It was February 1993, I was out and about in a groovy Portland art gallery—this is where I first discovered Gypsy Caravan. I was, and still am today, captivated by the primal sound of the music and enthralled by the powerful, mesmerizing movement of the dance. For four years, I studied dance with Paulette and other bellydance teachers. In 1997 I was asked to be a performer in Paulette's new Sister Caravan. I spent a year performing with Sister Caravan where my passion for the dance and performance intensified. In August of 1998 I was asked to join Gypsy Caravan. As a member of Gypsy Caravan, my experience with dance has reached new heights. Gypsy Caravan has brought me to many new places, allowed me to meet amazing people, and to experience an art form that continues to unfold in front of me.

2005 marked a turning year for me as a dancer and director. I had just fulfilled six amazing years directing the sensational Sister Caravan and took on the new challenge as Assistant-Director of Gypsy Caravan with Paulette. This has been a great way to see and explore my own dance even further; and to use my directorial and chorographical skills in a whole new way. I feel like there is so much more to come! Watch out! Not only am I a performer, I have also been teaching tribal belly dance for several years. I teach a wide range of levels from beginning to performance preparatory classes. I have taught internationally as well as throughout the United States. Today my dance continues to thrive!

Other fun tid-bits about me... I am married to Jared, you may know him as the super cute musician who played with Gypsy Caravan and now guest performs with Mizna. I have a son who is the most amazing person—no really he is! I am an art teacher, believe it or not I spend a lot of time doing that. I travel for pleasure. I cook. I enjoy music, art, fashion, friends, family, and so much more.

Photo by kaizennw.com

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