Her film credits include parts in Fargo the TV Series, Hell On Wheels, the feature film Last Rites of Ransom Pride, TV’s Flirting with Forty and Angel’s Fall with Heather Locklear, Daughter of the Bride, Dreamers, September Dawn, Shanghai Noon, Stiffed and Last Call for which she received the 2001 Ampia award for Best Actress. In 2007, Christy produced her first film, a dance short entitled “Erosion”, which received an Ampia nomination for best music video, and best costume.
Christy originally began taking belly dance classes when in University, an acting teacher assigned the class the task of learning a new skill to add to their resume. Christy has studied Oriental dance since 1998, when she began exploring the art form with Linda Hannah-Meyer. The dance soon became another of her passions and she began performing for restaurants, charitable events, theatre openings and spent a number of years bringing vibrancy to downtown Calgary, as a belly dancing busker. Christy continued professional development with Lebanese dancer Hind Haymour, whose effervescence and authentic style have influenced the dancer Christy is today.
Always a student of dance, Christy has had the opportunity to take workshops with dancers such as Aziza, Hadia, Mira Betz, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Tamra-Henna, Aradia, Sahra Saeeda, Cassandra, Yousry Sharif, Faten Salama and Dina of Egypt. Christy’s repertoire of movement has also been complemented by continued studies in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Funk, African, Hip Hop, Flamenco, Salsa, Tango and Yoga.
In addition, Christy has studied with musicians Mary Ellen Donald, Issam Houshan and Malcolm Lim, to gain a greater understanding of middle-eastern rhythms. Her maqam studies have begun through the Salimpour School with musician Tim Rayborn.
In 2007, Christy discovered the Salimpour School of Dance, which has become her greatest dance influence to date. Christy travels to the Bay Area multiple times each year to continue her training with the Salimpours. Through years of dedication and work, she has earned her Level 3 Certification in Jamila Salimpour format and her Level 3 certification in Suhaila Salimpour format. Christy began teaching Belly Dance in 2003, now modelling her instruction on the Salimpour format, as she continues working towards her teaching certificate in both Formats. Christy is honoured to have the opportunity to pass on to others, the knowledge which she continually seeks.
Christy’s background includes several years of working as a personal trainer, and she has successfully competed in Powerlifting and two seasons of triathlon. She has a good working knowledge of anatomy and is continually investigating the physiology of movement as it relates to this dance. Christy has also been a certified fitness leader through the AFLCA since 2002.
Eighth Wonder was formed in 2006, with the studio opening in the fall of 2007.
Eighth Wonder has twice produced the theatrical event, Beneath The Veil, a circus-caberet of dance and theatre. In 2011, along with Holly McWilliams of Indigo Arts, Eighth Wonder produced Mucking Farvelous. In 2013, Eighth Wonder brought the show Suhaila Solo, featuring the Islambouli band and Suhaila.
Christy is thrilled to be part of a cohesive and supportive belly dance community, and is honoured to work with a wealth of amazing colleagues.
Check out this video profile of Christy on CTV’s Trailblazers series
Christy has an extensive background in performance as an actor and dancer, for film and stage. She has worked for companies including Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, Theatre Junction, Lunchbox Theatre, Ground Zero Theatre, The Shakespeare Co. and others.
