Instructor, performer, and choreographer of Middle Eastern, Persian, and Central Asian dance.
Jo began her studies of Middle Eastern dance in 1987, with a strong, life-long background in ballet, modern, and folkdance. Eager to explore all aspects of the dance, from the authentic regional folk dances to the elegant night club style of Raqs Sharki, Jo has studied with many of the most famous, respected, and beloved performers, instructors, and choreographers of this ancient and beautiful art form. She began teaching Middle Eastern dance in 1990, when she founded the Crescent Moon Dance Company, Inc., and began teaching weekly Belly Dance classes as well.
Jo began her studies of Persian dance in 1996 with Laurel Victoria Gray of Washington D.C. and her studies of Central Asian dance in 1997 with People's Artist of Uzbekistan - Kizlarkhon Dustmukamedova of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She continues her studies of these exquisite dance forms with both of these very special teachers every year at Central Asian Dance Camp in Washington D.C.
Jo continues to offer internediate/advanced Belly Dance classes on Tuesday nights. Beginner classes are available on request for groups of five or more. Private classes are available by appointment only, and are limited to scheduling availability. Jo also offers the very popular "Belly Dance Crash Course" - a one time class approximately one and half hours long for women's special occassions: birthday parties, bachelorette parties, "ladies night out" parties, etc... Jo will travel to your location for this special class.
Jo lives and teaches in Louisville, Ky"
All of Jo's dance styles are available for both entertainment events such as shows and fundraisers, and educational events such as school programs and cultural festivals. As a Belly Dancer, Jo is available for weddings, restaurants, special events, and private parties (birthdays, wedding, anniversary parties - NO bachelor parties). Jo is also available as a workshop instructor.
Jo and her troupe, the Crescent Moon Dancers, are available to perform Belly Dance, or regionally specific folk dances for your entertainment or educational event. Please visit the Troupe's website for more details.