Daniel Pitta (Mestre Pitta) is a native of Salvador, Brazil. Daniel is co-owner of Bahia In Motion, a Seattle-based organization offering classes in Capoeira, Brazilian dance, Zumba fitness and tours to Brazil. Daniel's classes transmit the vibrant energy of Brazil. Get ready to dance, sweat and smile! Bahia In Motion has partnered this year with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Spectrum Dance Theater, the Overlake School and Cornish College of the Arts. For more information, please visit bahiainmotion.com

Percussion artist/educator Mark Powers has performed and studied drumming throughout the United States, China, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Ghana, West Africa. He shares his passion for rhythm through private lessons and workshops for schools, businesses, correctional institutions and community events. Mark's diverse list of performing and recording credits includes appearances with Corey Sterling (of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band), Rick Nielsen (of Cheap Trick), and Devon Evans (of Bob Marley & the Wailers) and America’s Polka King- the late Frankie Yankovic. He has written educational articles for Modern Drummer, Percussive Notes, Mel Bay, World Percussion & Rhythm and Fever Pitch magazines, and has published seven original percussion compositions. He is also former co-holder of the Guinness World Record for Longest Drum Roll by a Group. Visit Mark online at: www.powerspercussion.com

Barb Pitcher has been playing drums over 40 years and was the first 'girl' drummer in her high school in the late 60's. She has been studying world drums for many years with master drum teachers. Her focus on the frame drum began in 1997, and has studied extensively with Layne Redmond, and Glen Velez. She teaches frame drum workshops/classes and her teaching style can incorporate the beginner to the advanced frame drummer. Barb presents frame drum workshops at festivals and conferences including Michigan Women's Music Festival and Ontario Women's Drum Camp. She has performed in collaboration with many artists and orchestras including the Michigan women's Music Festival, the West Michigan Concert Winds, Ubaka Hill and the ShapeShifters, and with Layne Redmond at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention as well as producing concerts with Layne and 35 frame drummers in the historic Howmet Theater in western Michigan. Barb seeks to make the ancient art of frame drumming accessible to anyone who is drawn to this tradition. Her passion is to allow everyone to experience the powerful, diverse rhythmic culture created when we drum together.

Gilles Prémel 34, rue des Sablières 33800 Bordeaux France Phone: 00/33/664.41.02.54 E-mail: premelp@yahoo.fr Instruments played: conga, bongo, timbales, bata, berimbau, timba, repinique, pandeiro, tamborim, reco-reco, chékéré, agogo, gan, cajon Peruvian cajon Cuban quijada, surdos and trap drums. 1984: Brazilian Percussion with Bira Almeida "Mestre accordion" world-renowned and instigator of the Capoeira in the U.S.A. As musical director and composer of the famous group of Sanfran-cisco corpo santo. 1988-89: Afro-cuban workshop in matanzas with LOS MUñEQUITOS of MATANZAS in Cuba. Diploma 3rd degree at the CONJUNTO FOLKLORICO Nacional de Cuba, Havana. 2001-2004 Conservatorio Josafat Roel pineda Lima, Peru, percussion residency on origins of west africa in Latin America and the Caribbean, their influences in the music of this century in modern music. 2002-2006: E.N.M.D.T. (National Conservatory of Dance and Music GABRIEL FAURE - Angoulême) Professor teacher on Percussive Afro Caribbean and Latin music in orchestras.music festivals student projects.

Directed by Aaminah, Anwaar is a progressive fusion bellydance troupe, mixing multiple styles of bellydance with a touch of contemporary. Their repetoire includes a variety of dynamic choreographies, some with props like swords or short staffs, as well as group improvisation. Whether it's to traditional folkloric, Arabic pop, or gritty progressive music, they mix it up and always keep it interesting.

Joyce Paul is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer who believes that dance is a wonderful medium that can transport you to a level of consciousness that is difficult to reach otherwise. She works hard to ensure that the essence of dance and its unseen ramifications are experienced by her students and co-dancers. Her knowledge of Exercise Physiology and the human body in general give her classes a unique twist. Her basic knowledge of Ballet and Jazz help her work on competitive analysis between art forms and how the body reacts to different stress movements.