Today, Amaya resides in New Mexico, enjoying an eclectic life of green chilies, Sandia Mountains-red sunsets, “Buddy”
a Scottie Terrier, “Paco” a 7 lb. Chihuahua, and Life Human Partner, Pete. She is also involved with hospice work as the
Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice Compassus in Albuquerque, NM. Another hat Amaya wears proudly is being the
mother of Andrea Amaya, a superb daughter (when Amaya grows up she wants to be just like her daughter!), and is loved
by a huge Latino Family of six sisters and one brother. Her life is enriched by her connection to super dancers and friends
all over the world!
She is proud to say that her elementary school teacher and, yes, even Bert, was wrong! She made her hobby into a career by
following her bliss!
Her mentor and dance partner, Roman “Bert” Balladine, has said “Amaya is a jewel in the crown of the Oriental World.”
WWW.WISEWOMANDANCER.COM
EMAIL: [email protected]
MA*SHUQA MIRA MURJAN
Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan of Los Gatos, CA (instructor/coach) has been a colleague, friend
of Amaya, and also a colleague of mentor Bert Balladine for many years. Ma*Shuqa and
Amaya are contemporaries who both embrace the beauty of improvisational dance with
passion, and their paths have crossed in many performances and at many events over
the years. With the spread and influence of American belly dance by proponents such
as Amaya and Ma*Shuqa, she would love to hear about your teaching and performance
experiences within the realm of improvisational Oriental dance. Please address your
comments to her at [email protected] www.MaShuqa.com
January 2016
The Belly Dance Chronicles
17