Amaya has danced all her life and in many facets of show business. She even admits to "running away to join the circus" (Circus Conelli in Zurich, Switzerland). She was a featured performer in the German extravaganza, "Salome," and also in the theatrical production "Zorba." In the early stages of her career, Amaya won First Place in a competition in Cairo, Egypt. More recently (1998), she won Dancer of the Year/ International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance Award. Her mentor and dance partner, Roman "Bert" Balladine, has said, "Amaya is a jewel in the crown of the Oriental World." Together they have performed with many of the greats in this fascinating dance.

Born in Crystal City, Texas, the "Spinach Capital of the World" (complete with a downtown statue of Popeye!), Amaya has traveled extensively throughout nineteen different countries teaching and performing. She has also been the producer of the annual "International Shake & Bake Dance Festival" and "Oriental Potpourri" in New Mexico. Instructional video production, teaching local dance and aerobics classes, all keep Amaya's Dance Productions busy on a daily level when she is not traveling.

As a performer, Amaya's dance is filled with passion and fire, tempered with elegance and flashes of fun. Her dance is an unusual showcase of Spanish/Arabic styling with soul-stirring taksims. This fusion expresses the heart of Andalucia with the spirit of Arabia. She has chosen "La Mora Gitana" to describe her unique interpretation to this dance. Touching soul and spirit, her dance transcends time and place.

Twenty-eight years of teaching have helped Amaya in expertly instructing the beginning dancer to the professional dancer by incorporating basic level steps to "super-embellished" moves while using dynamic music---all mixed with a healthy dose of humor and life philosophies. This combination provides all level seminar attendees with a satisfying, challenging workshop experience.

Visit her website here: http://home.comcast.net/~mamaya1/