Mary

Mary has studied dance since the age of 4. After moving to Alaska, she saw an ad for Zara Noor’s Middle Eastern dance class, and began taking lessons in October 2003. After joining the troupe as an understudy in September 2004, she became a full member in July 2005.

Mary enjoys all aspects of Middle Eastern dance, especially veil work and balancing. "I think that I have a musical memory. Some people remember words to songs, I remember dance steps," she said. "When you find the right music, it almost tells you how to move."

Mary continues to evolve and grow as a dancer. Her love of Bollywood films led her to create Bollywood-inspired choreographies in 2005, and in 2006 she taught a Bollywood combinations class at the Denali Solstice Belly Bash.

At the MUSE workshop with Dondi Dahlin in April 2006, Mary debuted on the Alaska dance scene as a tribal fusion dancer, performing Sahira’s “Arabian Spices” choreography. She continues to spread her love for tribal fusion dance, performing whenever and wherever she can.

Mary also strives to continue her dance education, taking workshops with Margo Abdo O’Dell, Aziza, Dondi Dahlin, Riz, Amaya and Melina of the Daughters of Rhea. She looks forward to traveling to Texas in 2007 for the 3rd Coast Tribal Workshops featuring Sharon Kihara.