KATIA'S MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE RETREAT

(Enhanced Retreat Page Coming Soon!)

Katia's Sixth Middle Eastern Dance Retreat will be held July 24th-July 27th, 2008 in Lakeville, MA and will include four full days of classes in technique including a special class in Bedouin dance, a special class called "How you think is how you dance! - a class on "Creating an entrance with your veil", as well as cultural programs, a Folkloric Dance from the Middle East, a classic Oriental Dance, and a special class for teachers and professionals.

Special programs on Middle Eastern culture will be offered during the Retreat. A fashion show of some of the latest costumes from Egypt is planned modeled by participants. We'll have our welcome Pizza Party, shopping and introduce our new comedy show by participants on Thursday night. Here's your chance to do your spoof on past Retreat experiences, class material or general humour in the dance! We welcome Singing, dancing, poems, storytelling, limericks, etc all done in good taste and fun! There will be a recorded music show for participants to dance on Friday evening and a Saturday night hafla in the Eskandariya Room with live Arabic music by the Dance Retreat Arab Music Ensemble. Everyone is encouraged to perform on either Friday or Saturday nights. Those who choose not to dance, we look forward to your being a great audience!

We will have our great staff again to take care of the running of the Retreat and most of all YOU! This enables me to devote my full attention to the many aspects of your dance education. We were completely full last year with 25 participants and 4 staff. Remember we can't take any more people in 2008 and everyone wants to return! Download the Retreat flyer and Registration form. A Retreat brochure with daily schedule can also be downloaded! Send in your deposit and registration form to hold your spot now! Don't miss out. THERE ARE ONLY 3 (three) SPOTS LEFT as of April 30th, 2008! "A time to learn, a time to laugh, a time to share!" We hope to see you in July 2008!

Comments from 2007 Retreat Participants:

"I always leave the retreats with a tear in my eye...happiness at the wonder that is dance and sharing it with others...sadness to put it away for a bit and excitement at when I can see everyone again. You are an inspiration and the staff really makes it special too.".... Marianna (MA)

What a wonderful experience the Retreat was for me and I am already looking forward to next year." ....Saahira (MA)

"I went to Katia's Retreat for the first time and it was such a blast. I had a fantastic time!I was a bit intimidated at first being around so many wonderful dancers but had an open mind and got so much out of this. I would highly encourage anyone to attend, learn and have fun." ...... Illianna (MA)

"Thank you for the warm memories you create...I think of the feeling of happiness when I woke up to the music of 'Zeina' in my head on Monday morning after the Retreat. The vision of endless time, space and beauty that I saw when Concetta Rose demonstrated a section of the dance and Polina danced for us at the end.........Helen (CT)

Comments from 2006 Retreat Participants:

"To all my dancing friends: I experienced a memorable and special weekend with lovely and talented people. I'm happy to have met all of you especially Katia who made this dance inspiring to one's soul. I'm sure you all agree that dancing is a sweet life to a dolce vita.".... Concetta Rose (MA)

"I felt that this Retreat was a big turning point for me. I came home really remembering names of dancers (both new and on film) and musicians and connecting more with the music types and parts of Egypt. I admit that when I woke up in the middle of the night, it was because my mind just couldn't stop dancing!....Mehira(MA)

"I did my first solo performance at the retreat, only because of Katia's warm encouragement and the atmostphere of acceptance that was ever present in all the beautiful women surrounding me.".....Irit (VT)

"No words can explain the grace, style and stage presence as well as the wisdom and knowledge you bring to the Art of Middle Eastern Dance. Thank you.".....Memie (MA)

Comments from 2005 Retreat Participants:

"Katia of Boston's workshop material and layout was fabulous. Besides a positive and supportive learning environment, the workshop material itself was challenging for the advanced dancer yet gentle enough for a beginner to swallow. The variety of styles, Egyptian Oriental and Tunisian, offered an exiting and stimulating change of spectrum! Both technique, music, and respective choreographies were wonderful!"...... Nadirah Johara (TX)

"I was really impressed with the professionalism displayed at the retreat.... And you kept us moving and remained cheerful and motivating even on day 3, when people were clearly starting to get tired! Everyone received attention from you to help them in the ways they needed most and you kept them focused. Thanks again for a great experience....I have to say I LOVED the Tunisian dancing!".....Ma'isah (MA)

"The Retreat had such a wonderful and positive atmosphere. I felt safe, comfortable and happy to have been surrounded by women who have the love and passion for this beautiful art form called Oriental dance."..... Maria (NJ)

Comments from 2004 Retreat Participants:

"Katia is the kind of artist that every dancer can learn from. She understands the nuances and fundamentals of oriental dance, and communicates them lovingly to students. Her teaching is not just about technique, but about creating a vision for the audience. At the start of the retreat, she urged everyone not to compare herself with anyone else in the room, but rather to focus on simply moving forward from where she is --and absolutely everyone did. This year I learned from her how to slow down, to create drama, to keep breathe in my movements, to keep lifting and to create an interesting, changing stage persona.... If they gave out PHDs in this art form, Katia would certainly have one"..... Elaina el Amoora (MA)

"Thank you for an exhilarating Retreat! I had an absolute blast, and am sure that will guarantee my annual return"..... Nadia (MA)

"From the Karkday break and sweets from Tunisia, to the amazing choreographies, to the Aboudi Badawi Band at the Saturday night hafla, no detail was ignored at Katia's second annual dance retreat. Katia's energy, enthusiasm, talent and knowledge of the dance are not to be missed!" .....Talilah (MA)

Comments from 2003 Retreat Participants:

"I liked having the presentation of the middle eastern culture: costumes, your stories, the folk dances, even cookies and drink.(from Egypt) You provided a wonderful picture on a much wider world and I could feel the bits and pieces of your lifetime of experience. The community of women/dancers was another terrific part of the retreat!".... Badiya (MA)

"I learned a lot. Thanks so much for your inspiration. I am so grateful I saw your slides and costume collection - My eyes have been opened to more of this amazing dance world I am discovering!"..... Barbara Donohue -The Dancing Spirit (RI)

"A wonderful inspiring workshop. Loved your choreography selections. You are an inspiration for your love of dance and your ability to teach and nuture us."..... Zahra (MA)

"The veil class was my favorite part of the weekend.I know that "lift and breathe"will be my mantra from now on."..... Thalia(MA)

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Last Updated: 4/30/08