Delilah is an internationally acclaimed bellydance performer and instructor. . . just this September she was again honored by receiving the Dancer of the Year Award from the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance.

Delilah grew up in Southern California, learning the dance form as it was passed on and popularized in this country by first and second generation immigrants from Lebanon, Armenia, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Morocco and Greece. Her years of devoted study and practice have led her to become one of the foremost teachers and innovators in the field of bellydance today. She is widely known for her breathtaking and inspiring performances.

When Delilah was 18, bellydance was fast becoming an American phenomenon. As thousands of women absorbed this dance by way of diverse cultural experience, a new style of American Bellydance evolved. Delilah is an active part of this transformation. While dancing in ethnic nightclubs, fairs, theater productions and folk-style house parties for almost twenty years, she has learned many different styles of dance, and has also learned about music, food, customs, religions, politics and people. Her bellydance experience fuels her interest in studying the fields of mythology, archeology, history, women's studies, bio-ecology, psychology, healing practices, and other movement forms such as tai chi, yoga, modern dance and movement therapy

In 1978, she moved her home base to the Northwest and began teaching and performing the dance in workshops and concerts all around the world. By 1988, she was disseminating her philosophies, techniques and performing artistry on a highly-acclaimed instructional video series produced by Visionary Dance Productions. These tapes cover a wide range of material: hip lifts, undulations, bellyrolls, veilwork, make-up, costuming, finger cymbals, conditioning exercises, philosophy; and include performances demonstrating a multitude of styles. Her emphasis is always on health, creativity, and fun!

Delilah supports diversity in the dance and enjoys all of its styles; she sees the bellydance as never stationary, but always in a state of creative flux and growth. She encourages the student to examine and experience the dance in its variety of disciplines. In addition to openly sharing her technical knowledge with her students, Delilah imparts the idea that by opening our bodies to these ancient, earthly, and natural movements that connect us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, we will become more aware environmentally. This gives the dance greater purpose.... "When we are more aware, we are better artists, enjoying a fuller life experience. When we stretch our awareness, we are more equipped to heal our bodies, our relationships and our earth."

Inspired by this wisdom, Delilah held her first ten-day Visionary Bellydance Retreat on the island of Maui in 1992. This annual retreat is now frequented by dancers from all over the world.