Professional Profile

Providing an exciting dance education experience and performance preparation in a fun, friendly atmosphere utilizing over thirty years of training and professional experience.

v         Twelve years training/performing with Amira, of Wichita, Kansas covering a wide range of styles and cultures.

v         Three years training/performing as a professional storyteller.

v         Dedicated to teaching Middle Eastern dance to women eager for physical and emotional well being.

 

Education and Awards

Education

v         1974-Present:  Training/performing in a variety of dance styles, including:

·          Ballet

·          Jazz

·          Modern

·          Tap

v         1974-Present:  Training/performing in a variety of theater disciplines, including:

·          Classical and modern theater

·          Improvisational theater

·          Mime theater

·          Music theater

·          Reader’s theater

·          Storytelling

v         1993-Present:  Training/performing with Amira, of Wichita, KS. Dance styles covered include:

·          Tahitian

v         ote’a (rapid dancing with no story)

·          Hawaiian

v         hula ‘ala ‘apapa (ancient drama hula)

v         hula ‘auana (modern day hula)

v         hula hapa haole (Western hula)

v         hula kuhi lima (hula done only with the hands)

v         hula mea pa’ahana (hula using implements)

v         hula kahiko (ancient, ceremonial or prayerful hula) with and without mele (sacred chanting)

·          Gypsy

v         Spanish

v         North African

v         basic Mediterranean

v         Gypsy Fusion

·          Middle Eastern

v         Lebanese

v         Turkish

v         Egyptian

v         Moroccan

v         Tunisian

v         Saudi

v         Libyan/North African

v         folk and modern forms

v         many fusion styles

v         1994-Present:  Countless dance workshops throughout the United States.

v         2001-Present:  Countless storytelling workshops and seminars.

 

Awards

v         1991:  Founding board member of Derby Community Theater

v         1991:  Best Actress in a Comedy, Derby Community Theater

v         1994:  Most requested speaker and tour guide for the United Way Campaign on behalf of the Wichita Children’s Home

 

Experience

Performance History

v         With Derby Community Theatre and Wichita Community Theater:

·          1991-Present: performed in and worked backstage on several productions.

v         With Amira Dance Productions:

·          1993-2003:  Kansas Newman College Renaissance Faire

·          1993-Present:  Amira Dance Magic

·          1994-2004:  Wichita River Festival, various venues

·          1995-Present:  Multiple dance-a-grams

·          1995-Present:  Multiple command performances, various venues

·          1995-2002:  Lion’s Annual Pancake Supper

·          1996-1999:  Kansas City Renaissance Festival

·          1997:  Benefit for the American Cancer Society

·          1997-1998:  Sedgwick County Zoo “Night of the Living Zoo”

·          1998:  Midnight Magic on the Orient Express (Wichita Children's Home New Year's Eve benefit)

·          2000-Present:  Great Plains Renaissance Faire

·          2000-Present:  Wrangler’s Multi-Cultural Event

·          2002-2004:  Chinese New Year

·          2002:  Earth Day “Procession of the Species”

·          2002:  Sedgwick County Zoo Multicultural Day

·          2002-Present:  Theatre Tech Productions of Kansas City, MO

·          2003-Present:  Monthly performances at N&J Café

·          And countless other venues

v         2001-Present:  Professional Storyteller, various venues

v         2003:  “Amani of the Desert” presented by The Wichita Belly Dance Event

 

Teaching History

v         2001-Present:  Artist in Residence, arts education for Wichita Arts Partners

v         2004-Present:  Beginning Middle Eastern Dance, Amira Dance Productions

 

Related Performing Arts Talents:

 

v         Costuming:

·          1993-Present:  Design and construction of many styles of my own dance costumes.

v         Stage Craft:

·          1980-Present:  Experience with a variety of stage craft disciplines including:

v         Costume design and construction

v         Directing

v         Hair and make-up design and application

v         Playwriting

v         Properties construction and management

v         Set design and construction

v         Stage management

 

 

Professional Affiliations

Member of the National Storytelling Network