Michelle De Vine Director, Choreographer & Costumer Michelle De Vine grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area belly dance community. As an appreciative observer, dancer, instructor and promoter, she has developed a background which gives her a unique perspective on belly dance as an art, outlet and industry. With extensive and ongoing study of the many facets of belly dance, as well as other dance forms, Michelle combines this training with personal visualization and life experience to bring to life her vision of this dance art form. Currently residing in NJ where she teaches weekly classes and directs Spring Caravan, Michelle also travels throughout the United States instructing workshops and performing with her troupe, Mahalat. 
Crystal Assistant Director, Assistant Choreographer, & Assistant Instructor 
Monica Troupe Member Monica was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. She has been a resident of the United States since 1991. Monica has two children that are a lot of fun. She has been studying belly dance since 2003. Monica has studied with Kim Leary and has been Michelle De Vine’s student since 2004. She joined Mahalat in 2007. 
Bridgette Troupe Member For more than 20 years, Bridgette has studied various forms of dance and performing arts. She was trained at Princeton and New Jersey Ballet Schools and attended Somerset County Vocational School for Performing Arts. Bridgette has been studying belly dance with Michelle De Vine since 2005 and joined Mahalat in 2007. Bridgette enjoys performing not only as a troupe member, but also as a soloist and as a duet with Jennifer, her mother and fellow troupe member. Drawing from her deep love of dance and a desire to share it with others, Bridgette currently teaches weekly classes for both young girls and adults. 
Laurie Troupe Member Laurie was introduced to the world of Middle Eastern dance in 2003 when she took her first class as a favor to her friend, and first teacher, Sarah Lee. Her interest in the dance form was awakened. Since then, she has taken many workshops and classes in the various styles of bellydancing. In 2004, Laurie met Michelle De Vine, and intriqued by her unique approach to this dance form, became a student of hers. She is proud to be a member of Mahalat and also a member of and assistant to Michelle's traditional/folkloric troupe, Kinnari. During her spare time, she likes to read, and spend time with her very supportive family. 
Mayra Troupe Member Mayra was born in Havana, Cuba and has lived in New Jersey since the age of one. She has always loved all forms of dance and began studies in Middle Eastern Dance in New York City in 2002 with various fabulous dance instructors. She began studying with Michelle in 2006 and joined Mahalat in 2007. 
Jennifer Troupe Member Jennifer began studying belly dance in 2005. She is currently a student of Michelle De Vine’s, and has studied with Kim Leary and Tasha. In 2008, Jennifer joined Mahalat. She is pleased to have shared her lifelong appreciation of the arts with her daughter, Bridgette, and is delighted to dance with her as a fellow member of Mahalat and as a duet. Jennifer has a degree in Computer Science, which she enjoys using to create websites for dancers and musicians. 
Lauren Troupe Member Lauren is a new member of Mahalat. She has been belly dancing since 2004, studying and performing in New Jersey and New York. She started studying with Michelle in 2008 and performed with her traditional/folkloric troupe Kinnari. Lauren also dances and choreographs with a belly dance trio, Desert Reveries. When not dancing, she works as a drama teacher for children in grades K-6 at a Montessori school and is also a professional face painter. |
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