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Performance Photos
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Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association " Hall of Fame" award twice for
her unselfish dedication to the dance form through teaching, promotion, integrity
and professionalism in the field. Tonya - one of Southern California's premier teachers, performers, choreographers, and promoters. Tonya has captured the highest awards possible in the field of Middle Eastern Dance from across the nation. Among them: Best Teacher; Promoter; Achiever; MC and others. Tonya is the producer and co-producer of the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competitions held annually in Long Beach, CA. She has alternated holding the offices of President and Vice President of the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association (MECDA) Beach Cities Chapter.
Tonya presently teaches
belly dancing (Le Danse Oriental) or Middle Eastern Dance, at Golden West College,
Cerritos College and Santa Monica College, and the Southern California Dance Academy in Long Beach as well as private coaching for competitions, performances, etc. Tonya's
classes are always well attended and one of her greatest attributes is her ability
to give a complete understanding of this dance in six weeks, thus giving the student
the opportunity to know what is ahead should she wish to continue. She has
the ability to give personalized attention no matter how large the class and takes
great pride in sharing her vast knowledge with all her students. ### Article from THE PAPYRUS: SAMEDA's publication, San Diego California Cover Story - Focus on Tonya by Jolie Lucas Tall. Dark., Poised. Elegant. That was how I remembered Tonya when I first met her in 1991 at the very first Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition. After a delightful telephone interview, I can now add some adjectives: spiritual, energetic, and inspiring. I was very impressed with her dedication to the dance community and her compassion for her fellow dancers and students. For example, the last question I asked was, "If I gave you a magic wand and you could change anything you wanted about dance, the dance community, new students, your skills, the audience, etc., what would you change'?" Did she respond with a desire to lose five pounds or master tummy flutters'? No. She almost instantly answered, "I just wish dancers would have more respect for themselves and more self- esteem." Isn't she amazing? (Of course, in all fairness, she doesn't need to lose five pounds, and I'm sure she's already mastered all the tummy arts! Tonya had a strong ballet background before she became enamored of middle eastern dance, music and costumes. The freedom that belly dancing seemed to represent was appealing after the rigid ballet training. After five months of private lessons she began dancing professionally and her life was forever altered! She quickly recited her "dance resume" to me - so much experience that I couldn't capture it all. She is the recipient of many awards and accolades from all across the United States. She is very proud to have received the "Teacher of the Year" award from the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (and awarded to her daughter, Atlantis, Cabaret Dancer of the Year.) Then, in the middle of her dance career, she found herself "tired." She knew she wanted to "keep it going in any way I can." What did she do to recuperate'? She became a Religious Science Practitioner to help her implement her philosophy that it is "time for a healing." She begins each day by asking herself, "How can I serve my community and make a positive difference in people's lives today?" She and Atlantis host weekly showcases every Wednesday evening in Long Beach. They showcase from 6-15 dancers on any given Wednesday! She teaches on Tuesday nights at the Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Thursday nights at the Southern California Dance Academy, Friday nights at Cerritos College and on Saturdays at Santa Monica College. She wrote a book and self published it. She enjoys the occasional opportunities to perform with her husband (a Greek musician) and Atlantis . . . Oh, and remember the annual Belly Dance of the Universe Competitions? She and Atlantis are founders and hostesses for the competition, which is actually a merger of their two annual events. And I think I deserve a medal if I make it to the post office and dry cleaners in the same day! Class Schedule - Le Danse Oriental (Belly Dance)
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Biography
- Tonya, Southern California Bellydancer, Premier Teacher, Talented Performer,
Choreographer, MC and Promoter
Also a fabulous costume designer, she designs for the dancer's unique personal style.PMB 343, 5318 East Second St.
Long Beach, CA 90803-5354
Phone/FAX: 562 433 6615 -- Email
Page updated 06/28/07
http://www.tonya-and-atlantis.com/tonya.htm
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