My classmate and I went to Mesmera's workshop hosted by Eastern Wind Oasis in Charleston, SC in October, 2005.  It was well worth the drive, expense, and time away from my family (which is very limited).

It was valuable for many reasons....

First is Mesmera herself.  She is warm, skillful at dance, skillful at instructing.  She was able to breakdown the moves from muscle movement and then build it up to the full form.  We started with armwork.  That alone was worth the trip.  She had a way about explaining what was happening in the muscles and in space.  She also explained why certain things, like moving on the heartline, were important.  Her style was gentle to the student while project energy through the form.

Second is the agenda of the workshop.  We went through arms, layering, combinations, and sampling of different fusion styles.  I got something from each session.  There were things that weren't for me, but it was great to experience it.  There were things that will stick with me hopefully for a long time.

Third was Eastern Wind Oasis and their organization of the workshop.  The venue was a good size.  The sound system and DJ's were excellent.  The show was well organized, especially the lighting.  They brought in a live African drum band as a surprise to Mesmera.  This was a classy addition to the show because they were able to do something special for the instructor and because the band was excellent.

Forth was going for a full workshop, my first.  Mesmera worked us hard, sweat is good, grin.  I was happy to be able to keep up for the most part, grin.  Sunday afternoon I was definitely physically tired.  I was charged and inspired too.  We met other dancers from cities nearby and shared ideas from them.

Fifth was the vendors.  Eastern Wind Oasis had 2 there and they had complimentary items.  One allowed sampling of the CDs they carried.  They had 2 cd players and a copy of every CD they carried as well as others that were out of stock.  What an EXCELLENT idea.  I bought 4, grin.

I highly recommend going to a Mesmera workshop and/or an Eastern Wind Oasis workshop if you get the chance.  Make sure you bring a notebook and take notes during the workshop, grin.

Dance for the Joy of it,

Terrah