MIMI JANISLAWSKI, PhD, master of classical eastern dance traditions, was originally enticed by the exotic movement, music and costumes of Eastern dance and recognized the opportunity it afforded for

"dancing eternal cosmic truths. Shiva is the name of the lord of the dance, but what that really means is change and motion in the universe. Vishnu is life, you are honoring life. We dance on Mother Earth," she says in a breathy, peaceful voice. "The material is very organic and
nationless in its meaning. Hinduism is just one outward expression of it."

I found this weekend retreat to be one of the most transcendent experiences I've ever had. It was extremely life-affirming: We all felt that we could get up and perform the dances in a meaningful spirit regardless of our proficiency, age, or physical condition. I have to give credit to Mimi Janislawski for taking us to that place.

Mimi is a marvelous teacher with an exquisite balance of intensity and fun. She was very well prepared with an inclusive information packet, tapes and costume adornments. She really showed us that she cared about the class participants.

I also found this to be a very enlightening way to study Hinduism. This went beyond an academic or intellectual understanding to the spiritual essence. For the first time, I feel as if I've internalized the principles of this faith.

I feel absolutely wonderful after this weekend. My only regret is that it is over.

Sally Cordova is a choreographer, writer and painter and is Board President, Little Pond , Nazareth, Pennsylvania, an arts retreat. Her email address is: cordov@erols.com

For the serious dancer ever seeking new masters to learn from, working with Mimi Janislawski is a dream come true. For beginners or non-dancers, the forms Mimi teaches are rare teachings that can infuse life with meaning--with effects that are life-changing.

Opportunities are open ~ as Mimi was told when she lost one of her revered teachers, "Go to your basement and the dance will teach you everything." Interpret the movements for use in one's own expressive art, add depth to belly dance, or embark on the kind of study Mimi has dedicated herself to for years--the perfection of classical Eastern dance.

MIMI JANISLAWSKI, PhD, master of classical eastern dance traditions, traveled to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, to teach at a weekend retreat hosted by Little Pond Thursday through Sunday, May 31-June 3, 2001.

Methodical, clear, and thorough, Mimi's teaching included many illustrated handouts. In addition she came with what turned out to be a traveling museum of artifacts from India and Java. We were introduced to the "ratt" an attachment made of one's own hair and used to supplement it, crowns made of intricately cut leather and inlaid with jewels, hair combs with springs attached that serve as a dancer's gilded antennae, ankle bells, traditional costuming, and many pictures.

The retreat began Thursday evening, May 31, 2001, with the participants gathering for dinner, becoming acquainted with one another. Following dinner Mimi initiated her teaching. Over the course of the weekend Mimi guided us through the meaning of several traditional dance formats, which she interprets with her own choreography. We greeted Mother Earth, invoked divinities and danced the awakening of body, mind and spirit.

The experience was uplifting, challenging, and full of laughter. Mimi's attrahent personality is as dynamic as her dancing. Hands offered sweetmeats, sandalwood, and incense. Legs balanced such postures as "sitting on a throne" or "fear of scorpion." Toes traced geometric patterns in sand (mandalas), and even clothing became animated (the sampour).

Originally enticed by the exotic movement, music and costumes of Eastern dance, Mimi also recognized the opportunity it afforded for "dancing eternal cosmic truths. Shiva is the name of the lord of the dance, but what that really means is change and motion in the universe. Vishnu is life, you are honoring life. We dance on Mother Earth," she says breathy, peaceful voice. "The material is very organic and nationless in its meaning. Hinduism is just one outward expression of it."

"I found this weekend retreat to be one of the most transcendent experiences I've ever had," said participant Sally Cordova, choreographer, writer and painter. "I also found this to be a very enlightening way to study Hinduism. This went beyond an academic or intellectual understanding to the spiritual essence."

Friday night the retreat participants and residents of Bethlehem were treated to an evening of dance, headed by Tahya's unique and ultimately sensual drum procession. It was a thrill to watch the dance of Mimi Janislawki whose forms were so perfect and whose movements were so inspirited with a sense of story.
On Sunday morning our weekend culminated in a small performance of what we learned. With all of our hair pulled up and adorned with fresh flowers, we followed our teacher to the music of the sitar and the gamelan. The experience was truly sublime.

Mimi's perseverance toward the mastery of the dance is inspiring to all with a commitment to a life of dance. I will be ever grateful to Little Pond for hosting, to Tahya for mediating, and to Mimi for coming to us.