Miriam Peretz

Miriam Peretz has studied, performed, and taught a wide variety of ethnic dance forms in the U.S. and the Middle East for over fifteen years. Miriam specializes in dances from the Silk Road (Persia and Central Asia), Middle-East, North Africa, and the Roma “Gypsy” trail. In addition to these forms, she has also received extensive training in Flamenco, West African, Afro-Cuban, Hawaiian, and modern dance. Miriam has studied with master teachers from California as well as abroad in Egypt, Spain, Morocco, Israel, Turkey, and Tajikistan. Summer of 2006 Miriam completed a BAACS sponsored dance residency with Padida Dance Theater in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Miriam has taught at numerous dance schools throughout California as well as internationally specializing in various ethnic dance styles. In Israel she performed with “Inbal Ethnic Dance Theater,” “Arabesque,” Oriental Dance Ensemble and “Pasos” Flamenco Dance Company. In the U.S. she has been a featured soloist with “Aywah,” Ethnic Dance Company, “Shuvani,” and “Ballet Afsaneh” with whom she has been a member since 1998. BAACS director, Sharlyn Sawyer was one of Miriam’s first dance instructors and continues to be her most valued mentor, artistic consultant, and director.

June of 2005 Miriam was selected as a soloist for the highly selective San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. Miriam holds a B.A. in performing arts with a dance emphasis from Saint Mary’s College of California, and is a certified Pilates instructor.

Miriam has recently returned from performing abroad with the acclaimed Persian Ney player, Amir Shahsar following the release of his new CD, “Botechin.” Miriam is currently teaching workshops and performing throughout the Bay Area. She has also released her new DVD Dances of the Middle East & Roma “Gypsy” trail, available through her web site: www.miriamdance.com.