CHRISSY OHLINGER / Special to the PVT Deja Mitchell leads participants through several tribal African movements in rhythm to bongo drums. CHRISSY OHLINGER / Special to the PVT Tonya Jaynes traveled to Tecopa from Los Angeles to drum for the Tecopa event. Advertisement

Saturday, May 3, a dozen dancers and several drummers passed a rhythmic afternoon on a grassy plain under sandstone formations and date palms swaying in the breeze.

Deja Mitchell led the group in traditional African dance moves accompanied by tribal drums at the African Dance and Drum Retreat in Tecopa last weekend.

Some visitors were from Southern California and some were local residents from Pahrump.

As a laid-back event, participants enjoyed the energy of the surrounding landscape and the ethnic movements. Young and old alike joined in the fun.

Everyone got a work out, but the experience was much more than just aerobic. The spirituality of the dance came from the earthy tribal movements and the location in Tecopa which has mystical properties.

The event wasn't just for dancers. Three people came to Tecopa just to drum. Tonya Jaynes traveled from Los Angeles to drum when coordinator Daisy Mitchell called and asked if she was interested.

"I love the desert and mystical places, so I said 'sure,'" said Jaynes. Daisy Mitchell noted that the dances absolutely would be open to those who wished to participate by drumming.

The event was hosted by the Ranch House Inn and Hostel in China Ranch, Daisy Mitchell plans on hosting the event at least twice a year, on the equinox.

The equinox is a spiritual time of year that represents balance. It can signify inner harmony or synchronization between body and earth. The weather is fantastic in Tecopa in the spring and the fall, so it is a perfect time to hold African dances.

After the afternoon dance session, the group broke for dinner, but reunited for a bonfire dance and drum in the desert night. Coming through the date palms, dancers arrived at a small clearing where they "All joined forces and created a fire together. It was very ceremonial," according to Daisy Mitchell.

Everyone had the opportunity to try their hand at drumming before Deja Mitchell taught the group the last new dance: a traditional full moon seduction dance.

Needless to say, all of the visitors were mesmerized by the desert night, rhythm and energy during their stay in Tecopa.