Something We Tried for the First Time

I wasn’t sure how to describe the Project Band Intensive Weekend when people first started asking.

I had an idea of what I hoped it would be.
But it was new.
And that made it hard to explain.

Now that it’s behind us (this first one, at least) I think I can finally tell you what it was. Or at least, what it felt like.

A little background.

Over the years, I’ve taught a lot of things under the Project Band umbrella...
Webinars.
Drop-in workshops.
Year-long programs.
Mini lectures.
Studio rants (ha).

But this was something different.

It was three days. No Zoom. No recordings. Just real-time work with ten dancers, in one room, trying things TOGETHER.

And while we had an outline (and some snacks), it was really the people in the room who shaped what the weekend became.

I’ll be honest.

At the start of Day One, I had an issue with my nose.
Literally.

It was irritated. It was running. I was sniffling through our first drill, trying to ignore it... and suddenly I was annoyed.
Not just at my sinuses, but at the whole idea.

“Why am I doing this again?”
“Who thought this was a good idea?”
“Was I actually ready for this format?”

It was one of those moments where something new feels too new... too unknown to relax into.
And yet...

By the end of the evening, everything had shifted.  

I had watched everyone improvise twice:  once to a piece of recorded music that they had heard, and once to LIVE MUSIC that they had NOT heard.  And then - because I have been at this for a while - I knew EXACTLY how the rest of the weekend should go. Yay! 
I was also breathing (somewhat) normally again (although not for long, but that's another story!).
And the dancers?
They were in it. Curious, thoughtful, collaborative. Open.

One dancer told me,

“The follow-me exercise was the biggest gift. I want to do ‘follow-me’ class again and again and again.”

Another shared,

“The weekend gave me language. I now understand what Project Band is and isn’t.  And I'm signing up NOW.”

And someone else, quietly, during a break said,

“When we understand your process, we learn from EACH OTHER. Not just from you.”

That one stuck.

So what is the Intensive?

It’s not a replacement for Project Band.

If you’ve never done the program, it’s a CliffsNotes intro.
If you’ve been through a year or two, it’s a recap. A fast-forward connection of ideas you didn’t know were floating around.
If you’ve taken a break, it’s a refresh.
And if you’ve been here a while, it’s a mirror.
A check-in.
A nudge forward.

What’s next?

📍 January 23–25, 2026
📍 Karavan Studio | San Antonio, TX
🎟 Limited to 10 dancers only — just 5 spots left right now
💰 Early Bird: $399 with code PB50 (through Nov 22)
🎶 Includes: live music practice, two performances, targeted drills, personal coaching, small group environment.

Special Bonus: If you join the Intensive Weekend, you can apply 50% of your tuition toward the 2025–2026 Project Band Select school year (Remote/On Ramp or Audit tiers only, in full payment).

No Zoom.
No recordings.
Just in-person work that changes the way you listen, respond, and dance.

If any part of this makes you feel curious… a little nervous… even excited...
I think you’re ready.

My nose is fine now, by the way. My voice? Almost back! ha ha
But even if it hadn’t been,
I’d still call that weekend a success.

xo,
Karen
& The Karavan Studio Team
🎶 Master the Art & Science of Belly Dance

📝Click here to learn more or enroll
(or join the waitlist if we’re full)