Mary’s Story
Multi-talented artist Mary is a rising star on the bellydance scene as both a performance artist and author of the “Business School for Bellydancers” book and workshop.
How it began…
Mary discovered Raqs Sharqi (also called bellydance or Oriental dance) in 2004 while an undergraduate student. Entranced by the music, movement, and promise of escaping gym drudgery two days a week, she grabbed a pink hip scarf and signed up for classes.
Little did we realize where this would lead just a few years later…
Sharing the Joy of Dance
In the classroom…
Years, many hours of training and practice later, and sometimes with the same pink hip scarf, Mary has taught workshops and shared her love of dance with hundreds. Between 2007 and 2010, Mary was the artistic director of two Oriental dance troupes GRITS Raq (Girls Raised in the South) and Magnolias.
Now teaching workshops Mary loves to travel and has been well received by students and event sponsors as an instructor that effectively shares both a love of dance and useful technique with workshop attendees.
Mary teaches weekly Lompoc belly dance classes starting January 2012. Stay tuned to the website and Facebook page for possible announcements for Santa Ynez belly dance classes in the Valley or classes and special sessions in other locations.
On the stage…
Enchanting. Elegant. Delightful. Mary is an accomplished performance artist. Drawing from her musical background as a pianist and clarinetist, Mary has a rich understanding of the music, resulting in an exciting performance at every show. She has performed extensively as both a company member and soloist at various events in Georgia, Florida and her current home, California.
Artist Philosophy
As true artists constantly work to improve their craft, Mary also remains an eternal student. She attends regular classes, workshops, seeks private coaching, and strives to improve her own knowledge and understanding of both the technical and cultural aspects of Middle Eastern Dance.