Tribal Bellydance in the mountains
Back in Portland, refreshed after a weekend of dance, laughter, hot spring soaking, friendship, sweat, more dance, meditation, healing, journaling, deep talk, love, and more dance…yes, that was our 21st annual women’s Tribal bellydance retreat at Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon, that I host every year in the spring. This year may have been my favorite… it was smooth and easy and loving and just full of light and wisdom for me. Clarification for my dance life and my whole life, and where it is right now.
The teachers this year were a blessing:
Lynea Gillen: with a down to earth style of teaching, whether it be yoga, African dance, meditation, or healing work (TRE), she brings joy and simplicity to the work and the dance. A true healing guide…
Cammi Darshan Vance: a delightful addition to this year, her dance is evocative, grounded, and so smooth, and she guided us through dancing the chakras, the elements and really using the body, she slid into the weekend with grace and ease and insight.
Carol Vance: (yes, Cammi’s mother!) who has been dancing and teaching with me for over 15 years…with kindness, compassion, wisdom and the amazing tribal spirit…
–and then all the amazing women, many newbie dancers and several seasoned dancers who have been returning and joining us for many years, because how can they not?!
To walk in the rain, the woods, and soak naked in the hot springs out under the big sky, with the crows calling, and then to go into the beautiful lodge and guide these women in dance, in heart, in community…what a gift to me, to have this amazing opportunity to share my passion like this. And to watch each woman find her own peace and beauty and contentment in the present. That was our theme this year. Just simply to be in the moment. And to also have a thirteen year old this year, who blew me away with her young wisdom and willingness and desire. We are a blend of old and young, big and small, from all over the country, and we all have one desire, to dance our life. Freakin’ cool, yes?
So I come away, satiated, with good movement, good food, inspiration, love, and then, a bonus–to be honored at the salon Saturday night was such a lovely surprise too… my heart swells…
Here are some fun photos from the weekend!
Thanks for being here…and have a great week…
Paulette
