Thread: The 2010 Vegas Intensive--Take Our Follow Up Survey

It's time for the *BIG ANNOUNCEMENT*...whoo hoo!

We are exceptionally delighted to announce that September 9-12, 2010, the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival will take place in our new home, the historic FLAMINGO Hotel & Casino!

Bugsy Siegel's desert dream, The Flamingo, has anchored the Las Vegas Strip since they started rolling dice in 1946. This self-contained casino and resort offers everything an adventurous belly dancer could want--delicious restaurants, an amazing pool, and ample space for our classes & shopping.

Set on the famous four corners of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road, this hotel combines heart-pounding Las Vegas excitement with hospitality and service that's second to none. We couldn't be happier with our new home!

Additionally, we have a new group of magnificent artists who will be tantalizing us with their performances and teaching us their secrets. We are pleased to present the 2010 Headliners:

Aradia of Las Vegas (Aradia's website)
John Compton (John Compton & Hahbiru's website)
Asharah (Asharah's website)
Fahtiem (Fahtiem's website)
Moria Chappell (Moria's website)
Princess Farhana (Princess Farhana's website)

We are excited to see our homegrown event expand each year and attract hundreds of dancers into our Vegas community. We are also excited to be able to feature so many professionals instructors & performers. Thanks for supporting this event and allowing us to promote the Las Vegas community to the broader world of belly dance. We are looking forward to serving our community.

1-888-LV-RAKS-U/1-888-587-2578
September 10-13, 2009 at Palace Station!
September 9-12, 2010 at the FLAMINGO!!

It's true!! We have some wonderful photos posted on the website!!

Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival Photo Albums

A huge thank you to Ben Zimmerman of Southwest Photography for getting all 2000 images to us a mere 4 days after the event. We've put together a sampling of our favorites and have posted them in the gallery.

We will also be posting a link to other photos soon; however, we know that folks are excited to see the images now. This is a spectacular overview of the event. Enjoy!!

Additionally, our registrations for 2010 Full Package is now available online:

Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival Early Bird Registration

Here's a few teaser images from the Friday Show:









And a few from the Saturday Show too:











Happy Dancing,

Ahhh! I'm so going to 2010 unless the economy keeps me away! I love John Compton! Woo-hoo!

I need to try to go next year! Doing the payment plan so I will have to go. =)

We were very lucky to have 2 event photographers for the Vegas Intensive this year. Most of the images that I've posted to the Intensive website were taken by Ben Zimmerman of Southwest Photography (whom I adore!). To purchase any of these image, you will need to contact Ben directly at(O) 702.362-3686, (M) 702.236-0007, or sswphoto@aol.com

The other photographer on site was Ray Howell from Elk Grove, CA. He generously shot the entire weekend and has posted his images in the three online albums below. These images are all available for purchase through his website. He covered more of the festival than Ben was able to do. I'm pretty sure he is willing to do touch up work if you find something you love. He has posted 3 separate albums on his website.

"Bellydance Intensive Vendors & Guests" photographs
Howell's Photography | Bellydance Intensive Vendors & Guests

"Bellydance Intensive Classes" photographs
Howell's Photography | Bellydance Intensive Classes

"Bellydance Intensive Performers" photographs
Howell's Photography | Bellydance Intensive Performers

Between both photographers, there are over 5000 images of the event. Whew. Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, relax, and enjoy purusing all the fabulous pictures.

AllyIsLuma & Daveenadivine...I am so excited you will be joining us next year. We are looking forward to moving to the historic FLAMINGO on the strip! The event already has such magical energy, but we are certain that being in the heart of the world famous Strip is going to take it to a whole new level.

If you haven't already signed up for the payment plan, I'd encourage you to sign up here:

2010 Early Bird Full Package Registration and Payment Plan Option

argh! If things go as we hope, hubby and i will be in our first semester of law school and we won't be able to travel! I want to goooooo to Veeeeegaaaaas!!! *whining*

I'm so excited to see how the event has grown Samira... great job!

Originally Posted by MaryRaks

argh! If things go as we hope, hubby and i will be in our first semester of law school and we won't be able to travel! I want to goooooo to Veeeeegaaaaas!!! *whining*

I'm so excited to see how the event has grown Samira... great job!

You should apply to law school here in Vegas. My uncle is one of the law professors.

Samira this event looks awesome! Congratulations! One of these days I've got to attend!

Originally Posted by Hannan

Samira this event looks awesome! Congratulations! One of these days I've got to attend!

Damn Hannan...one of these days you've got to come teach!!

Can I just say that Leyla Amir looks SMOKIN' in that white costume!! Wow!! Oh yeah, and she dances circles around just about everyone in Vegas!! Sorry I missed that show, I'll be there next year ..g.:..g.:

Originally Posted by Samira_dncr

You should apply to law school here in Vegas. My uncle is one of the law professors.

lol... I think it's actually on our list. So I may end up at the 2010 Intensive yet.

Either way, it'll be exciting to see how the event turns out (other than awesome as always). :)

Originally Posted by MaryRaks

lol... I think it's actually on our list. So I may end up at the 2010 Intensive yet.

Either way, it'll be exciting to see how the event turns out (other than awesome as always). :)

Wouldn't that be cool... LOL

The full-package payment plan increases to 11 payments of $38.18 tomorrow. Or, pay in full for $415. The full package includes all the workshops, a ticket to the Friday night show, a ticket to the Saturday night show, and a special thank-you gift.

Lock in the lowest payment plan by registering today!

Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive: 2010 Registrations

Happy Dancing,

It's been a great year to negotiate for room rates here in Vegas! We are especially excited to have secured a large room block at the FLAMINGO at rates well under the norm for the next 3 years.

Our 2010 guestroom rates are as follows:

Deluxe Rooms--Weeknights $59/Weekends $89
GO Deluxe Rooms--Weeknights $99/Weekends $129

As I am sure that most of you know, these are exceptional rates for being on the world-famous "Strip".

I have had a number of concerned attendees contact me to say that the 2010 weekend at the Flamingo is already sold out. This is true; however, we have a guaranteed room block, so there is nothing to be worried about at this point in time!

Click on the following link for more information and photos of the rooms.

Guestrooms at the FLAMINGO Hotel & Casino for the attendees of the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival

We are gearing up for another stellar year. I am so excited about all the great things we have in store for you.

Happy Dancing,

Hi Samira! Can we call now to reserve rooms, and do we need to give them a code or just say we're with the Intensive?

Ooooh I'm getting a Tiny URL error trying to use the link to look at the rooms...

Originally Posted by haleemachandani

Hi Samira! Can we call now to reserve rooms, and do we need to give them a code or just say we're with the Intensive?

Ooooh I'm getting a Tiny URL error trying to use the link to look at the rooms...

Yup. You can now book your room. The code and details are on the website. I fixed the link above. Here it is again for good measure:

Flamingo Hotel Room Block

Yay!!

Wow! Those are some awesome headliners for 2010! Holding the event on the strip should be a ton of fun!

the website has a lot of links that don't work

... just talked to the husband... once we get official orders for our Los Angeles move, I'm signing up!

Originally Posted by toria_dances

the website has a lot of links that don't work

Yes, there are a few. We are still updating and revising for 2010. It's a bit of a process. Try to be patient, we are working on the schedule.

Originally Posted by Andalee914

Wow! Those are some awesome headliners for 2010! Holding the event on the strip should be a ton of fun!

Thanks! Are you going to make a trip to your home town?

Yeah, the Strip will be a whole new experience, to be sure!!

Originally Posted by MaryRaks

... just talked to the husband... once we get official orders for our Los Angeles move, I'm signing up!

Yay!!! I'm looking forward to having you join us!!

As of tomorrow, the payment plan for the 2010 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival being held at the FLAMINGO Hotel & Casino will increase to 10 payments of $42. If you want to lock in slightly lower payments, please register today.

Early-bird registrations get first choice of classes once the schedule is finalized. We anticipate that pre-registered attendees will get to select their classes in December, prior to the full shopping cart being opened to the public.

There are some very exciting announcements that will be forthcoming. Keep you eyes peeled.

Happy Dancing,

It is with excessive enthusiasm that I announce that our Keynote speaker at the 2010 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive Lunch & Lecture will be belly dance icon, Tanya Lemani George.

Tanya has a long and established career as a producer, actress, bellydancer, author, and screenwriter, but is probably best known as the belly dancer who was featured in the Season 2 Star Trek episode, "A Wolf in the Fold". Tanya was also the featured belly dancer in Elvis Presley's 1968 Comeback Special.

Tanya recently published a book called "Have Belly, Will Travel", which is a memoir of her career in Las Vegas and Hollywood. She will be offering this book and signed photos at the 2010 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival. Tanya is especially excited to be returning to the Flamingo, which is where she started her career at the age of 16.

More details will be announced when the full schedule is finalized. We just wanted to share our excitement with all of you!!

Happy Dancing!

With heartfelt enthusiasm, I am honored to present the amazing team of individuals who are working diligently to produce the 2010 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival.

I sincerely could not create this event if it wasn't for these amazing people that brings their love, energy, loyalty, and creativity to the table. These individuals sing my heart song, and I am so grateful for each of them. Please congratulate:

Danya Cornelius, Director of Information & Technology
Carolee Cameron, Director of Marketing & Vending
Heather Corral (Ashtalea), Festival Director
Paul Aguirre, Technical Director
Kathy Kosowitz (Reema), Director of Volunteers
Diedre Turner (Shalini), Director of Registrations
Sandi Curtis (Shamar), Director of Entertainment

Please visit our 2010 Team of Directors page to learn more about each of these fantastic individuals. 2010 Directors Staff Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive: Belly Dance Classes, Workshops, Lessons, Party, and more

Also, I want to publicly say farewell to Willene Wadkins, who has opted to not return as a Director because she has been offered an amazing opportunity to work with the largest Harry Potter convention in the country next year. I am so thrilled (and jealous) of this wonderful opportunity for her and only wish her well in her pursuits. We will miss her on the team.

I currently working on the schedule. We have an amazing list of instructors for next year. More announcements are coming soon...

Happy Dancing!

IShimmy Review by Masala

Not a bad review at all...

Introducing a new and unique competitive experience for the discriminating
dancer, debuting at the 2010 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival.

This contest is not for the faint of heart! You will be expected to excel in a
wide range of styles, dress to impress no matter what type of belly dance is
thrown at you, learn new choreography and perform it live on a professional
stage, possibly perform with props or improv to live music, and do it all while
expressing your charm, charisma, and talent.

Are you up to the task?

The winner will receive $500 & a solo spot at our Sunday Night "It's a Wrap"
Party.

Read more here: Bellydance Contest: Competition: Las Vegas: Think You Can Belly Dance?

Happy Dancing!!

The interplay between a drummer and a dancer has long been one of the most motivating and inspirational aspects of my own dance journey. For a long time, I have wanted to see more live music in the Las Vegas Belly Dance community as well as the Las Vegas Intensive.

With that "song" in my heart, I am very excited to announce the addition of a middle-eastern drum track at the 2010 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive this year.

Headlining this new addition to our event is the world-renowned percussionist, ARMANDO "UNCLE" MAFUFO.

Armando Mafufo is a drummer to the core. He has dedicated more than 30 years to performing the music of the Mediterranean and North African peoples. He has toured the United States, Mexico, Canada and Japan, produced five celebrated albums of his own music, and instructional DVDs and CDs on the playing of Arabic percussion instruments.

He is very excited about attending the event and contributing to the vision of having more drummers here in Las Vegas and we are thrilled to have him involved.

On a related note, the 2010 schedule really is near completion, but we are working on finishing the topics for the new drum track. If you have any specific requests...speak up. We are happy to hear your thoughts.

I expect that those who are currently registered for full packages will be able to choose your classes before the end of the month, and that we will open full registration on January 1st. Our package prices will be increasing at that time, so this is the best time to lock in the lowest rates. Payment plans, as always, are available. I am also happy to create gift certificates for Holiday Gift ideas...

Happy Dancing AND Drumming!!

OMG!!! The schedule for the 2010 Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive & Festival is done!!! We have 8 new drum classes, 144 hours worth of workshops, and a grand total of 42 instructors all packed into 4 AMAZING days! SQUEE!! Next step is to turn over the schedule to the IT Director, Danya, who will perform shopping cart magic. We are on track for a Jan. 1st "reveal". Hooray!!