Artist's Statement
"The simple truth: I love this dance, and I love the community that grows around it"
The reason I chose to teach this dance was because I wanted to be part of building a community here in Seattle around this beautiful, powerful, transformative art form that is tribal bellydance. And with the help and enthusiasm of students and fellow teachers alike, we have created just that together, and have reached far beyond the geography of one city to reach people around the world with the joy and empowerment this dance brings to our lives. I believe the core of tribal bellydance is not only based in our strength and technique as dancers, but also in our creative spirit and sense of connectedness with fellow dancers in our community and around the globe. I am excited by opportunities to help to guide other women on a path to their own artistic expression. I hope you will be inspired to join us.Click here to read more about my training...
My Training
"I have been blessed to train with some of the most talented and successful instructors and performers in the bellydance world, each leaving their indelible mark upon my teaching and creative instincts..."I began with American Cabaret and folkloric studies, as tribal was not as widespread when I began. I was encouraged early and often to explore the many facets of this dance form, a philosophy which I continue to carry with me to this day, as a fusion dancer at my core.
My road to becoming a tribal bellydance teacher began with the support and generosity of Paulette Rees-Denis of Gypsy Caravan in Portland, OR. I told her that I admired the community she had created in Portland, and I wanted to create that in Seattle. I humbly (and fearfully!) asked if she would teach me. She took me under her wing as her first teacher training program guinea pig, where I learned so much--not only about technique, but also about working with people and being a strong and encouraging mentor. I certified as a Gypsy Caravan Instructor in 2001, and also returned for more training over the years. Paulette has always been a great supporter and mentor to me, and I am grateful for this path of teaching dance she inspired me to walk upon.
After 6 years of teaching primarily Gypsy Caravan style, I decided to expand on my teacher training, and pursued General Skills, and two levels of teacher training from Carolena Nericcio of FatChance Bellydance in San Francisco, CA. Carolena is the original creator of American Tribal Style Bellydance and continues to nurture and innovate this dynamic interpretation of bellydance. Coming to the "raw source" of group improvisational bellydance via Carolena instigated a significant shift in my teaching and performance style, which continues to be reflected in my work today as a certified ATS instructor.
"Carolena's openness and encouragement throughout the training, and continued thoughtful support today, is such a boon to my dance life."In 2009 I had the rare opportunity to study with Jamila Salimpour, the grandmother of tribal style. This was an opportunity to visit a historical snapshot of bellydance in America from the 50's through the 70's, the foundation upon which the many branches of American bellydance as we know it today was built. I joyfully accepted Jamila's Level 1 certification teaching, and infused both my improvisational and choreographed work with these delicious details.
Each of these instructors has had a distinct impact on my understanding of bellydance, which guides how I choose to interpret the art in my classes and performance. I gratefully integrate each of their influences into my work, allowing me to develop a unique teaching and performing style which is a reflection of my experiences, as a conduit of their creativity and generous spirit as teachers and innovators. I am so grateful to each and every one of them for the gifts they have given me.
Career Highlights
- ATS Teacher Certified by Carolena Nericcio, FatChance Bellydance
- Gypsy Caravan Teacher Certified by Paulette Rees-Denis
- Co-director of inFusion Tribal Bellydance: 2001-2010
- Director: Nomaditude - Tribal Bellydance with Attitude (2006-present)
- Nominated Instructor of the Year, Zaghareet Magazine
- Contributor: "Tribal Tales" (Rees-Denis, Cultivator Press)
- Featured instructor and performer at Cues & Tattoos 2007, 2008, 2009
- Featured instructor at Tribal Revolution2011
- Featured instructor at Tribal Dreams Festival 2010
- Featured instructor at Tribal Revolution 2009
- Featured instructor at 3rd Coast Tribal 2007
- Featured instructor and performer at Tribal Fest 2005, 2007, 2009
- Guest Instructor at "Ancient Echoes of Tribal Bellydance" Retreat 2006
- Founder and Co-producer of Hafla Durga (2005-2008)
- Featured instructor and performer at Tribal Quest Northwest 2005
- Director: Shaia Tribe Wild Tribal Bellydance (2001-2005)
- Goddess Squad: Co-director (2001-2003)
- Guest Instructor (2001, 2002)
- Contributor to The Tribal Bible
- Founder of TribalBellydance.org, online resource
- Founder of Tribal Dance Web Ring
- Co-Producer of Hafla Shaqiq 2001-2004
For more information on on my tribal bellydance classes, or to inquire about hosting me for a workshop in your area, contact me at info@deeprootsdance.com.
Beyond Dance
Writing"As a child, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, one of the first answers I ever had was "an author" (the other was "an actress"!)."
I was always reading and writing as a child, and to this day I really enjoy expressing myself in the written word. Of course my blog is one way I get to write regularly, but my writings can also be found in various other places.
I have had the honor of being published in several magazines, books, and online 'zines, exploring my thoughts and opinions on bellydance and beyond. For several years I was the author of the column "Of The Tribe", which was a feature in the widely distributed tribal bellydance journal Caravan Trails. I was a contributing author for The Tribal Bible by Kajira Djoumahna, and was also asked to contribute to Tribal Vision by Paulette Rees-Denis.I also maintain an informational site devoted entirely to tribal bellydance, www.tribalbellydance.org, for which I am always seeking additional contributors. Please pop over and mail me your thoughts and ideas to share with the community!
Design
Over the years I was primary designer and code-monkey for all my web pages, business cards, and marketing efforts. I have learned a lot about what it means to be a struggling artist trying to promote themselves in a world of constant media immersion. Before long, people were asking me to create their web pages and marketing materials, and from that grew my side business as a web and graphic designer.You can see a collection of some of my design work here. And if you are looking for some help creating a new web page, business cards or postcards, or other promotional materials, please mail me anytime.
Personal
"When I am not dancing, I am blessed to spend my time with my best friend--my wonderfully loving and supportive husband, Chris" We enjoy geeking out together over computers and tech, video games, and movies, and we love getting the chance to throw parties and entertain friends at our home whenever possible. We are thrilled to play loving auntie and uncle to our friends' beautiful children, and though we choose not to have children of our own right now, we dote on our two dogs (furkids!), Gretchen and Loki, who we completely adore.
