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 has recently completed training
and is now a certified Nia Instructor! Nia is unlike anything she's
ever experienced; it's rich and exciting because it uniquely blends
dance, martial and healing arts. Anybody can do Nia, regardless of
their age or fitness level! For more information visit,
www.nianow.com
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.
05-18-08 |
