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LOCATION
Santa Cruz, CA - USA OFFERING Affordable and free dancing for all ages, all levels of ability, all genders, inclusive classes with opportunities for performing for those who are interested! BIO
Belly dance has been a significant part of my life, filling it with rhythm and passion. My first encounter with this art form was at my baby shower, where Sese Geddess showcased her amazing talent, leaving an indelible impression on me. Years later, I returned to belly dance, drawn back like a moth to flame. I began training with Sese, immersing myself in her teachings, and eventually joined the Belly Dance Basics Troupe, performing for two years before Sese bestowed upon me the honor of a naming ceremony. She presented me with my Persian name, Caliana, which means Moorish Princess. From there, I progressed to Troupe Intisar and later Tiyanna under the guidance of Sese. My passion for dance continued to grow and I joined the Desert Jewels Troupe with Surreyya Hada. Currently, I am studying under Charleigh France and dancing with the 5 Mile Minx Cabaret Troupe, expanding my performance repertoire to include cabaret and jazz dance styles. I am honored to be mentored by award-winning dancers Sese Geddes, Surreyya Hada, and Charleigh France. For the past eleven years, I have led the Santa Cruz Shimmy Mob, spreading awareness, happiness, and inspiration through dance. My classes are held every Monday evening at the Desert Dream Dance Studio, and individuals of all levels are welcome. My commitment to inclusivity is unwavering, and I offer scholarships to those who may lack the financial means to participate. All are welcome to experience the joy of dance. BACKGROUND AND INTERESTS
Most of my days and evenings are spent as the proud Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. I'm beyond lucky to work and live in the community where I grew up and raised my two incredible sons. I'm all about music, dancing, and a good dose of quality time with loved ones. I mean, I practically live on the dance floor, jiving away 8-10 hours every week! But, I'm not done yet - I've got a thing for drumming too and would love to get back to my lessons. The downside? I'm hustling 60+ hours at work, rocking my MBA, and still trying to squeeze in some dance moves. Ugh, if there were only more hours in the day! My husband and I have a shared passion for rock concerts and music. We also love to daydream about our little slice of heaven property in the serene off-grid community of Mt. Shasta, where we can unwind from our busy careers and recharge. INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU?
My life has been a wild ride! I mean, I plan to write a book and a Netflix series about my adventures someday. One interesting fact is that I spent three years of my childhood living on a catamaran in Florida before moving to my beloved hometown of Santa Cruz, CA at 6 years old. Fun fact alert! I'm a ride-or-die type of person when it comes to my loved ones. My heart swells with joy when I'm able to uplift and empower others to reach their full potential and shine like diamonds. Honestly, If I could make a career out of being a hype person, personal shopper, and morale booster, I'd be living the dream! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PART OF THE SHIMMY MOB COMMUNITY AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO JOIN?
I'm thrilled to have been leading the Santa Cruz Shimmy Mob team for over a decade now starting our 11th year! Our team's hard work and dedication have helped Shimmy Mob become a well-known name in Santa Cruz, and we're proud of the money we've raised for the Walnut Avenue Women's Center. Through this leadership journey, I've learned much about organizing events, leading a team, and advocating for important issues. It's been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I'm grateful for the chance to give back to my community in this way. I'm passionate about the mission and the supportive community and friendships I've formed, especially during the pandemic, with other team leaders worldwide. As we look to the future, I'm excited to see what new opportunities lie ahead for Shimmy Mob and the Santa Cruz team. I'm confident that we'll continue to make a positive impact on the lives of women and families in our community, and I can't wait to see how we'll grow and evolve in the years to come. |
"My favourite thing about being a Shimmy Mob is Everything! For me, it's the sense of purpose, the connections, and the supportive community that accompanies it. Participating in a movement that aims to raise awareness and eradicate domestic violence around the world is a powerful initiative that I am grateful to be a part of. Shimmy Mob is a global organization that unites dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to promote awareness about domestic abuse and support survivors. As a Shimmy Mob member, I'm able to use my love for dance to make a difference in the world. I also have the opportunity to meet fellow dancers who share my dedication to social change and who encourage me to keep pushing forward. Whether I'm performing on stage or wearing my Shimmy Mob t-shirt out in public, I feel proud to be a part of such an incredible community. If you're a dance enthusiast looking to make a positive impact, I highly recommend joining Shimmy Mob!"
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