"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 belly dance classes at the Santa
Clara Community Recreation Center, where she enjoys teaching
students of all ages, body types and experience. She 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 basic isolations, dance steps and combinations,
coordinating finger cymbal patterns, as well as choreographies.
Camille grew up in the Chicago area and
studied many forms of dance, including: Ballet, Tap, Modern,
Hawaiian, Tahitian, Latin, and Ballroom. She studied Greek and
Turkish styles of belly dance and taught that style for three years
before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area where she began studying
with
Jamila Salimpour and then Aida Al Adawi. In 1980 Kamilla began
teaching again 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.
 In
addition to teaching, she continues her on-going dance education by
participating in workshops with various instructors. She has studied
with John Compton, director of the renowned
Hahbi’Ru Dance
Ensemble, and had the pleasure of performing with his group at the
Northern California Renaissance Faire in 2004. She continues to
perform as a solo dancer, and also enjoys teaming up with other
dance friends. Her most current dance project, "2 Divas and a Dude
Dance Trio" and/or "Hot Buttered Rom", consists of Kamilla, Jahmra
and Kevin Greek.
Camille is also a certified Nia
Instructor www.nianow.com as
well as a Certified Zumba Instructor
www.zumba.com You can attend her classes at the Palo Alto Family
and El Camino YMCA. Lastly, she studies Hawaiian Dance with Halau Na
Wai Ola www.nawaiola.com and
enjoys the Spirit of Hula.
05-13-11 |
