Denman Island Dance Retreat: What I did on my summer vacation
By Kim Pechet
Sahda, Vancouver September 2003
Well if Hornby Island locals consider Denman Island a “speed bump”, I say . .. slow down and bottom out on Denman. Denman is beautiful, the folk are friendly and home to the Denman Island Dance Retreat. Coordinated by Gillian Saxby and hosted by Lynette Harper and Bronwyn Simons  my 5 days on Denman was a treat that I wish to re-treat myself to next year.
My buddy Jean Prescott gave me a wonderful birthday present this year. She spirited me away from family, teaching classes and the city to deposit me in amongst 20 of the loveliest women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Add to this mix, 5 great days of dance with Lynette and
her vast knowledge and experience of Arabic culture and traditional dance. Sprinkle in the unique stylings of Bronwyn’s insight into dance crafting, emotive movement and improvisation. Season this with great daily grub prepared by our Chef Titelli, Lynette’s husband Bruce. Add a tincture of Gillian’s lovely energy and yoga class and you get a package of experiences and memories you won’t forget.  I wasn’t going to write this article because I wanted to keep this secret to myself but I felt it was unfair not to share it with you. So as I whisper it, imagine this: sunshine, ocean breezes, crossing the water twice, dancing, laughing, shiny things, beads, wise women, mendi, drumming, let your troubles slip away, swim naked in the lake (no peeing, remember we’re on an island), dance, eat, celebrate at a hafla, laugh, cry, and reluctantly go home. That’s a rough itinerary. To convey my feelings is tricky because the experience was so profound.
Just know this. Lynette and Bronwyn have something going on that’s unique and powerful. They set the energy so we women from the mainland, from inland and from the islands came together as one, to “commune” in “unity”. We created community in appreciation of one another. So if you want to get this too, save your dineros, cross the water twice and get to Denman next summer. It’s there you will meet the Goddess Wow (coined by an island dancer) and her many faces. It’s there you will know our dance is alive and vibrant. It’s there you will meet your sisters in the dance from Toronto, Telkwa, Chase, Canim Lake, Quesnel, Nanaimo, Denman, Victoria, Burnaby, Richmond, Royston, Vancouver, Comox and Sointula.
A mild warning for those of you who take the plunge next year, when you get home you’ll be spaced out. Throughout the days your mind, heart and spirit will wander back to Denman. Such is the nature and depth of the experience.
Many thanks to Lynette, you’re a wonder, Bronwyn, you’re a seer, Gillian, you sweetheart and Bruce our sultan. My friend Jean for such an unforgettable gift, there will never be enough thank-you’s! To all my dancing sisters here on the mainland and beyond, next summer… do it bottom out on Denman. |
