well put zarina....

i'm 57, have been belly dancing for only 2 years and i've spent a ton of cash on lessons [i take 4 a week], workshops [i take every one i feel compelled to take, and have even taken one i wasn't totally keen on, but it was interesting to learn the difference between tribal and egyptian styles - made me realize i had made the right choice after all], and making costumes -oh dear goddess, the costumes.... some i have NEVER worn yet.... i wear a lot of my costumes to class, just for the fun of it, and cuz now, the women there look forward to *what's she gonna be wearing tonight?* i have danced at 3 student shows, and two haflas, plus performed on Canada Day, for which i made a special costume to wear just for that one event!!!
i took the weekend intensive with Carolena... have you done that? maybe you should do that first, and then the Gen. Skills course, and see if that's enough, or if you want to spend the $700 for the week long course. i would love to drive down to S.F. and take that course, and while i'm there do level one with Suhaila. so on top of the $700 for the course [and whatever it would be for Suhaila's], there will be gas/motel/restaurant food.... it will be an expensive couple of weeks, if i do that. Martina suggested we do a 'belly bus' down from Vancouver.... that would be fun, and sharing gas would help.
but first i have to come up with the money for it..... saving now, and here's hoping nothing comes along to muck it up.... still doesn't mean i will actually be able to do it. and really, i'd like to take the Gen. Skills course before i take the week long course, just so i have my bearings on it. i have Carolena's DVDs and that is helpful... but still, nothing like doing it *in person*.

as Zarina said, how much you spend really depends on how much you are comfortable spending. i don't want to die and be thinking, s*** i should have done that workshop, or taken that course, or made that belt.... ask yourself, "what makes life worthwhile for ME?" when you get your answers then that's what you need to divide up your money and spend it on :)
for me, it's belly dancing and animals/nature.... those are the joys of my life.

Well...... at 63 - been dancing about 4 yrs. and I don't even want to think about how much money I've spent because I am having such a blast! Being with my friends- dancing , laughing, making costumes, the jewelry- wearing costumes that make you look like a show girl!!! Too much fun!!! Sure- I ache-and pop pain killers but I have a smile on my face that doesn't go away. At this age - to be in this head space- Absolutely PRICELESS !!!!... Invest in your well-being darlin"............... XX Judy

Just remember that it is wonderful to have all the beautiful items that we adorn ourselves with...and workshops make excellent fellowships....but the pure magic...the pure joy....the pure spirit that makes you who you are....is in the dance itself. That is priceless! I just wish my boobs were bigger...grrrr.

Apparently, I shouldn't even question this. I went to Neiman Marcus in Chicago a couple of days ago and one of the makeup artists said, "Let me freshen you up." I ended up dropping $350 on makeup. But dang! She made me look good! :)

Are you going to take GS Zina? It's great! I just did the Teacher training and I would like to do GS again.

Marianna, it sounds as though you understand completely what I originally asked. Feel good and all that stuff is good but when the money is limited a person just has to make the choice. Your response was funny...the way you mentioned gold at the end pure gold! z