Crossroads & Origins is completely focused on training Oriental/Raqs Sharki (what is colloquially known as belly dance) artists for the coming age of their art. Dancers will not only learn origin dance forms from fusion artists but will be involved in discussion on the ethics of co-opting other cultures’ art forms. Because of the sheer nature of its age this dance form has a history of cultural influence from the countries that adopt it as an entertainment form. With the emergence of world music, heavily influenced by the Middle East and North Africa, Oriental dance is evolving at an even faster rate and is becoming a dominant fusion used by professional performance artists. Belly dancers are so involved in chatting about their art online, we are going to do it live and in person with our faculty members. It is a full immersion package, only the full weekend is available and it is limited to 35 so the event will sell out fast.