2013 INTENSIVE WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

If your work requires Continuing Education Units (CEUs) you may be able to take advantage of the Festival Workshop Program to gain those CEUs – making Michigan one of the best working vacations on the planet! Click Here for more information on CEUs.

ONE-DAY, TWO-DAY + WEEKLONG WORKSHOPS BEGINNING TUESDAY

Tuesday Morning

Beautiful Touch
Richelle Donigan
ojahbody.com
Tues 9am to 12noon
We touch one another all the time with our hands, actions, words and energy. A beautiful touch is one that uplifts and heals on a cellular level and in an instant. It is transmitted through intention, confidence and skill and begins at the heart level. We all have the innate ability to touch well and deeply in a way that honors and awakens the deepest healing for the giver and the receiver; it is all one thing. We will root through meditation, breath work (pranayama) and by sharing a few of our stories. We will then move into a demonstration, then into triads where we will practice with one another. No latecomers.

Conversing with Sign Language
Shisha Thomas
Tues 9am to 12noon
Learn the basics of sign language – finger spelling and commonly used signs. Learn a little about Deaf culture and music. No latecomers.

Disability, Intersectionality and Identity
Life in Complicated Bodies
AndreA Neumann-Mascis
themeetingpoint.org
Tues 9am to 12noon
We will come together to explore the intersections of multiple and complex identities. We will use a social justice lens to understand ourselves, our relationships and our communities. We will use the wisdom of each other to find our power in advocating for and celebrating complex identities and bodies, transcending ABLEISM defining self. For womyn with disabilities and their allies.

First Aid and CPR
Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR Course
AM Dillon
Tues 9am to 12noon
This workshop incorporates the latest science, and will teach you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns; cuts; scrapes; sudden illnesses; head, neck and back injuries; heat and cold emergencies; and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age. For those interested in further guided instruction and/or receiving certification, follow-up practice and examination workshops will be offered later in the week. (For those wanting certification, there will be a very modest fee of approximately $10 to the certifying institution). Limited to 15. No latecomers.

Health Education about LGBT Elders
Cultural Competency Training for Healthcare Professionals and Social Workers
Cecilia Hardacker of Howard Brown Health Center
howardbrown.org/hb_services.asp?id=2224
Tues 9am to 4pm
This workshop is a ground-breaking curriculum for nurses and social workers, teaching cultural competency in the care of LGBT older adults. It was developed by the Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago and is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is focused on the treatment LGBT elders, a population that is largely misunderstood and discriminated against in healthcare settings. In this course we will cover six topics, spending one hour on each: an introduction to older LGBT adults; health disparities and barriers to care; sex and sexuality in the older LGBT adult; legal and financial barriers to care; the older transgender adult; HIV and aging. Nurses and Social Workers will be awarded Continuing Nursing Education units or Continuing Education units for completing the workshop. All women are welcome to attend. No latecomers.

One World Inspirational Choir
Aleah Long
facebook.com/AleahLongEnFullCircle
Series, Tues 9am to 12noon and Wed-Sat 1pm to 4pm
Sunday Performance
The One World Inspirational Choir is, first and foremost, a strong circle of womyn who come together once a year to discover, explore, deepen and share the power of their own authentic sound. Through breathing, movement and sound exercises drawn from Kamitic and Dravidic yoga traditions, the circle weaves a powerful web focused on safety, good intentions for ourselves and the world, healing, growth and discovery. Exercises to promote vocal technique and musical interpretation skills are combined with learning songs and chants from a variety of world traditions. The weeklong intensive workshop culminates with a Musical Ritual that is offered to the Festival community as part of the Sunday Acoustic Stage performances. The One World Inspirational Choir experience has proved to be a powerful opportunity for healing and growth that sends the womyn who participate in the circle and those who share the Musical Ritual on Sunday morning back home with more strength, courage, light and love. This workshop is not just for womyn who consider themselves singers, it is for any womon who wishes to explore her own inner landscape and to discover the power of her voice – her own authentic sound. Womyn are encouraged to bring their instruments (guitars, violins, flutes and percussion) if they are proficient and feel confident that they can quickly assimilate a part for performance. Vocal soloists are drawn from the circle, with occasional guest artists from the performance stages. Full-week attendance at the daily rehearsal is preferred to participate in the performance.

Personal Power Surge
Jayalalita
jayathetrustcoach.com
Tues 9am to 12noon
Live with clarity, trust and power. Take full responsibility for your happiness and well-being; drop all victim mentality. Forgive everyone, including yourself. Look inward, not outward to what others want from or think of you. Believe that life supports and guides you. This will be an interactive talk with guided meditation and simple ritual. Ages 18 and over, no latecomers.

Salsa Rueda
Casino Rueda: Salsa in the Round
Maryasha Katz
Tues 9am to 12noon
Partner switching at its ultimate! Come learn Salsa Rueda or "Casino" – a form of Cuban salsa that originated in the 1950's. The dance is done in a wheel/circle, with a caller who determines the moves, like in a square dance. Because we will progress as a group, no latecomers!

Singing in Sacred Circle
Linda Smith Koehler and Rissa Moore
Tues-Sat 9am to 12noon
Sunday Healing Circle, 2pm
Linda and Rissa lead a daily singing circle for womyn of all ages and abilities who want to learn songs, chants, rounds and dances that help each woman find new power in her voice and affirm her divine essence. This workshop was started by Kay Gardner and members of Women with Wings in 1996 and has been offered almost every year since. This group gathers as a family, rejoicing in the reunion of familiar faces and celebrating the arrival of new members. Our circle is open and fluid; you may attend any part or all of it. Come and go as you need. Latecomers and children are welcome.

Sisters of the Fern: Silver Leaf Casting
Beardedragyns
Tues 9am to 4pm
Ferns are among the oldest land plants, playing an important role in medicine and folklore. Many consider ferns to be powerful protective plants and carry a leaf for good luck. Join us for the experience of creating a fern leaf charm in pure silver and firing it into a pendant or charm. All materials provided. No art experience necessary. Limited to 24. No latecomers.

A Taste of Latin Drum Rhythms
Paloma Rosales
Tues 9am to 12noon
From the tropical island rhythms like Calypso, to the lively Latin tinge like Guanguanco and Samba! We'll cover drum parts, include hand percussion and create a drum song. This workshop will be fun and easy for beginners to intermediate level. Please bring your own drums; some hand percussion will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Yoga for Womyn Over 50
Path Star
Tues 9am to 12noon
Have you always been curious about yoga? Has your body wanted something new from your practice? Come explore this ancient practice in a new wise-womyn's way. As our bodies change over time, so do the needs we bring to yoga practice. Yoga is a wonderful tool to use to build strength, maintain flexibility, and find peace in an ever-changing inner and outer world. Please join me for a compassionate journey into this ancient practice of uniting our bodies, hearts and minds. No latecomers.

Tuesday Afternoon

Amazon Archery
Falcon River and Vick Tree
artemisarchery.com
Tues and Wed 1pm to 4pm
Amazon Nation Rise! Learn the ancient art of intuitive archery. Tap into your ancestral memory and shoot like your Amazon foremothers. Hone your personal will, step to the mark, focus, and release your energy toward your target. All equipment provided. Girls ages 12 to 17 welcome with parent or guardian. All equipment provided. No drugs or alcohol.

Art Journaling 101
Pour Out Your Heart Like Water
Alex Cullen
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Discover how to create a visual journal – an art journal – as an outlet for memory, visioning and creative expression. Hands-on mixed-media techniques to open up the artist/writer in you. Quiet your inner critic and color outside the lines. For writers who play with art supplies, artists who love words, and womyn who have something to say out loud. Materials provided. Limited to 30. No latecomers.

Catalyzing Conscious Relationships
Powerful Tools to Shift Out of Power Struggle and Back to Passion
Julia Colwell, Ph.D.
JuliaColwell.com
Tues and Wed 1pm to 5pm
Learn the most powerful, direct skills available to shift people from the stuck-ness of conflict back to flow, connection and fun. The relaxed, open format will give you brand new skills so that you'll come away knowing how to get out of any struggle.

Drumsong Orchestra
Ubaka Hill
ubakahilldrumsong.com
Series, Tues-Sat 1pm to 4pm
Sunday Performance
Explore the art, rhythm and spirit of drumming. Learn drum songs of varied cultural and rhythmic styles; improve technique, breath, tonal clarity, concentration, dexterity, time, dynamics, improvisation, vocalization and orchestration. Learn drum etiquette and how to acquire a drum. Bring drums, hand instruments (bells, shekeres, rattles) and a cassette recorder if you have one. Some instruments provided. The Drumsong Orchestra performs Sunday morning on the Acoustic Stage; full-week attendance at the daily rehearsal is required to participate in the performance.

Empower Yourself through Improvisational Theater
Jo-Elyn Nourie
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Explore the power dynamics of interpersonal communication in improvisational theater games to get the "drama" out of your life and onto the stage where we can all have insightful and empowering fun. Learn how to become a "natural" at improvisation – no experience necessary. Create theater with depth easily and humorously! Limited to 40. No latecomers.

Latina Rhythms Dance: Bachata, Merengue, Salsa on 2
Nivea Castro
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Nivea is back! She brings the basics – because we never get enough of the fundamentals. She brings the latest music, fresh dance steps, AND a new Caribbean dance easy and fun to learn (yes, even for those with two left feet). By the end of this workshop you'll dance like a pro!

Musical Jam for Everyone
Jamie Anderson
jamieanderson.com
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Bring your instrument and jam with us! Any instrument is welcome, singers too. We'll have fun playing songs from many different genres – folk, rock, blues, country and more. For all levels, beginners on up.

Self-Exploration Using Past Life Regression
Miranda Katz
Tues 1pm to 4pm
What have you carried forward from a past life? Are there relationships, behaviors, fears or commitments that seem to be outside of your life experience? Join me in a guided journey to connect with past lives to gain insight into the life you are living today. Please arrive on time and with a clear mind. I ask that you also commit to attending the follow-up General Workshop to process whatever comes up for you in your journey. Limited to 20, ages 18 and older. Absolutely no latecomers.

Stilt Walking with Womyn Walking Tall
Janette Sperber assisted by Denise Goff
Tues and Wed 1pm to 4pm
Learn the ancient art of walking on stilts – its fun and empowering! Wear sturdy shoes or boots and long pants. Girls aged 12 to 16 must bring an able-bodied adult for the duration. Participants may attend either or both intensive days. For more stilt walking, we'll meet for the (optional) parade at 6pm Saturday, discussing costuming and choreography on-site. You are welcome to join the parade if you have been on stilts before. No latecomers after first 30 minutes.

Surviving Adolescence: Brains under Construction
Jen Fairbourne
Tues 1pm to 4pm
Understanding the teenage brain increases everyone's chances of surviving adolescence. Learn fundamentals of the teenage brain and essential strategies for coping more effectively with this time period from puberty to age 25. It is brain science, but broken down into simple terms so teens and their adult allies can easily assimilate this information. For girls and women ages 13 and up.

WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS

Wednesday Morning

Djembe Drum/Yoruba Chant
Debra McGee
Wed 9am to 12noon
Expand your djembe knowledge in a fun and relaxed gathering. No djembe? OK, bring your hand drum and let's explore various ways to let your drum spirit sing.

Elder Law Considerations
A Primer for Caretakers and Decision Makers
Vicki Carpenter
Wed 9am to 12noon
This workshop will help those caring for an elderly partner, parent or other family member work through issues such as: Medicaid, including appeals and denials; lesser-known benefits for seniors; homestead planning options; assisted-living considerations; and various trusts that can be set up in a variety of circumstances. Limited to 20.

Este Cuerpo – This Body
A Journey to Latina Self-Image and Sensuality
Maria Calderon, Martha Cartagena and Mimi Gonzalez
Wed 9am to 12noon
In a safe, creative space, this workshop will break through cultural assumptions and expectations of Latinas on the topics of sensuality, body-image and erotica. We will use spoken word, writing exercises and readings to facilitate these expressions. This workshop is for those with little or no writing experience, as well as the accomplished writer. Latina womyn only. No latecomers.

Get Over Her!
Jayalalita
jayathetrustcoach.com
Wed 9am to 12noon
We will use inquiry, paired exercises and simple ritual to help you become clear of any attachment that keeps your from being fully free – including free to create new love. You're no one's victim. Nothing in your past needs to define or limit your future. Forgive (starting with yourself), release her and move on. Ages 18 and over. No latecomers.

Halfway Parties and Community Building
Getting More Women to the Land
Brenda Schumacher
Wed 9am to 12noon
Develop strategies for bringing more women to the festival through halfway parties, special events and by building mini-michfest communities where you live. Organizers from Chicago, Madison, New York and Portland share their successes and detailed plans for creating community and throwing great parties to celebrate and share our love of festival! Bring your ideas and let's launch halfway parties around the world!

Intergenerational Knitting Circle
Bringing Together Women Ages 9 to 99
Rejoyce InLight
Wed 9am to 12noon
Come join three generations of women knitting together. Make a washcloth for Festival while making friends for life. Don't know how to knit? We will teach you! Already know how? Come share your love for the craft! All materials provided to complete this simple project. All ages and abilities welcome. Limited to 20. No latecomers.

Know Your Car
Gioia Blix
Wed 9am to 12noon
Ever wondered how to do basic car checks? This is designed for you. Learn step by step how to perform those checks that increase the durability of your ride and your security on the road. You will obtain basic under hood and general auto familiarity. This is a hands-on course. Limit 20 participants.

Learn to Swing
Donna Every
Wed 9am to 12pm
Start "slow-slow," then get "quick-quick," as you learn the moves to the classic partner dance, the East Coast Swing/Jitterbug (the building blocks of the Lindy Hop). You'll take enough home with you to look fabulous at your next lesbian wedding reception! We dance rain or shine. Closed-toe and/or leather-soled shoes are recommended. Also bring water and sunscreen as needed. Please see the general workshops schedule for Donna's other offerings this week: Classic country line dances, and fancy moves for partner dancing!

The Lez Rez
Shirley Jons
Wed 9am to 12noon
As Indigenous womyn who attend this Festival, we have a unique opportunity to network and to share who we are and where we come from. Welcome to the Lez Rez. Bring your culture, ideas, songs, jokes, stories and offerings, and sit amongst your sisters from Turtle Island and other indigenous lands. This workshop is for womyn who walk with Native, Indigenous, First Nations blood.

Mardi Gras Masks for Girls
Paloma Rosales
Wed 9am to 12noon
Fun and easy to make Mardi Gras masks! We're breaking out the glitter, glue, paint, feathers and sequins to decorate blanks into one of a kind masks. Great for parades and looking festive – ohhh la la! Limited to 20. For ages five to 17.

Moondala: Silk Painting
Beardedragyns
Wed 9am to 12noon
The full moon is sacred to many cultures and each has a unique calendar name for her. August moon is called lightning moon, joyful moon, corn moon, and women's moon, but we like to think of her as a Festival moon. Using silk and dye we will explore full moon imagery to create personal symbols of moon-powerment. No previous art experience necessary. Limited to 18. No latecomers.

Wednesday Afternoon

Community Croning Ritual
Ruth Barrett
dancingtreemusic.com
Wed 1pm to 4pm
A 'Croning' ritual marks the life transition of women 58 and older into honored elderhood, celebrating their power and accumulated life wisdom. The workshop is a guided group process to prepare for a ritual experience later in the festival week on Friday, where supporters are welcome to attend. No latecomers.

Karaoke in the Woods
Hosted by Micky Presto and Sandy Longstreet (Angie Evans and Kat Laukat)
Wed 1pm to 4pm
Last year Angie and Kat brought a new legacy to the land...Karaoke! A good time was had by all as we laughed, cried and got down with our favorite songs! Please join us for another heartfelt, uplifting and downright entertaining event. Whether you are a performer or shower singer, this is your time to shine! Costumes highly encouraged!

Lesbian Tent Revival
Carolyn Gage
carolyngage.com
Wed 1pm to 4pm
Sister Carolyn of the Sisterhood of the Sacred Synapse delivers rousing and often hilarious radical feminist sermons to ignite our wild lesbian imaginations and to revive our precious lesbian spirits – bringing back the old-time gospel of sisterhood and revolution! Look for more tent revivals throughout the week. Teens and adults welcome.

My Death, My Choice
Understanding and Protecting Your End of Life Options and Rights
Aja Riggs and Dr. Kate Morris
Wed 1pm to 4pm
Whether we want it to or not, often the end of life brings considerable involvement with the medical system. Learn how to advocate for yourself and your loved ones and assure that your wishes are honored. Topics include advance directives, values clarification, death with dignity, and other end of life resources, issues and tools. Led by aid-in-dying advocates Aja Riggs (cancer patient) and Dr. Kate Morris (cancer surgeon who appears in the film How to Die in Oregon).

Nu Traditional African Dance
Queen
Wed 1pm to 4pm
Heal, transmute and have fun! Bring an open heart, breath, loose clothing, supportive shoes (optional) and an expectation of change and magic. Come to create a nu legacy! Experience traditional dance and drum and learn to bring its legacy into the now.

The Voices They've Never Heard
Alicia Anabel Santos
findingyourforce.blogspot.com
Wed 1pm to 4pm
In this workshop, teens will find their voice through writing fun prompts and entertaining exercises. What you have to say and how you want to say it is important. No grades. No judgement. Through writing, performances and sharing with each other, we will become better writers, readers and performers. For teens, no latecomers.

return to top