Andrea
Hello everyone! My name is Andrea Kitta and I'm the Artistic Director and Lead Instructor for The Neighbourhood Strays.
My dance experience is pretty complicated. Because of cultural constraints, I'm only allowed to discuss the details of my training in a venue where I can see everyone's faces. The reason why this rule is in place is because Romani (Gypsy) culture is frequently misunderstood and it is believed that if you can see the face of the person you are talking to or speak personally to them, you will be able to help them understand the culture better. If you can't see their face or be there to answer their questions, your words (or text) may only lead to more misunderstandings. So, if you see me around town, feel free ask me anything you want!In addition to my earlier training, I have also studied Egyptian, Turkish, Indian, and American Tribal Style bellydancing. I am also certified in the Suhaila Salimpour Format Level 1, and I am currently the only certified bellydance instructor in Newfoundland.I've danced in restaurants, at cultural festivals, at weddings, births, and various other parties and everywhere else in between! I belonged to The Lotus Dancers of South Central Kentucky from 2001-2003 where I danced with the troupe, performed solo, assisted with classes, and gave private lessons. When I moved to St. John's in 2003 to pursue my Ph.D. in Folklore, I began teaching bellydance in the Grad Room In the Folklore Department at MUN. Those classes led to the formation of The Neighbourhood Strays (thus named because we were all CFA's) and classes at Kittiwake Dance Theatre. After Kittiwake closed it's doors, we moved over to The School of Dance. The troupe is going strong and we are around to stay!If you would like to know more about my teaching philosophy, click here.
Photo by Jon Milley.