Odessa~long journey; full of wrath or angry man; "When I learned that Odessa is a sea port city off the Black Sea it pulled at my heartstrings. Armenia is across that sea! I've also learned that an ancient Greek colony had once occupied this area and the Greek meaning of Odessa is "long journey", very appropriate for my journey in dance."
BECAME A GYPSY IN: January 2004
DANCE BACKGROUND: My background is much less a professionally trained one as it is more hand-me-down. Thank you, Mireeg, for dancing and singing with me when you had the time. I'm so glad we're still doing it! My mom did sign me up in jazz when I was about 13 but Karate (Northern Kung-Fu) became my passion soon after for several years.
YEARS DANCING: Does making your parents sit on the couch to watch made-up routines that you forced your sister to participate in count? How about grabbing the family stereo and hooking it up to a mile long extension cord so you can use the driveway as a stage? If so than I've been dancing since I was about 5. Middle Eastern style going on 12 years.
INTRODUCED TO MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE BY: My oldest son's Aunt Jaye gifted my first set of dance sessions for my b-day in 1997. This is when I met Layla, my awe inspiring transport into this world I shall never leave.
FAVORITE STYLE OF BELLY DANCE: This is a tough question as my favorite has evolved and is still continuing to do so. I think the only thing that I've consistently carried with me is my love for folk. I'm half-Armenian and so the traditional wedding and celebration dances as well as the line dancing is something I'll always cling to. I have been incredibly lucky to be exposed to many different styles from such masters as: Cassandra Shore 2002 and 2003 (Folkloric and Raks Sharqi), Katia - Oasis Dance Camp 2002 (Nubian), Gendi - Oasis Dance Camp 2003 (Mawri), Dalia Carella - Oasis Dance Camp 2003 (Indian/Bollywood and Flamenco), Suzanna Del Vecchio Dance Retreat 2005 (Arabic Fusion), Alexandra King Workshop 2006 (Traditional), Rachel Brice Workshop 2006 (Tribal Fusion), Talia Workshop 2007 (Egyptian), Carolena Nericcio and Megha Gavin Workshop 2007 (American Tribal Style). I also enjoy traditional African dances and have a huge respect for Capoeira (Brazilian Martial Arts created by African slaves and masked as a dance). One of the reasons Halima has been such a huge influence in my life is her retention for what she calls "Gypsy Fusion".
STRENGTH: I feel that my stage presence though still needs work, is a strong point of mine, thanks in large to my beautiful mother. I'm rigorously working to improve my zills and drum technique as well, thanks to the wonderful support from my drummer husband. Percussion just does something to my Self.
WEAKNESS: I feel that my weakest area is my physical flexibility. I also feel that my lack of professional training comes through at times where our ballet and jazz trained troupe members flourish.
EMBARRASSING MOMENT: Well, we all have them. It was my first opportunity to perform with my sister-in-law in the audience. My sister and I were invited to do a quick intermission set for our dear late friend Art of Ferenczy. The little performance was caught on tape and later while viewing it I realized that I did the entire performance with the back of my choli untied!
FAVORITE PERFORMANCE: I have had many and for different reasons, but whenever I get to perform with Little Armenia, whether it's a good performance or not, I am overcome with joy to be joined with Araylia and Sirana in movement.
PASSION FOR DANCING: Nothing can compare to the exhilarated feeling I experience when, as a troupe, we find that magic moment where all movement and energy become one... where nothing else matters but the music and the vibration from the soul.
OCCUPATION WHEN NOT DANCING: I am an account rep for LanSchool, a local software company; and a mother of 3 incredible little people.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS: my 3 incredible little people, beadwork, calligraphy, henna design, art