New Class Announcement

I have some exciting news this week! A new class:

The response to our new Belly Dance Basics class at Better Together Dance Theatre in Belmont has been so positive that we’re able to add an additional class. Dancers who have some beginning steps under their coin belts are welcome to join us for Intermediate Belly Dance!

This class can accommodate a wide range of experience levels, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about joining. We’d love to have you.

We’ll start November 1st!

The Belly Dance Basics class is ongoing and you can join that one anytime. We meet Thursdays 6-7PM.

I hope to see you in class :).

New Dance With Me Video!

Hello Dancers!

I’m excited to add a new video to my Dance With Me series. This is a choreographed routine that uses some of our basic movements that we’ve been learning in the beginning classes. I hope you enjoy dancing to it if you get a few free minutes :)

Please let me know in the comments if you find these helpful, or if there is anything you’d like to see in a future video.

Happy Dancing!

The Art of Belly Dance Improvisation

I’m honored to guest blog today over at the site of Vancouver’s lovely Ashley Rhianne. Ashley asked me to write about a subject so dear to my heart: belly dance improvisation. Click over to read why improvisation is important and relevant to dancers, and to pick up a few tips to get you started if you haven’t been taught to dance this way.

Read the post here and let us know what you think!

Improvisation is something I teach in all my classes, from beginning through professional levels. I also offer private coaching in person and via Zoom to dancers who may be experienced with choreography but aren’t sure where to start with improv. Contact me to learn more or set up a time to meet.

Virtual Belly Dance Show!

Hello Dancers,

I’ve got some exciting performance news today. I’m thrilled to be part of virtual belly dance show premiering this weekend that celebrates the belly dance scene as it developed in the United States. This style is referred to today as ‘American Cabaret’ or AmCab for short, hence the name if the show, It’s AmCab Baby!

Both my mother and my aunt were professional belly dancers in the Bay Area during this period, and so I grew up loving it and am absolutely thrilled to be part of the show.

My mom, who danced under the name Yamah.

My aunt, who danced under the name Bahiga

For the virtual show I chose a costume skirt that was made for me in the 1990s by Anna of Universal Imports, the shop where my mom bought many of her costuming supplies in the 1970s! I loved going there when I was little.

There are many gorgeous dancers in the show to celebrate this era, including Julia, the dancer featured on the cover of this classic album by John Bilezikjian. They are both legends of American belly dance and Julia will be dancing to the late John’s music for her from this album in her performance.

If you’d like to join us for the show, tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. You can chose to watch the premiere on Zoom, or you have a week to watch on YouTube.

Fall Classes Starting in Belmont 8/26

Hello Dancers!

Online Registration is OPEN for my Belly Dance Basics class at Better Together Dance Theatre in Belmont. We start next Thursday, 8/26 at 6PM.

Better Together Dance Theatre is a beautiful new studio in Belmont. Their mission is to build community through the arts and I am really proud to be part of their staff.

Remember you don’t need any dance experience, special clothing or to have any specific body type to start belly dance class. Come as you are and you will love it :).

See you soon!