The course took place at 'Loraine', St. Ives, Cornwall; a tranquil, light, spacious house set in rolling grounds, about 20 minutes walk from Carbis Bay. At first I was alarmed by the smallness of the group, only seven students! But later in the week I realised this was the strength of this intensive course. The atmosphere of intimacy provided a safe platform for each dancer to expand and experiment beyond usual boundaries.

From the outset Liza wanted us to adopt an attitude of openness and discovery towards ourselves and the dance. It's always tempting in unfamiliar situations to fall back on technique and remain on known territory but then a valuable oppurtunity to open up and learn new approaches would be lost. Bodywork was from 9.30-10.30a.m., then after a break we danced until midday. Irish cook, Doreen prepared delicious, well-balanced vegetarian meals for the six days of the course. After lunch we had time for a siesta or stroll into St. Ives or the beach before dancing began again at 5-7.30p.m. On Wednesday after bodywork we had a free day to explore the Cornish coastline.

As well as the workshops where we looked at various themes, including baladi veil, there was also time for individual Masterclasses. It was extremely valuable to look in a non-judgemental way at everyone's work in progress and to see how each dancer's interpretation expanded and developed with Liza's feedback. I felt I made a real breakthrough in my own dance and self-belief. Liza's attitude of playfulness and discovery led me to rediscover a child-like joy in dancing again. The group gelled together from the outset, providing an atmosphere that encouraged dancers to blossom. This was one of the most rewarding residentials I've ever attended. Long may the memories linger!