Kamilla has been involved in Middle Eastern Dance since 1972, with a performance style which includes a combination of folkloric and cabaret belly dance. Currently she instructs beginner and intermediate level belly dance classes at the Santa Clara Community Recreation Center, where she enjoys teaching students of all ages, body types and experience.  Kamilla believes that every dancer has a special inner beauty and enjoys seeing students develop new skills and confidence. Her teaching method includes an emphasis on finger cymbal patterns coordinated with dance steps as well as choreographies. In addition to teaching, she continues her on-going dance education by participating in workshops with various instructors and took weekly classes with John Compton (until his recent move out of the Bay Area), director of the renowned Hahbi’Ru Dance Ensemble. Kamilla grew up in the Chicago area and studied many forms of dance, including: Ballet, Tap, Modern, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Latin, and Ballroom. Eventually she studied Greek and Turkish styles of belly dance and taught that style for three years before moving to California. During that time she attended a weekend workshop taught by Jamila Salimpour and became totally mesmerized by her folkloric style of belly dance. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Kamilla began studying with Jamila Salimpour and then Aida Al Adawi, a former member of Jamila’s troupe Bal Anat. Adding her newly acquired skills, Kamilla began teaching again in 1980 and in 1986, founded and directed Troupe Wasila, a troupe consisting of students and friends. Kamilla has also co-directed Troupe Leilina and the award winning comedy troupe Sahara Mascara (formerly The Veiled Threats). These troupes have performed on television, at community events, festivals, restaurants as well as private parties. In July 2004, Sahara Mascara won first place in the comedy division at the “Wiggles of the West” contest in Reno, NV. 01-22-08