Belly dance Events and retreats
The Sanctuary Resort & Spa Thailand
MONIKAS MYSTICAL BELLYDANCE EXPERIENCE
Take a magic carpet ride into the sacred movements of Bellydance. This is an intensive immersion into Bellydance Bliss, designed for the beginner to intermediate levels. You will learn classical isolations and combinations, as well as veil and drum solo technique and ritual dances.
Past participants enthusiastically rave that this is not just a dance workshop but a full Shakti exploration of the Divine feminine within.
Each workshop series will be broken into different modules, so write to Monika or more details. There are even live erformance opportunities at the Sanctuary's own Bellydance Theater!
For more info contact Monika :-
monikadancer@yahoo.com
MYSTICAL BELLY DANCE
Unveil Your Feminine Mystery
January 11-19, 2008
January 30 - February 5, 2008
February 16 - 23, 2008
The Sanctuary, Koh Phangan, Thailand
Join Monika on a magic carpet ride into the sacred movements of belly dance bliss, where you will discover new dimensions to your femininity.
Beyond just belly dancing, these workshops combine tantric theory, chakra energy work, yoga and meditation, to create a unique and inspiring Shakti experience for all women, regardless of dance level.
Let body and spirit unite as you learn the mystical and ritual aspects of belly dancing.
What is the dance part of the workshop like?
The course breaks down the basic movements and isolations of belly dance and expands on this through combinations and full choreographed routines. Some highlights include learning veil and drum solo technique, dancing with light, north African trance dance, Bollywood-Bellydance, Egyptian cabaret, temple dance, and performance methodology. Beautiful rituals and invocations, modern fusion, and group improvisation are other favorites that are covered.
The workshop is designed for the complete beginner to the intermediate level dancer – no previous dance training is required. Women with no experience finish with a fantastic foundation on which to continue their dance exploration, and both new comers and advanced dancers alike leave with a broader and deeper understanding of the complex facets of this joyful language of sacred symbols.
From a dance perspective, the advantage is that this course introduces far more technique and styles than you would encounter in a “regular” weekly class series, but all in a very accessible, clear and highly pleasurable manner.
What is the mystical aspect?
Dance expression is an ancient art and through conscious movement and invocation, you can awaken the Divine feminine within. Tantric theory on the chakras, including meditations and visualizations are incorporated to go deeper into the mysteries of this dance. The approach to the course is unique and holistic – from the secrets of energy work, to the role of dance in female rites of passage, to embracing fully your feminine potential -- it is all here for you.
Who is the teacher?
Monika has been performing and teaching belly dance for 12 years in the USA, Europe and Asia. Her dance training includes extensive studies in the classical Egyptian cabaret style with Yousry Sharif, Serena Wilson and Ibrahim Farah. Monika spent many years dancing professionally in the night club circuit of New York City, performing in large stage shows and cultural events worldwide, and has been featured in countless magazines and television programs, including MTV.
Monika also teaches kundalini-tantra with the Agama Yoga school (www.agamayoga.com) and is best known for her ability to unite yoga, tantra and dance into a complete Shakti celebration.
Her knowledge and love of dance, combined with a passion for teaching, keeps Monika globe trotting – in the past year alone she has held workshops in Thailand, India, Cambodia, Turkey, Belgium, Ireland, France, England and the Czech Republic. Her students unequivocally agree that her courses are inspirational and for many, life changing.
Monika spends four months a year in Dharamsala, India where she has founded a tantric yoga and dance center, three months a year teaching in Thailand and two months teaching in Turkey.
What is the length of the course?
Please refer to the course topic section for a breakdown of all that will be offered. You may choose to take the modules that interest you most. Of course, the more you participate, the faster the transformation. You will also watch your physical fitness level joyously soar without this feeling like an exercise class.
What are the hours?
This is an intensive and rewarding course! We meet 6 hours per day (sometimes longer J), typically from 10:00 – 13:00 and then from 16:00 – 19:00. It’s a full schedule, but you will still have personal time to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. We devote the majority of our sessions to dancing, and we balance this with meditations, theory and special exercises corresponding to
the day’s theme.
Can I fast while participating?
There have been fasters from all stages of the Sanctuary cleansing program who have taken the workshops with great results. They agreed that the abdominal isolations, gentle stretching and meditations are a perfect compliment to the fast. Participants also commented that dancing helped to give them an uplifting, creative focus as they purified themselves. Of course, you may be tired on some days, so you are encouraged to listen to your body and go at your own pace.
What is the cost?
It is 1,200 Thai baht per day for the dance tuition. Payment should be in cash (Thai baht, US dollar or Euro equivalent).
How about room and food?
The Sanctuary has a wide array of accommodation options available, ranging from highly affordable dormitory style rooms to luxury bungalows. There are also other resorts in Had Tien that share in the fantastic jungle and beach paradise environment. You will have endless choices in gourmet food at the Sanctuary’s world famous beachfront vegetarian restaurant and community gathering space.
What is the performance experience like?
In some of the workshops, a formal performing option is offered, and for many participants it is a special highlight as it is extremely transformational and provides a unique opportunity to showcase your new moves in a very supportive group environment. The dances are rehearsed, and even beginners with no previous experience look like the goddess-come-to-life on stage. In any case, there is always an open party during each of the Mystical Belly Dance series where everyone gets to shimmy the night away in the magical atmosphere of the Sanctuary.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable practice clothes. A flowing skirt and hip scarf are helpful. You are encouraged to wear anything that particularly inspires your inner and outer Shakti spirit. Veils and candle props will be provided.
If you plan to formally perform with the group, we will adapt the sparkly clothes you already have into a belly dancing costume. Inexpensive costume pieces will be on sale, and some of participants even lend their extra items to fellow dancers.
What are some comments of past participants?
“Inspirational, high energy, I just loved the whole experience!”
“…this course really changed me, I am more in touch with my feminine side…”
“I loved the spiritual aspects…I feel renewed...”
“The Goddess is alive…in us all! Thank you for the inspiration.”
“Great teacher. More, more, more, please!”
“Exceptional. You made it easy and fun to learn.”
“Beyond W.O.W. You are the kind of teacher I was waiting for…”
“This is the best thing I have done for myself in a long, long time.”
“I felt so supported by you and the whole group of incredible women.”
“This is so exciting! And there’s so much to practice – truly fabulous!”
“I am so happy and grateful I learned belly dance through you. There are a
lot of classes out there, but none of them covering the mystical…”
“I’ve been traveling for a while now, all over Asia, and this is definitely
the highlight of my journey. My partner couldn’t believe the changes in me.”
“I am a former model, but to be honest,
this is the first time I’ve really loved my body.”
“I can’t capture in words what this workshop has meant to me.”
“When are you coming back?! I want to do this everyday!”
“What a deep way to connect with my “true” self. I’m grateful for this gift.”
“I learned and received so much! All of the background and
explanations were so fascinating and have given me a whole new
perspective on dance and being a mystical woman in modern times.”
“I think these were the best four days of my life!”
“Gulp! I didn’t expect all of this. I’m going back to Canada and all I want
to do now is dance, dance, dance. I hope I find a teacher as special as you.”
What are the specific modules offered?
Jan. 11: Special Drum Solo Choreography (*this day is for dancers with previous experience)
Jan. 12 – 16: Five Day Mystical Belly Dance Intensive
Jan. 17: Tantra Dance – Harnessing and Controlling Your Sexual Energy through Dance
Jan. 18 – 19: Archetypes of Women
Jan. 30 – Feb. 3: Five Day Mystical Belly Dance Intensive
Feb. 4: Tantra Dance – Harnessing and Controlling Your Sexual Energy through Dance
Feb. 5: Shiva Shakti Belly Dance (*open to men and women, concluding with a special ritual)
Feb. 16 - 20: Five Day Mystical Belly Dance Intensive
Feb. 21: Tantra Dance – Harnessing and Controlling Your Sexual Energy through Dance
Feb. 22: Full Moon Party – Dance Grooves
Feb. 23: Post Full Moon Party Dance-Meditation Day
Please note, this schedule may potentially change … contact Monika if you are interested in any specific modules and she will keep you up-to-date.
How do I find more information?
E-mail monikadancer@yahoo.com for any additional dance questions or refer to www.thesanctuarythailand.com for more information on location and rooms.
Wishing you love and light!
Your Body is the Temple and Dance is the Prayer
