In a sacred space, where feelings of joy, mirth, sorrow, anger, and passion are spoken in a fellowship of rhythm and movement, Oyna Tribe is manna for the dancer’s soul. It is the breath of life that is often missing from the study of modern belly dance. It nurtures our musical core, igniting the spark of self-expression that brings wisdom and beauty to dance. Each two-hour class is a journey in sisterhood and self-discovery. After my first session, I feel like I’ve finally “come home” in dance.

                                                                 -- Lynda Nordquist

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I am so grateful for being a part of the Tribe and accessing my "inner dancer" AT LAST! It is a gift that has enriched my life beyond words! 

                                                                -- Kate Solisti

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I feel that accessing the authentic dancer in me has become more innate. I have become more connected to the movements, resulting in more conscientious care of my body; and I have gained confidence - not only in my personal movements, but also connecting with others through movement. 

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This class is a playful intricate sacred simple and profound space. This form of improvisational dance allows all of my wild messy exuberant self to be present. My sense of my body being my home and my temple is deepening.

— Georgia Rose Armstrong Park

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Such a supreme feeling of safety and support; I have been able to do a great deal of healing. The pursuit of softness and relaxation, and allowing myself to be cared for and to be totally true to myself under all circumstances are some of the most prominent and important lessons.

— Meagan Chandler

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I feel like I am learning things without even knowing what they are.

                                                                       — Lyn Gregory

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This class gives me permission to dance and move unjudged. It feeds my soul, and I didn't even know it needed feeding. Movement, music and song not only let out things inside that have no better way to get out, they restore me and build me up to face life.

— Christa Isenhart

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This class really taught me how to dance from the inside out, instead of being so focused on the perfection of movement. The movements are there, of course, but the focus has been so much more than that.

— Kelly Hill

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Dancing with our eyes closed for so long was great. At one point, I started going through all the moves we've learned, like a kid going through his A-B-C's. A lot of times I can't even remember what we did last week - and it was all right there. It was so cool!

— Georgia Rose Armstrong Park

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Poem for my Tribe, My Women by Meagan Chandler

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You were my first belly dance teacher [in the mid-1980's] and I have many fond memories of our classes.  I especially liked the energy work and still use your visualizations, isolations and awareness techniques.  I hope your students appreciate you, they are so lucky to have your respectful, compassionate guidance. Your instruction has taught me to focus and listen, as well as to have respect for my body and how it moves in relation to space.  I hope for the honor to study with you again.

— Pamela Gardner, Austin

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You made a profound difference in my life. You brought many blessings of joy, passion, playfulness, meditation, spirit and love together in your dance classes [in the mid-1990's]. I am grateful for your beautiful contributions to my inner life and dance life. 

—David Mabelle, New Zealand