I have been fascinated with movement since conception, really. I started out with tap and ballet at age three and moved into break dancing and soccer by age 7. I fell in love with fire dancing about ten years ago after watching a beautiful dancer on the beach in Santa Cruz. I performed a bit in Santa Cruz, but that went on hold when I got pregnant. Shortly after the birth of my daughter Isis, I moved to Long Beach. That’s when I met my sisters, the amazing group of women of Sirena Serpentina. Together we shared our gifts of yoga, belly dance and fire dance. What I love most about dance is that I can explore every aspect of myself, of being a woman. At times I am the warrior, strong and proud, and then all at once I move into this subtle, sensual creature with a power of her own. I am the proverbial shape shifter.

Teaching is my gift in this lifetime. I was the annoying little kid that said “Let’s play school, and I’ll be the teacher”. But seriously, the way I learn something is by teaching it. I tune in with the needs of my students and help them connect with their learning styles. Being a longtime performer, I am fully aware that dancers are truly exposing their souls, and that can make them feel very vulnerable. Patience is essential to earn the trust of the student so they feel comfortable opening up to a new way of moving. I am continually trying new things, to inspire me and help me remember what it is like to be a beginner. I have been teaching fire dance for 6 years, including poi, staff, fans, and hoop. I also teach belly dance, particularly to moms, so that they may reconnect with their changing bodies. I teach kundalini yoga and meditation, and incorporate it into all of my movement classes. And to keep me fresh, I am currently studying capoeira and learning to surf.

I mainly perform with my sisters as Sirena Serpentina Tribal Fire Belly Dance Troupe out of Long Beach, CA. We have been dancing together for 5 years and are still going strong with all original members. We perform for private and public audiences. Past performances include New Orleans Voodoo Festival 2007 and 2008, Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, Joshua Tree Music Festival, Venice Beach Carnivale, the Long Beach Martin Luther King Day Parade, and The Best of Long Beach 2008 Bash. We have created a unique fusion of Tribal Fire Belly Dance choreography that is magnified by our incredible sister energy. A Sirena Serpentina Experience includes Tribal Belly Dance accented by fire fans, kick ass poi combos, warrior style staff spinning, and sexy hoop dance duets. It is beautiful, diverse, and definitely unique. Each production reflects our creativity as individuals and our connection as sisters.

For Workshop Information:

Sirena Serpentina

www.sirenaserpentina.com

www.myspace.com/sirenaserpentina

sirenaserpentinas@yahoo.com