Comments received from various participants at Camp Fareta 2010

Having gone to Guinea in West Africa with Youssouf previously, I can only say that this is the next best thing to going to Africa! The inviting atmosphere of the camp, the African marketplace, the amazing and inspiring fellow dancers, so many drummers and their sounds projecting into the trees and an open-air dance floor pavilion - it was a very heavenly African experience - so close to home.

This camp is the way to go for me. Everything centrally located, calm pace – opportunity to access the teachers – you don't get that in the larger conferences….it's easy to come and go in those without being noticed. Not at a camp….you make eye contact on a path that leads to hello that leads to a conversation. Priceless.

The atmosphere was fantastic! Great people, great music, great dancing!

I loved the mix of beginner and advanced level classes. It made everything really accessible. The space is so beautiful! The breeze off the lake makes class delightful.

The teachers were experienced professionals both as professional dancers as well as experienced teachers. It was magical to have all these people together. The weeklong intensive is extremely powerful. It offers complete immersion into the movement and music.

I loved the beginner's level classes because it was at my level. I felt like I learned a lot but wasn't overwhelmed.

The camp combines a wonderful natural experience and that is what makes me very happy. Walking down to the dance hall is an excellent warmup.

The food was unbelievable!!!! The quality and selection was appreciated. Keep up the great job with the organic food! Our bodies appreciated it!

The atmosphere of Camp Fareta compared to other conferences I've attended is much more inclusive, supportive and non-competitive.

Youssouf's class when the little girls were dancing was THE BEST EVER – he showed it many times and then we danced it at least twice, so in that one class I learned MORE THAN MY WHOLE LIFE dancing, seriously.

Work-study was a great experience because I developed a bond with the participants. In relationships nothing is more powerful than the group effort. I had a fabulous time and will tell all of the dancers that I know to come to Camp Fareta.

I love the family atmosphere, the kids running around and everyone taking care of them, a friendly greeting by everyone, how are you doing, smiles, all that. IT IS GREAT. At Fareta, excellence rules, and art is #1.

I remembered choreography from both teachers I took class with – which was great! The atmosphere, the pace and oneness of the camp very much attributed to that! There is something in bonding and fellowshipping that provides cohesion….we had that!

I learned a lot from such great teachers. Detailed instruction and format of teaching such as going over details, building it up, and eventually going at full speed! I think camp was super well organized.

I honestly enjoyed all the classes. The teachers were clear and went at a nice pace. I wanted to be challenged but I also wanted to "rock out" and understand the choreography. It was quite a perfect balance.

To me, camp is a lot better than a conference, because there is no extra work, wasted time and chore in looking for lodging and food, and also the quality of the food is a lot better and helps to dance better, and there is more chance to meet other participants during meals and evenings. Some people say that Fareta is really expensive but I explained to them that it costs the same - lodging is $30 per night, then food is at least $20 per day, then transportation like rental car is $$$, bus is cheap but takes so much time and energy, etc. So at the end, Fareta is very worth it.

The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. I like it. The tone is always set from the top. And what comes from the top at Fareta is a "request" for a good cooperative vibe, and so that happens in the camp. There are a few youngster girls into showing off and prestige games who have issues saying hello when they see you "in public", but that is very minor and is barely detectable and I suppose a normal part of life in any village. 99.9% of people will smile and say "hello". The overall and overwhelming vibe is that of cooperation and hospitality. That feels good and helps me to perform well.