Interesting Fact: Cat Velasquez also taught Tai Chi for several years.

  Interesting Fact: Kara Kowert also taught English for many years.

Who are we?

Cat Velasquez (Alaira)

   My mother first introduced me to belly dance when I was 19 years old through a friend of hers who was an instructor.  I studied with two instructors, but after moving away from any classes, took a long hiatus from belly dancing. 

About six years ago, I started classes again, and have since studied with several talented instructors, including Jenny Hennek and Tember Sarrol.  I also enjoy taking workshops from other instructors, since teachers vary in their experience, knowledge and expertise.  There is something to be learned from everyone, which is also why it's so much fun to go to haflas and student shows when I can!

I also bring my past martial arts training, which includes Judo, Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Gong among other forms, into what I do now.  Since I taught Tai Chi for a number of years, I most often bring that knowledge and experience into my belly dance performances and teaching.  

Kara Kowert

   I attended my first ballet class when I was 3 years old.  I continued to study ballet until I reached puberty--performing in numerous shows, competitions and eventually attending the Ruth Page School of Dance before retiring at the age of 12.  A college friend introduced me to belly dance when I was 19 years old.  I began teaching other college students the art of belly dance a year later and performed at several SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.) events in Colorado Springs, Colorado.   

After taking a long hiatus away from dance, I decided to participate in the variety show at my workplace.  In order to get my creative juices flowing, I signed up for a class at The Wellness Center with Tember Sarrol (Zaharah) and met my current dance partner, Cat.  We quickly formed Persephone's Daughters to explore the many fusion styles of belly dance.

 

In addition to studying with Tember Sarrol, I've also benefited from the instruction of Jenny Hennek, Zayna, Kim Dunham and several workshop instructors including Maleeha, Tarik Sultan, Tempest, Karim Nagi, Rachel Brice, Heather Stants, Jim Boz, Ava Fleming, Aziza, Amy Sigil of Unmata, Isidora Bushkovski and most recently, Michelle Joyce.  My dance style is heavily influenced by my many years of ballet and jazz dance training.

 

I'm currently a proud member of the professional Tribal Fusion and Fire Performance troupe, MidNight Tribe, under the direction of Kim Dunham (Kira).  We perform ATS improv, Tribal Fusion and oriental style belly dance in addition to fire performance with props such as fire poi, fire belts and fire swords. 

 

Our fire performance trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc-TCoLkLd4

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