2009 Intensive Workshops

Tuesday and Weeklong Workshops

Amazon Archery
Falcon River
Tues and Wed 1pm to 4pm; Thu-Sat 1pm to 3pm
Amazon Nation rise! Tap into your Amazon ancestral memory! Shoot like your ancient foremothers! Hear about recent archeological excavations of real Amazon burials. Using Amazon style bows, learn the ancient art of intuitive archery. Hone your personal will, step to the mark, focus your intention and release your energy toward an intended goal. Due to the nature of this activity, please no drug or alcohol use before or during class. For more Amazon Archery, see Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 1pm. Womyn 18 and over only.

Amazon Womyn Roll - Radical Disability Meets the Power of Feminism
Andrea Neumann-Mascis, PhD and Jona Olsson
Tues 1pm to 4pm
At the core of feminist wisdom is interdependence; it is in our connection to each other that we ignite the capacity to be our best selves. At the core of the disability rights movement are the imperatives of full inclusion and valuing all abilities. At the place where these movements and identities meet there is the possibility of limitless power. Women of all abilities, please join a conversation for creating change that empowers everybody.

Anusara Inspired Yoga
Regina Armenta
Tues 9am to 12noon and Wed-Sat 7:30am to 9am
Explore the art of weaving knowledge from your inner Goddess into your life. We will be using a mantra to guide our journey in finding our inner Goddess, truly believing in her existence, bringing her into all parts of our lives and expanding her presence in everything we do. Regina will present follow-up workshops exploring a different topic each day – Yoga in Your Vehicle, Yoga in Your Relationships, Yoga in Your Food and Yoga in Your Bedroom – for an hour and a half every day beginning at 7:30am, Wednesday through Saturday.

Breast Casting for Womyn of Color
Cassandra Buchanan
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Breast casting is a three-dimensional art form that showcases unforgettable womyn of color. Our breasts are distinct, sensual and nurturing. In this venue you will create the mold that is tangible proof of greatness, and when complete is a special item for both home and office dˇcor. Please arrive hydrated, wearing clothes you don't mind getting plaster on, and on time! Limited to 25. No latecomers, but womyn arriving anytime to admire are highly encouraged. Womyn of Color only. This workshop will be repeated on Friday beginning at 9am.

Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) - Sugar Skulls
Paloma Rosales
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Day of the Dead is about loving remembrance of loved ones who have passed, and poking fun at death. We will share information and have an open discussion about this traditional Mexican celebration, plus have time to remember sisters who once walked festival grounds. We'll paint and decorate sugar skulls (yours to keep) for altars or fun. Limited to 30. Womyn 18 and over only. No latecomers.

Drumsong Orchestra
Ubaka Hill
Series, Tues – Sat 1pm to 4pm
Sunday Performance, 11:30am
Explore the art, rhythm and spirit of drumming. Learn drum songs of varied cultural and rhythmic styles; improve technique, breath, tonal clarity, concentration, dexterity, time, dynamics, improvisation, vocalization and orchestration. Learn drum etiquette and how to acquire a drum. Bring drums, hand instruments (bells, shekeres, rattles) and a cassette recorder if you have one. Some instruments provided. The Drumsong Orchestra performs Sunday morning on the Acoustic Stage; full-week attendance at the daily rehearsal is required to participate in the performance.

The Enneagram
Sheila Richards
Tues and Wed 9am to 12noon
The Enneagram is a powerful and dynamic personality system that describes nine distinct and fundamentally different patterns of thinking, feeling and acting. Discover your personality type, what motivates you; what influences your relationships, your coping strategies and the unconscious energy that runs your life. The enneagram is a profound tool for spiritual and personal growth. This workshop will be repeated Wednesday at 9am. No latecomers.

Girls Get Smart
Lester (Lesley) Graydon
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Come to an empowering workshop that will cover topics such as menstruation, the body, dating, crushes, desire, masturbation, safe sex and topics open to discussion that revolve around growing up as a teen girl. Ages 13-18.

Healthy Living; Healthy You
Victoria Proctor, RN, MA
Tues and Wed 1pm to 4pm
This workshop will help womyn understand and embrace the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle. Small lifestyle changes can enrich one's personal life greatly by improving their health, providing more energy and giving them a better quality of life. The most current information will be presented on the following: 1) Healthy eating for disease prevention; 2) Exercise; 3) The dangers of sugar; 4) Vitamins and water; and 5) The mind-body connection to wellness. This workshop will be repeated on Wednesday beginning at 1pm.

Les' Dance!
Donna Every
Tues 1pm to 4pm and Wed 9am to 12noon
Start "slow-slow," then get "quick-quick," as you learn the moves to two classic partner dance styles: Western 2-Step, Waltz and Shuffle today, and East Coast Swing (the building blocks of Jitterbug) on Wednesday. Thousands of students have enjoyed instructor Donna Every's warmth and humor on land and at sea for over twenty years. For more Les' Dance!, see Wednesday and Friday at 9am, and Thursday at 10:30am. Come try out your new dance moves at the Friday night and Sunday afternoon dances!

Lesbian Tent Revival
Carolyn Gage and Tara Ayres
Tues 1pm to 4pm and Wed 9am to 12noon
Sister Carolyn and Sister Tara of the Sisterhood of the Sacred Synapse are holding daily Tent Revivals to rock your lesbian souls, to lift your feminist spirits, and to rouse your righteous indignation! This Tuesday workshop will be a "service" with a sermon and music. Wednesday's 9am Intensive will be exclusively a workshop on teaching the music for the tent revival, lead by Tara. There will be further hour-long tent revivals Thursday through Sunday, beginning at 10am.

The Matrix of Oppression
Laurie Kendall and Bobbie DeVoll
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Most of us realize, to varying degrees, that we live in a sexist, homophobic and racist world. Yet few of us recognize the ways systems of race, class, gender, sexuality, age and ability are structured into an institutional and ideological matrix of privilege/power and oppression/subordination. This workshop begins with sharing our experiences of privilege and oppression, and then giving our experiences visible forms using carving, drawing and other imaginative techniques. Finally, we will build an institutional matrix to demonstrate the intersections that shape our experiences of race, class, gender and sexuality in a world of privilege and oppression.

Music Recording and Production
Karen Kane
Tues and Wed 1pm to 4pm
This workshop is for musicians and anyone interested in recording. 33 year veteran producer/engineer Karen Kane will discuss many aspects of production including: selecting a studio, recording software and production techniques. Record your original song/s in the portable mini studio using Pro Tools software or bring in your pre-recorded music for consultation. This workshop continues on Wednesday beginning at 1pm. Shorter versions of this workshop will repeat Thursday at 1pm, Friday at 3pm and Saturday at 2pm. Limited to 15.

One World Inspirational Choir
Aleah Long
Series, Tues 9am to 12noon and Wed–Sat 1 to 4pm
Sunday Performance, 12:30pm
The One World Inspirational Choir is, first and foremost, a strong circle of women who come together once a year to discover, explore, deepen and share the power of their own authentic sound. Through breathing, movement and sound exercises drawn from Kamitic and Dravidic yoga traditions, the circle weaves a powerful web focused on safety, good intentions for ourselves and the world, healing, growth and discovery. Exercises to promote vocal technique and musical interpretation skills are combined with learning songs and chants from a variety of world traditions. The weeklong intensive workshop culminates with a Musical Ritual that is offered to the Festival Community as part of the Sunday Acoustic Stage Performances. The One World Inspirational Choir experience has proved to be a powerful opportunity for healing and growth that sends the women who participate in the circle and those who share the Musical Ritual on Sunday morning back home with more strength, courage, light and love. This workshop is not just for women who consider themselves singers, it is for any woman who wishes to explore her own inner landscape and to discover the power of her voice – her own authentic sound. Women are encouraged to bring their instruments (guitars, violins, flutes and percussion) if they are proficient and feel confident that they can quickly assimilate a part for performance. Vocal soloists are drawn from the circle, with occasional guest artists from the performance stages. For continuing workshops in this series, see Wednesday through Saturday at 1pm. The Sunday Ritual is at 12:30pm on the Acoustic Stage; full-week attendance at the daily rehearsal is required to participate in the performance.

Salsa Dance Basics
Nivea Castro
Tues 9am to 12noon
Learn basic salsa dance in one lesson. I'll teach you essential footwork, floor etiquette, solo styling, and impressive partner turn combinations. No dance experience necessary. As a bonus, learn Merengue, the Latina sexy two-stepping dance. For more Salsa dance workshops, see Wednesday at 1pm, Thursday at 9am and Friday at 10:30am. Also, show off your new dance moves at the Saturday night Salsa/Disco party!

Salsa Dance - Beyond Basics
Nivea Castro
Wed 1pm to 4pm
This workshop is intended for those who have some Salsa dance background, Salsa Basics included. We'll build on partner combinations and footwork to improve salsa dance style for both leads and follows. For more Salsa dance workshops, see Thursday at 9am and Friday at 10:30am. Also, show off your new dance moves at the Saturday night Salsa/Disco party!

Saving Lives through Stories: Womyn of Color Explore the Written Word
Kyoko Nakamaru
Tues 9am to 12noon and Wed 1pm to 4pm
By sharing our lives and stories, we break silences, form powerful alliances, and create community. This is a supportive space for writers of all levels to share stories and explore different methods of literary memoir, poetry and short fiction. Information on publication, funding and reading opportunities will also be available. This workshop will repeat on Wednesday at 1pm.

Singing in Sacred Circle
Linda Smith Koehler and Rissa Moore
Tues-Sat 9am to 12noon
Sunday Healing Ritual, 2pm
Linda and Rissa lead a daily singing circle for womyn of all ages and abilities who want to learn songs, chants, rounds and dances that help each woman find new power in her voice and affirm her divine essence. This workshop was started by Kay Gardner and members of Women With Wings in 1996 and has been offered almost every year since. Linda has continued Kay's work for the last five years. This group gathers as a family, rejoicing in the reunion of familiar faces and celebrating the arrival of new members. Our circle is open and fluid; you may attend any part or all of it. Come and go as you need. Latecomers and children are welcome. For continuing workshops in this series, see Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 9am.

Stilt Walking with Womyn Walking Tall
Janette Sperber assisted by Rebecca Hunter
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Learn the ancient art of stilt walking – it's fun and empowering! Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long pants and prepare to get high! Each girl aged 12 to 16 must bring an adult for the duration. For more stilt walking, we'll meet for the (optional) parade at 6pm Saturday. You are welcome to join the parade if you have been on stilts before. No latecomers after the first 30 minutes.

Womyndalas
Shen and JA
Tues 9am to 12noon
Mandala is a Sanskrit word for "healing circle." It represents both the visible and invisible worlds within our minds and bodies. In this workshop we will create "womyndalas," painting silk circles to give form to our intentions, creating a personal healing symbol. All materials provided. 18 and over. Limited to 15. No latecomers.

West African Djembe Drumming
Janet Nicholson
Tues 9am to 12noon
This is a beginning level I and II workshop that focuses on technique and rhythms for the djembe drum. Participants will need to bring their own drum, an open mind and heart, and a desire to share in the medicine of womyn drumming. All levels/experiences welcome. Janet will also be drumming for Queen's African Dance workshops, Wednesday at 9am, Thursday at 9am and 1pm, and Friday at 3pm.

Wednesday Workshops

Aging: Everybody's Doing It
Kathleen Sullivan
Wed 9am to 12noon
This workshop takes a pro-age perspective to topics such as: physical aging, healthy aging and social aspects of aging, and provides a synopsis of the gerontological literature on lesbian aging. The group is encouraged to explore topics of interest to them in a safe environment.

Amazon Iron Chef Contest
Wendy Winslow
Wed 1pm to 4pm
The dutch ovens are back, full of food and fun. But this year, twelve contestants from the audience will battle head to head and oven to oven for the title "Cast Iron Chef." Toss your name in the hat and see if you can master the "secret ingredient." Allez cusine!

Community Croning Ritual
Ruth Barrett
Wed 1pm to 4pm
A 'Croning' ritual marks the life transition of women 58 and older into honored elderhood, celebrating their power and accumulated life wisdom. Experience your Croning ritual at the festival this year with your festival sisterhood of other crones. The workshop involves a guided group process to explore and prepare for a ritual experience that will be enacted on Friday at 1pm, where invited supporters will be welcome to attend. No latecomers. Womyn 58 and older only.

Lez Rez Too
Shirley Jons
Wed 9am to 12noon
Come to the Lez Rez. This will be a discussion about our cultural backgrounds, customs; how humor has been an integral part of our lives. The workshop is for womyn who walk with Native, Indigenous, First Nations blood.

Make Art with Oil Sticks
Laura McCamy
Wed 1pm to 4pm
So you think you can't paint? Perhaps you haven't found the right medium. Come explore the vivid colors of oil sticks. Express yourself through color! All levels of artistic ability welcome. While we paint we will brainstorm ways to create more space for making art in our daily lives. Limited to 25.

Nu Traditional African Dance
Queen
Wed 9am to 12noon
Move at your own pace to traditional and new African-based dance. Open to all levels and all womyn. Please dress comfortably, and bring tennis shoes and water. The only requirements are an open heart, a willingness to move past limitations and your smile! For more African Dance, see Thursday at 9am (DART womyn), Thursday at 1pm (Gaia Girls) and Friday at 3pm (all womyn). Also, come watch Queen perform with Evolution V on the Acoustic Stage.

Producing Lesbian Culture
Tara Ayres
Wed 1pm to 4pm
Come learn the basics of organizing events (concerts, dances, plays, classes, open mics) from finding the venue to developing a budget to booking the performances to making sure that lots of women show up. We'll also talk about how to ensure your events are multi-generational and diverse.

Sisters of the Fern - Silver Leaf Casting
Shen and JA
Wed 9am to 12noon
Ferns are among the oldest land plants, playing an important role in medicine and folklore. For centuries ferns were considered to be powerful protective plants and their leaves good luck. In this workshop we will each cast a fern leaf in pure silver to make a wearable pendant or altar piece. All materials provided. Workshop concludes on Saturday morning beginning at 10:30am when we will fire our leaves. 18 and over. Limited to 16. No latecomers.

When I Doubt Myself and Other Womyn - Confronting Internalized Misogyny
Jona Olsson
Wed 9am to 12noon
This workshop encourages womyn to examine the harmful impact of a lifetime of sexist, misogynist messages on their own self-image and their attitudes toward other womyn – either can be hurtful to us and the womyn and girls around us. Exercises are offered to affirm womyn, womyn's skills and to confront internalized sexism/misogyny.

Women's Only Spaces and the Issue of Trans Inclusion
Lester (Lesley) Graydon
Wed 1pm to 4pm
The topic of womyn's only spaces continues to be a topic and issue of importance here at Festival and in our communities as Women's Centers and many other community and University services change their names and focus to be more gender inclusive. Come to a very informative and balanced look at girls', women's, and alternative spaces and the intersections with trans-inclusion issues - a workshop where we all will grow and re-think. Open to all womyn.

Writing the Universal: Languaging Marginal Experience, Making Your Story Matter
Staceyann Chin
Wed 9am to 4pm
Staceyann will talk about her experiences as radical feminist, immigrant, Asian/Chinese/Black, and how she manages to make those experiences accessible to people who are none of those things. She will provide exercises to demonstrate.

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