About Me

If you clicked on this page to learn more about me - thank you! I’m honored.

Hi! I’m Jessica!

Where to even begin... I spent most of my life in Alaska before moving to Bellingham in December 2021. I’ve lived all over Alaska—from St. Paul Island to Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Eagle River.

I’ve been dancing since I was 16, and believe it or not, Alaska has a thriving belly dance community! We shimmied our way through long winters to stay warm, stay sane, and build an incredible sense of community.

I have two amazing little kiddos who bring my husband and me endless joy and chaos.

My dance journey spans nearly 20 years, during which I’ve studied and performed with incredible instructors in a variety of styles. My first troupe was a fusion belly dance group that incorporated Bollywood, Kathak, and so many other dances. Over the years, I’ve danced with a Fat Chance Belly Dance, Egyptian, and Turkish belly dance troupes, as well as a Turkish folkloric group.

I’ve been lucky to travel and study dance internationally, spending three months in Pen, India, studying Bharatanatyam while completing a medical internship (random fact: I’m also a registered nurse!). I’ve also performed in Turkey with my incredible instructor, Rabia, and attended the Tarazade Festival. Dance has taken me to places I never imagined, introducing me to amazing people and cultures that have deepened my love for this art form.

This is my third year leading the Bellingham Team Shimmy Mob, an annual flash mob-style belly dance event. We dance to raise funds and awareness for Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS). The last day to register for the Bellingham team yearly is the end of March—sign up at www.shimmymob.com! You can also find details on this year’s performance under my Events page, listed as "BORDERLESS."

I often tell people that I dance because it’s the only time my mind is truly calm—it rejuvenates my soul. I know that sounds corny, but it’s true! Any other time, it feels like I have 50 tabs open, all refreshing at once (especially with two little humans keeping me endlessly busy!). I am sure many people can relate to feeling this.  Dance brings simplicity, joy, self-love, connection to ourselves and others, and so, so, so much more! 

My goal as a teacher is to build community and create a space of support through an art form that has given me so much.

I hope you’ll join me in discovering the joy and connection that dance brings!

​

I am sure I will continue to add and update this page as my mom brain allows. It is oddly hard to write about one's self.