We recommend comfortable clothing, any dance or yoga supports you know you need, a refillable water bottle and an open mind. 

 A lot of people imagine that you have to have your stomach showing, and that you have to wear something fancy in order to belly dance and that couldn’t be further from the truth. In our practice, we usually just dance in whatever we're wearing at the time! Traditional dresses are Nurjahan’s personal favorite. We encourage participants to wear whatever feels comfortable on your body. Clothing does change the aesthetic of the dance: Looser clothing allows for more bounce when shimmying or popping. Many dancers love using a hip scarf (or kanga) to help highlight the isolations. You can use a scarf if you want, or you can forget the scarf and just show up in whatever you love to wear!

You're welcome to shop Nurjahan’s closet on Depop at depop.com/nurjahanboulden or shop "similar styles" to find the kind of dresses she grew up wearing. You'll want to bring something you feel beautiful and can dance in for our Celebration Saturday night. We can't wait to see the diversity of clothing that brings everyone joy!

No dance experience is needed, only your willingness to show up. Our sessions are designed for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced dancers. Our guides will gently support you throughout.

Then you're in the perfect place! Our goal is to help you discover and enhance your natural rhythm. The more music you listen to and the more you dance, the more comfortable you'll be with finding the rhythm to different kinds of music. You'll also have access to the retreat playlists, so you can listen to them whenever you want and get familiar with all the different beats.

Belly dance can be a great way to rehabilitate your body and meet yourself where you are. All movement taught during this retreat is adaptable to suit your abilities. All shared spaces will be ADA accessible throughout the weekend. You are invited and welcome to participate and rest as your body needs.

*Important Note: Please make sure to consult a specialist before you join if you have concerns beyond minor aches and pains.

The organizers of this retreat work and teach within a DEIB framework including dismantling restrictive gender norms. This event is intended to celebrate uniqueness and facilitate liberation from harmful messages from culture, this includes gender. We do want to caution that this space will not be welcoming to anyone who holds rigidly to cis-heteronormative gender norms.

We will be catering to an adult audience, so there may be some dialogue around bodies and sexuality that are directed toward people 18+. We've had people up to age 92 in the past—there's really no age limit on moving joyfully in your body!

Nourishing snacks will be provided at our welcoming meet & greet on Friday and our closing sessions on Sunday, a box lunch will be included during our sessions on Saturday. Other meals together at nearby restaurants or on your own are not included in the retreat cost.

You do not have to stay in the hotel associated with this retreat; however, we highly encourage you to consider remaining close by throughout the weekend to support the immersion and community experience.

Nurjahan has many free online resources, including a free online class that you can access at nurjahanboulden.com/freeclass, as well as YouTube tutorials. We don't have any in-person events that are completely free. Please be sure to make use of every resource including the community-supported tier and multi-marginalized discount (as it applies to you). If you still face barriers to financial investment, reach out to us as we have select spots available for volunteers who desire to trade labor.

We have chosen to use an Equity Pricing model so that those who have abundance and want to support community members may easily do so. When you register, please select the Pay-It-Forward tier. If you would like to donate to further the mission of this retreat event and support The Phoenix Rising Network Incorporated, please use the associated link on the registration page.