This year is going to be fabulous! We have put so much work into making this year spectacular, that we (the directors) are ready for some R&R.....but that won't come until this years event is done! We are working so hard to put together a weekend spectacular full of everything a belly dance aficionado could fathom...workshops galore (3 full days of them to be precise), lots of shopping (we have a great lineup of vendors that are going to be selling some amazing merchandise), the potluck will of course be a buffet of delicious temptations (don't worry, it's on Saturday night, so the Sunday workshops will help you burn off the extra calories), not one, but 2 shows this year! An amazing show with some of the top professionals all on one stage, including Suhaila Salimpour (that's Friday night), on Saturday night, the grand showcase...live drumming, spectacular dancers and of course open dancing for all (cause you can't just listen to the music, you gotta get up and dance!).

I work on assisting Samira and my fellow directors put this incredible weekend together everyday, and yet it still amazes me. But what I am looking forward to the most from this huge weekend is the chance to meet everyone, the chance to see old friends and make new ones. The feeling of sisterhood, community and warmth through this amazing event that brings everyone so close. I am counting down the days until the Intensive....butterflies are exploding in my tummy with anticipation. I can't wait to see you all there.