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!