The Quick Look: Tempest is an artist, designer, dancer, and writer recently relocated from the Bay Area of California to the Jersey Shore/Philadelphia Area. Although she enjoys studying what tradition has to offer, Tempest loves exploring the dance through unusual music and creative costuming, pulling on her visual arts background to "paint a picture" with the dance; engaging the audience through dramatic embodied storytelling, passionate expression, and sensuous, mesmerizing movement.

She finds inspiration for her dances in many eras, places, and faces, from ancient cultures and spiritual myths worldwide, to the work of silent film star and original vamp Theda Bara, and turn-of-the-century dance goddess Ruth St. Denis.

She is most well-known for her Gothic Belly Dance performances and instruction, and is featured on the first ever GBD performance DVD produced by WorldDanceNewYork entitled “The Darker Side of Fusion”, and it's sequel "Revelations". You can also see her perform on Peko's "Bellydance Underworld." She has an instructional DVD geared towards the alternatively-minded entitled “Bellydance for Beautiful Freaks”.

The Long Version: Tempest started her exploration of dance in early 2000 on the East Coast. She quickly found belly dance to be incredibly rewarding not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally, as well as a source of inspiration for her visual art.

Tempest's study of belly dance began officially with Sabra Jamal of Providence and has continued extensively with Azar of Mystic Sun Studios in "Silicon Valley" since Winter of 2001. She has learned various styles and moves from Classical Indian Dance from Sarada (CA & Canada), and has taken workshops in various forms of Middle Eastern Dance with masters of the art, including Princess Farhana, Alexandra King, Judeen, Malia, Artemis E. Mourat, Kajira Djoumahna, Davina, Fat Chance Belly Dance, and Ultra Gypsy.

While living in Providence, Tempest formed a dance and drum ensemble called "Zingari" (now known as Zingari East), and created and organized "Between the Veils," a benefit event for battered women & breast cancer.

In the fall of 2001, Tempest and her husband Keith moved to the Bay Area of California (aka belly dance central) to explore, discover, embrace, and enjoy the cultural blendings and vivaciousness that is California. You'll find them at most area events, usually vending their array of unique artwork, gifts, music, and belly dance attire. With Tempest as the visual aspect (art and dance), and Keith creating "dragondropp audio reconstructures" with his sound expertise, they make a dynamic team that takes the dance form to a different, infused level for all involved.

In Fall of 2006, the Durga Tour took place - the first national tour of the US focusing on Gothic, Sacred, and Experimental bellydance. Tempest and guests instructed and performed in 25 states in a period of 40 days. It was during this incredibly successful event that Tempest and Keith decided they missed the East Coast. So in June of 2007, Tempest, Keith, and their cat Mischief departed the West and headed East to Jersey Shore/Philadelphia area (this was also done by tour, called "Movin'Th'Mischief Tour"). With more room to grow, some very exciting things are happening, so keep an eye out!

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Although she enjoys what tradition has to offer, Tempest loves exploring the dance through unusual music and creative costuming, pulling on her visual arts background to "paint a picture" with the dance. By working (playing) outside of the box, Tempest engages the audience through dramatic embodied storytelling , passionate expression, and sensuous, mezmerizing movement. She finds inspiration for her dances in many eras, places, and faces, from ancient cultures and spiritual myths worldwide, to the work of silent film star and original vamp Theda Bara, and turn-of-the-century dance goddess Ruth St. Denis. She is particularly well-known for performing Raks Gothique (also known as Gothic Belly Dance), Nouveau Noir Dance, and sacred-fusion, ritualistic forms of belly dance.

Tempest is also very well-known for her unique costuming designs, including the original "corset belt" design, the "skorset", the "corset bra" and other designs. Her designs can be found on dancers and other design aficinados across the world, from individuals to whole troupes and dance companies.

Tempest performs regularly at festivals and events throughout the United States and beyond. She teaches workshops all over, as well as holds classes locally to Philly and along the Jersey Shore. She is available for special events, and instructional workshops. Email her for more details.