Belly dancing is an ancient and universal thread which binds a sisterhood of dancers through the ages.  Belly dancing is a profound expression of the joy of life.  It is the way for a woman to creatively manifest the myriad experiences that make her the beautiful, knowing, sensitive, and sensual being she is on the inside.  Teaching dance is a way to help women access and share their inner wonder in a way that others can appreciate and enjoy.

Annette is trained in the traditional cabaret style of Arabic dance which draws inspiration from the dances of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe.  Performed as a series of short dances, each of a different tempo and mood, cabaret style requires a high degree of technical expertise as well as a depth of emotion necessary to interpret music and engage the audience.  Annette’s skill with zils, the veil, and a variety of traditional props have made her a favorite performer, particularly among ethnic audiences, at a variety of public and private venues over the last several years.
 
Annette’s teaching philosophy is one which, initially, emphasizes technique and acquisition of a vocabulary of steps.  As a student becomes proficient, the theory of “freestyle,” or improvisational, dance is studied; that is, how to interpret the music, its melody and musical phrasing, through dance.  Zils are taught from the beginning level so that there is optimum opportunity for study and practice in incorporating them into movement. 

Whether a dancer is at the beginning of her journey, or seeking training as part of the tapestry of her ongoing experience, Annette looks forward to working with all women who wish to explore this ancient and celebratory art form.