What is your date of birth and where did you grow up?
17th July, 1967. I was born in San Francisco and spent some time there as well as Los Angeles. I have also lived in Hawaii, Fiji and various parts of Sydney. I have been living in the Blue Mountains since 1991.

What do you do for a living?
I am a Conservatorium Accredited piano teacher with an ATCL and LTCL in classical piano. I have been teaching piano since 1981. I have been teaching ATS belly dance since 2000. The classes have grown from 1 to 5 classes per week. I am often asked to give regular private and group classes and workshops for students in and around Sydney as well as interstate. I am also a mother of two.

What about your personal life?
I have a partner Anthony. We have been together since 1986. We have a boy Kalon and a girl Diamanda.

How long have you been dancing?
Since 1996.

What other dance styles have you done?
My first belly dance teacher (and in my eyes always my teacher) Kaiya Seaton taught a variety of different styles including classical and modern Egyptian, Baladi, Sha'abi, Pharonic, and Zaar. I studied Ballet as a child and have dabbled with Flamenco and classical Indian (Odissi style) which I loved. Very structured and challenging!

Learning other belly dance styles before ATS has really helped as a teacher as most people in Australia have started with some other form of belly dance. Often they already know how to execute the basic ATS movements but do it in the way that they are used to. Having done other belly dance styles myself I can show them where the differences lie.

I also enjoy using weights and yoga which I believe help with my ability as a dancer. Using weights has really helped me to execute strong arm movements and the yoga has helped me with my flexibility and suppleness all of which are important aspects of ATS.

How long have you been doing Tribal style?
Since 1999. I went to San Francisco for several months and took as many classes as I could with Carolena Nerricio and the team at FCBD. I've been hooked ever since!

What appeals to you about Tribal?
Everything! The "oneness" in particular. I love how everyone has the same opportunity to lead and follow, to show their strong points and to also know that your fellow dancers will help hide your bad points! I love how it suits all ages and body types. I love the posture and the strong arms presentation. I love the improvising, the zilling and of course the costumes!

What are your hobbies?
Music. I love classical, jazz, funk, gospel. Some of my favourites are War, Chopin, Sly and the Family Stone, Tom Waits, Aretha Franklin, Taj Mahal, The stones, Bowie, Nick Cave, Beethoven and most recently The White Stripes. (the list is so huge I think I better stop!). I love going out dancing (actually I think you can learn a lot this way!) although I don't have much time these days. I love sitting down one on one with friends and philosophising .I also love interior design. (I really am a home body!)

What dancers inspire you?
The belly dance list is too long so I'm going to go with Michael Jackson, John Travolta and of course Fred Astaire.

Where do you see yourself and Ghawazi Caravan in the future?
I would love to see Ghawazi Caravan come up with our own format in ATS. (we are working on it!) But most importantly all friends!