I'm On My Way To Purple Belly Bus

Today's the day we leave for Purple Belly Bus. In fact by the time you are reading this we'll be at least 1/4 of the way there.

What is Purple Belly Bus?

PBB is an intensive training course formulated for the individuals attending the course. It is run by Ava "Akasha" Van Aarde and Beverli Al-Masrah, two of South Africa's top belly dancers, at The Blue Butterfly Retreat just outside of Tulbagh. There is 8 hours of training everyday for 4 days. It's like summer camp for belly dancers, just in spring.

It's limited to a certain number of dancers so the training is very individualised. Over the past few months we've been answering questionnaires, writing about ourselves and our dance journeys, as well as having lots online conversations so that the course can be tailored to the women attending.

Accommodation, food (vegetarian) and the training is all included in the price.

What am I expecting?

Honestly, to be tired, educated and inspired. I'm expecting to make new friends with the delegates and the teachers. Also to have fun.

What's happening today?

We left Port Elizabeth at 6am, and are travelling to George to pick up our sister in dance, Levona, before we make our way to Worcester. We'll be spending the night in Worcester before travelling up to the retreat the next day, ready to start training at 10am.

What does this mean for the blog?

I've scheduled posts for everyday, so it will continue to be update with new videos, articles and blog posts. I'm not sure what the mobile reception will be at the retreat, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to share my posts while there. I will try to blog from the location to keep everyone updated as to how it's all going, but I can't promise.

When I return, you can expect a full review and details of the experience. I will also do my first video interview with Ava and Beverli, and hopefully get some comments from the delegates as well.

So exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. We've been very busy practicing and getting all our dance paraphernalia together before we leave. Veils, canes, swords, mats, dance clothes, dance shoes, warm clothes, sneaky treats for our "meatings" and chocolate. We need chocolate.

P.S. If you'd like to follow our journey, please like our Facebook page - Zahra's Oriental Dance Studio. We'll try to update there regularly.