...spend a little extra money and take one of Asharah's one-on-one private lessons. The workshop was just great--a lot of hard work (but not, "Oh God, all I want is a Vicodin and a double margarita...preferably in traction" kind of hard work...been there...), a lot of fun and a lot of excellent advice. Lisa Zahiya helped Asharah create a very welcoming, friendly environment and Asharah was very encouraging and "user-friendly"...I sometimes am too intimidated to ask questions, but Asharah was so approachable that I pretty much bombarded her, haha.

But, as great as the workshop was (and the Hafla. Wow. I knew Asharah was God, but I was *very* impressed by the other dancers too), I learned soooo much from the private, one-on-one lesson. Yeah, it's extra money and who can afford that these days, but I'm tellin' ya...it's worth it. I have very special issues because of a health condition and the ensuing major surgery on my foot. After explaining my condition, she examined what I was doing and found that a lot of my problems were due to improper alignment (including not bending my stork legs, LOL), changed the direction of my turns and gave me many other tips.

At the time--we're talking yesterday, here--I was pretty clumsy, trying to dance in front of God and all, but I've been practicing this morning using her tips and my God, what a difference! I'll admit, I sort of winced counting my money beforehand, but I walked away feeling that it was money well-spent.

Again, I know times are hard, but--especially if you want to be a serious dancer--a private lesson with an instructor of Asharah's caliber is more than worth it. Trust.

Thanks Asharah!