Lisa began taking dance classes when she was 5 years old. Despite frequent moves around the world with her family, when she was able to, she studied ballet, local ethnic dances, hip-hop, gymnastics, yoga, and other forms of urban dance before finding the style of movement that would turn out to be one of the best things that happened to her: Oriental Dance.

Instantly and irrevocably addicted, Lisa approached Oriental dance with great enthusiasm, finding that it fortuitously combined her passions for learning, travel, and music. She took classes locally from several teachers in North Carolina, studied with many internationally-famous dancers in workshops, and traveled across the country to study with other exceptional teachers—and this is just the start of a long relationship with the dance.

Lisa was shaped by her regular teachers, under whom she has studied extensively: Aziza Fadwa, Jill Parker, and Suhaila Salimpour. She is also greatly influenced by sessions with other teachers, particularly Ansuya, Aziza (of Montreal), and Amy Sigil. She completed Level 1 Certification in the Suhaila Salimpour Format in 2006 and received a certification in the complete Ansuya Comprehensive program in 2007.

Lisa is continuing to push herself as much as possible in all aspects of the dance. She is eternally grateful to her first teacher, Aziza Fadwa for sharing her passion, opening Lisa's mind and body to the joy that is this wonderful artform.

You can find Lisa in performances around the Bay Area. She was one of Ultra Gypsy's featured dancers on their premiere DVD performance, "Bellydance Underworld".

Lisa has been a Principal Dancer and Choreographer for:
Ultra Gypsy - 2006-2007
Anima (with Shana Subelsky) - 2007
Voluptua (with Sarah Myers) - 2005-2006
Flowers of the Desert - 2003-2006



Last updated: October 28 2008.