I have been studying dance, music and cultures of places in and near the Middle East since 1998. It all started in Seattle, when Susan Evans introduced me to Greek/American Classic bellydance and Greek folk dancing. Since then I have studied bellydance primarily with Amelia Moore, various traditional dances with Helene Eriksen, and Iranian/Persian dance with Heather Rastovac. I have also studied with other local and international instructors in a variety of different dance forms from Europe, Central and Western Asia (Middle East), Northern Africa and Latin America. I have also traveled to Istanbul to study Turkish dance and music.
A love of movement and a desire to be a better teacher led me to become a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the American Council on Exercise in 2005.
I have been a performer/member of Circle Bellydance Theatre, Helene Eriksen’s Traditional Dance Theater, Delshodeh Dance Ensemble, and Zenzi Burlesque (as Coco Canela).
In 2010 my student troupe, Bahar, will be transforming from a student ensemble into a semi-professional bellydance troupe. This is very exciting for me because now I get to perform with these wonderful women, as well as direct the ensemble.
I love learning new things and plan on continuing my education in dance, music, movement and performance my entire life.
