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The following are workshop & retreat descriptions. See Calendar for dates. Belly Dance As Yoga Weekly Classes in Sebastopol at the Temple Tea House Call: (707) 524-7898 for directions, $12 Drop-in Beg/Intermed. class Mondays 6:30 -8 p.m. Belly dance as Yoga focuses beyond the art of Middle Eastern dance, to its inherent value as a process that touches us deeply. Whether or not we aspire to perform and perfect our execution of the dance as an art form, it has much to give and teach us about ourselves and our relationship to everything. Most of us who have engaged in the study for any length of time have found ourselves profoundly changed or affected in some way. Everyone can benefit from learning and working with the basic dance vocabulary of "belly dance" for personal enjoyment, growth and fitness. Dance in general, but especially this movement vocabulary which explores and uses every area and muscle in the body is potent in exploring our own physical and energetic terrain. And in knowing ourselves in ways we cannot otherwise. Belly dance as Yoga is tantric in that it engages us, pulls us into awareness of our inner felt experience, the energy of the earth, the cosmos ~ our interaction and relationship to it all through our breath and movement ~ such that it takes us beyond ourselves and fixation upon our appearance. As dancers we are superficially illusionists but potentially, ultimately, we are magicians, shamans, devadasi. The workers of energy. The body is the medium, it is where we begin. I invite you to join me on this journey, dive deep! Intro to Belly Dance As Yoga 2nd Sat. each month 12 - 2:30 $25.00 This is a mini workshop which overviews important information about M.E. dance, its history, the music, the fundamentals of basic isolations and steps presented in the context of using the dance as a process in ones personal and spiritual growth. Discusses how to create a personal program of dance incorporating a basic vocabulary for the purpose of self exploration, healing, meditation and fitness. This workshop is open to men and women interested in exploring this approach to the dance. Required for anyone wishing to attend weekly classes. Taught in my home temple in Sebastopol, N. California Belly Dance As Yoga One day workshops One day workshops 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. $75.00 Open to men and women beginning level and up. Some previous classes in M.E. dance recommended. We begin this workshop with a potluck lunch from 11 to noon. This workshop expands on the themes of the monthly workshop above. Go further yet into dance as a process for deepening your awareness of self, your relationship with your body, and your creative process. Limited to 12 participants. Belly dance As Yoga and Body Geometry A 2 to 3 hour workshop for beginners. Teaches my approach to belly dance for personal exploration, fun and fitness. Presents working with basic isolations in a way that enables the beginner to "catalog" them for easier recall when practicing at home. Belly dance As Yoga ~Advanced Focuses on belly dance for the purpose of healing ourselves including body image, the feminine core essence and our relationship to our bodies. Body Geometry and Flow Belly dance Really thinking on your feet! A 3 hour workshop for Intermediate~advanced belly dancers. Beginners o.k. if completed 6 months of belly dance training. This workshop is for dancers wishing to advance their improvisational ability in performance and/or a home fitness program. And for those who wish to become more skillful interpreters of the music using the unlimited possibilities available in combining body geometry, steps, emotional and spiritual expression. The Spiritual/Sacred Art of Belly Dance A 2 to 3 hour workshop, all levels. Deals with the experience, expression and transmission of divine essence as we feel compelled to allow it and move it creatively through our own body and dance. Includes meditations, discussion, and dance. Belly Dance As Yoga Retreats Women only, Friday 7 - 10 p.m. Sat/Sun 10 - 6 $300.00 Brunch provided saturday and sunday. Some indoor or outdoor group "camping" available. All levels of dance experience welcome. Join me in this healing and celebration of our feminine selves through breath and dance meditation in an atmosphere of mutual empowerment. A time for self nurturing, healing, enlivening feminine radiance. Tantra and belly dance; Body Geometry' and 'Flow' belly dance. Cultivate greater intimacy with self to experience the richness and wisdom within. Offers the opportunity to go into actual processes and discussion, working more with breath and belly dance as meditation as well as issues that arise for us personally as we (study) belly dance. As your guide and facilitator I bring much experience in leading small groups through personal processes in a way that is safe and honoring. Please come with trust that it is possible to experience a shift in some area that you have felt frustrated in relation to self, your body and/or the dance. Taught at my home temple in Sebastopol, N. California Limited to 12 participants, register early! E-mail Christina at: dancingdeva@tantradance.com for other details. Dance of Love Sat. 2- 10 p.m. $150./couple  This one day workshop is a great introduction to Tantra for couples or paired singles. Developing intimacy with self and partner through the tantric wisdom of body centered awareness and spirituality. We will gently lead you through partner exercises using breath, movement, dance and verbal communication to enhance and expand intimacy, connection, and ofcourse, fun! As one of the 64 Arts of the Kama Sutra, dance is an important vehicle of communication and the harmonization of mood largly unexplored by most couples. Yet, moving together harmoniously is a basic skill for ecstatic lovemaking. Learn more about sexual polarity and your core sexual essence. Evening ends with a sensual pot-luck food feast and dance party where you are supported in finding, expressing, even flaunting the sacred/sensual/erotic dancer within you. No dance experience necessary to enjoy and benefit from this workshop!Limited to 7 couples. Tantra Gatherings You will not find any dates for these on the calendar but we are continuing to offer them to people/groups who would like us to facilitate an experience like this: The gatherings are for folks new to Tantric spirituality and provide a good introduction. We have facilitated "Gatherings" since 1999 and they are a unique experience. Not a workshop, the gatherings are a playful spiritual retreat with the purpose of connecting with ourselves and others in a sacred, sensual, loving & safe environment where everyone's boundaries are honored. We provide a structure and the tantric activities which allow us to go more deeply and authentically into relating. Living in community for this time together, each gathering is a unique co-creation as determined by the chemistry of the group. There is also plenty of time for relaxation and enjoying nature. Walking on the beach, hiking and other outdoor activities are on the agenda weather permitting. Our famous sensual feast, dance party, and a sacred-erotic ritual dance performance by us on Saturday night is a highlight of the weekend. We have conducted the gatherings in Northern and Southern California in beautiful, intimate settings, they have traditionally been on the weekends for 2 and a half days. If you are interested in creating such an experience with your friends or a group you know please contact us for details about making this happen. We will help you create it in a way that is perfect for your group. Please write to Williamflorian@aol.com or call: (707) 524-7898 "WOW!!! I am still between cloud nine and mother earth. What a special weekend and hospitality. Thank you from the inside of my soul." "THANK YOU!!!!!!!! We had an amazingly enlightened experience. My body, mind and soul are beaming. The weekend filled each of us individually and interpersonally with so much joy, love and renewal. I feel like I am trying to put words on an experience that I almost can't express with words. What I can say is you both have lovely spirits that helped to create a beautiful experience for us that I know will continue. Our Tantra journey has begun! We look forward to seeing you both again." —D & L Calif.  E-mail Us: dancingdeva@tantradance.com or williamflorian@aol.com (707) 524-7898 Sebastopol, California |