I haven't been to that particular workshop, but the ones I have gone to, there seems to be a wide range of body types, ages & skill levels. Don't worry, you're not going to stick out in a bad way or anything. In fact, I find that most people are very friendly & eager to get to know new people. As for getting around Atlanta, I would jsut plan on brining enough money for cab rides -- rely on them to get you where you need to go. Good luck & have fun!

Oh--Alecia-- First off, I live in Atlanta and get lost all the time so no worries!! Plus, you really don't have to venture far from the hotel and if you do, you should have no trouble finding your way back. Trust me.
Any secondly, I can relate to your "hangup" but not in the same way as you. I'll just put it out there--I'm not a big beautiful belly dancer but that does not mean I don't have hangups about my body and for me belly dance has been the cure. I have had 3 kids and lets just say things don't stay where they are supposed to but one thing I have learned in this past year is that it is not the package we travel through life in but the way we move through life that matters. YOu don't need to worry about other women looking at you because in my experience some of them are probably worried about you looking at them when in fact the only ones we are really looking at are the instructors. :)
I've only been to one other workshop in August. Southern Fusion FEst and I took classes with Mardi Love, Moria and Zafira Dance and it was the best experience. The women were from different dance backgrounds, different ethnic backgrounds, old, young, in between, and the range of body types was wonderful. From the very heavy, to heavy, to slim, muscular, to not so muscular from tall to short you name it. So no worries there either--we are all in it together. Ones who can play zills--ones who can't. haha!!

Congratulations on venturing out into the big wide world of bellydance! You will love it, I am sure.

I run the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive, and I can tell you that most events like Tribal Con, Tribal Fest, Yaa Halla Y'All, etc...all have dancers of every shape and size. In fact, at my event, we pride ourselves on diversity...so we have BBB in the show and as instructors. Don't worry. Just go. Have a blast! Enjoy yourself. It'll be stellar!!

While I haven't been to that particular event, in general I've found that people are pretty friendly and there are dancers of all sizes, ages and skills. Just smile and be confident. Wear something that makes you feel pretty.

Harsh reality - not everyone is going to like you - size, race, you have blue eyes, whatever. That's their issue. You don't have to buy into it.

Go and have fun! Many people will be nervous for many different reasons. Most people are there to learn and have fun, just like you are. I've found that they will be excited and friendly, and worried about learning, not noticing what size you are.

I haven't been there, but I know people who usually go. I've never heard any complaints about people not accepting them due to size.

Hi Alecia,

I LOVE TribalCon.

I have been going to TribalCon since the first "IceCon" (short version of the story, essentially an ice storm causing power failures canceled the first day, and everything has to be moved around to happen in one day!)

I lived in Florida and was able to drive up each year, except I just moved to Alaska this year (a long time dream) and though we are in the midst of recovering financially and physcially from a 4700 mile move, and also trying to buy a house, somehow I plan to get there - I guess need to buy a plane ticket that is non refundable :)

There are women (and men!!) of every color, shape, size and ability at this con. It is more like a big family gathering, where you sweat a lot, spend a lot of money (If you like shopping for 'SHINY THINGS'), and go home exhausted, but fulfilled.

My website (perlgurl.net), which is currently semi-down, had photos and write ups of the first three times I went to TribalCon, and though I am not a great writer or anything, it has been referenced by Ziah frequently :)

I'll see if I can dig up my old site with the write ups later tonight....

Alecia just smack that little voice in the back of your head and tell him/ her to shut up. im sure you'll be great! being a larger dancer can be intimidating. i recently had the honor of Performing in Shadowdance in Oakland and i was the ONLY large bellydancer there. i did feel WAY out of my league there but i had to check myself and remind myself that i wouldnt have been invited to do the show if i wasnt skilled enough to do it. sometimes it's all a mind game with yourself. force yourself to say hi to someone new and perhaps they will be a life long friend!!!! i wish you much luck and lots of self love! :) I have also taught at the Las Vegas Bellydance intensive!!! hi Samira! :)

I live outside of Atlanta and will be at Tribalcon! Don't freak out!!! As with the size bit, there are plenty of great larger sized bellydancers out there. But I will admit, I sometimes get those thoughts myself. But if you're in need of anything, don't hesitate to ask me!