Despite taking MANY workshops over the years from very big names, the workshop that I remember most from and USE the information from most is a workshop presented by The Wings of Isis performers. This particular one was about 8-9 years ago.

Marjan - She taught about putting together elements of choreography that are interesting to the audience. EX: using the whole stage, incorporating movements with different parts of the body. Marjan's choreographies are always interesting and unique. She dances for the audience, not to show off moves she knows.

Rachel - did a zil drill that forever enabled me to dance intricate steps while zilling intricate patterns. It was never a real problem for me, but her drill seriously moved to me to a very different level not even most professionals can compare. Instead of zilling a monotonous pattern and coming up with intricate steps, we did the opposite. We put on a LONG song and started with a fairly involved dance sequence. When that became "rote" for the body, we zilled on top of it using as complicated zil patterns as we could come up with. Zils should be added and used as the whipped topping on a sundae. If you can't zil well or with varied patterns, leave it off!

Really, if I had to narrow it to one person: Isis

Isis - in general, she formed my entire dance foundation. She doesn't only teach dance and moves, but ENTERTAINMENT and showmanship. She helps you become the best entertainer based on exactly who you are, not who others expect or want you to be. She also cared about her students as whole people and has a unique skill for making each person in class feel very special.

From her, I learned to be careful to consider all of the angles my costume might be viewed from (audience looking up your skirt when you are on a raised stage) - and to ensure that coverage and modesty enhance a performance. We've all been to a performance where we KNEW there was going to be or we actually experienced costume mishaps. I've seen too many thongs, thank you.

She also promoted community service in the dance studio. Her garage sales benefit charities, and I've danced for nursing homes. I appreciate her commitment. My current troupe feels the same way about service to the community, and I'm grateful to Isis for instilling that part of dance in me years ago.