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| Teachers Alyssa / Amanda / Ashley / Carolina / Dakini / Farima / Hala / Jena / Saida / Selvi / Terre / Valeria |
Alyssa Lichtenstein Zumba A certified Zumba instructor in Levels One and Two, Alyssa enjoys the diversity and high energy of Zumba. With a background in a variety of dances including salsa and Caribbean, she also dances and performs with Samba Mundial, a local samba school. When she is not dancing, she is an artist and a fashion, textile, and costume designer. For more information, please email alyssa.lichtenstein@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 AmandaNear Eastern Dance: Bellydance and Beyond Amanda has over 15 years experience studying and performing Near Eastern Dance, preceded by 19 years studying Classical Ballet. She was a member of Alexandra King's Seher Dance Ensemble for five years, and performed extensively throughout California as a Folkloric Dancer with the UCSB Middle East Ensemble. Amanda has been a member of San Francisco's Hahbi'Ru Dance Ensemble since 1999. She also performed Turkish folk dance with the Yore Folk Dance Ensemble from 2003 through 2006, Algerian dance with Danse Mahgreb in 2004 and 2005, and Bollywood Dance with Naach Duniya from 2006 to 2008. Since 2005, she has performed extensively as a soloist throughout the Bay Area, including performances at the SF/BA MECDA Galas in 2006 and as an invited instructor and performer at the MECDA Hafla in August 2008. Amanda is co-owner of Halanda Studio. Amanda specializes in Oriental dance (Bellydance) and Turkish dance styles, including Turkish Oryantal, Folk, and Romani Dance. She is accomplished in Oriental, folkloric, and classical dance styles from throughout the Near Eastern world -- from North Africa to the Levant, from Turkey to Central Asia. Her dance style is traditional, but often includes modern music and always a sense of fun. For more information, please visit Amanda's website: www.AmandaDancer.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Ashley López Tribal Basics, Tribal Fusion and Yoga and Core Ashley López has been studying bellydance for several years and is a passionate instructor and performer. Her stylistic influences come from the heart of San Francisco in American Tribal Style (ATS) and Tribal Fusion. She has studied with Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Kami Liddle, Carolena Nericcio, and others. She enjoys combining her knowledge of Jazz Dance, Hip-Hop, Flamenco, Salsa, Modern Dance and Yoga in her choreography and performance. She is a certified group fitness instructor and teaches Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Bellydance full-time. In addition to teaching, performing and constantly learning more, she takes great pride in creating her own costumes and collecting antique ethnic jewelry. Ashley López has trained in Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Pilates. She has been a certified group fitness instructor since 2003 and teaches other formats such as Zumba and bellydance. Ashley has been studying bellydance since 2004 and is currently a professional belly dancer and Polynesian dancer with Orchid Belly Dance and SF Hula. For more information, please visit Ashley's website: www.ashleylopezbellydance.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 Carolina LugoFlamenco Director-Dancer-Choreographer-Master Teacher, Carolina Lugo is widely regarded as one of the most gifted Flamenco-Spanish dance artists of her generation. Carolina is a master of the castanets and Spanish dance. Her music video of her castanet interpretation of "Leyenda", is shown on the nationally broadcast show, Classical Arts Showcase. Carolina has dedicated herself over the last ten years to preserving the lineage of artistry of La Argentina, Antonio Triana, Luisa Antonio Triana, Lola Montes, Merche Esmeralda, Ciro and Azurin, by teaching the art form of both genres-Flamenco-Spanish dance, to a new generation of artists and dancers. Carolina made her professional debut at the age of 14. She has danced and toured the United States and internationally with leading companies, Lola MontesSpanish Dance Company, Luisa Triana Flamenco Dance Company, Jose Greco, Rosa Montoya Bailes Flamencos and has shared the stage with international Flamenco artists from Spain, such as Genaro Gomez, Cruz Luna, Teodoro Morca and Benito Palacios, performing in major concert halls throughout the United States and internationally as well as with leading symphonies throughout the country. Carolina danced as a guest artist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for multiple seasons at the Hollywood Bowl and was a featured soloist with the Los Angeles Opera in their productions of "Carmen" and "La Traviata" at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Most recently, Ms. Lugo has danced and collaborated on choreographic works with international Flamenco artists from Spain, Manuel Betanzos, Concha Vargas, Antonio Vargas {featured artist in the films "Strictly Ballroom" and "Mission Impossible II"} and Pepa Montes. Carolina received her training in Flamenco, Spanish Dance, Spanish Classical {Escuela Bolero}, Neo-Classical and Regional Dances in Spain from master Flamenco artists such as; Ciro, Luisa Triana, Antonio Vargas, Azurin, Concha Vargas and Pepa Montes and in the USA from Lola Montes, Jose Greco, Teo Morca, Rosa Montoya and Sarah de Luis. She is a world class artist having toured nationally and internationally with leading companies in the USA and abroad and has shared the stage with many international Flamenco artists from Spain and the USA, such as Lola Montes, Jose Greco, Antonio Vargas, Luisa Triana, Teo Morca, Cruz Luna, Pepa Montes, Jesus Montoya and Gino D'Auri, to name a few. Ms. Lugo is a master of the castanets, an integral part of Spanish dance. Her music video of her castanet interpretation of "Leyenda" is shown on the nationally broadcast show "Classic Arts Showcase." For more information, please visit Carolina's website: www.carolinalugo.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Dakini Dance Elemental, Fusion Bellydance, and Bellydance for Seniors Performance Dakini captivates audiences with her spontaneity, charm, and fluidity. Her interpretations are fresh, with a fiery spark, and demonstrate her skills developed over 30+ years of dance experience. She believes in dancing from the heart and letting each live performance evolve in an organic way to fit the audience and the music. Instruction Whether searching for a new avenue of self expression, inspiration to keep away the workout blues, or seriously considering a life path as a dancer, Dakini can help guide you along the way. Dakini’s main focus is on bringing a strong self awareness to the student. Being in touch with your body and how it moves is the first step in letting your own light shine from within. Dakini has studied with many leading instructors including: Helene Eriksen, Aleili, Sharon Moore, Sabura, Dalia Carella, Ansuya Rathor and Alexandra King. Her earlier experiences in western ballet, jazz, tap, and Martha Graham modern dance laid the groundwork for her dance “language.” She has also been exploring Shamanic dance as well as other sacred movement-based expression for personal growth and healing work. To round it all out, Dakini is a practitioner of yoga and has studied Kung Fu / Karate [through USSD] to a mid-degree. Promotion Community serves as a foundation for the arts, and keeping that relationship healthy is of valued importance. Dakini’s involvement has extended into the realm of founding and sponsoring a World music and dance festival in 2006 called DAME Fest. See www.DAMEfest.net for details. She also has a great networking site for artists and arts supporters. Go to her web site: www.DakiniDreams.net, and click on the “Community Forum” link to find out more. Dakini is also a veteran member of the Veils of the Nile dance company, directed by Aleili – see www.aleili.com – which often performs for non-profits and charity benefits. The Veils sponsor a quarterly performance venue in North Bend, WA geared toward encouraging new dancers. Dakini hopes to do similar work here in California. In addition, she is also a 2-time graduate of Helene Eriksen’s year-long training project in Seattle, WA, which has now become “ANAR – Helene Eriksen’s Traditional Dance Ensemble.” See www.helene-eriksen.de. Among the many workshops and special events that Dakini aims to sponsor in our local area will be… Helene’s training project! Please sign up for Dakini’s email list to stay abreast of the latest news on all programs up-and-coming. Email: Dakini[at]DakiniDreams.net or call 425-577-3296. For more information, please visit Dakini's website: www.DakiniDreams.net. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 Farima BerenjiDances of Persia and the Silk Road Farima Berenji holds a B.S. in Health Science/Art History, as well as an M.A. in Anthropology/Archeology with a special emphasis on Egyptian and Mesopotamian Archeology. Farima’s love of dance has led her on an extraordinary life long journey that has taken her throughout the Middle East and to her original birthplace, Iran. Today Farima specializes in dances from the Silk Road (Persia and Central Asia) and the Middle East, as well as Sacred/Sufi Dances, Theater, and Ballet, in all of which she has taken extensive training. She has studied with master teachers in U.S., as well as Iran, Azerbaijan, and Kurdistan. Farima has been a featured soloist and choreographer both in the U.S. and abroad, and has been cast in various international music videos and theater works. Farima also had the privilege of working with the United Nations, and since then, she has done various anthropological research and archeological excavations in Iran and neighboring countries. Some of her theoretical research and publications include: “Wonders of Egypt,” “Nomads of Iran,” “Tribal and Cultural Dance of Iran,” “History of Persian Miniature,” and “History of Persian Script/Literature.” She also had the opportunity to be part of the CSU Hayward and National Geographic research team for extensive research and a documentary project on “Human Genome Project/DNA.” Farima continues her passion by teaching various dance styles, including Persian, Middle Eastern, Folk, Ballet, Theater, as well as teaching Mesopotamian, Persian, and Egyptian History to various dance companies, educational institutions, and community organizations. Farima is currently a principal performer and instructor of Ballet Afsaneh, a professional non-profit performing arts company that presents traditional Central Asian Silk Road region dances, directed by Sharlyn Sawyer. She has been awarded “Instructor of the Year” by Ballet Afsaneh. For more information, please visit Farima's website: www.farimadance.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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HalaMiddle Eastern Bellydance Hala has been dancing to the rhythms and melodies of the Middle East since she was a child in Alexandria, Egypt. She has been praised for her authentic form, elegant style and immaculate rhythms. Captivating audiences with her passion and energy, Hala performs solo and with her troupe. Hala teaches and performs her native dance all over the world. Her dance troupe was selected from over 115 dance companies to represent Middle Eastern dance at the prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 2004. In 2005, she performed with master percussionist Hossam Ramzy in London, England and presented her native art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts in celebration of the King Tut exhibit. In 2006, she was elected the Vice President of the San Francisco bay area chapter of MECDA (Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association). In addition to performing & teaching, she leads dance tours to Egypt, hosts dance workshops by Master Egyptian teachers & provides information, performances and assistance to schools, cultural institutions & web-magazines on the origin and survival of this beautiful art form. She recently jointly opened Halanda Studio, a dance studio in San Jose where she hosts monthly live music open stage parties. For more information, please visit Hala's website: www.haladance.com. |
Jena Inay Inayan System of Eskrima - Self Defense Jena grew up in the Filipino Martial Arts under the training and guidance of her father and uncles. Though Eskrima has always been a part of her life, she really began her training at the age of five and continues today to teach and train. Being the daughter of a founder of a system has provided for a very unique perspective on life and training. It is this perspective that makes her versed as a teacher, and in life. Jena balances her martial arts life with her healing arts practice and knows this gives her a thorough understanding of the body and its capabilities. As a family tradition, Jena teaches with her brother, uncles and brothers in the art in a traditional class in West San Jose. For more information, please call 408-348-6287. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Saida Bellydance for Fun and Fitness For information about Saida, please email wendy@coastside.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 Selvi PragasamBollywood Dance Selvi Pragasam is the Director and Founder of Indian-Fusion Dance Academy. She founded Indian-Fusion Dance Academy in October of 2006. Since then the school has grown rapidly and has a present enrollment of 140 students of all age groups. Dance education and training: Selvi learnt Bharathanatiyam, India's ancient classical dance form, for over 8 years and graduated from the prestigious Kalaikaviri School of Fine Arts, affiliated with Bharathidasan University in Trichy, India.She also learnt Mohiniattam, a classical dance from the state of Kerala. She learnt folk dances of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan. She also learnt western dance styles which she uses to fuse during her modern Bollywood choreographies. Performances and Choreography - India and Europe and US: While still a student she was one of the six selected to represent Kalaikaviri in its performances all over India and Europe. She traveled 6 nations in Europe including Austria, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the Vatican. The highlight of her Europe trip was when her troupe was requested to perform before his excellency, Pope John Paul II. In India she performed in inter-college and inter-university competitions both state level and National level, winning several honors. After moving to the US she was the cultural director of Lehigh Valley Indian Association in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. Her dance school since its opening has performed at various events and won several dance competitions . For more information about Selvi and her school, please visit www.Indian-FusionDance.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 Terre PruittNia Technique Terre Pruitt is a licensed Nia Teacher, White Belt. Terre's past dance experiences include Country Western couples dancing where she and her husband participated in dance competitions. Terre has recently removed her cowboy boots to dance bare foot, the dance and workout that is Nia. Terre is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Council on Strength and Fitness as well as a certified PiYo Instructor. For more information, please visit Terre's website: www.HelpYouWell.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Valeria Soto Salsa and Zumba Valeria Soto was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to an American-Argentinean family. From very little, she liked to dance and sing and she enjoyed moving her body to the music. As she was growing, she took many dance and “Dancercise” classes. At eight, she was a child student and performer at Maria Amuchastegui’s Tap Dance Studio. Later on, she took Contemporary Dance for six years with ballerina Vanina Bagli. She also took classes at Ms. Ana Deutch and Liliana Tasso’s Studio with Ms. Luciana Glanc (contemporary and improvisation), and she was a student at “Casa del Angel" (actress Patricia Palmer's acting and dance studio). She participated in several presentations at those dance studios, as well as at the Armenian Community Theater. She also took poi and fire dancing and "Urban Percussion," where she participated in community shows. Valeria arrived in San Jose a short time ago, and immediately she sought to pursue her dance classes and usual activities. At present she is a student of Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Dance Tech and Lyrical dancing at Studio 10 in Cupertino, and she is also taking Belly dancing at Halanda Studio, where she has been a member of the Karavansaray troupe, with whom she performed at the 29th Annual Rakkasah Festival and on various other occasions. Valeria is taking singing lessons with a prestigious voice teacher, Mr. Carl Franzen, performing with his group of singers in San Jose every month. She has several certificates pending: ACE, AFAA, Zumba, and others. For more information, please contact Valeria at valesotis@gmail.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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