Karla has been dancing since she was quite young and has an extensive background in ballet, modern, folk and ballroom. In the 80’s, she performed with several dance companies in NYC and Virginia in a variety of styles and venues, including  Lincoln Center Out of Doors, BAM, Riverside Dance Theater, and the Kennedy Center, and the Great Lawn in Central Park.

Karla is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique and somatic practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the healing arts. She particularly values how Oriental dance lends itself to individual expression and creativity and it is this that inspired her to begin teaching in 1987.

She has studied with various teachers in NYC and with Fariba in Portland, OR. She continues to take workshops and classes to gain a better understanding of the art form.  Bellyissima began as a joint collaboration between Gina and Karla and now extends to working with other local dancers performing in restaurants, community concerts and  at private parties.

Bellyissima now offers classes throughout Westchester on almost every night of the week. Look at our class schedule on the Instruction page for a list of places and times. We hope to inspire the dancer in you!

DANCE

OTHER EMPLOYMENT
Music for Health Programs in Nursing Homes
Diamond Jubilators Jazz programs
Senior Stretch & Exercise Programs