I am incredibly excited to announce that in September 2009, Wiggles of the West (formerly of Reno, NV) and the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive will be uniting forces to create an incredibly diverse and comprehensive event experience! Although the two events will remain separate entities, we are working together to merge the activities into 5 solid days of incredible workshops, contests, shows, and shopping—all in the fabulous city of Las Vegas, NV.
The Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive has organized multiple tracks of level and style specific workshops in Vegas for the last 6 years. Wiggles of the West brings 12 years of belly dance competition experience to the table. It is our belief that by joining these two reputable events together, we will create a diverse and world-class experience for belly dancers in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Please stay tuned for additional announcements and details. We will post more information as it becomes available.
The Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive has organized multiple tracks of level and style specific workshops in Vegas for the last 6 years. Wiggles of the West brings 12 years of belly dance competition experience to the table. It is our belief that by joining these two reputable events together, we will create a diverse and world-class experience for belly dancers in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Please stay tuned for additional announcements and details. We will post more information as it becomes available.
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Las Vegas
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hhmmm seeing a problem here.. this years LVBDI is September 5th-7th, 2008- which is the same weekend as Mezdulene's retreat. She has had this retreat the first weekend after Labor Day for I think 20 years ! So I hope that Wiggle's and LVBDI take this into thought and schedule the weekend after Mez's - I would hate to have to choose, and i know of allot of other dancers that would not want to either.
Just some thoughts for you, since there is planning going on. -
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Yes, we do realize this. The Intensive has also been the weekend after labor day since it's inception. Since Wiggles in moving into Vegas, it makes more sense to keep the Vegas schedule. Additionally, we have the Tribal Massive in March in Vegas. So we needed to place it at a time that made more sense for our local market. We know this forces a few of you to choose.
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Additionally, we needed to take into consideration events that take place in LA, Phoenix, Salt Lake, etc. etc. The Intensive dates were established and affordable in the expensive Vegas market.
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I just hate when venues book at the same time. Not only is it iinconvenient but ,well,,,, kinda rude. Look what happened last year when Tribal Throw Down booked same weekend as Rakassah ! so much bad blood... Tribe was mean and nasty for a while amongst the 2 sides. Made weirdness for everyone.
I want to do all.. I love the Wiggle's contest.. sad it is not this summer - I am ok with the move.. flying to Vegas is cheaper than driving to Reno...
I just don't want to HAVE to choose. -
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I do understand. Frankly, the weekend for the Intensive was established a long time ago when it was a small local budding event. It's not something that can be easily changed. It's not anything personal, and it certainly isn't meant to be rude. Wiggles is moving into a different market and it's in the best interest for Vegas if we all work together.
Nobody has ever accused the Intensive of booking over Mezdulene's retreat. Really, we are very very different events. Camping in the woods and camping in Vegas are 2 different things entirely. And frankly, they are really in 2 different regions. It's kind of hard to make the Rakassah/Throwdown comparison because Rakassah & Throwdown took place in the same city. Camp Myrtlewood and Vegas are quite far apart on the map and our respective events are extremely different in scope and experience.
I think you need to realize that because WOW is moving into Vegas, that there are lots of things to take into consideration. Our local market is a huge part of that. The majority of our participants at the Intensive are locals. Adding a 3rd event to our local market would tear us apart instead of building us up. We do our best to support our locals. WOW is having to adapt to the needs a new location.
It just so happens that the Intensive falls on the same weekend as Mezdulene's retreat. We didn't book it that way on purpose. The Vegas Intensive started as a local event that grew into a much bigger event. Truthfully, had I ever known what this event would turn into, I probably would have made numerous changes regarding the time, location, title...etc. etc. But bemoaning what "could have been" vs. "what is" isn't really going to fix it.
I'm truly sorry you are disappointed and you feel like you have to choose.
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I know it will be hard on some to have to choose, but like Samira said, we had to fit it into the Vegas Market. July was totally out of the question, since most people, including Old Bag #2 Chris could not handle the heat of a Vegas Summer. September is much better than July by far.
Having never been to the retreat I didn't even know it was the same weekend, until I asked Mez if she wanted to teach this year at the Intensive. Truely I just never paid attention to the date, because I don't do retreats. The Intensive dates are established and are a solid part of the Las Vegas calendar, so we can't change that. I would never do a thing to hurt Mez, she is like a sister to me. Wiggles is in the southern hemisphere now and had to change. Just like Double Crown had to chnge dates to fit into the Santa Cruz/California calendar.
We love having you and all of the Pacific Northwest attend Wiggles, but we needed to look at the big picture. September and that weekend especially are firmly entrenched in the southern part of the United States calendar of Belly Dance events.
As we get more events in the Belly Dance community and as communications get better, so we are aware of them, there will be choices that have to be made. I don't think the Tribal Throw Down and Rakkasah thing can even be used to compare.
We will still love you Devi, which ever choice you make. -
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Janie... I did not mean that YOU personnally would do any thing to Mez....
This is something that lots of us have talked about... making things flow on a calendar so that people can go to all, not have to choose. And Wiggle's has been a contest "market" has nothing to do with location. Oret came from NY !! it is not geography but WHAT Wiggle's is. Being absorbed like Sprint taking of Nextel.. both strong in their own right, both have their place... one takes over, changes all.
And the comparison of Rakkasah and TTD is that when TTD picked the date, regardless of location because most people traveled in just like Rakassah, made people chose WHERE to be.
Saqra created a calendar so that everone can post their events.. or check when an event is so we don't book over. I think in this case some vendors will be more put out then the dancers. There are some vendors that I have always seen at Wiggle's.. then see again at retreat.
[and the retreat is oh so much more than "CAMPING"
Dancers gathered in one place
Classes/workshops going on simaltaniously
Night time performances
Food
Vendors
only difference is location.
So now WOW is LVBDI... and as Samira said "Our local market is a huge part of that. The majority of our participants at the Intensive are locals."
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First, Wiggles of the West is not being taken over by the Intensive. Two Old Bags own Wiggles of the West and always will. We are simply joining forces to make a better product for all the dancers that attend. That includes changing the date.
Second, there is no way you can ever have an event in Belly Dance where there isn't something else going on somewhere.
Third, we are aware that some venders will have to make a choice to attend one or the other. Choosing which market is better for your business is part of doing business. Personally I have to choose differently, which events I can vend at, now that I am down south. That is just part of being a vender. We love all our venders and I am presently contacting every one of them about the change. Bags is not putting any pressure on any of them and never would.
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Devi, there is truth in what Janie says. It is impossible to create a national calendar of BD events that has no overlap. I cannot move the Intensive later in September because it conflicts with the BDSS event in Los Angeles and with the Belly Dance Cruise that a large number of our specific market participates in. It is true that it would be ideal if we could schedule it at a time that didn't conflict with anything; however, it just isn't possible.
It's ironic that although the Intensive has been around for 6 years, that no body has ever commented that the event conflicted with Mezdulene's retreat. Ever. Do you understand why? It's because they are very different events that are marketed to different segments of the BD community. I'm not even suggesting that Mezdulene's event is merely camping. I am certain that it is an incredible experience for the women who attend it. It is different. Different does not mean "bad" or "less than". It means different. It attracts different participants. People who are turned on by the idea of the retreat are not necessarily thrilled by the lights of Vegas. Some people like both. I understand that. But I have to make decisions on what is best for the Intensive and for Vegas. This isn't anything personal or intentional. I've had this conversation with Mezdulene.
They only reason that this supposed scheduling "issue" is even being brought up now is because WOW is choosing to move their event into Vegas--and hence, work with the local market here. Chris and Janie considered keeping the event in June, but frankly, as stated previously, June is not the best time of year in Vegas. Due to the issues in Reno, WOW needed to make a decision about changing locations. Because Janie now lives in Vegas, it only made sense to move it here. But by moving it to Vegas, they also needed to take into consideration the needs of the Vegas market (which includes S. California, Arizona, S. Utah, etc.).
I am sure that folks who are used to attending both the retreat and the contest are going to be disappointed. But Vegas is a great opportunity for WOW. It does not currently have a contest and is ripe for that particular market. The Intensive is established for workshops. It makes sense even if it doen't make every single person happy.
Again, I'm sorry you are disappointed. I am sure that some people will see me as a bad guy in this. It has never been my intention. But as long as you all see me as wearing black and looking kind of matrix-like...then I'm sure I can handle it. (wink). Also, please be clear that WOW and the Intensive are still separate events. If there is any similarity to the Rakkassah/Throwdown reference, it would be that together WOW/Intensive offers a wider variety of opportunities than existed before. And unlike Rakkassah/Throwdown...WOW/Intensive is choosing to work together to build the local community and present an event that will be wonderful for those who choose to travel here.
It's not anything personal.
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Ok so let me just make sure I'm clear
Wiggles 09' will be in Vegas in September of 09'?
I'm trying to see if I will be even able to attend next year and am a little confused.
Mina
Dalloua Dance Company Director
dalloua.com
dallouadance.tribe.net -
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Mina mark your 2009 calendar right now. <giggle> Wiggles in Vegas!!! Woo Hoo!
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One of the reasons that I chose WOW as a competition was because of the character of the event. I wanted to compete somewhere where there was more emphasis placed on the dance.
How will this be effected bu the move? -
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WOW is still WOW. Same organizers, same principles, same character. New location, new city, new time. And there will be a lot more opportunities for workshops & shows. We see it as something that will enhance both events.
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I'm not sure how this will effect it. Probably it should bringing more people together and more entrants into the competition who would not normally attend... So this could be a big plus for WoW so long as workshops do not go on at the same time as the competition. This was one of the complaints to the IBDC held in Vegas. People could not attend both competition and workshops. Plus Vending was an issue... Janie is a pretty smart gal so I believe she will not let the same detractors effect WoW....
I however, am saddened for the move to Vegas cause I'm not a big fan of the city, so it looks as if I will never attend WoW as long as it remains in Vegas.....
I wish everyone a successful venture and hope the best for them....
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Yes, there were lots of mistakes the IBDC made. We have no intention of repeating those same mistakes. We already have a tentative schedule that does not overlap. But there is a ton of stuff to still be considered. Mostly we are just announcing our intention to positively co-exist as events in Vegas. We think this will offer more opportunities to people. Sorry you dislike Vegas so much.
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Vegas is wonderful. Lucinda you would just love our BD community. It is like a big family, we support each other and we have a great time doing it. We hope someday you will try our event.
Thanks for saying such nice things. We will certainly not overlap anything. In fact that is what has taken the most work, trying to figure out where to put everything. LOL
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Wiggles will not change in that respect. We are all about the dance. We are all about making Belly Dance better and always will be. But where Wiggles could only offer 3-5 workshops, being along side the Intensive you will get the opportunity to take LOTS of workshops with a huge variety and topics. I counted 36 teachers last year at the Intensive.
Wiggles will stay Wiggles. We are only changing location and date.
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Well I'll add my two cents worth which is WHOO HOOO!! I've been wanting to go to a Wiggles event for a few years now but the distance, close to 12 hurs of driving each way, has been a factor. However Vegas is only about a half day or so drive from Yuma. Methinks that there may be some Yuma gals there in 2009, fates willing!
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Nice!! I realize that it's a big announcement, but I do suspect that once the dust settles, there will be a lot of people that embrace the concept of these 2 events working together. I really does create a new dynamic which offers so much to everyone. Janie, Chris, and I have been in the "discussion" phase for awhile now, so the whole thing has has more time to grow on us.
And I can tell you that Vegas is very excited, so there will be an entire community that is willing and ready to embrace WOW.
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Sorry I'm late Janie!!!
The following is a X-post for Janie and Chris(my Uther Muthers). Hey Samira! Can't wait to meet you in person!
Parrrtaaaay!
Go Janie! Go Janie!!! It's ya birthday!( well, ok it's not but...) Go Janie!
Yaay Chris!! Go Chris! Go Chris! It' not ya birthday but Go Chris! !!!
The intensive and Wiggles! Whew! That will be one intense(pun not and intended) week!
My business hats off to Janie, Chris(the TwoOldBags) and Samira!!!
Also, to all the hubbies/mates/S. O. of these three ladies. The menfolk will need all the gatorade fortifying they can get for the duration of this New, United and Improved(although tough to improve on damn near perfect) week.
O. Also, VEGAS BABY! Got ta jazz up my Wiggle Butt pants Vegas style now.
I can't wait Ladies!
Shimmy til ya drop!
Zina -
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Actually. it is nearly my birthday. LOL
Yeah, I'm one of those strange women who proudly claim every year. So far from 39, I don't even remember it. <giggle>
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Oh I forgot ... Thanks Zina!!!
From all of us. -
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That's right! Yer B-day is about the time of Rakkasah! Which is coming up very soon. Very soon.
I'm going to be celebrating the second anniversary of my 34th b-day. Soon.
I remember Badia commented one year about how many anniversaries she'd already had of her 29th birthday!!!
Time flies when you think you're hilarious!
Love you and Bill!
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Devi,
the intensive has gathered people from all over the country and Canada so just like wiggles we have a large market of out of towner’s as well as a HUGE local market. The Intensive is much like wiggles... it's what it stands for... WOW is an awesome event and I feel honored that Janie felt Las Vegas would be a great substitute home for WOW. I understand your frustrations. there are tons of events i used to do but i cant do all of them because of times they are scheduled or whatever reasons... im forced to choose constantly but i dont hold that against the promoters and event planners... not thier fault.... as for tribal throw down i heard it was scheduled that way because there were no tribal fusion dancers allowed to perform at Rakkasah. just what i heard not sure how true it is but if it was the truth then whats the problem they appeal to diffrent markets BUT they can also lure people of BOTH markets if they had worked together... just saying.. it could have been a good thing if both were willing to access the good points in both events. THATS why im so excited about the intensive and wiggles working together instead or against each other... in the spirit of dance and sister hood... i hope you decide to go anyway... just give it a whirl... you'll have a good time i promise... :) -
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"as for tribal throw down i heard it was scheduled that way because there were no tribal fusion dancers allowed to perform at Rakkasah"
Just for the record, Shukriya's daughter Michelle, is a tribal fusion dancer and has danced at Raks (Shukriya is the promoter of Rakkasah). There have also been a number of different styles of dance at Raks. Only those who put on events know really why they pick the dates that they do.
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Omigawd ... I must have been under a rock the past month ...
Wow... Wiggles in Vegas??? I am so ... sad! :-(
It was so cool having a local event like Wiggles. It's one of the things that made this area special. I knew I could attend every year without much cost (for travel at any rate).
Oi... I usually don't pout ... but ... darn it ....
