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 several 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, N.Z & Asia. 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 a dancer/choreographer & performer.
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 ATS?
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 ATS?
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!
Any other dance passions?
For sure! I am inspired by many different styles & have taken
classes in a variety of styles. All of our choreographies will have
an ATS base but likewise many will be influenced by Flamenco or
Classical Indian [my personal favs!] but may also include Classical
Egyptian, contemporary or even Ballet! I really feel that for us
having a strong ATS base has helped us create beautiful lines in out
body & movement not matter what we are playing with.
I have also been having fun with
teaching the new "Pot Luck Specialty Class" where students will get
to experience & play with some of these different ideas
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, Amy Winehouse, Betty Davis. (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 continue working with everyone in
Ghawazi Caravan as I think I am the luckiest teacher around to
have such a talented, dedicated & nice bunch of gals to work
with. Each & everyone of them inspire me. I would also like to
work with other musicians & dancers & creating & growing
together. I guess I still want to see how far I can take it but
determined to have a damm good time while doing it!
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