Dances of the Silk Road Camp and Retreat

A 4 ½ day dance camp that includes: music, Silk Road dances, whirling, poetry, activities, history, healing, and lots of fun!

Your days will be filled with:

• Breathing techniques, meditation and warm-ups.
• Lectures and seminars on the history of the Silk Road dance, culture, costume, and mythology.
• Training in technique and styles of: Persian Classical and Sacred Dances (Veils, Candle, Daf Dance, Sacred Elements, Flowers and Poetry in Motion), Bandari and Khaliji Dances (Dances of the South of Iran), Dances of the Gajar Dynasty and Kereshmeh, Dances of Azerbaijan/Kafkaz, Dances of Tajikistan and Dances of Afghanistan.
• Whirling in Motion – Learn various spotting and non-spotting turns as well as Sema (Sufi Whirling) both Iranian and Turkish Sema.
• Nightly Gatherings – Poetry, music, chanting, folk dance, sharing and Iranian and Turkish Zikr (prayers).

No dance experience is needed just come with an open heart and willingness to learn, explore, share, and have fun.

Location

Alişler Yurdu (Little Ali Village) is in a small town, about 1 hour drive away from Yalova, where this year’s 16 Days of Sema Festival will be taking place. The village is famous for its traditional arts, healing energy, and beautiful scenery providing a perfect hideaway for those craving privacy and tranquility. It is an ideal place for dance, creativity, healing, nurturing, and relaxation. The village is also famous for its natural hot spring waters, olives, and sea coast. They say it has the cleanest coast in the Marmara Sea. In the village there are horses, cats, dogs, and other friendly local animals. Everyone is welcome to ride the horses if they wish, or play with animals. The farm applies natural horsemanship principals and has natural ponds filled with natural cold spring water, which can be very refreshing during warm days. Our retreat area has an amazing panoramic sea view and the beach is only a 15 minute walk away!

Accommodations

The retreat center is a shared facility with one room with 3 beds, toilet, and shower, 6 small rooms of 2 beds, and one room for a couple or for those who wish more authenticity. There will also be camping ground available for people who wish to experience more nature. Hotels are also available for those who want private accommodation. Please note that the retreat program will NOT cover your private hotel cost. We can help you find a hotel but you are responsible with making the arrangements and payment yourself. Retreat fees only cover accommodation at the shared retreat center.

Meals

The retreat includes 3 healthy meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) including vegan and non-vegan traditional tastes. Snacks, water, coffee, and tea is available throughout the day. Please note that attendees are expected to help with washing their own dishes after each meal. We do not want to waste any plastic or paper in this village. Helping with food preparation would also be greatly appreciated but not expected.

Arrivals and Departures

Please arrive no later than 2 pm on Wednesday, August 3. This will give you time to relax, rest, and sleep before the start of the camp. If traveling from the US or Europe, please make sure you arrive at Istanbul, Ataturk Airport. From there go to Yeni Kapi Sea Bus Pier and take the Sea Bus to Armutlu and we will meet you at Armutlu Pier station. The trip from airport to the island takes about an hour.

Camp ends afternoon of August 7. We will be traveling from Armatlu to Yalova for Sufi/Sema Festival please plan your arrival or return ticket accordingly. Sema Festival starts on August 7 for 16 days. Many of us will be joining the Sema Festival for more workshops and Sema Gathering. Farima will also be teaching small workshops at the Sema Festival after the retreat. A special Konya tour is also scheduled after the Sema Festival.

Payment

Registration for camp is complete. See you next year!

Payment includes: workshop tuition, meals, accommodation in the retreat center (shared facility), transportation to and from pier station to retreat center, and snacks. Payment does NOT include: airfare, sea transportation to or from the pier station, entry visa, which must be obtained before or at the airport in Turkey, or your private taxi fee. Payment can be made by PayPal, check, or cash (a service charge will be added with PayPal payment).

Retreat price: $650 by May 1, 2015, $750 thereafter.

Due to high demand and limited space in the retreat center, no refund will be provided for any cancellations.

Tentative Daily Schedule

Please note, this is a tentative daily schedule and it’s subject to change. We cannot control Mother Nature, traffic, or delays in transportation. We ask that everyone comes with an open mind, open heart, and willingness to comply with any necessary changes that might happen. We will do our best to do everything as planned but sometimes we cannot control the Universe, the Universe controls us.

A full schedule and detailed information about the trip as well as helpful instructions on what you need to bring, directions, and transportation information will be provided once you have registered and we are closer to the date of departure. The retreat is a drug free, hate free, loving, and nurturing environment. Use of any illegal substances or foul behavior will NOT be tolerated and anyone breaking the rules will be asked to leave the camp.

Additional Offers

For those interested in Joining the Istanbul Dance Tour, Tumata’s Yalova Sema Festival, and Konya Sufi Tour please contact us! The Istanbul Dance Tour will begin 3-4 days before the camp. These tours are not included in the Dances of the Silk Road Camp and Retreat. Information is given to those interested. For early arrivals or to take the Istanbul dance trip with Farima’s group please contact her for more information.