BOCA Fest 2005! We laughed, sweated, learned, shopped, networked and most of all… danced! Everyone went away excited and saying they will be bringing more people with them next year's BOCA Fest.

 

The instructors and performers went above and beyond to not only give the people what they wanted but what they needed as well.

 

The BOCA committee members represented in true class and style!Everyone who attended BOCA Fest conveyed that the vibe of sisterhood and togetherness was in the air from the minute they stepped off the elevator at the hotel… and it set the mood and tone of positively and love.

I look forward to seeing everyone (and their cousins!) at BOCA Fest 2006!

 

~Dr. Sunyatta Amen

Executive Director,

Bellydancers of Color Association, Inc.

 

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Just a taste of feedback on BOCA Fest 2005:

 

Thank you so much for such an amazing conference!

I shared the info with all my girlfriends.

You ladies are amazing. I was so inspired by the spiritual, nurturing and talented nature held by the mega conscious group of sisters that put it together. One of which is Dr. Sunyatta Amen who produces amazing health, spiritual and sexual wellness workshops, retreats (one of which I attended when I lived in Atlanta 4 years ago called "Sexual Tai Chi") and has a weekly radio show. There were hundreds of dancers and students from all over the US coming out to represent. Morocco (a sister of Rom descent) was the master/headliner teacher along and a fine brother named Tarik who taught us a thing our two about dance.

It was amazing. I still can't believe I was there, I cried several times because I was SO PROUD and SO HAPPY to be a part of history. There were sisters and brothers there teaching North African, West African/Tribal Fusion bellydance, Yoga, Ethiopian shoulder dance, Samba, Egyptian, Turkish and Lebanese style belly dancing and so much more. Dr. Amen did an incredible workshop on 'Bellydancing for the Womb' to support sisters with regenerating their energies in this area since so many of us are plagued with Fibroids, endometriosis and other female issues. There was some powerful stuff that was performed on the birth of this dance and its origins.

The sweetest part was when I was granted the opportunity to dance in the performance showcase held the final evening.

When I went downstairs to perform, I ran into a sister in the restroom who mentioned she did healing work. I looked at her and said "can you do something for me because I'm feeling really unsettled and I'm starting to feel anxious". I guess this woman saw the desperation in my eyes and instead of parting she came over and placed one hand on my heart chakra and another one on my back and looked into my eyes and began to say "you are dancing for the lord and this is your opportunity to share your uniqueness and beauty with the world. You are not here to compete, you are here to share the gifts the Creator gave you" and then she hugged me. I thanked her and tears of joy and release streamed down my face. I was overwhelmed that the universe had sent me such a wonderful messenger so quickly who knew exactly what I needed at that moment...to remember to love and dance from love and share the gift of dance from my heart and not my ego. When I walked out onto the stage I went into a trance and danced and whirled and smiled and spread every ounce of love and light I had to give with every pair of eyes I met. It felt like I was sharing a personal blessing by interacting with everyone. People were hugging me and sharing loving comments of thanks for sharing my dance and taking the audience "back to the Sahara" (as one woman commented). I've since been asked to do several gigs out of state...

I was very proud to see sisters holding their heads high and not exploiting themselves. Dancing is a part of our souls, don't forget this.

 

Also, I encourage each of you (no matter what your background is), to
attend BOCA Fest!

Asali

New York
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I just wanted to give BOCA Fest my highest praise and gratification!  I had a wonderful weekend!  I have enjoyed talking with other sistas, taking the classes, watching the performances, and learning a little something about my past. Thank you so much! I feel liberated and proud that I went to an historical event. I am sure that I will come back next year and years to come.

Kristal C. Owens, Ph.D.

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I attended BOCA Fest and was absolutely thrilled with what I saw!

 

Peggy Johnson

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BOCA Fest was just beautiful.  I mean BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It really was on a different level.  I've never been to anything like this and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it.  The energy that took place in that place can not be described in words. You had to be there.  For it being the first event is truly a shock.  It was very well organized and on point.  I am in awe of Sunyatta and the BOCA family.  So, those not in attendance this year, you better not miss the next one! 

 

Odabo!

 

Abiola

Chicago, IL

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I attended the BOCA festival in DC.

It was Superb!!! I'm a beginner and very inspired by the event. Because of BOCA Fest, I'm looking forward to attending classes in my area.

 

PEACE & BLESSINGS,

DeCarla Martin

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BOCA Fest 2005 was absolutely marvelous! I want to dance like the wonderful teachers/performers!

 

See you next year!

Pam B.

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Thank you for this wonderful time! This weekend has shown what all dancing is about, love passion, maybe that why so much red this week end. And thank you very much for all your love, support, and to all the ladies from Moor Hips who share this wonderful event.

 

-Zezeh, Samba Instructor, BOCA Fest 2005

Sao Paulo, Brazil

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BOCA was wonderful it was like WEB
DuBois' dream come true, all the dancers of the
Diaspora meeting to talk about issues related to the
dance, sharing the dance and it was an incredibly
child friendly event as well.  My daughter had a
fabulous time and I must say the vibes the whole
weekend were about love and support. This is
definitely going to change the tone among dancers in
the community and I am glad that the Sistah's took the lead in building unity.  One Love!

 

MiaNaja

Veil Instructor, BOCA Fest 2005

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I loved saturday nights performance. Everyone was so
good. I felt so proud seeing sistas of color doing their thing. The
audience was so supportive. I am so happy that I attended to this
historical event! I can't wait till next year!

Thanks so much! We definitly represented!

Laury "Najla" Jackson

Maryland

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Very simply, I have had many moments of tearful joy and grateful to have been a part of the vision.  For the past four days I feel like I have been in a time warp filled with such an intense healing energy that its hard to contain it.                 

 

Peace and Love,

 

Cheryl

Hospitality Committee

BOCA Fest

Washington, DC