I have had a long and varied career, which has included; fashion & runway model in NYC, seeker of higher truths (which continues to evolve), waitress (what a wonderful way to get to know human nature, and pay the bills), aspiring ballet dancer, seamstress, mother (also happily evolving ), restaurant manager, tailor, personal secretary, graphic artist, restaurant owner, and, finally(!), tribal bellydance instructor and member of the esteemed Gypsy Caravan Dance Company. 
I have studied dance and movement in many forms all my life, from ballet, modern dance, jazz, African, Flamenco, Tango, Salsa and ballroom, to yoga, Tai Chi & Soaring Crane qigong. I say studied, but what I really mean is 'revitalized myself with', because throughout my other endeavors, dance is always what brought me back 'to my senses'.
When my grown daughter, Cammi, introduced me to bellydance, it seemed beautiful but somehow inappropriate for someone of my age and experience. What I have had the good fortune to discover (thank you, Cammi, and I forgive you for every birth pain and teen rebellion) is that it is the MOST appropriate, re-aligning, life-affirming, community-connecting activity I have ever, in my long life, been a part of. 

For several years, Paulette gave me the opportunity to direct our third student troupe, Caravan Daughters,(which evolved into the Urban Berbers) and what a joy that weekly adventure brought, as those dancers got up on their performing feet to dance!
And now our Caravan has once more evolved, and revolved, into new configurations, as some members form different groups, using their years of experience with Gypsy Caravan to give them the common language, strength and connection; growing different shoots of the "Tree of Tribal". I have chosen to stay with the trunk (if I may continue with the tree analogy), as well as the newest branch and re-grouping, Caravan Dance Collective. I love Gypsy Caravan, and Paulette, and the dancers and musicians I have had the pleasure and honor to dance with and come to know, as family.
I LOVE this dance and how it touches and empowers any and all who are open to it! It is the coming home.

Photo by kaizennw.com

Paulette Rees-Denis
Gina Lee | Dulcinea Myers-Newcomb
Carol Lindgren Vance