The multi-faceted career of Mira Betz is a testament to her passionate artistry and desire for continual growth. Active in theater, dance and the performing arts for 20 years, Mira Betz has become a sought after dancer, choreographer, costumer, and teacher. Nominated "Instructor of the year" by Zaghareet Magazine, Mira is a valued instuctor at prestigeous festivals and camps across the nation, as well as at the Malonga Arts Collective in Oakland California. Mira is currently facilitating the Barbary Coast Shakedown, a collaboration of Middle Eastern dance professionals pairing performance with intensive dance instruction.
Mira began her training in Middle Eastern dance as a young teen studying with some of the most respected and knowledgeable teachers of our time, such as Katarina Burda, Jamila Salimpour, and Suhaila Salimpour. As a founding member, choreographer, and solo performer of Aywah! Ethnic Dance Company for 10 years, she developed a solid foundation of contemporary, traditional, as well as ritualistic dance forms. Aywah!, under the direction of Katarina Burda, flourished to become one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most respected ethnic dance companies. In 1998 Mira went abroad to live and study the native dances ofMorocco.
In spring 2006 she was a guest choreographer for Jill Parker and her company Ultra Gypsy. In 2004-2005 Mira toured nationally with renowned drummer Tobias Roberson and was the artistic director of the ECHOS Project; a collaboration of choreographers in the San Francisco Bay Area supporting the exploration of traditional and experimental music and dance fusion. Mira was a featured dancer at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire from1994-2002. She has performed on such infamous stages as the Fillmore in San Francisco, the Hollywood Bowl in LA, Humphrey's in San Diego, the Knitting Factory in NYC and night clubs and restaurants across the US. She has had the pleasure of working with incredible talent such as David Byrne, Rachel Brice, Jill Parker, Zoe Jakes, Elizabeth Strong, Heather Stants, Amy Sigil and many more. Mira Betz received her B.F.A. from the California College of Arts and Crafts. Her dance background includes training in Salsa, Modern, Jazz, and Flamenco.
Mira continues to spread her experience, knowledge and love for dance through her captivating performance and engaging teaching style.
A slow build to complicated layering.
MOROCCAN SHIKHATT
A traditional dance of Morocco originally performed by women for women. This upbeat, high-energy workshop introduces an array of traditional Shikhatt moves and gestures while providing a healthy cardio workout. This dance is fun, inspires sisterhood, and will have you smiling ear-to-ear, hip-to-hip. No previous experience necessary, just bring water, a face towel, and prepare to have a great time. You’ll leave with a brief historical background and a love of this rich folk dance of Morocco.