EDUCATION: B.A. in math & Latin; Master of Arts in Teaching in Latin and classical humanities; Virginia DOE certified teacher; AFAA Group Fitness Instructor; SharQui the Bellydance Workout Instructor; countless hours of studying with local, national, and international dance artists.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? As a kid I often "played school," but I was also drawn to the performing arts through involvement in music, movement and theater productions.

CAREER HISTORY: Having been a dedicated belly dance student for over five years, I was encouraged by one of my dance instructors, Scheherazade of Richmond, to take the next step and become a professional performer. In the fall of 2007 everything fell into place. I was confident about my performance abilities, and there were jobs available. Quickly I had a busy schedule, with multiple performances every weekend. After intensive training in Egyptian folkloric dance styles, Middle Eastern music, and becoming a certified fitness instructor, I started teaching belly dance classes in Fredericksburg. I have now logged well over 300 solo performances and have been teaching weekly classes for almost three years.

FIRST JOB: My first solo job as a professional belly dancer was at a wedding reception in Richmond.

WORST JOB: I honestly can't come up with anything I would call the "worst." I get to dance at so many fun, happy events! I guess performing outside on slippery wet grass for a graduation party was not my favorite experience.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DECISION YOU'RE WRESTLING WITH NOW? The biggest challenge is finding enough time to do it all.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I perform regularly in Gainesville and also in Richmond, so I have put many, many miles on my car for this job. Having a chauffeur would be lovely!

WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOUR A MENTOR EVER GAVE YOU? One of my professors gave me the following career advice, "Figure out what you love to do, then find a way to make money doing it."