[*Shira*]

This year was the second time I've gone, and I had a wonderful time both times.

I spent most of my days in the seminar room, listening to presentations and panel discussions. My logic was that the dance instructors are all out there on the circuit, teaching in other places, but much of the information shared in the seminar room was a one-time experience. Ie, if you don't get it there, it'll be lost. This year, my favorites were Andrea Deagon's presentation on ancient Egyptian dance, George Sawa's sessions on music, and Kathleen Fraser's presentation on the role a male belly dancer played in the trial of Queen Caroline of England. It was interesting hearing people's reactions to my presentation.

I made it to 3 of the 4 shows, and enjoyed them all. I also had a lot of fun at the closing party at Myth. The Vancouver dancers were nice enough to let me invade their table.

And then there were the hallway conversations. It's amazing how much you can learn from sharing a lunch table, chatting between sessions, etc.

I hope Yasmina decides to do another one, and I hope I'll be able to go! I need to start thinking NOW about what topic I might want to propose for next time!