Miraj’s fusion choreography workshop on March 27, 2004 in Virginia Beach, VA was the first time in a long time that I didn’t leave the dance area to shop, watch from the sidelines, or socialize. Miraj’s choreography kept me interested the entire time. This may not seem like a big deal, but I am generally not a choreography fan. I always find myself thinking, “Now why did she put this combination here?” And after being to a bazillion workshops taught by known and unknown instructors, my expectation is that I will walk away with one worthwhile thing. This workshop far exceeded this!

Miraj’s material was decidedly western, but that is what made it interesting and new for me. I am so Oriental in my approach to belly dance that I would have never come up with her combinations or interpretations of music on my own. This event gave me a lot of inspiration and ideas to work on. Miraj is truly is a master of fusion.

The workshop was also valuable for students who are also teachers or aspiring teachers. It was an excellent study on how to give instruction and what to incorporate into a class. Miraj used visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learning techniques. She spoke about elements of choreography that some people totally miss, but that knowing about can make it easier to create, execute, and remember choreography. She spoke about how to perform it in a way that is entertaining. While none of her teaching techniques were new to me, I’ve seen so many “teachers” who don’t know how to teach that I appreciated being in the presence of someone who knew both how to dance and how to completely give that to others. Miraj’s teaching methods made class fun and easy. The class was way more than learning a sequence of moves to a piece of music.

Miraj offered for sale a stack of home video tapes of solo and troupe performances by Miraj and Troupe Miraj that highlighted fusion and demonstrated the combinations used in the class’s choreography. Every single tape was snatched up by attendees and orders were taken for more.

With all the good things that came out of the workshop, I couldn’t have expected more, but Miraj gave more. At the end of the class, she opened the floor to questions. Students could ask about anything dance related or otherwise. Miraj was generous with her knowledge and shared everything. Class with Miraj was a very worthwhile experience that I would recommend to anyone. It was the best workshop I have been to in a long time. Rumors are in the wind that she will return to Virginia Beach soon. I will be there!