Okay, so, I’ve always been into dancing, you know? It’s like, my thing. And I’ve always wanted to see what the dance scene was like outside of my little bubble. So, I finally decided to bite the bullet and check out some international dance festivals.
Figuring Out Where to Go
First thing I did was hit up the internet, obviously. I started looking up dance festivals around the world. Man, there are so many! I was checking out websites, reading reviews, watching videos – the whole nine yards. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest, but also super exciting. I wanted to find a few that seemed really cool and that had the kind of dance styles I’m into. I narrowed it down to a few that sounded amazing.
Getting My Ducks in a Row
Once I had my list, I started looking into the practical stuff. You know, flights, where to stay, how much it was all gonna cost. It’s not exactly cheap to fly halfway across the world and stay in a hotel for a week or two. I compared prices, looked for deals, and tried to figure out the best way to make it work with my budget.
And then there was the whole visa thing. For some places, I needed to get a visa, which was a whole other process. Filling out forms, getting passport photos, sometimes even going for an interview at the embassy. It was a bit of a hassle, but hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?
Packing My Bags
Then came the fun part – packing! I made sure I had all my dance gear, of course. Dance shoes, comfortable clothes for workshops, and some nicer outfits for performances or just going out. I also packed all the usual travel stuff, like toiletries, chargers, and a good book for the plane.
The Festival Experience
- Arrival and Settling In: When I finally arrived at each festival, the first thing was finding my accommodation and getting settled. Then, I’d usually explore the area a bit, get a feel for the place, and find some good spots to eat.
- Workshops and Classes: The festivals themselves were incredible. I took so many workshops and classes. It was awesome to learn from different instructors and try out new styles. I pushed myself, learned a ton, and met some really cool people who were just as passionate about dance as I am.
- Performances and Shows: And the performances! Oh man, the performances were mind-blowing. Seeing professional dancers from all over the world do their thing was so inspiring. It gave me so many ideas and really motivated me to keep improving.
- Exploring the Culture: The cities where the events took place were interesting. I got time to visit some famous spots and tasted some great food. I also got to see some art and meet some of the local people.
- Connecting with Dancers: One of the best parts was just hanging out with other dancers. We’d chat about dance, share tips, and just enjoy being around people who get it. It’s like finding your tribe, you know?
Looking Back
Now that I’m back home, I’m still buzzing from the whole experience. It was seriously one of the best things I’ve ever done. I learned so much, not just about dance, but also about different cultures and about myself. I came back feeling more confident, more inspired, and more connected to the global dance community. If you’re a dancer and you’re thinking about hitting up an international festival, I say go for it! It’s an adventure you won’t forget.
