EARLY YEARS

Originally from Los Angeles, I credit my mom for encouraging me to pursue a career in the performing arts. A classical violinist herself, she often took me to see Broadway musicals in Hollywood. Seeing that I was clearly smitten with the arts, she started me in ballet class and piano lessons at age 5.

While studying at The University of California, Berkeley (BA: Women’s Studies/Dance), I widened my dance focus to include Tap, Jazz, Egyptian, Modern and Ethnic Dance. I soon secured my first dance job(s) as a Middle Eastern Belly Dancer in San Francisco nightclubs and member of Khadra International Dance Company.

During this period, I also began working in regional theaters, which rekindled my love for Broadway shows. After my boyfriend and I got married, I permanently shifted my focus to musical theatre, and we moved back to Los Angeles where I could build my career.

LOS ANGELES

Back in L.A., I worked and trained with many inspirational choreographers and directors (e.g. Joe Bennett, Joe Tremaine, Paul Gleason, Paul deRolf, Rob Barron and Michael Shurtleff), and am most honored to have been mentored by the legendary Tap Master, Henry LeTang. His kind influence, impeccable technique and choreography still guides me to this day. I also was very fortunate to have studied with some of our greatest Tap Masters before they died (Danny Daniels, Eddie Brown, Cholly Atkins, Dee Blecker, Steve Condos and Arthur Duncan), who, like Henry, shared both their skills as well as their generous spirit.

Select Early Career Favorites: National Tour(s) of A Chorus Line (Diana Morales), The Rhythm Kings Jazz Orchestra Starring Cab Calloway (Tap/Jazz Dancer); the movie TAP starring Gregory Hines/Sammy Davis Jr., and choreographed by Henry LeTang (Tap Dancer); Regional : The Music Man, Cabaret, Into the Woods, and Company,

SEATTLE

In 1994, we moved back west and settled in Seattle where I soon established myself as a dance teacher and choreographer. I served on the faculty of many ballet conservatories, competition studios, youth theatres, private academies and school districts - teaching and mentoring aspiring young professionals. This led to Guest Teaching Artist invitations (e.g. Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Cornish College of the Arts, Tulsa Ballet), as well as choreography projects for Regional Theatre, dance companies and high school musicals (many of which were recognized at the Canada Symphony of Dance and the Fifth Avenue High School Theatre Awards).

I continued performing regionally, was a contributing writer/actor with a social justice acting company and am most proud to have founded a Comedic Cabaret Company with my dear friend and colleague. We wrote, produced and performed several shows (complete with lyric parody, satire and sketch comedy) in Seattle and San Francisco nightclubs.