Oh my God, I had so much fun I swear, that was the most fun you can have standing up! I'm hooked. I feel great minus the weight. It makes you feel so girly and sexy and after seeing these sisters shimmy you know that you can be sexy no matter what size, shape or age you are.
~Wafia, MamaSita bellydance student

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Let me tell you.......this momma's thighs and hips are some kinda sore. Don't sleep -- belly dancing is a no joke workout! I had so much fun last night. We agreed that this class should be mandatory for all Mocha Moms. It really is a lesson in the power of being a woman. It's amazing how far we've moved away from our feminine power. Who knew that a belly roll actually cleanses your internal organs. That's what this sister is working on this week! My girlfriend Carla and I also do the Tuesday classes. We're on a mission. I can't wait to put on my leotard with the mesh to show my tummy and my hip scarf. But as Mocha Mom Shayla said, I should take it slow and reward myself with one piece of costume at a time. I hope to see more of you in MD or DC. It really is worth it!
~Monica Z. Utsey President, Southern DC Mocha Moms

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Hi Zahara (MoorHips Booking Agent), The belly dance demo class for our 'Girls Night Out' was wonderful! We all had a great time. The class was very informative - we were surprised about all of the health benefits. The class was an excellent workout (we definitely worked some "new" muscles). Class organization was good! The teachers started out with a demo and then broke down different moves that we then put together. We are looking to take a class on a regular basis now. We also plan to have another Girls Night out class in January (after the holidays). May I contact you to arrange that class? Thanks, Zahara. We all enjoyed the class immensely and look forward to 'Moor'!
~Denise

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Thanks for coordinating a beautiful bellydance event. The elderly residents loved every minute of it and are still raving about it! It was absolutely fabulous!
~Marcelle,
Executive Manager The Gables Assisted Living Facility

 

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EXPO COMMENTS

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"I just attended my first BOCA Expo. For those who aren't familiar with BOCA, it is the Bellydancers of Color Association that was started by Dr. Sunyatta Amen, a holistic Dr, bellydancer/instructor, national health advisor to Michael Baisden's radio show; a straight up Renaisance Woman. The Movement & Wellness Expo is a 4 day event during Memorial Day Weekend.

I first heard Dr. Sunyatta on Mike's show 2 years ago and was deeply moved by what I learned from her. It changed my thinking and improved how I nourish and move my body. BOCA is for networking, informing and enlightening people about the history, numerous health benefits of, and in my humble opinion, the majestic power of bellydancing.

There are some health issues in my family, yet thankfully, I changed my family tree permanently. Thanks to Dr. Sunyatta's message I reclaimed my health, freed myself from some issues that I had battled with for years and have been achieving goals pretty quickly.

I have been bellydancing for 2 months now; learning from a great lady named Devira, who I found on the BOCA website. Prior to that, my focus was my family/career/education and spirituality - and I procrastinated when it came to working on certain goals. Then, on my last birthday I found myself standing where two roads diverged, like in the Robert Frost poem. Would I continue as I had been doing and feel unsatisfied over unrealized goals, or would I take the road less travelled and continue my evolution? I chose to get down with my destiny.

At the BOCA expo I met so many inspiring wise women, made new friends and learned a lot. Dr. Sunyatta taught me so much about movement - I've been dancing my entire life, but now this flower is in full bloom! Zezeh Brazil taught me samba and the importance of letting go when dancing. I laugh now when I think of how during my teen years I just wanted to still be a tomboy/bookworm, but mother nature had other ideas for me. I still remember when I first hit puberty, feeling frustrated by the huge amount of attention I got and how I used to try to hide behind certain clothing. I was so insecure that I never told the cutie around the corner that I was in love with him - and I wanted to be with him so badly. He was MY HEART during middle & high school and after but he probably had no idea - in fact, he often joked about me running away from him. I did kiss him once during freshman year when he finally got the courage to invite me over, but afterward I acted like we were just cool because the intensity felt so overwhelming. A year later when he spoke about learning to play guitar all I could think of was when he was going to ask me out like a mutual friend had done. I had been wounded by traumatic events in my life and, ultimately, my inner amazon protected me since I was so terrified of getting hurt.

Today, I take great pleasure in being a woman and have dedicated myself to living fearlessly. Dancing, loving, laughing, learning, being sensual, being sexy, being spiritual, being a friend - these are all things that I treasure, and I wouldn't have it any other way, especially friendship. The support and encouragement that enlightened women share with each other is such a blessing. To Dr. Sunyatta, Zezeh, Devira, Esther, Alicia and all of the other women I spoke with at BOCA; and to all of my friends - thank you for sharing your light and for being you - phenomenally."
-Angela S

"This was my first BOCA Expo, and it was the most positive feminine experience I've ever had. It felt so *right* and *natural* to be there in the feminine flow. With working in corporate settings daily, etc., it's rare that we get to allow the whole of our feminine essence to just rise and be and simply enjoy the bliss of it. To be able to openly embrace my femininity and walk in it for four straight days without having to shut any part of it down was and absolute delight! Honey, and four whole days in a row without a bra.........ahhhhhhhhhhh! Thank you!!!"
-Tahisha M.

"Wanted to let you know that I enjoyed myself ALL weekend from Friday to Sunday. Being a vendor and meeting a lot of folks. You are a wonderful person with good spirit. I am looking forward to next year."
-Tarnisha C.

"OMG! I had a ball this weekend. This was my first one being a vendor and Kreative Klutches will be there next year and sign up for some of the classes."
-K Klutches

"Dr. Sunyatta I just want to say this was a great weekend! This was my first and I'm looking forward to coming next year. I also want to thank all of the instructors for their time, patience, kindness and for being so humble and very approachable...they were awesome!! For some of us who didn't get a chance to meet you I was hoping you would say a few words at the performance last Saturday night...prayerfully next year, Lord's willing, I will get a chance to meet you and take one of your workshops. Keep up the awesome job you are doing and God Bless you and your family!!!"
-Anna-marie Mims

"I had a wonderful time this weekend. Thank you for being such a great hostess. You are every bit as beautiful and "real" in person as you are in pictures and on the air. I look forward to returning next year. *practicing first floor, second floor, third floor right now* ;-D"
-Jada Wright
 
"BOCA EXPO is one of those experiences that is so very difficult to explain to people. Many think that it is just about dancing, but we know that it is about shifting the internal spirit through movement. BOCA FEST, like MamaSita, is about learning how to connect with and to engage specific types of energy for the betterment of self and those around us. I have already begun to look forward to BOCA 2010!"
-Dai Abd

"OH wow! I had so much fun! I shared my experience with my high school students, they were laughing with me , can't wait to show them pictures! It was just a beautiful scene...loved sweating it out amongst a sea of beautiful brown sistas...and the music and movement was just what I needed! I will continue on and hope to connect with you all again!!! Hey, thinking about doing a BOCA NYC?? That'd be HOTTTTTT!!"
-DuEwa F.

"It was amazing! If you couldn't make it this year, you should definately try to come next year. I loved the HOT Gypsy class and would love to learn more!!"
-Cheryl D.

"I'm at work but I keep wanting to take my shoes off and put on my hip scarf. Faint echos of bellydance music remain in my head as I remind myself that hip bumps and shimmys down the hall might be a bit out of place ~~~~ Well BOCA always feels like I have been in an incredible space and time warp ~ inundated with waves of energy,creativity, joy, healing and love. Thank you Sunyatta!"

"Beautiful women, amazing energy, henna, shea butter, coin scarves...it was fantastic :)"
-Amy G.

"I had so much fun, I have to work on the isolation moves:-) I hope I can get back down to the DC area before the next expo, I want to come to the Mamasita Studio."

-Avery B.
"BOCA is an experience, it's a feeling that is difficult to put into words. I left the conference feeling empowered, renewed, connected to new bellydance sistas, and blessed to do something that I enjoy with the added benefits of protecting and enhancing my health.. I learned so much. I love all of my instructors and teachers, and friends at ... Read MoreMamasita. I just want to say to all of the out of town people who are looking for a Mamasita vibe where you live - there is none thats why I drive 4 hours to get there as often as possible. I know how you feel. My shoulder and right hip were in pain when I got to the conference, but after working out and having reflexology done at the conference I have no more pain - YEAH!
PS. I am gonna tear up a dance floor when I go out after attending Dr. Sunyatta's bellydance hall and her Heavenly Hands workshop. I'm gonna put the hot sauce on it. If I drop to my knees and start rolling around on that dance floor they are going have to shut it down - WATCH OUT - Somebody might have to help me up after it over, but I will get up per my instructions from Tomika in Stripology - get like a DIVA (LOL)"
-D

"BOCA EXPO 2009 was truly transformative womanifesting. We danced. We studied at the feet of experts in dance, health, lifestyle, and love. We ate good wholesome foods. We communed with old friends and made new ones. We were blessed with food for the body, mind, and spirit. BOCA EXPO has now become one of my unbreakable dates!
Thank you, Dr. Amen."
-Sheryl A
 
Really enjoyed myself at BOCA, sorry I couldn't stay longer, but it was well worth the time spent! The classes were fabulous, loved Hot Brazilian and Junk in the Trunk!!! 
Blessings to you and your camp for making it happen!""
-D Frazier