Your Lead Instructor

I encourage clients to always ask themselves who is the teacher's teacher? Knowing this provides the learner with sources and an indication of an instructor's education, dedication, perspective, and values regarding the art of teaching and learning.  With that, I offer a high-level combined list of the most relative and impactful education and 30+ years of relative experience.  I continue to encourage clients/students to go to the source if/when possible: 

• Debbie Allen, African Dance -1991
• BS Sports Medicine, minor in K-8 Education, Cum Laude, University of North Carolina, NC -1993 to 1995
• The Spa, Personal Trainer and Instructor, Fayetteville, NC 1993-1995
• Ballroom Dance Instructor, University of North Carolina, NC 1994-1995
• Internship, Womack Army Hospital, NC - 1994-1995
• World Gym, Personal Trainer and Instructor, 1998-2005
• Transitions Yoga & Dance Studio, Owner and Instructor, 2001-2007
• Yoga Synthesis Certified, NJ; RYT - 2002
• Kundalini Yoga (3HO) Courses, NM and VA - 2002 to 2006
• Ashtanga Yoga Shala, Mysore, India (Primary Series) - 2004 
• Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center, Panchakarma, 2004
• Shruthi Sagana Music Academy of Mysore, school of traditional arts, India - 2004
• Chakra Dance Instructor, Summer Solstice, 3HO, NM -2005
• Kukuwa African Dance (endorsed by Oprah in O' Magazine) -2005
• Pre/Postnatal Yoga Instructor, INOVA Loudoun County Hospital, VA - 2005-2006
• Fat Chance Belly Dance General Skills Certification, CA - 2006
• Salimpour School, CA; SL2 and JL2 certified, 2005 to current 
• United States Army, Intelligence Analyst
• Salimpour DC Collective, 2018 to current
• Salimpour Bal Anat, cast member 2020-current
• Masala Movements, Owner and Instructor, 2010-2020
• MA International Relations and Conflict Resolution, with Distinction,  American Military University -2011
• Adult Education Certification and Instructor, DoD- 2013-2023
• Defense Language Institute, DoD & Diplomatic Language Services - 2014 to 2015
• International Lighthouse Egyptian Arabic, Egypt - 2020 to 2021 
• MA Business Administration, UMGC - 2011
• National Security Agency, Retired 
• Certified Ayurveda Practitioner, International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine - 2023
• Certified Kundalini Yoga by Yoga Farm; RYT 2023
• Salimpour Collective - Baltimore, Group Liaison to Salimpour School - 2023
• Salimpour International, Teachers Assistant T308 - projected completion Nov 2024
• Panchakarma Cleansing & Advanced Clinical Skills, Ayurveda Joyful Belly, Aug 2024
• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Student - ABMP Insured, projected completion Dec 2024
• CranioSacral Therapy seminar, Baltimore, MD - Feb 2025

 Below are a few reviews that offer insight into our classroom experience. Join the fun!

• "After my first seven classes of just dropping in, I prepaid for my second eight week session! I have a great time, love the fellowship, and am very happy with the benefits of belly dancing for my personal wellness plan. I was hooked after my first class." - Amber

• " Wendy takes a whole-body approach, noticing things I wasn't even aware of.  We've worked on lower body strength and balance--I have made solid progress over the past few months.  She has given me simple, yet effective, exercise plans and pays close attention during our sessions, adjusting, coaching, and explaining to help me maintain proper form and get maximum benefit from the exercise.  It's been a pleasure working with Wendy and learning from her. " - Paula 

• "I began my journey with Wendy with a series of belly dance classes, as a way of feeling beautiful and strong. Within a few classes, I was hooked. Her passion and dedication to mastering every aspect of the dance and sharing it with her students makes her second to none. 20 years later, I STILL dance. She has a way of making you feel immediately safe and engaged, encouraged and ABLE. I hope everyone has a chance to dance, learn and heal with her." - Deedee

• "Wendy has an awesome and inclusive teaching style, and great energy!" - Nicki  

• "Absolutely fantastic instruction from dance technique to body alignment/health in a comfortable, fun and inspiring environment." - Taschen

• "Absolutely one of the best instructors on body alignment and posture." - Anna