About
Offering weekly online classes, private one-on-one online classes, and in-person workshops and online events teaching Bellydance and Indian Temple Dance...After teaching thousands of dancers from around the globe over the course of my 20 year career, I have developed a unique methodology and approach to belly dance techniqe, the foundation of which is my trade mark style: Muscular Belly Dance Technique (MBDT)! Both feminine and fierce, MBDT synthesizes the intensity and precision that epitomizes Belly Dance Fusion isolations and individualism. My technique and teaching is detailed and progressive, putting you in control of your own body, experiencing control and relaxation of the muscles between the muscles, and allowing you to move using strength and flexibiliy you didn't know you had!
The style of Indian Temple Dance that I teach is called Odissi, and is specific to the Mahari (ancient temple dancers) lineage. A powerful and beautiful women’s dance tradition, the Mahari style of Odissi dance is characterized by the blending of spirituality and sensuousness. This dance form incorporates the concepts of sacred geometry, lasya (meaning "supremely graceful and smooth), and complex footwork to train your body in a layered and intricate discipline. Odissi is considered the Yoga of Dance and comes directly from the temple culture of South Asia.
I have traveled to 52 countries worldwide to research, teach, perform, support, and learn ancient dance. The diaspora of movement from which I select connects ancient dance via modern Muscular Belly Dance Technique to create innovation in movement and an increassed pallete for delving in to creative expression.
Dance is my world. I love to share the artistry and the details that allow people to feel in control of their body to release their creative energy that resides within. For me, nothing is more beautiful than an artist's muscles visibly clothed in the ebb and flow of the various bellydance and temple dance styles. Each persons individual anatomy is uniqye, providing an unending comnbination of shapes, fluidity, and punctuation which allows music to be made visible via the body. I love to facilitate the flowering of a dancer's own symphony of movement under their effort and focus.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I like to know what dance history someone may have, what has been their experience, what do they expect to receive from classes, and what is their favorite method of movement. I also like to know about any past or current injuries or body issues that might affect a dancer's training to better know what might help their specific dance path best.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was the artistic director and a principle dancer for The Bellydance Superstars, an internationally touring dance company, from 2005-2015. I'm currently a principle dancer and instructor for Urvasi Dance Ensemble, a professional dance company under the directorship of Ratna Roy who has received the Parampara Award (recognition of being the lineage holder) of the Mahari method of Odissi Indian Classical Dance. I have been certified as a Yoga Instructor since 2010. I'm the creator of MBDT, Muscular Belly Dance Technique, a unique methodology and approach to belly dance techniqe. And I'm also a pioneer in Fusion dance, bringing together various forms of ancient dances that were once connected via the Spice routes and Silk roads of the ancient world. Most of my experience comes from 20 years of global travel, teaching performing and researching ancinet dance in 52 countries, and headlining 100s of dance festivals and workshop events.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer online class packages that vary depening upon length of class and length of course, and sliding scales are available upon request.
4 class package of 1 hour classes = $70
4 class pachage of 1.5 hour classes = $90
1 time private lesson = $75
4 package of private lessons = $200
Semi-private lessons may be divided by the number of participants.
Group Workshop prices = $200-250/hour
How did you get started teaching?
I have always waited for my teacher to ask me to begin teaching, for bellydance by first teacher asked me to begin teaching in 2004, and for Odissi Temple Dance my teacher asked me to begin teachinbg in 2015
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with all levels of dancer, artist, and person....I've taught absolute beginners with no previous dance experinece, and I've coached and directed professional dancers with very thorough experience and careers. Everyone is welcome no matter age, size, or experience.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who wants to grow the dancer inside of you. Find someone you can trust, who treats you with honor and respect, and make sure they can adjust their teaching style to match your learning needs. Everyone learns differently, so make sure your teacher is open to understanding and learning about your particular needs to best express to you the movements that suit your particular expression.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Always let the teacher know if or when you experience discomfort or pain, or if you have any present or past injuries, surgeries, or body issues that might affect your dance. Let the teacher know what you hope to gain from dance class and describe clearly if you have any specific time frames that need to be met...ie. are you interested in preparing for a performance, establishing a weekly fitness regime, working on a particular kind of movement, or are just here for the joy of movement! Special requests are alwasy welcome, and I truly enjoy when participants ask me detailed questions.