Hilary's Bio

I took my first bellydance class in 2003.  I instantly knew I had hit on something that would change my life! I enjoyed being part of Flagstaff’s Troupe Shuvani for 3 years. 

In December 2006, I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Masters degree in Liberal Studies.  For my thesis, I did qualitative research with young women and Tribal bellydance.  My study showed that women correlate Tribal dance with higher confidence, self-esteem, happiness, and better body image.

In 2007, I traveled to Australia with my family. There, my husband and I started the BellyRoles Project, a collaborative photo and narrative project with Tribal dancers.  This project further explores the relationship between Tribal dance, women’s diverse forms of beauty, and bodily acceptance.  We published an article about the BellyRoles Project in the January-March 2008 edition ofBellydance Oasis, an Australian magazine.

I've studied various forms of Middle Eastern dance with teachers in Flagstaff, throughout the United States, and Australia.  In 2007, I earned a teaching certification with Gypsy Caravan in Portland, Oregon. I updated my teaching certification in 2008 and again in 2010. In 2011 I was honored to be invited to join Gypsy Caravan Dance Company International with a beautiful group of dancers from around the world.

Since 2008 I've been teaching. I feel blessed to share my love of this dance with students, and see how it becomes a catalyst for their own tranformations. I am priveleged to direct the troupe Serendipity's Kiss Tribal Bellydance, a beautiful group of 6 sister-dancers. I also love to write about the art of Tribal Bellydance.

I'm inspired by the transformative nature of Tribal dance, the sense of community it creates, its ancient roots and modern innovations.

Joyce's Bio

Ahh...bellydance, my portal to grace. It is such a catalyst for peeling away my layers and revealing the true dancer within.

I have always been attracted to music, movement, and dance. Intuitively, I knew that I needed to express myself through this beautiful art form known as bellydance. I was looking for a way to experience my femininity and grace more fully, and not only am I experiencing that but I have found the deepest well of possibilities.

I am so forunate to be able to dance with a community of women on a regular basis. One of the easiest ways I know of to melt away the frustrations of your day is to get together with your friends and dance!

I have been bellydancing since 2007. Since then, I have taken many classes and workshops in a variety of styles, from various teachers. I currently take classes in Gypsy Caravan Tribal Style Bellydance. I am grateful to be included as a member of Serendipity's Kiss Tribal Bellydance. In 2012 I earned my Collective Soul I certification from Gypsy Caravan. I am also a teacher of Tribal Style Bellydance, under the direction of Hilary Giovale, who continues to be one of my greatest inspirations.

I can be contacted directly at joleejo@gmail.comß