Jasmine discovered dance during her studies at the University of Memphis. Though a film major, Jasmine continued to study dance on the side, teaching for the Memphis Arts Council, choreographing original works, and performing with a number of local modern dance companies including Project:Motion, Metal Velvet Dance Project, and Memphis Dance Group. After receiving degrees in both film and dance in 2001, Jasmine fused the two disciplines with her Masters studies in Communication, focusing on dance for the camera, an art form dedicated to creating choreographic works using film.

As an Italian-American born and raised in Sicily, Jasmine grew to appreciate different cultures at a young age. It was this fascination of world cultures that brought Jasmine to start Middle Eastern dance in 2000 with the Pyramid Dance Company. During her stay with Pyramid, she served as instructor, principal performer, and assistant director to the company. As an avid pupil of Oriental Dance, Jasmine continually seeks to study the art form under numerous instructors. Individuals with whom she has had the opportunity to take workshops under include Tayaar Akdenez, Dahlena of Chicago, Tamalyn Dallal, Leila Gazal, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Jasmine Jahal, Morrocco, Samara of New York, Nourhan Sharif, Yousry Sharif, and Bellydance Superstars Jillina, Ansuya, Bozenka, and Sonia. (View Jasmine’s Resume for a complete list.) As a performer, Jasmine finds enjoyment in entertaining audiences. Her talent has landed her on local stages, such as The Orpheum and Buckman Performing Arts Theatre, and has carried her half way round the world when she accepted a request to perform for a Middle Eastern wedding celebration in Tunis, Tunisia.

It was after receiving her Masters that Jasmine decided to take her dance to another level. In hopes of making Middle Eastern and North African dance popular as a preferred form of entertainment as well as an exercise alternative, Jasmine has formed Dance with Jasmine and its performance group Jasmine’s Jewels. Her ties with other dance communities in Memphis and dedicated students greatly aid her in achieving this goal of bringing people together through movement.

Reasons to study with Jasmine

View Jasmine's Dance Resume

Jasmine's Jewels