I am a dancer and performer who lives in two worlds: Mexico & Canada. I'm also an artist, writer and teacher.

I started dancing, according to my mother, as soon as I could walk and around ages 6-8, would put on improvisational shows for visiting relatives. I can't imagine what that was like for the visiting relatives (groan) but well, I had no inhibitions and plenty of encouragement. However, by the uncomfortable age of about twelve, I stopped improvising. Along with my early, rapid physical development came shyness.

I'm grateful that my parents encouraged me to study gymnastics, baton twirling, swimming and tap dancing, as it did help with the shyness. I secretly yearned to be a ballerina, but my mother drew the line there, fearing it would cripple my young body and feet. (However, she wore 5 inch heels daily and has now had two knee replacements.) So, through gymnastics, sports and plenty of other dance, I gained flexibility, strength and coordination at a young age (which has certainly helped in "older age"!) I realized that dance is everywhere if you seek it out.

Jazz, Latin, Ballroom, even Celtic and Hawaiian, I studied, perfected some and enjoyed them all. But when I came to know Belly Dance much later on, I truly felt"at home". Who knew? It was a magical transformation . . . something that I didn't even know I needed. An expansion of my spirit and a self-reconstruction occurred. The inner doors opened.

The uninhibited eight-year-old returned; filled with improvisatory spirit and energy. Improvisation is vital; the core of this dance, I feel. A dancer who truly owns her moves will have them flow through her unconsciously. I do at times, enjoy choreography, I embrace all styles and am open to all aspects of Belly Dance. With strong roots in the ancient. It can be a dance of the past or a dance of right now. Research, practise and study are key.