"For over 35 years, dance has been more than my profession… it has been my life's work.
I believe every dancer has their own artistic voice. My passion is helping dancers move beyond simply learning choreography to developing confidence, musicality and a style that is uniquely their own."
Born in Chile to a Greek family who then immigrated to Australia, I grew up surrounded by music, learning and creativity. Although the arts were celebrated in our home, they weren't considered a career path. It quickly became clear, however, that dance wasn't simply an interest, it was where my passion, curiosity and determination belonged.
My introduction to SWANA music and dance came long before I stepped into a dance studio. Growing up alongside my Lebanese family friends, weekends were filled with weddings, celebrations and gatherings where the music was impossible to ignore. It was the music that captivated me first, and it continues to be the heartbeat of everything I do today.
As a teenager, I began studying bellydance with the simple intention of creating a major dance work for high school, I can still remember that solo to “Gana al Hawa”. That one project sparked a lifelong career. While studying and teaching, I naturally moved into Sydney's thriving live music scene, performing in restaurants and nightclubs alongside some of Australia's finest Arabic musicians. Those years shaped me as an improvisational performer and instilled a deep respect for the unique relationship between dancer and live musician, a connection that remains central to my work.
Alongside performing, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, majoring in Contemporary Choreography. The degree expanded my understanding of movement, composition and artistic direction, providing the foundation for the productions, workshops and theatre works I continue to create today. While Raqs Sharqi became my artistic home, I have always embraced dance as a multi-disciplinary artist. Alongside my work in Middle Eastern dance, I trained extensively in ballet, jazz, contemporary and flamenco, and worked professionally as a commercial dancer throughout my career. These experiences broadened my understanding of movement and performance, contributing to numerous productions, artistic residencies and collaborative projects. Rather than existing separately, each discipline has shaped the artist and educator I am today.
An Australian Council for the Arts grant then enabled me to undertake an extended period of professional development throughout Egypt, Lebanon, Germany and New York. Those experiences connected me with internationally respected artists and mentors, shaped my artistic philosophy and established lifelong relationships that continue to inspire my work today.
Persian dance entered my life just as organically. After many years as the resident dancer at a Persian restaurant, I was embraced by Sydney's Iranian community and immersed in its music, culture and traditions. Inspired to learn more, I undertook formal study with Helia Bandeh before founding the Hathor Persian Dance Ensemble, which has proudly performed within Persian communities across Sydney for more than fifteen years.
Today, whether I am teaching, performing or producing, my greatest passion remains the relationship between music and movement. Live Arabic music continues to inspire every aspect of my work because no two performances are ever the same. That spontaneity, collaboration and shared artistic conversation is where I believe dance truly comes alive.
While much of my career has centred around performance, choreography and live music, an equally important part of my work has been within the community. I am deeply committed to making dance accessible to all, delivering movement programs for seniors, mixed-ability participants and culturally diverse communities. These programs use dance not only as an art form, but as a vehicle for health, connection, confidence and joy. It is incredibly rewarding to see the same transformative power of movement experienced by first-time dancers as it is by seasoned performers on the professional stage.
I don't believe the goal is to create dancers who look like me.
I believe the goal is to help every dancer discover who they are.
Technique is important. Musicality is essential. But true artistry happens when a dancer develops the confidence to interpret music, understand culture and perform authentically.
