This weekend brought the first cold weather of the season, and while I love the cool Fall weather, I couldn't help but think about this past summer. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the summer, but this past summer was a very special one for me. I had the privilege to spend a week in Mexico learning from the fabulously talented bellydancer, Bozenka (video of Bozenka performing). Not only did I get to hang out with my dance idol for a whole week. but on top of that I was staying at the most breathtakingly beautiful place I've ever seen. When my sister and I signed up for the intensive, I thought we'd have a fun time, I had no idea how amazing and life changing the experience would be.
The intensive took place on Isla Holbox in the Mayan Riveira in early June. For almost a week, we spent four hours a day dancing and trying to take in the wealth of information Bozenka had to share with us. Some of the topics included: graceful arms, veil and double veil, zills, cane, fan veils. To be honest, there was so much covered that I am a having a hard time remember everything! One of my favorite class moments was dancing on the beach with our veils fluttering in the ocean breeze. I felt like I'd died and gone to bellydance heaven. We also had casual evening performances at the resort's restaurant for those who wanted feedback from Bozenka. It was extremely nerve-wracking to perform in front of such an amazing dancer, however I'm very glad I didn't chicken out. The culmination of the week was a show in the middle of the town. A significant portion of the island's population came to the show and it was amazing to perform for such an enthusiastic crowd (watch video). Plus, now I can say I've performed internationally!
I could go into even more detail about the trip (whale sharks! Tarzan man! political rallies!) but then this post would probably never end. Suffice to say, the experience was enriching for me as a dancer and an instructor. As the days get colder, I'm planning on holding on to a little bit of that island sunshine so that I can continue to feel inspired and pass some of that amazing dance energy along to my students. Now I just need to figure out how attend one of Bozenka's intensives in Greece...
Bozenka's website
Casa Las Tortugas
*Thanks to my wonderful studio co-owner (and mother), who made this trip possible for a scrub like me.
