Super Fun Dance Camp 2017

There is this magical place where tribal fusion belly dancers and drummers meet by a lake for smores--even gluten free & vegan!--to dance with poi, fire or just to the beat of a drum.

I was lucky enough to spend an entire weekend at Super Fun Dance Camp near Cold Spring, NY this past weekend. This was the second year of SFDC, but is a bit behind it's cousin NEATS (North East American Tribal Style) Camp which has been going on for four years now. MiMi of Manhattan Tribal and Carmine are our camp counselors with Lake Surprise Camp as the destination to be at. Oh my, isn't it beautiful.

Camp began on Friday afternoon with a very mindful focused class by Johanna Xenobia, who teaches both yoga and belly dance. She's such an inspiration for me! We broke down movements to their very core to really pay attention to the weight shifting in the feet and other tiny details that we may not notice while trying to hit the beat during an improvisational drum solo. 

Camp continued with an intense combinations class from the one and only Jill Parker! It's always a pleasure seeing Jill. <3 I regret not getting any pictures with her by the lake this year!

After classes we had dinner, camp style, with long tables to share with your fellow campers/class mates. It's always so exciting seeing those dancers you don't often see in your day to day basis. Dinner was followed up by a bon fire by the lake and we were delighted to a fire dance show performed by Johanna, one of her students, and Belladonna. 

The next morning we were back in class! My husband Eric and I made it to eight AM yoga with Johanna before splitting after breakfast to attend separate sessions. Eric was taking a few drumming classes from Casey Bond, Carmine and Brad Mack. I attended an Improv Sword Stylization class with, you guessed it, Belladonna <3 and a Shimmy Therapy class with Jill Parker. 

I had woken up waaaaay to early that day so after two super classes I was wiped. Eric and I took it easy by the lake--in the sun!-- for the afternoon. #listentoyourbody! And how could we not enjoy such nice day with some sun and relaxation.

Speaking of waking up wayyyy to early, I took the time to go for a mini hike and thus the first picture in this post was created. Our camp was on the opposite of the lake, where the sun is coming up over the trees at approximately 5:30 AM. It was nice to get out and enjoy the space before the busy-ness of the day. I also got to see some animals that wouldn't normally be out and about with everyone walking around. 

Later that evening was the big Teacher showcase. We were treated to intimate performances by Jill Parker, The Lunachix, Belladonna, Johanna Xenobia, Brenna Crowley, MiMi Fontana and more. It was gorgeous. I was living in the moment so much, I completely forgot to take any pics!

After the show, it was time for the hafla!! Hafla means party and boy, were there some crazy shenanigans!

Check out the super secret fancy onesie party we had going on! All the onesie dancers stormed the party and took over the dance floor with some impromptu ATS! There is even video evidence on Facebook. LOL

Sunday was the final day of camp and we concluded with a lovely Poi for beginners class with Belladonna, made any final purchases from the vendors and said way to many good byes. By Monday morning we are already missing camp and all of our friends! Here's to already looking forward to next year! <3

- Shakin' in Cat Pajama's, 
​Jenn Rose <3