have an awesome trip and blow them away with some n.o.madic fabulousness!!!!

Have fun! I'm in NH right now... it is WAY cooler =) temp-wise that is. HA!

I'm writing from the airport waiting on my delayed flight to take me home from a wonderful weekend of workshops with the loveliest group of dancers in Maryland/DC. Everyone was so open, so ripe, so sweet. I felt right at home.

My hosts Janet, Val, and Wendy of Mirage Trio ( www.miragetrio.com/ ) were so gracious, so well organized, and so kind. They put me up at Janet's house where I ended every night in the hot tub with delicious Maryland wine and started every morning with fresh ground coffee. I saw a deer, a rabbit, two lovely pups and two sweet kitties, a HUGE flock of birds, and a rat (he was cute too!) I just missed seeing a fox, but I heard one and I heard a strange sound that Janet said was from a raccoon.

For the workshop, they provided each dancer with a packet that included a notepad (!) and there was water and a table of snacks available at all times...a table that included homemade cookies a la Val. (If you know me, you know how I felt about that--YAY! COOKIES!!) The dance studio was huge with big mirrors, two bathrooms, and two changing rooms. There was a complimentary yoga class every morning with Amy who was so authentically sweet. (if you know me, you know how I felt about that too--Yay! Yoga!!) I couldn't believe how professionally the whole thing was--I was honored and impressed. For their first workshop...wow!! They worked so hard and it showed. They're planning to host more workshops in the future, so watch out for them.

The hafla was very small and informal, which was awesome. It was Mirage Trio, who did two totally fun and unpredictable pieces along with two young dancers, Kristin and Nikki, whose troupe name I don't remember but it meant Happy Hips (was that it??) in Japanese. This was their first performance and it was so innovative and impressive. They fused some Tai Chi movements with Tribal moves and it was really sweet. I did two numbers, one that is a piece in process, and everyone was very encouraging.

Libby (now in Baltimore, previously in NOLA) came out and did a kickass drum solo that none of us will forget soon. I was so excited that she came out, and she says she's coming to NOLA for Halloween!!! YAY! I hope she applies to dance at the Bellementals show that Sisters of Salome are putting together with workshops by Rachel George and Urban Gypsy details here: nolabellydance.eventbrite.com/

For me, the highlight of the show was the big group improv number we did. everyone stepped up to the lead even though lots had never done improv before. Gilda stole that show with her big hip circles; she rocked it.

The Sunday (was that today??!) workshop was very well attended with dancers from Baltimore City and DC. Kazoo/Amy came, and so did Nora, Flizzie, Meredith, Mitzi, Janet, Kristin, Nikki, Gilda, Wendy, Amy, Maddie, Heather, Libby, Sarah, and so many more whose names I'm not remembering even though I can still see their lovely faces. They were all beautiful dancers and so so sweet. One of these dancers (what was her name??! she has the loveliest extension and presence) says she's planning to visit NOLA for Halloween too with her BF (whom she may have to leave on his own for a day when she comes to the UG workshop--hint, hint!)

On Saturday, the workshop was smaller, but so intimate as a result, which was good considering the curriculum. Courtney and ??Jennifer?? came along with lots of the local Westminster crowd. Sarah and her mother Cindy were so sweet to see improv-ing together.

I really fell in love with the people, the corn fields, Janet, Wendy and Val, MD wine and Janet's two pups, Zoe and Cody. Janet and Val may come to NOLA in January to visit and dance. I'll let y'all know the deets as they develop.


sigh. All things must come to an end--even good ones, like this weekend. But that's okay, because so must not-so-good ones like my wait: They're boarding my plane!! (you know how I feel about that!---YAYAYAYYAAYAYYY! )



love!
ali

p.s. If you came to the workshop, post a hello here

Just a quick note to say thank you so much for coming and teaching and sharing your amazing spirit with us. All of us felt so encouraged and really just blessed by your presence. And thank you especially for taking the time to spend working with a dancer who had never ever been to a bellydance class before. We're off for two weeks at Pennsic and before the workshop I could barely get Courtney interested in going to a class, but since Saturday afternoon she's been sending me links for costumes she wants and videos of dances she wants to learn.

Between the cookies and the togetherness and your smile I think her dance future is off to a great start.

Thanks again!