I have been dancing consistently for more than 25 years. Ballet, the foundation for all my dancing, was done ages 4 through 15. Then came hip hop, lyrical and modern dance when I joined the high school dance team. By the time I hit 18, I was strictly doing modern dance… and was fortunate enough to have done several performances with Maria Rendina Frantz (based out of the Erick Hawkins technique) while going to school and living in Santa Barbara from 1995-2004. It was there that I discovered bellydance at a Middle Eastern concert. I was so captivated by the costumes, diversity of movement, and the music that I immediately signed up for classes… initially with Bonnie Paul and eventually with Alexandra King. Their enthusiasm and knowledge was the catalyst for my passion of bellydance; my appreciation for the wide range of styles, music, and most especially, the fact that anyone (male and female of all ages and sizes!) can belly dance.

I discovered Tribal Fusion belly dance in 2005 through classes with Ayse Cerami and began dancing with the Sisterhood Dance Collective (now known as Wild Routes). I found tribal to be edgy, ultra-fun, and noncompetitive; in fact, extremely communal and supportive. What's more, I found Tribal Fusion to be a great counterpart for my Cabaret background. Both styles have much to offer and despite the differences, fit my personal style.

I taught foundational movements of bellydance from 2005-2009. Just recently I've decided to put teaching on hold. After teaching for the last three years and directing my own student troupe "Dahab", I've decided that it's time for me to turn my focus to other things:

• The Weathervane Arts haflas are a labor of love between the planning, coordinating, cleaning, and performing - but worth every minute! They seem to be taking a life of their own now as well, with workshops, vendors, themes, and live music! I have the pleasure of hosting extremely talented dancers and musicians while at the same time offering a fun and safe environment for students and amateur bellydancers to take to the stage.
  
• I've also joined forces with two of my favorite dancers and past Nataraja-troupe mates, Michaella Manning and Khani Zulu. We've formed Medianoche (pronounced "meh-thyah-NOH-cheh") - blending the beauty and earthiness of tribal fusion belly dance with modern, lyrical, cabaret, and other ethnic dance influences. Our first performance will be in early 2010 at our own multi-visual arts show, Zulu Lounge which will be held quarterly at Boardners in Hollywood.
• Growing Weathervane Arts, the business started by my husband and myself in 2008. My marketing experience in higher academic publishing seems more and more applicable to our everyday lives. Having been approached for help from other dancers, I am opening the door for marketing consultation! The photography and graphic design aspect of the business is also more in demand, so I'm helping my husband, Lee Corkett with his increasing workload and paperwork!