. We had confetti fights, we danced free style, and just basically had fun. This was our last night so we really hooped it up.

Here you can see the confetti all over the floor like sand, lol. We were doing a circle dance and it was my good luck that someone across from me took a picture. I'm the only one with a bare midriff, which is kind of wierd in a room full of belly dancers now that I'm looking at it, ha! I had changed out of my bra and belt because I didn't want them to get sweaty, costume bras are a pain to clean. To the right of me is Valentina from Italy and to the left of me is Rachel Brice.

Here's myself pictured with Yumi from Japan. She was such a sweet heart, and I love the faces she made! She didn't speak much English, but we still seemed to manage and it was fun bridging the communication gap. She performed a traditional Japanese dance that was beautiful and delicate. You can see we both have confetti in our hair, woo wee!

And finally heres Rachel and I, somewhat shakey picture since it was a self done variety (Rachel did the shooting ;) Rachel is such an amazing teacher, I try to catch her at least once a year because she just has this thing about her that is so rejuevenating. Her assistant Manca from Slovenia was doing a documentary about her and she had me say some things about Rachel for it. Basically when you go to Rachels workshops you leave not only wanting to be a better dancer but also a better person. I used to always think that the reason I liked her so much is because she has a heavy background in yoga that flavors her dance and I'd say the same about my style, but now I just think she has a pure spirit thats contagious and an inner light that you don't find too often.

So thats the trip in a nutshell. Lots of zen time, but also some nature time and some party-hardy time. It was an amazing experience and I would so love to do it again next year. I had thought that this would be a one time thing for me, but now I'm not sure. When I first heard about this retreat I thought "Oh I have to do that one day...' and figured I'd do it once and be set. It is an annual thing, so I certainly could do it again next year.

I realize I am so fortunate to have been able to go once, much less considering it again. I am so happy that I got to have this experience and I will cherish all of my memories of it. I would love to do it again, but I have other things I want to try out as well. I owe my kids a trip next year and we're thinking of going to Washington D.C. While I crave adventures on my own I also love to pursue them with my kids. Helping my kids to see the world is a big priority to me and I know its something I can do right by them. You learn things while traveling that you'll never learn in a classroom.

Namaste.