Belly Dancing/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am a fulltime, professional Belly Dance Performer & Instructor. I can answer questions about Middle Eastern dance. I can discuss topics such as technique and history, performing, music, props, costumes and more! I will not answer questions about the misconceptions about this dance of a sexual nature.

Experience in the area

I am, literally, a life-long dancer, having studied dance in its many forms since the age of 3. My college degree was in theater arts from Rutgers University. I have studied with a myriad of well known belly dance master instructors (all listed on my website... www.IDreamOfGia.com )and I continue to study with teachers from around the world. I have extensive performance experience and teach group and private classes in Northern NJ and the NY Metro area.

Publications

"The Hip Circle" "Jareeda" "Bella Online"

Education/Credentials

I have studied with master teachers from all over the US and the Middle East, I have a degree in Theater Arts from Rutgers University and continue to study and increase my knowledge and ability through private sessions, workshops and master classes.

Awards and Honors

Voted NJ's Favorite Belly Dance Teacher by NJBellydanceing.org 2009 Oasis Honors "Cleopatra" Division 2008 Performing Arts Awards (various) Mustang Medalion (NJ)

What do you like about this subject?

This dance is my life's blood, my passion, my work and my world! This dance is about the dancer's expression of her life, her loves, her heartache, her joy! I live to perform, but also find great joy in teaching others to express themselves through dance!

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I am a life-long student and will be for the rest of my life. This dance is as much about the exploration of technique and Middle Eastern Culture as it is about the exploration of each dancer's own soul...

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

The mysteries of this dance unfold to each individual in its own time... It is danced by women all over the Middle East, not just in Arabic countries, but in Israel, Turkey and Greece!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

There is a very old, time worn misconception in the USA that this dance is one of seduction and about women-pleasing-men. It is not. The dance is beautiful, artist expression of emotion through music and movement and, while sensual in the most pure sense, is not and should not be viewed or performed as something that is sexual or lurid.