I began belly dancing solely for exercise in September 2001 - completely "from scratch" - at age 38. Although I never imagined I would perform, I found myself doing my first solo performance in public after about a year and half of instruction and knew the moment I stepped off the stage that this was something I wanted to pursue!

That same year I took part in a community theater production of Jesus Christ Superstar - as a belly dancer. Following the run of the play I performed fairly frequently at various restaurants in the Valley: Greekfest, Olympic Flame, Shahrzad and Urban Café. I then spent three years as a house dancer at Sinbad in Tempe while also dancing occasionally at other restaurants: Café Istanbul, Persian Room, Aladdin Café, Mekan, Café Sahara and Efes Turkish. I estimate I’ve performed somewhere in the area of 1,000 shows including private parties and wedding receptions!

I’ve been blessed to be able to study with many fine instructors: Samia, Yasmina, Helena Vlahos, Morgianna, Meena and Mahin. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend workshops with Carrie Kohnya, Ava Fleming, Fahtiem, Margo Abdo O’Dell, Makara, Zaina Hart and Jillina (a Bellydance Superstar!) With belly dance, you will never have "learned it all." I continue to take lessons and workshops from different dancers whenever I get the chance.

Sometimes we have no idea what is in store for us when we take on a new project. I continue to meet interesting people and have fantastic experiences as a result of bringing this art form into my life!

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