Belly Dance is my joie de vivre! I've studied the art for over twelve years, including the historical and cultural aspects of the dance. Arab dress, costuming and ornamentation are especially intriguing to me.
I am the Artistic Director of Boheme. We focus primarily on tribal style, including ATS, but enjoy performing and studying other forms of Middle Eastern Dance as well. Boheme enjoys exploring the creative aspects of belly dance, as well as the traditional.
I'm now teaching Tribal Style at FIRE, an old refurbished firehouse. It is a non-profit, historical and cultural arts collaborative, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. You can check out the venue at http://www.thisisfire.com.
Sabrina Parshall is my primary teacher. She's been a huge influence on my technique and expression. Her classes are always fun and challenging! I also take lessons with Chicago's Stephanie Barto of Read My Hips. She is THE pioneer of tribal style dance in the Midwest! Other dancers I've studied with or taken workshops from include Carolena Nerrico, Mardi Love, Amy Sigil, Zoe Jakes, Kami Liddle, Heather Stants, Paulette Rees Denis, Megha Gavin, Moria Chappel, Ariellah, Amel Tafsout, Morocco, Zafira, Masami and Yumi of Japan, Heidi of Domba, Karim Nagi, Aida al Adawi, Kajira Djoumahna, Nourhan Sharif, Lala Hakim, Romka, Conchi, Yasmina Amal, Blue Lotus Tribe, Jenabah, TechnoTrance BellyDance, Crystal Dunlap, Princess Madiha, Jessica of Detroit, Na'imah, Joette Sawall, Sarah Mayne and Kim Johnson. Watch for this list to be ever expanding, as I look forward to learning as much as possible from as many teachers as possible.
My dance partner is Khaled - who, coincidentally, happens to be my sweetie! It's amazing to have someone so close to share one of my favorite passtimes. It has also been highly educational to learn Middle Eastern Dance from the male perspective. In about a year or so, after our wedding, Khaled and I plan to move to the west coast to further immerse ourselves in the American belly dance scene.
I also host events, including gala show fundraisers and workshops. Over $1,000 has been raised at my events for heating assistance through WeCare's Warm Your Heart project! I hope to soon start a series of free skill shares with instructors from all over the Great Lakes region! I look forward to having the chance to bring together Michigan's Middle Eastern Dance community. There are a lot of talented and friendly people in the area that could only benefit from getting to know each other.
