*from Tempest's announcement*

Greetings!

Winter is the perfect time to focus inwardly on ourselves to bring about outward change for Spring. When it comes to dance, we often get so caught up in the physical details, that we may forget about what drew us to dance in the first place, and what it means to truly dance and express ourselves. So my January intensive will focus on "Enhancing Dance With Ritual" - a 3 hour intensive geared towards both dancers and Pagans, on incorporating the elements of ritual into the dance, while examining the relevance of the sacred and profane. We'll be incorporating practical techniques with a metaphysical approach to bring about real effective change in our bodies and our mental state.

1-19-08 at Studio Zen, Yardley, Pennsylvania - Sponsored by Ak'Ana & Med'Devi Ink

Enhancing Dance With Ritual - learn to incorporate sacred meaning and intent with dance movement. Ritual is a dynamic union of self and spirit, above and below-so why should it be static? Learn to incorporate movement into your ritual with focused intention and discover a much more powerful experience. We'll look at the parts of various rituals from start to end, and how different sacred movements (gestures and dance steps) can be applied. Using ritual concepts from mystical spiritual traditions from both the East and West, we'll examine how the structure of a ritual can create a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in your performance and practice. A basic understanding of Pagan spirituality is helpful, but not required (however, an open mind and creativity is!). This workshops is geared to bellydancers as well as for Pagans looking to invigorate their workspace.

TUITION: $50 in advance by 1/15 (Tuesday!), $60 afterwards if space is available. At this time, there are handful of slots available. We are also offering a teacher/troupe discount - 4 registrations, the 5th is free.

STUDIO DETAILS: Studio Zen, Address: 301 Oxford Valley Road, Suite 1503, Yardley, PA
website: www.studiozen.org

DATE & TIME: Saturday, January 19th, 2008. Workshop will run 1-4pm. (Registration starts at 12:30pm.) The intensive will be followed by a Gothla (Gothic Hafla - a bellydance party with vendors and performances) will run from 6-9pm, with doors opening at 6pm, and an open path ritual will start off our festivities (all are welcome!).

GOTHLA!
What's a Gothla? A gothic hafla of course! Takes place in the same location as the workshops. Doors open at 6pm, and event runs until 9pm. Performances by Tempest, Ak'Ana, Friga, Alexia, and more! Vending by Med'Devi Ink, Crystal Kini Designs, & Family Faux Tattoo & Massage!

The Gothla is free to workshop participants/performers, and suggested donation of $5 is much appreciated at the door for all others. Seating is casual/Middle Eastern style (rugs & pillows), so for extra-cushioning, you may want to bring some additional pillows and rugs for your backside!

More info, registration, etc: darklydramatic.com/tempest/ritual.html