Join me on Thursdays from 7-8pm at the Aquinas Center in downtown Valdosta, Georgia.  The Aquinas Center is just down the street from Hildegard’s.  Jennifer and I will be teaching East Coast Swing over the next ten weeks, starting Thursday, January 31st.

Swing on by!

I started my journey by traveling to New Orleans, to split up the trip at my friend Kryss’ house. I must say, that I was both shocked by the detestation that New Orleans is still in, and heartened by how much people are working to get things back to normal. Kryss’ apartment is functional, but the houses on both sides of her were still under reconstruction. However, the French Quarter was business-as-usual for the most part, so we did a little shopping while we were there. The city is mostly in desperate need of tourism, so if you get a chance, go to New Orleans soon, while they need it most. I know folks are talking about going to NOLA when things are “back to normal,” but they won’t get that way if folks don’t go back now. (end preaching)
We swung by Baton Rouge to pick up Shamsi, another bellydance instructor and member of our little chosen family, and then headed off to Texas.
Each day started off in silence, with a simple breakfast of oatmeal. The morning session lasted for four hours, and consisted of several exercises (with short nap times in between!). Lunch was another simple vegan meal, with evening session a few hours later (for three hours) and then dinner. It was an easy routine, with quiet in the mornings, socializing in the afternoons & evenings. There was plenty of free time, and I took full advantage of all the opportunities for napping.

Honestly, the first few days I had trouble quieting down, and at one or two points I thought to myself, “Gah! I’m surrounded by hippies! I need a computer! Let me go caress my jump drive!” But on day three I finally settled down and relaxed. A couple of times I got into really deep states of meditation while I was moving, which was awesome. I also had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, with wonderful life stories.I took some photos and video, most of which were done the last day (once I knew folks weren’t going to think I was some creepy voyeur with a camera at a dance workshop).I will be going to New Orleans again to do another Dance Meditation workshop in April. I hope to see a lot of my new friends from this time, and to meet some new friends as well!