This review is only for bellydance w Debbie.
(The African dance, African drums and flamenco look really good here too.)
Background: In NYC, I was w Bellyqueen studying directly under Kaeshi. Apparently I was good enough that I was asked by her and a few others to audition for the troupe which performs internationally.
After leaving NYC, I found no adequate bellydance teacher in SF nor Hawaii, until I got here to HTX. Debbie was recommended to me by a student in one of my fitness classes where I had incorporated some bellydance moves.
Studying w Debbie:
Debbie hands down beats all my study in NYC. (Although her style w eyes and directing viewer attention is quite a bit different. Much more playful.) She'll push you in dance techniques if she sees you're up for it. I am always definitely up for it, and pushing expectations of physical abilities and boundaries. However skilled I was before, she tripled my abilities/accuracy/muscle isolation skills. I did notice she'll pace for students who aren't so physically or mentally inclined (without sacrificing the learning curve of more ambitious/skilled students) --so no need for newbies to be intimidated to attend a class w her. She's very warm, friendly, patient, and a gifted dance teacher. Also, she is always vivacious, and full of stories in and out of class, and within the troupe. I had to quit the troupe bc I'm not a late night person (performances tend to be 9pm or much later), and I got seriously injured from a car accident. I am still hoping to return to the classes bc Debbie is an amazing teacher.
Zills: She makes it considerably less intimidating, and you simultaneously play w movement and pace.
Veil: Very fun. She tends towards a coquettish to sexy style. I think she has a background in burlesque. read more