Every time Nanna travels to Albuquerque, I have beaten a sequined trail to her class. She is one of those instructors who encourages a relaxing, gentle stretch for the warm up. Then works on cardio & stamina, technique, and using the movements in combination with the music. Always felt like I've made progress after her classes. A stellar performer & instructor, well worth a dancer's time.

Thank-you Flo for bringing her to Albuquerque again.

Amaya's 2008 Shake & Bake happened last weekend. The featured performer was Ava Fleming of Arizona. Not knowing a thing about her, searched youtube without success. Still curious I volunteered, with a girlfriend, to check other dancers in for the class. Ava was so informative. She sat everyone down and gave a talk on the lineage of belly dance. From it's beginning in the U.S., to where it's diverged into ATS & fusion in it's variations. How each generation has varied from the next, yet... read more

A girlfriend sent a web address, pronouncing, “Look what I found!” Put on a pot of tea, while the site is loading.

It was my first dance instructor’s web site. Found myself smiling, thinking, “Holy Smokes! She looks fantastic!!” Clicking through her gallery, there was one of her & my second instructor side by side. The photos obviously taken at a competition, one or the other holding a trophy, plaque, or ribbon.

Then it dawns, next year I will be old enough to dance in the same ... read more

Over the years I've been blessed with opportunities to perform for governors, famous & historical individuals, and lovely families who invited me to share special moments in their lives. Been showered with ridiculous amounts of cash for those performances & have a wonderful portfolio of memories.

After much reflection of where I am in my life, decided being paid for my performances isn't important anymore. I've done that, been there, bought gorgeous costumes with the proceeds.

I be... read more

Amaya asked if I would like to be a featured dancer for July's Hafla. Had so much fun watching the last one, I accepted. Spent a month listening to music. 1535 songs later (not joking), seriously concerned, still no music. E-mailed one of my best friends, who rendered sage advice, "Find a song that makes you smile and laugh, and don't take this too seriously."

It's five, the show is at six. Still no music. Draped over my yoga ball thinking this is a Shakespearean mystery "But h-o-w... read more