Samra and the Lotus Dance
Retreat: A Materialized Dream of Global Sisterhood in Dance.
(bilder ser du her)
By Samra
Like the Lotus Flower that reopens each morning as a symbol of rebirth, the
Lotus Dance Retreat will return next year. Mark your calendars for March 22-30
to be in Bali, Indonesia. Again we will “Dance Like a Goddess in the Island of
the Gods.”
It all started as an intriguing dream of mine to belly dance in Bali. Since I
visited Bali in the Fall of 2005, I couldn’t wait to return. As time passed I
became focused on the possibility of combining my desire to return to Bali, my
love of dancing, and my wish to share the experience with fellow dancers from
around the world.
Thus the vision for Lotus Dance Retreat was born. Then came the reality: How can
one organize an event on the other side of the globe without knowing anyone? The
answer came through the internet. After contacting everyone with a published
email address who lived in Bali, I got emails from transient dance teachers in
Bali, later from Meg of Balispirit who provided the email address for Allison
Mulroy, who recommended her dance teacher at the time, Rebecca Kaal. My time
frame for availability was March. From the time I contacted Alli, to the time
that I got an agreement from Rebecca to help me with this venture about 5 months
had elapsed. It was now November.
Rebecca and Alli worked intensively trying to work as many arrangements as
possible, and by the time we even had a hotel lined up was December. That gave
us only three months. For most people, one year at least is needed to organize
an event like this. But knowing that one must learn from experience, we all
decided to embark in this venture, keeping it open to possibilities. We hoped
that other spontaneous spirited dancers would join us. And they did.
The Lotus Dance Retreat 2007 was not offered as a package, because I wanted the
participants to choose the activities according to their interests and their
budgets. Even for the classes, one could sign up for all the classes, or show up
for single classes. The classes welcomed international and local participants.
Our support staff consisted of our local resident organizers, Rebecca and Alli,
and the instructing staff included besides me (Samra) Joyce Stech from the USA
and Siri Ydstie from Norway, in addition to a native Balinese dance instructor
and a resident Yoga instructor. Our participants consisted of an amazing group
of women from various corners of the world.
The week went by incredibly fast. We had a very intensive class schedule, and
some participants did not miss a single class!! 26 hours in one week.
Additionally, we performed at 2 shows, attended evening events, and we went for
our farewell dinner party at a fabulous seafood restaurant at Jimbaran Beach.
Not only was the food delicious, but we were entertained by a local band singing
their renditions of “golden oldies” from the USA and UK as well as
Guantanamera and Besame Mucho… This was right on the beach, with our feet on
Balinese sand, after seeing the end of a gorgeous sunset. What else could anyone
want at a moment like this? It was perfect.
During the week participants engaged sightseeing tours, a Balinese cooking class
including a trip to the market, snorkeling, motorbike riding, soaking up the sun
and cool water in swimming pools or the ocean, horseback riding, and enjoying
the soothing power of massages and spa treatments. Since some of our classes
were held at a glassed in location where the hotel employees could see us, we
become instant “hits”. The word spread fast and every hotel staff member
would smile and most would shake their shoulders or hips when they saw someone
in our group. It was very endearing, actually!
Our dynamic travel agent/consultant/resource person, Yani of Bali Traveling
became quickly a member of our family and became available for us 24 hrs a day
to answer any question and tackle any problem that could arise. I wholeheartedly
recommend her for anyone wanting to visit Bali and want someone to become a
sister/daughter during their visit.
Besides all the exciting things that happened in the Legian beach area, one of
the highlights was an amazing trip to Rebecca Kaal’s mountain retreat, where
she hosted a Balinese feast for us, complete with a band of local musicians
playing their version of danceable tribalish drum rhythms… The evening was
splendid and memorable. Rebecca’s family and neighbors were gracious hosts.
So much happened! It would not be true to say that everything went without
glitches. A first time event is always a time of learning and exploring. But in
the end, the positive prevailed and the proof is we are ready to return next
year. Wiser, better organized, and ready to offer the participants one of the
best weeks in their life. Full of dance, pampering, friendship, and the magic of
Bali itself. Mark your calendars for March 22-30, 2008 and visit these sited
frequently for more information to be posted soon about next year’s LOTUS
DANCE RETREAT 2008. Treat yourself to the magical experience of Bali and Dance
Like a Goddess in the Island of the Gods.
http://www.samrasexpressions.com/
http://www.resourcesunlimited1.com/
http://www.oslomagedans.com