Nesting on My Laurels

2013 has been a year of transition for me. I have spent the year in reflection about where I have been and planning the journey yet to come.  I have shared some of these changes with you through the year.  Many of you know that this year I married the love of my life, Loretta.  Being married certainly changes my perspective on life and makes me want to stay home more!

I am traveling less and taking better physical care of myself.  I am spending my time at the studio, teaching students in San Francisco and from afar through the wonders of Skype and PowHow.  I am still traveling some, about once a month, but my focus is shifting to how I can operate out of San Francisco.  FatChanceBellyDance® instructors have graciously agreed to take on more travel so that you can still bring American Tribal Style® to your community.

I am moving into a phase that I like to think of as “nesting on my laurels.”  Without the constant distraction of travel, I am bursting with new ideas.  I am thinking strategically about how I can better meet the needs of the Sister Studios.  The Sister Studio survey is one way to collect information from you about what you need and want from me and FCBD®.  If you haven’t completed it yet, please do so.  I will be taking your feedback and suggestions seriously and will let you know how I will be implementing those suggestions.

I am developing new products (e.g. FCBD® Studio Manager), trainings (e.g., Advanced Teacher Training) and classes (e.g., Dancing in Flow with Carolena).

There are so many exciting things yet to come this year.

I am prioritizing my relationship with you- the students and Sister Studios.  I want to talk to you about your struggles through the Tribal Council program.  I want to teach you through our new on-line classes and private Skype and PowHow lessons.  I want to create ways to bring you to San Francisco through a new “Destination Carolena” program that will be unveiled this year.

Most importantly, in order to “nest on my laurels,” I want to invite you to come and visit me.  I have created the first “all ATS®, all weekend” workshop sponsored by FCBD® for January of 2015.  ATS® Homecoming: Return to the Mothership will be a tribal village where you can interact with other ATS® dancers, learn from the best in our art, shop and be in community with other dancers.  I will have guided tours to FCBD® for those of you new to San Francisco and many other special touches to make this a one-of-a-kind conference. In essence, I am creating an experience for you.  I want you to be able to come to the birthplace of American Tribal Style® dance and understand it for yourself.  I want you to join me, in my home community, to feel the heart of ATS®.

I am also going to start hosting General Skills, Teacher Training and The Business of ATS® in San Francisco once a year. The first GS/TT will be held before and after ATS® Homecoming: Return to the Mothership.  Pre-registration for those planning on attending General Skills and Teacher Training in addition to ATS® Homecoming  will open on February 1, 2014.  ATS® Homecoming registration will open on February 17, 2014.

I hope to see you all soon.  Happy Holidays.
Carolena