SAMRA (Iara Kendrick) in red
Samra is a former educator who has dedicated many years to study dances from around the world with the finest masters. During the last 10 years she has travelled around the world researching, teaching, and performing international dances to persons of all ages and backgrounds. She has taught locally since 1993. In addition to the Moving Arts Center, she teaches in Mt Airy, Dobson, NC, and weekend workshops around the neighboring states.
Her especialties are dances from the Middle East, North Africa including Egypt and Morocco, Turkey and Central Asia. She also performs dances from her native Brazil as well as from other Latin American countries, plus Polynesian dances and interpretive dances like sword, candelabra, etc. (visit www.samrasexpressions.com Repertoire link)
She, Jae-Lin and Kandyl are members of PyroMystique, which is a Fire Dance Show. Yes, they dance with various forms of Fire Props.
Samra believes that dance is one of the greatest forms of exercise and a way to achieve lifelong fitness, because it is FUN. While dancing one doesn't even realize how many muscles are being used and toned! Dance is also a way to learn about other cultures and ourselves. And... a chance to dress up in glamorous or outrageous clothes which we normally would not do. So much can be said about the benefits of dancing, but you just have to come and find out for yourself.
GUEST INSTRUCTOR for Fall 08: Katy Hickam-Davis
Katy Hickam-Davis has been dancing since the age of three. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, and middle eastern. She currently resides in Galax with her three children, Avery, Grace, and Aidan. Katy also has worked and studied in early childhood devlopment,and enjoys working with children.