Deja Mitchell, above, will be teaching African dance at the retreat May 3-4, at the Ranch House Inn in Tecopa. Above and below are the tipi accommodations for guest who would like to stay overnight. The interiors of the tipis all have fire pits and comfortable beds. Advertisement

There seems to be a lot happening in the small town of Tecopa these days. There are art shows and workshops, star gazing parties, a fairly new bistro with a four-star chef at the helm and now The Ranch House Inn at China Ranch is hosting an African Drum and Dance Retreat.

For those looking to be inspired in quiet, peaceful surroundings with eclectic company, while learning some new moves, the weekend of May 3 and 4 might be the perfect venue.

The Ranch House Inn is located in the microclimate of China Ranch Date Farm in Tecopa, Calif. Just the drive to the ranch is uplifting and even more so as the road descends into the canyon and the desert becomes alive and green.

At the end of the journey will be a gathering of people enjoying a celebration of life as guest instructor Deja Mitchell teaches African dance to a deep, resonant drumbeat meant to make spirits rise and participants feel a sense of community with nature, the music and movement and each other.

Mitchell has a captivating personality. She makes those around her want whatever untouchable peace and wholeness she has. To her, it comes from doing what she loves, dancing.

Mitchell is quite accomplished. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in modern dance from Utah State University, and has over 10 years of experience teaching African dance classes in Ogden for the community and in schools; in Logan for the community and in the schools; at Weber State University; in Los Angeles for a charter school and she will be teaching in Salt Lake City for another special event.

Her own learning experience in African dance has come from her travels specifically to learn from teachers all over the U.S. and in Europe. She said, "I find teachers and if they aren't within traveling distance locally, I go to them."

Mitchell was introduced to African dance at USU, when one of her professors taught a special class. "I was hooked. It was such an exciting awakening for me," she said. "It was like finding a part of me I didn't know was missing in the beat of the drums and the movement. It's unique and came naturally for me."

When people think of dance, grace and fluidity come to mind but Mitchell said, "Most people have never moved their bodies this way. It's the rhythm that moves through your body and you don't have to have any level of experience. I like that it can be accessible to any age and skill level. Even people who have never danced before can have fun with it."

She is insistent people understand her classes are for all ages. She said, "People need to know that this form of tribal dancing is done by everyone --- old and young alike. It is something the entire village does together to celebrate and bring them closer to each other."

Historically, each dance move has meaning and a rich cultural heritage and Mitchell loves learning the roots of the dances and finding a personal connection to it. For her, it's a connection that goes beyond distance and differences in language.

Mitchell also teaches African drum and has a group of drummers coming to this retreat. They will provide the background for her classes.

The event will begin Saturday, May 3 and an overnight stay is available for those who want to make a weekend of it.

The Ranch House Inn is booking retreat packages which include hostel accommodations, African dance introduction and class, a fire ceremony under the stars and breakfast the following morning for $55 per person. The dance class only, is being offered for $20.

The inn also has several well-appointed 22 foot tipis set up on the property. Each has a fire pit, seating and beds to sleep two or four comfortably. The tipi housing is pricey but the experience of staying in one might be worth it. The cost is $148 double occupancy or $208 for four persons.

Property amenities also include a full kitchen, living room, bathroom, outside patio and a stargazing tower, access to the hot mineral spas so well known in the area, hikes to the Amargosa River and waterfall, a local bistro and an art show opening at the Tecopa Hot Springs Resort.

There will be a healthy, simple and inexpensive meal offered Saturday evening for those who stay overnight. The meal will be catered and served in the 1920s cabin on the property.

Make reservations by calling 760-852-4580 and for more information on the Ranch House Inn go to www.ranchhouseinn.com.