Lyrical and romantic, Hannah's unique approach to Orientale dance is rooted in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian cultural dance heritages and the western classical training of her formative years.  Her enchanting style emphasizes eloquent arm technique, ecstatic turns, and fluid torso and hip movements.

Repertoire includes: 

Selene's Dream

Rondo alla Turca

Nutcracker's Arabian Dance

Drawing from the sacred traditions of world cultures, this experiential workshop explores dance and ritual as a contemplative act.   

For more advanced dancers, choreography can be taught to the hauntingly beautiful devotional music of Stellamara. 

 

 

classical, contemporary, popular, and folkloric Iranian dance. 

Basic characteristics of the Afghan women's dance include graceful hand gestures that frame the upper body engagingly coy facial expressions, and beautiful turn sequences.  The dance serves as a improvisational solo expression and emotional outlet among women in the community.

This workshop explores the fundamentals of Afghan technique in a delightful choreography.  The traditional dances of Attan, the national dance of Afghanistan, and Logari can also be introduced.  

During her recent residency in Tajikistan, Hannah had the opportunity to train with some of the most highly regarded dance companies in the region.

Learn the fundamentals of Tajik technique, including exuberant turns and expressive arms, and a contemporary Central Asian-inspired choreography to music by the beloved Uzbek singer Yulduz Usmanova. 

Regional dances and technique can also be taught.

  

Learn about the unique history and culture of the Romani people as they moved westward from India, bringing their music, dance, and other customs with them.  This workshop (or workshop series) can feature a lecture component on Romani history and culture, as well as dance technique.

 

Choreography can be taught in:

Indian Kalbeylia 

Ruska Rom

Turkish Roman

This workshop highlights the fundamentals of western dance technique through the medium of jazz - with a spunky gypsy flavor!  A jazz-gypsy fusion choreography will be taught.  Bring a hat - and some sass!

While little is known about this illusive  dance, the word "zambra" finds its origins in Medieval Spain, where it meant "Moorish party".   This choreography, inspired by the unique cultural exchange between the Moors and Andalusian Gitanos, or Gypsies, draws from both Arabic and flamenco technique.

 

The guedra is a blessing ceremony belonging to the Tuareg or "Blue People" of Morocco intended to spread good will among the community.  The dance is performed almost entirely on the knees and consists of meaningful hand gestures and pulsations that extend out from the fingers.  One or two dancers perform while the community forms a circle, singing and clapping with complex interlocking rhythms.  Clapping, chanting, and dance technique will be taught in this experiential workshop.

 

 

With a graduate background in
transpersonal psychology, Hannah is available for presentations, performances, and experiential workshops exploring the relationship among dance, culture, psychology, and spirituality. 

Want to host a social gathering or clothes swap at your studio or home?  Complementary with any workshop package, Hannah will offer guests rejuvenating nutritional "cocktails" (non-alcoholic) and provide valuable information on nutrition for dancers.  

If you would like to know more about how to support the health goals of your students, please inquire.