About
I have been researching, performing, and teaching popular, social, classical, folk, and international dance styles for over 30 years. Trained from early childhood in ballet, jazz, and musical theater, my clients benefit from my lifetime of experience in the dance arts.
I have a B.A. in Dance Ethnology and World Music, an M.A. in East-West Psychology, and have worked as a professional performing artist and teacher for 20 years. I teach cultural dance history courses at College of Marin and consult for creative projects. I train professional artists as well as casual dancers in many forms; including swing, salsa, ballroom, wedding dances, belly dance, and traditional dance from around the world.
I love teaching and bringing more joy, playfulness, beauty, connection, and well-being into people's lives through movement and music. I am passionate about inspiring women to love their bodies and express themselves through movement, and encouraging men to learn social dance so they can feel more confident on the dance floor. I have deep appreciation for all forms of dance and feel lucky I get to do this for a living.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After finding out what the client's goals are we schedule a time and location to meet. I will send a link to scheduling options. Usually lessons are held at a studio in central San Rafael unless we decide to meet elsewhere.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.A. Dance Ethnology and World Music
M.A. East-West Psychology
Training in somatic therapy, and 30+ years of training and experience in a wide breadth of dance styles and techniques
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$85 per private lesson (60 minutes) for singles and couples. Discounts available for packages. Please inquire.
Book me for group lessons and dance parties!
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching dance in my teens, so I have over 20 years of teachning experience. In the beginning I was teaching technique and choreography in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater. Later when I pursued cultural dance as an undergraduate, I started teaching folkloric and traditional Arabic and Persian dance. In 2005 I founded a youth multicultural arts education program called DanceVersity in Berkeley CA where I taught most of the classes and managed a youth performance ensemble. Later I was on faculty at the Afsaneh Art & Culture Society, teaching Persian dance to the Iranian community.
Currently I offer classes and workshops to women through The Scheherazade School of Sacred Movement, teaching dance history lecture courses through College of Marin Community Ed, teach weekly belly dance classes at Body Vibe Studio and the JCC in San Rafael, teach social dance (swing, salsa, ballroom) and coach wedding couples and their families.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages! I've taught dance fundamentals to very young children, ran programs for elementary and middle school kids, trained pre-professional and professional teen and adult dancers, and have years of experience teaching belly dance fitness to women in their 70's. Currently my main focus is working with adult women, but I love teaching all ages.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I get so much joy out of teaching! Recently I taught a workshop to women on the art and practice of whirling, and the delight they were experiening in learning this powerful technique and connecting with one another warmed my heart. The experience reinforced for me that in times of stress it is so important to come together and dance.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Consider the depth of knowledge and training a teacher has. Also consider her or his approach to the material and if it is in alignment with what you are looking for.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask yourself the following questions: What attracts me to this particular form of dance or movement? Is there an issue I'm struggling with that I think dance might help me explore? Am I looking for physical fitness? Do I want to feel more at ease in my body? Do I want to learn the dance of a particular culture? Do I want to have more fun? In short, what are your three main goals or intentions?