I have been teaching Circle Dance since 1987 when life’s events took me to Shropshire where I now live. I had always loved to dance and Circle Dance had an instant appeal to me - drawing music, as it does, from a diverse range of countries and cultures. There had always been a strong international focus in my life since I was brought up in a guest house – we had lots of visitors from ‘strange places’. I had also, in my ‘wild’ youth, lived abroad and travelled widely. I went to university as a mature student to study French and Linguistics and went on to obtain a P.G.C.E. qualification and to teach French.

I first became involved with Circle Dance in 1984 when I moved to Brighton and by chance went to a Spring Equinox Celebration. I was so smitten by the dancing during this celebration that I joined a regular local group and realised immediately that I had found something that resonated deeply with me. The personal events that took me to Shropshire proved to be the moment to explore the possibilities of this wonderful discovery. I have been teaching Circle Dance full time ever since.

Many other doors have also been opened to me since setting out on the dancing path. Most importantly soon after I began teaching Circle Dance I found opportunities to develop my musical skills. I already played recorder, guitar and piano but soon found myself trying out other instruments like the mandolin, the melodica and more recently the Bulgarian Tambura (which I acquired on a visit there in 1993). I also love to drum and to sing in a variety of languages.

It has been my passion to promote and bring live music to dance events, but I have also made several recordings of Circle Dance music with the wonderful musicians and dancing friends I have met along the way. More recently I have been developing skills as a choreographer to music composed by my very special friend - Linda Rhodes (see Parampara).

All the personal enrichment that the dance and music-making has brought me has led me to encourage others to open their voices and to find/develop their musical skills (Circle Dance Holidays and Special Events). So although I mostly teach Circle Dance, I now also offer a variety of singing and musical events throughout the year. Much of what I do is based near to my home in Shropshire but I also teach throughout the UK and increasingly around the world.