Nizana, In Maui Again

Ok, so I spent a week in Molokai in between the last time I wrote about being in Maui, and now, where I was again to start off the New Year. I can’t get enough of the warm and sunny and beautiful islands.  I always feel so good there, but I was a little disappointed in how built up Maui has gotten! I didn’t do all the touristy but wonderful things I’ve done before such as sunrise at Haleakala or the road to Hana or any other number of things. I did enjoy beach time and beautiful sunsets every night and some much needed R&R. 

So here for a week to just relax, I planned to take advantage of the opportunity to study with two local dancers. Last time I was in Maui, I took private lessons with Kajira Djoumahna and bought her two American Tribal Style (ATS) DVD’s.  So I was back for more.  And this time, I was again planning to hook up with Mirayah Delamar for a class with her, too. Unfortunately for me, I had taken a painful fall on the ice the month before and my arm and shoulder has been very slow in regaining it’s use and comfort level.  So I decided driving that far across the island once for one class was as far as I should push it. I couldn’t even swim….(My Physical Therapist probably appreciated my not pushing it, too….) Anyway, if you get to Maui, check these ladies out!

So first of all I have to share that Kajira has new DVD’s coming out that she is in the process of editing now.   So watch for these if you are interested in solid ATS instruction, Black Sheep Belly Dance Style. The author of “The Tribal Bible” also has her annual Tribal Fest coming up in May in California that I so want to get to some day!

I went ahead with my private lesson with Kajira, who was ever so mindful of my injury and we worked on other things that I really enjoyed. She tailored the private lesson to what I wanted to work on, and these are things I have practiced since that I am going to put to work. I told her I’d probably never be an ATS dancer, but I certainly learned a lot I can use in my own dance styles! I do some tribal fusion, and I have ideas where to use the partnering combos we did as well as the rib circles with the reverse body turns for an upcoming choreography.  I have to recommend if anyone gets a chance to study with Kajira, do.  She is very clear in her instruction and breakdown, she offers encouragement and she’s a lot of fun.  And be sure to check out her current DVD’s (see my prior review) and her upcoming DVD’s!