let me tell you about the Orit Workshops

[shems]

So, I just finished the last of the Orit Maftsir workshops here in snowy Toronto, Canada. (Apparently this much heavy snow is unusual for Toronto, or so every body has been telling me.)

I just had to say wow! I knew Orit was a fine, expressive performer from her youtube clips, but I had no idea how great these workshops were going to be. I have been to 60 or 70 or so workshops from various renowned instructors and this one was one of the best.

There was one major workshop and several smaller master classes on various subjects. I'm thinking to write a review for guilded serpent or something to talk about how great this weekend was, we'll see if I find time. In the meantime, I just wanted to let Bhuzzers know - if you have a chance to take from Orit, do it. It is so much more than just your usual workshop. She's very personable and entertaining, she gives you good content, great background information and great "secrets" (if you only knew the goodies I'm coming home with). She explains it all very well and she is a very generous instructor.

There is so much more I can say, but it will take me too long. Just trust me, if you get the chance to study with Orit, go!

[nasila]

I am sooooo jealous!

[bintbeled]

Can't wait to read a full review!

[Athallia]

Come on share some of the secrets, pretty please

[emma-bessa]

Hope she can come back to Sweden soon*sigh*

[Lauren_]

OMG, I am spittin' jealous.

I don't usually get jealous, and I'm trying hard to just be happy for you and patiently wait for someone to bring Orit to the midwest, but I know it'll never happen.

I LOVE her style and now that I know she's a good teacher as well I can't STAND the idea of never studying with her.

*pouts*

[fayzah]

I want her!!!!!! :) She is such a great dancer.

[Shadiyah_dances]

I'm so happy you had the opportunity to study with her Shems! What a treat!
I too would love to read your review!

Did you buy any of her dvd's or cd's that were available? Any extra's to re-sell?

[Zana]

Oh, this sounds amazingly amazing. C'mon, ladies -- how can we get her to DC or Baltimore?

[rakgirl]

I was there too. I rented a car and drove by myself from Chicago to Toronto. I stopped at a friend's house outside of Detroit to spend the night because I didn't want to drive the whole 8 hours alone at once. I ran into the storm on the way to Toronto the next day and had to stop in Wyoming, Ontario and stay at the Country Side Inn (Bates Motel). I got there at about 5 pm and had to just sit in the room and watch tv with no food. That storm was so terrifying I seriously was praying for my life. So I missed the gala show. I got there Sunday and checked in and went touring Toronto. Monday I attended the two master classes and I have to second Shems.

Orit is so wonderful. She was totally worth it and that's saying alot considering how much I went thru to get there. She was knowledgeable and personable and sweet and fun. I learned alot and she was even better in person. What I liked best was that she really obviously loves to dance.
She has that ooey gooey hip movement. i think they call it a "sweet waist" in Egypt. I loved the Baladi workshop best. I bought her performance dvd and a cd she was selling. I have been listening to that cd non-stop.

We have to bring her to the US. Come on Mid-West ladies.

[Aradia]

If we get enough of us to sponsor her and share the cost we can bring her on a mini tour and she can hit the mid west, and maybe the southwest. I would be intersted in knowing her requirements to travel and teach, she is still based out of Israel correct?

[lilybellydance]

It would be awesome to bring Orit to the US. She's a passionate instructor and performer. I love her energy. If you organize a workshop, you must must must produce a show too, perferrably in a theatre. I know that is what she would like.

She's based out of Israel.

[suzyq52]

It's too bad we didn't know each other, raksgirl - I live in Wyoming, Ontario, and could easily have accommodated you. That snow storm was something else - at least you did not try to drive on through. If you are every travelling through this way again, let me know!

[Safiyah]

Someone NEEDS to bring her to the midwest!! I really wanted to go to this workshop but was unable. She is probably my biggest modern day inspiration

[damariz]

We could beg Chicago MEDCA or Sonya from Arabesque Studios to bring her to Chicago. I'd love to take lessons from Orit!

[rakgirl]

that's what i was thinking of asking Sonya or MECDA. I like Aradia's idea of a mini tour. That way we could share the cost. I know she doesn't think she has much of a following in America. I'm sure she'd be surprised how much of us would love to see her.

[rakgirl]

Originally Posted by suzyq52

It's too bad we didn't know each other, raksgirl - I live in Wyoming, Ontario, and could easily have accommodated you. That snow storm was something else - at least you did not try to drive on through. If you are every travelling through this way again, let me know!

that makes me want to cry. I was starving in that hotel room with only potato chips and a few cookies. Plus I was so bored.
Thanks for the offer. I'll take you up on it next time

[ejaghana]

Oh my goodness I would so put into the pot to get her here! Nasila, Nasila! Let's get her to LA too! Can we? Can we? Can we?

[Safiyah]

What, she doesn't think she has a following in the US?? OK she has one HUGE fan in Cleveland, and I'd definitely head up to Chicago for a workshop w/her...perhaps a weekend long deal? OK I'm not trying to be greedy, lol!

[Monica]

Sounds so great.

FYI, Gilded Serpent has two pictures up in the community kaleidescope section (and needs help with names of workshop participants in the photo!).

[picotine]

Ladies, I was one of the participants of Orit Workshops. She is my favorite dancer. I was amazed by her teaching, ener