is an international performer, instructor, and award-winning choreographer.
A native Texan, she received her BFA in ballet from Texas Christian University, and then went on to live in New York City for eight years, where she continued her studies in dance, acting and musical theater.
She was fortunate enough to further her dance education at the Paul Taylor Winter Intensive, Ballet Austin Summer intensive, and the Broadway Theatre Project— where she was able to train with Broadway stars Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon and Gregory Hines.
In 2008, Vanessa moved to Egypt, where she became the first and only American woman to own and operate a production company. From 2009-2015 Vanessa Show Productions provided a variety of entertainment including Egyptian Folklore Troupe, International Dance Show, and solo work in the five star hotels in Sharm El Sheikh—a tourist resort destination.
In 2015, Vanessa relocated to Cairo full-time to continue her solo career in classic Egyptian dance and folklore dance. There, she held a 30 month contract at the Sofitel El Gezirah where she and her musicians performed weekly.
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In 2008, Vanessa moved to Egypt, where she became the first and only American woman to own and operate a production company. From 2009-2015 Vanessa Show Productions provided a variety of entertainment including Egyptian Folklore Troupe, International Dance Show, and solo work in the five star hotels in Sharm El Sheikh—a tourist resort destination.
In 2015, Vanessa relocated to Cairo full-time to continue her solo career in classic Egyptian dance and folklore dance. There, she held a 30 month contract at the Sofitel El Gezirah where she and her musicians performed weekly.
Many dance enthusiasts from around the world would attend Vanessa‘s shows, and invite her to teach and perform in their countries for their dance schools, festivals and events.
While in Cairo, Vanessa performed as a soloist, as well as acting in numerous plays and theater productions including “Sert El Hob—The Life of Baleigh Hamdi” at the famous Balloon Theater in Cairo.
She has performed for the Egyptian Minister of Culture, the King of Baharain, and for respected celebrities, officials and diplomats.
Throughout the years, Vanessa has been invited to choreograph, teach, perform and judge competitions at various schools, studios, conventions, events and festivals throughout the USA and Internationally— including Egypt, Kuwait, Estonia, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Portugal, Chile, Mexico, Japan, England and Canada.
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Vanessa came back to the States in 2020, and currently lives in her home state of Texas. In 2022, she accepted the position as Artistic Director of Jawaahir Dance Company 501(c)3 Non-profit based in Minneapolis.
In addition to her work with Jawaahir, Vanessa currently works as a freelance choreographer and dance instructor for competition companies, children’s & adult classes—including ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, lyrical, hip-hop, and middle-eastern dance styles—specializing in Egyptian styles and Folklore.
Vanessa continues to create space for her students to thrive—via Private Coaching, in-person and online workshops, and most recently, through her new Mentorship Program “Transform.”
Vanessa strives to leave a legacy behind—“It’s never too late to show up for yourself and to change your life. Dance has given me my life—the opportunity to learn, grow, evolve—and to share my love for dance with people all over the world. My wish is to inspire and empower others to be their best…and to continue to Transform .”
