Workshops, belly dance seminars, are the hot thing for the summer. Most professional belly dancers have put together impressing summer packages that just call out your name. However, before making your choice, there are some things to take into consideration.

The cost of the trip. With the economy in such a bad shape, we have to keep an eye on our spending. You have asked yourself the question whether or not you should make a trip possible this year. For argument sake, everyone is entitled to a break when the sun is out. Know what your budget is before making that choice.

Most trips hosted by professional belly dancers or dance companies, range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. There is something for everyone. Belly dance workshops or seminars that last from two to four days, may cost between $300 to $700, depending on the length of the workshop on a given day. You can look forward to day to day workshops at the facility and then the rest of the day, you are on your own.

There are also certain belly dance workshops that are geared for the summer, meaning that not only are you in the actual workshop itself, but afterwards, you will do other activities that may include some tours in the area or other types of adventures. Also, these trips usually are out of the country, so you may come across workshop packages that are in Egypt, Greece, or Hawaii.

Trips that range in the thousands normally will ask you for an early deposit. Read carefully to see if, in case of an emergency, you can get some of the deposit back. Once you submit your deposit, then a deadline is set for you to pay the remainder of the fee. Normally, this has to be paid in full weeks before the trip.

Ask yourself exactly what is it that you want out of your belly dance, summer trip. Some packages include workshops given by a host of different instructors, while others, have one professional belly dancer doing all workshops. You want variety during this trip, so make sure that each workshop is different from the other. If the workshop concentrates on one thing, then maybe some other time. Look for packages that include one day of, for instance, drum solo technique, veil work, zills, and now the popular fusion styles of belly dance.

There are also summer packages that include certification workshops/classes. These packages are also a little high in comparison to technique workshops, in that the instructor will certify you after you complete the course. Review what the certificate will look like and what actually backs up the certificate.

Speaking of reviews, take a look at them. Most women who have done the workshop in the past, will post a comment. The individual who writes the review will normally write about herself, her dance background, and the level of difficulty for the workshop of interest. This is usually helpful, in that if an experienced belly dancer writes that the workshop is difficult and you may not be at that level, then the workshop is not for you.

Once you have made your decision, make sure to bring at least a few sexy hip scarves. You will find out, once you arrive that, o.k. I'm just going to say it, most women like to show off their stuff. And what is wrong with that? Absolutely nothing, but don't be that woman who didn't come prepared. You have been warned, so if you have to, purchase some nice, sexy looking outfits for the trip. Pack a nice portable CD player with you, so that you can practice in your hotel room.

Ah! Summer! I feel like getting on a plane and heading out to a fun, belly dance workshop anywhere, far, far away from work.