Biography

Carol has a history of dance in her family ancestry. The Scottish Highlanders were known for dancing. The Highlanders used their dances in preparation for battle and for staying in shape physically. There was a time of persecution when they were not allowed to wear their tartan, play their bagpipes or do their dances. The tartans originated from the Highlander clans. Carol has several Highlander names in her family lines: Cameron, Neal, and Shaw. Her parents Robert and Florence were active in ballroom dancing. Florence practiced Ballet. Her sister Sharon was active in theater arts and modern dance. Carol has collected a variety of European dances representing different ethnic groups and eras.

Carol has been studying all aspects of Ethnic dance: technique, choreography, music, costume and history, for 18 yrs. She was employed as in house dancer for 12 yrs., at two popular restaurants in Calif. and Oregon. She has danced and performed demonstrations at private parties, public gatherings, fairs and schools. She and her students have performed together at various gatherings. Several of her students have gone on to become professional dancers. Carol has taught at Humbolt State University, College of the Redwoods, Oregon State University, and Corvallis Art Center and various Parks and Recreations and dance studios. She is now teaching in Spokane, Wa. And Coeur d’ alene, Ida. She also produced a 6-week dance instruction class for P.B.S. She presents her performances in choreographed and improvised dances representing various ethnic dances from different countries.

Carol is a performer, teacher, choreographer, costume designer, historian. She is also involved in genealogical research. Her repertoire covers dances of: Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain and Italy, North Africa, Mediterranean, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkic people, Israeli.

Some of the dances include scarves, veil, sticks, spoons, finger cymbals, bells, masks, fans, pots, trays and teapots and cups, swords and various other props. You will see the overflow of similarities of different ethnic influences through invasion, occupation, contact through travel. European dances spread throughout Europe, through social popularity. Different countries created their own versions of particular dances.