2010 INTENSIVE WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Tuesday and Weeklong Workshops

A Poet's Guide to the Stage
Hanifah Walidah Tues and Wed 1 to 4pm; Thu tbd
Friday performance, 3-4:30pm
This workshop is for poets and performers who would like to better explore the creative process of "character development" and "stage presence" to capture and keep the audience engaged. Prefer that participants come with a short poem, song or idea memorized. Open to all womyn but geared towards poets, playwrights, singer-songwriters and performance artists. This workshop will continue on Wednesday and Thursday, culminating in a performance Friday afternoon on the August Night stage. Limited to 20. No latecomers.

Aging Gracefully
HERBAL AND NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES FOR POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMYN
Cathy Hope
Tues 9am to 12noon
Join us to learn about what food choices, herbs and dietary supplements are both useful and affordable for addressing the concerns of womyn as we age.

Amazon Archery
Falcon River and Vicki Tree
Tues and Wed 1 to 4pm; Thu-Sat 1 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. Ages 18 and over.

The Art of Belly Dancing
April Hirschman
Tues 9am to 12noon
Come belly dance to this mix of ancient and modern moves. This Egyptian fusion belly dance class includes exciting combinations, sultry arm movements and spicy shimmies! If you've been sitting down a lot during the week, this is your chance to DANCE!

Creating Multicultural Womyn's Spaces
Laurie Kendall and Bobbie DeVoll
Tues 1 to 4pm
This workshop shares the experiences of building an urban multicultural womyn's space in Baltimore and focuses on the processes of creating such spaces: for-profit vs. non-profit, decision making processes, developing partnerships, programming and getting the work done. We will also discuss issues of difference in the womyn's community, and the pitfalls and triumphs of multicultural spaces.

Creative Nature Photography
Karen West
Tues 9am to 4pm
Explore the creative process of nature photography and improve your skills. The basics of composition, focus and exposure will be covered. We will explore techniques for creating impressionistic and abstract images, have time for shooting, critique and will print your best shots for display. Bring camera, tripod (not required), camera manual. Limited to 20. All ages welcome. No latecomers.

Djembe Drum Workshop
Debra Kenya McGee
Tues 9am to 12noon
Having performed on Michigan stages for many years, percussionist, vocalist and teacher Debra Kenya McGee leads this workshop. Beginning with proper breathing, hand and drum position, womyn will learn the language and techniques of djembe drumming through simple exercises. Building on that foundation, Debra will lead participants through djembe patterns and songs from the African diaspora.

Drumsong Orchestra
Ubaka Hill
Series, Tues – Sat 1 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 repeat Wednesday at 9am. No latecomers.

Fun with Fiber Arts
Tanya Thomann
Tues and Wed 9am to 12noon
Create a beautiful handmade scarf to wear to Opening Ceremonies! On Tuesday you will explore Shibori dyeing, a Japanese art form that includes folding, stitching, binding and using resists to dye fabric. The following day, allow your inner artist to be challenged as you learn a wet felting technique called Nuno felting. Using bits of wool, silk and other fiber we will create a small, layered tapestry, a perfect Michfest memento to take to your other home. This workshop continues on Wednesday beginning at 9am. No latecomers.

Griot Crafts for Womyn of Color
Akosua
Tues 1 to 4pm
Bring your creative selves, and move things up a notch! Inspired by griots, or storytellers, join us as we make rain sticks, hand instruments, rattles, medicine bags, collages, sculptures from recycled objects and more. Plenty of arts and crafts items will be provided, including paints, beads, buttons, fabric and African symbols. Womyn of color only. This workshop will repeat Friday beginning at 9am.

Healthy Living, Healthy You
Victoria Proctor, RN, MA
Tues and Wed 1 to 4pm
This workshop will help womyn understand and embrace the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle. Come learn and receive information on the following topics: obesity in womyn and children, eating for disease prevention, the importance of water, essential vitamins, the dangers of sugar and fats, spiritual health, exercise and disease. This workshop will repeat on Wednesday at 1pm.

Home Foreclosure Prevention Options
Vicki Carpenter
Tues 9am to 12noon
A discussion of approaches that work and do not work to stop a home foreclosure. Topics include: the timeframe between a lender's initiation of legal proceedings and a sheriff's sale; the myths surrounding the government mortgage modification program; and whether the best strategy is ever to walk away from the real estate.

Latin Dance Series: The Basics I
TRADITIONAL SALSA, MERENGUE AND BOLERO
Nivea Castro
Tues 1 to 4pm
This session is for dancers and non-dancers. Learn the fundamental footwork, floor etiquette and three partner turn combination patterns. Nivea will teach you the basics in one workshop with fun, entertaining and easy 'speed salsa' methods. No dance experience necessary. Impress yourself and friends. Dance on! For more Latin Dance, see Wednesday at 9am, Thursday at 10:30am and Friday at 9am. Also, show off your new dance moves at the Saturday night Salsa/Disco party!

Latin Dance Series: The Basics II
NIGHT CLUB SALSA, BACHATA, SOLOS AND STYLING
Nivea Castro
Wed 9am to 12noon
Learn the fundamental footwork and partner combinations of night club salsa, aka salsa on two, bachata from Santo Domingo, and as a bonus: solo and styling patterns. Nivea will teach you the basics in one workshop with entertaining and easy 'speed salsa' methods. Dance experience would be helpful but not necessary. For more Latin Dance, see Thursday at 10:30am and Friday at 9am. Also, show off your new dance moves at the Saturday night Salsa/Disco party!

Les' Swing!
Donna Every
Tues 9am to 12noon
Fest = Music = Move! Come learn the basics of Swing, aka Jitterbug (aka East Coast Swing), and come with or without a partner! We'll connect you with other beginning dancers to learn the steps that are the building blocks to the Lindy Hop. You'll take enough home with you to look fabulous at your next lesbian wedding reception! We dance rain or shine. Closed-toe and/or leather-soled shoes are recommended. Also bring water and sunscreen as needed. You'll get a chance to practice your moves at Festival dances throughout the week.

Muay Thai Kickboxing
Rima Sidhu
Tues and Wed 9am to 12noon
Come learn the art of Muay Thai. Whether practiced competitively or recreationally, this form of kickboxing can transform your mind, body and spirit. You will learn basic skills including punches, kicks, elbows and knees, and then practice with some playful partner drills and pad holding. Womyn of all skill levels are welcome. Womyn are invited to bring wraps, gloves, pads or mits. There will be a sparring demonstration on Wednesday. Limited to 30. For more kickboxing, see Wednesday through Saturday at 9am.

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 womyn 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 womyn 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 womyn who consider themselves singers, it is for any womon who wishes to explore her own inner landscape and to discover the power of her voice – her own authentic sound. Womyn 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.

Singing in Sacred Circle
Linda Smith Koehler and Rissa Moore
Tues-Sat 9am to 12noon
Sunday Healing Circle, 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 womon 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.

Spirit Shields
Beardedragyns
Tues 1 to 4pm
If circle can be seen as a symbol for sky, then square is a solid symbol for earth. Square encourages balance, providing a grounding energy that is conducive for creating spirit shields. Working with Spirit Animal imagery, Shen and JA will discuss lunar/solar/water/earth/air symbolism and guide a brief visualization. Come create a unique physical manifestation of your intentions using silk and dye. No previous art experience necessary, all materials provided. Ages 18 and over. No latecomers.

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

Tambourine for Ritual Procession
Amy Oak and Barb Pitcher
Tues 9am to 12noon
Join the procession of womyn through the ages who celebrate ceremonies with the frame drum. Learn, review or remember drum strokes and patterns on the tambourine. Participants who meet through the week may join Drumsong Orchestra and the opening processional at the Candlelight Concert. Appropriate drums will be provided. No latecomers.

Writing the Fictive Dream
Pat Schmatz
Tues 1 to 4pm
The best writing creates a continuous, seamless, fictive dream for the reader. How, as writers, do we find that dream world, entering and re-entering as we write and revise? How do we transmit it on paper? We'll use discussion, writing exercises, and the Michigan woods to explore the creation and transmission of the fictive dream. Teens welcome!

Yoga and Wellness On and Off the Mat
Anita Scandurra, Ph.D.
Tues 9am to 12noon
Yoga is one of the most powerful wellness practices! It cultivates your ability to be fully in the moment. This experiential workshop explores the eight limb path of yoga and mindfulness practice as they relate to the quality of life. This involves creating sacred space, honoring your practice/life, building the posture, using breath with movement, cultivating body awareness, exploring your edge, letting go of effort and being in the moment. Come prepared to practice yoga 'on and off the mat' by diving deeply into this session. Ages 18 and over. No latecomers.

Wednesday Workshops

Breakdance with Bgirl Bounce
Bgirl Bounce
Wed 1 to 4pm
Get in touch with your inner and outer strength through breakin'! This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of breakdancing. Bgirl will teach basic top rock, footwork and freezes. No experience necessary. Come ready to have some fun and break out and sweat and move in ways you never imagined! Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Community Croning Ritual (Ages 58+)
Ruth Barrett
Wed 1 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. Womyn 58 and older only. No latecomers.

Goddess Girls Circle (Ages 4-10)
Leah Salomaa and Sandra Moon Dancer
Wed 9am to 12noon
A creative heart space for girls ages 4 to 10 to express their voice and spirit. Song circle lead by folk songstress Leah Salomaa with earth-based Goddess teachings lead by healer Sandra Moon Dancer. Limited to 24.

Hand Drumming for Beginners
Chris Gacsi
Wed 9am to 12noon
Basic hand drumming technique and rhythms for djembe, ashiko, conga drums and accompanying hand percussion instruments. A great opportunity for developing creativity, confidence, rhythm sense, getting your groove on, shaking out the cobwebs and meeting sister drummers! Limited loaner drums/hand percussion available – first come, first served.

Lesbian Tent Revival
Carolyn Gage with Tara Ayres
Wed 1 to 4pm
Let Sister Carolyn and Sister Tara of the Sisterhood of the Sacred Synapse get you crackling all over with that electrifying, old-time, feel-good, patriarchy-stomping, radical lesbian-feminism! Hilarious, rabble-rousing songs and sermons that will revive your spirits and fill you with the joy of resistance! There will be further hour-long tent revivals Thursday through Sunday, beginning at 10am.

The Lez Rez
Shirley Jons
Wed 9am to 12noon
As indigenous womyn who attend Festival, we have a unique opportunity to network and to share who we are and where we come from. This is a time for Native womyn to come together. Share your stories, your struggles, information about your nation, and your ideas on how we can continue to be visible at Festival. This workshop is for womyn who walk with Native, Indigenous, First Nations blood.

Music Recording and Production
Karen Kane
Wed 1 to 4pm
This workshop is for musicians or anyone interested in recording. Thirty-four year veteran producer/engineer, Karen Kane, will bring her portable 'mini-studio' with her, discussing many aspects of today's computer recording technology. Bring your list of questions! You'll have an opportunity to record your original song in the mini-studio using Pro Tools software, or bring your pre-recorded music for consultation. Limited to 20. Shorter versions of this workshop will repeat Thursday through Saturday at 1pm.

Nu Traditional African Dance
Queen
Wed 1 to 4pm
Please come sweat, shift, surpass limitation, sing, cry. Celebrate your heart, beauty and magnificence! Dress comfortably, bring shoes. Open to all ages 5 and up!

Painting with Oil Sticks
Laura McCamy
Wed 9am to 12noon
Express yourself through color and create a vibrant painting you can take home. We will explore the freeing, healing power of this simple, beautiful medium. Let your inner artist free as we make individual or collaborative artwork. All levels of artistic ability welcome.

Radical Amazons Roll
THE POWER OF ABILITY, COMMUNITY, AND CONNECTION
Andrea Neumann-Mascis, Ph.D. with Jona Olsson
Wed 1 to 4pm
True access is a radical act of interdependence. We will develop a framework for understanding disability in an ableist culture, identifying the power of interdependence from the foundations of feminism to the action of social justice. We will integrate these ideas with the wisdom of the womyn among us to create volition and change in all our acts of daily living.

Sex and Body Image Before and After Breast Cancer
Mona DeVestel and Elizabeth Ziff
Wed 1 to 4pm
In this open discussion, Mona and Elizabeth will share their personal experiences with breast cancer. Topics will include: sex and body image before, during and after breast cancer treatments. Everyone welcome! No need to have had cancer! Womyn are encouraged to come with questions.

Sisters of the Fern – Silver Leaf Casting
Beardedragyns
Wed 1 to 4pm
Ferns are among the oldest land plants, playing an important role in medicine and folklore. Many people consider ferns to be powerful protective plants and carry their leaves for good luck. Shen and JA will guide you through the process of casting a fern leaf in pure silver to create a unique personal charm. No previous art experience necessary, all materials provided. Requires commitment to workshop conclusion Saturday at 10:30am, when we will fire our leaves. Ages 18 and over. No latecomers.

Songwriting for Everyone
Jamie Anderson
Wed 9am to 12noon
With fun exercises and discussion, we'll explore finding inspiration, writing lyrics and making up melodies. For beginning songwriters or more experienced writers who want a slow-paced class. Formal background in music is not required. Bring an instrument if you wish. Singers are welcome too!

Theater Games and Stage Movement (Ages 12+)
Tara Ayres
Wed 9am to 12noon
Have fun with theater and performance games and exercises to encourage creativity and playfulness, reduce stage fright and move easily on stage. This workshop is appropriate for anyone who would like to move freely on stage, including actors and singers. Beginners and experienced performers welcome. Limited to 20. Ages 12 and up. No latecomers.

Ultimate Frisbee
Kelly Weger
Wed 9am-12noon
Learn a fun, active team sport in an environment where beginners are welcomed with open arms. A cross between football, soccer and basketball, ultimate Frisbee is a great workout that encourages super team spirit. Learn the rules and basic skills to play pickup games all week long! Limited to 20.

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.

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