First, thanks to my funny, loving, and joyous son, Jarred. His encouragement, his criticism, his laughter and support has meant the world to me and has kept me moving forward. I also want to thank you Jarred for your willingness to take up a new career -- “videophotography” in filming my early performances and lending that same skill to dancers and teachers in the area.
Thank you Verna Thompson aka Cha’l’mar. You allowed me to open my mind, my heart and my desire to shine on my stage, if not others. For your selfishless time you gave me, for your instruction in costuming and your wisdom in understanding a world of dance that gives flight to the soul. You are a legend, a friend, a fabulous inspiration to thousands of woman who have crossed your path and a heartbeat in my life’s’ blood. Thank you Jerry Thompson for always seeing women as beautiful, gracious and everlasting --- your comments and insights to performance is legendary and appreciated.
Thank you Revella Russell for always being there in thought and body to support me in performance and the many places I have traveled. Thank you for always picking of the telephone late at night when inspiration grabs me and I am alive, and you are almost dead with sleep --- thank you.
Thank you Deborah Peterson. Your support over the years has been comforting and your support in my efforts has been tremendous. Also thank you for your time and patience and the wonderful job you did in photographing my costumes for this site. A heartfelt thank you.
Thank you Michelle Alexander aka Mia Naja Al Saphira for providing a showcase for me in your annual recital and in your insistence that I dance each year on your program to inspire fabulous women.
Thank you Simone aka Sultana, whose grace in dance and execution continues to inspire me to learn more.
Thank you Frankee Smith aka Fadilah Dhuka and Louise. Frankee whose spirits engulfs you and keeps you growing, laughing and wanting more of this community and Miss Louise whose dancing makes my mind wonder with delight as she demonstrates time and time again, that dance ever dies and never grows old.
Thank you the LEGENDARY ADRIANA -- whose conversations in the night you will never forget. For the pleasure of knowing such a lady of dance and a pioneer in my mist. For your sharing of “war stories” and oral history of Bellydance in America -- and most of all for sharing your herstory of dance.
