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Sanctuary – The Divine Dance

March 23, 2009 No Comments

Dance when you’re broken open. Dance if you’ve torn the bandage off Dance in the middle of fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance, when you’re perfectly free. Jelaluddin Rumi – 13th century Rumi understood the power of dance as a catalyst for transformation. Last year we celebrated Rumi’s 800th birthday and Yalla celebrated 10 years …

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To be so within my core and my breath

March 15, 2009 No Comments

Initially I’d been a little apprehensive, aware that part of the workshop involved performing in front of my peers (actually people I hold in high regard) and teaching them a dance technique. Having participated in a few of Maria’s gatherings in the past, I recalled the safe, non-judgemental space she creates and knew that this …

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Authentic Movement in Middle Eastern Dance

March 15, 2009 No Comments

Dear Maria, I am writing to you to thank you for the amazing workshop that you taught at my studio in late January this year. I was in a very stuck space, both as a teacher and a dancer. I needed an injection of inspiration, which I got from your workshop. I gained a deeper …

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