Although I graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in chemistry, I chose instead to pursue my dream of dancing. My teaching career began in 1995 in the North Bay and ever since I have enjoyed teaching students of all levels, from beginners to those wishing to compete. I received my teaching degree in American style dances from the Terpsichore Association, the USISTD, and DVIDA. In 1999 I joined the Metronome, now Cheryl Burke Dance, where I teach the Rhythm (American Style Latin) classes. I give private lessons in all styles of dance both at the ballroom in SF and in South City. I also teach at weddings, corporate events and private parties. As a Master Teacher for the Ballroom Dance Teachers College, I train aspiring teachers and prepare them for their exams. In 2007 I competed in the Professional American Style Rhythm division. Competing and performing not only brings me tremendous satisfaction and enjoyment, but also improves my own dancing. I was a featured dancer in "Swing, the Movie" which came out in 2003 and is available on DVD. That same year I danced in KQED's "Big Band Magic." I have performed in numerous shows from small events and parties to onstage at San Francisco's Cowell Theater and at the Napa Valley Opera House. A member of the DecoBelles, a group which performs vintage dance routines, I was crowned "Miss Art Deco" in 2006 by the Art Deco Society of California. In 2003 I co-founded DancEvents, a business that assists companies and individuals in hiring dancers to teach and perform at corporate events and private parties. Every year DancEvents sponsors The Main Event to showcase our dancers, provide dance lessons and throw a fabulous dance party for the community with a portion of the proceeds donated to charities. Teaching is very satisfying because dance offers benefits to everyone -- increased confidence, improved physical shape, satisfaction in learning something new, grace, and most importantly, fun. I feel blessed to share with others the joy of dancing.