Artists and Facilitators
In random order. <3
Summer Cooper facilitates Authentic Relating and Circling, and is a Yoga and P.E. instructor. She practices conscious dance regularly and is known for her willingness to be deeply real and show up as herself in the moment. She is a top notch friend and a shinning contributor to her local community.
Ariana Hill (Nana) coordinates "Free Hug" offerings at the Phoenix Art Walk on First Fridays, was a lead coordinator of the NeoTribal Gathering, a dedicated activist for Standing Rock, nurtures local community with Spirit Family Dinners and Red Tent gatherings, and practices cuddle healing and ecstatic dance. You don't want to miss getting to know her. <3
Christina Castaldo teaches awakening through sound, breath, touch, and movement to expand our awareness of what is possible within our body, mind, heart, relationships, and community. She is the owner of Awaken ~ Expand ~ Heal, a sacred sexuality practitioner, cuddle party facilitator, massage therapist, devoted partner, mother, and aliveness explorer.
Sam Anderson is a native Navajo who grew up traditionally in the Navajo Nation in Pinedale, New Mexico. Life included attending traditional ceremonies with songs, prayers, and learning about sacred symbols, such as home, drum, dream catcher, medicine wheel, and the four directions. Elders prayed for everything in creation; water, air, even the insects... all that gives us life. Sam spoke primarily Navajo until college when he learned English. He's been doing traditional Navajo dances since 1997 and practices silver smithing. He often dances with his son, Gabriel, who is nearly 13.
Sam loves meeting new people and sharing native teaching. He strives to be a strong advocate for sacred sites and teacher about the elements and creation.
The Riley Rainbow Family Circus is Isabella -age 13, Jai Riley - age 11, Lolamia - age 8, Django - age 4, Cosmo - age 2, and mother and father Sean & Mariana Riley. They offer an interactive educational circus of magic, movement, song, and dance to inspire young and old complete with
jugglers, acrobats, balancers, poi spinners, acro yogies, sword dancers, hoopers, stilt walkers, and their own award winning gypsy band: Of The Earth! Their hearts light up over family warmth, music, art of all types, climbing and adventure, whole food as medicine, conscious parenting, and inspiring uninhabited play and thriving in others.
We are heaping with gratitude to have them here! Come explore and play!
The very talented Rachel Mari Kimber is our beloved accompanist at East Valley Conscious Dance with hints of cello and vocals. She plays locally with the Black Forest Society. She has been likened to Jewel, Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morrisette, yet her idiosyncratic voice and quirks set her in a league of her own.
Rachel has an acoustic album 'A Drop In The Ocean' and the band album 'Life Changes Everything Changes..' both recorded in Wales and features Rachel as Producer and multi-instrumentalist.
Rachel is also a jewelry artist, chocolatier, baker, devoted mother, and joyous universal adventurer. Talk with her and see...
"Let my light my lamp,'
says the star,
..and never debate
if it will help to remove the darkness." -Tagore
Sangeeta Barve is a henna artist, painter, yoga, Paranayama, and Hatha energy balance instructor, dancer, and Reiki practitioner living in Chandler, AZ. Sangeeta started practicing Yoga at an early age and teaching about 20 years ago. She received her 200 hrs Yoga certificate at Paramananda Institute of Yoga Science and Research in Indore India and trained recently at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar India. Sangeeta has a strong passion for Sewa to the community. She has been offering her Sewa at the Iskcon of Phoenix since 2013, has been involved in Sewa International, and was trained by S VYASA. Besides being a mom and a wife, Sangeeta is the founder and owner of Heartistic Expressions, where she offers her talents to the community.
..and never debate
if it will help to remove the darkness." -Tagore
Sangeeta Barve is a henna artist, painter, yoga, Paranayama, and Hatha energy balance instructor, dancer, and Reiki practitioner living in Chandler, AZ. Sangeeta started practicing Yoga at an early age and teaching about 20 years ago. She received her 200 hrs Yoga certificate at Paramananda Institute of Yoga Science and Research in Indore India and trained recently at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar India. Sangeeta has a strong passion for Sewa to the community. She has been offering her Sewa at the Iskcon of Phoenix since 2013, has been involved in Sewa International, and was trained by S VYASA. Besides being a mom and a wife, Sangeeta is the founder and owner of Heartistic Expressions, where she offers her talents to the community.
Nina Smith is the creator and custodian of Phoenix Sunday Dance and ThursdayDANCE!, co-founder of Arizona Conscious Dance, cultural creative, and ordained minister. She landed in the Valley of the Sun after living bi coastally between NYC and Los Angeles California for over 25 years. The ability to find "home" in vastly different regions and cultures has greatly enhanced Nina's intuitive and interpersonal skills. More...
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Dei Sonny Smith is a music teacher, singer, and songwriter. This Millenial Hippie studied astrophysics at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, models, and is a culinary wizidress. She dances on waves of joy and meets life with an effervescent enthusiasm not to be missed.
Gretchen Bickert is an accomplished sound healer, gongist, singing bowl facilitator, and intuitive counselor. She assists people in overcoming trauma and is exploring the path of conscious dance facilitation. Her laugher spills out and fills hearts. This weekend she'll be facilitating joyful noise and gonging deep solace.
Eric Rehnke is a Holotropic Breathwork facilitator, Yoga Nidra instructor, ecstatic dance magi, retired photo journalist, and beloved member of Veterans for Peace. Known for his infectious smile and kind heart, Eric's facilitation holds a trusted path for your higher self.
Fifteen years ago, Shelby Coonrod took her first yoga class and feel in love with natural health and wellness. She practices Yin/gentle yoga, meditation, conscious dance, and helps set the intentional space at East Valley Conscious Dance. She has years of experience working with children as both a caregiver and a parent. She will be graduating from Arizona State University this December with a degree in sociology and a minor in religious studies working towards becoming a grief counselor. Family, community, and living wholly fill her spirit. It's a joy to share her gifts and integrity.
Hari Jap is the founder of the Center for Divine Awakening in Phoenix. He has devoted his entire life to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, and sharing it with others. He believes "Any obstacle contains a safe passage through, for those who actively seek its disclosure." More...
Everett Blessing is the co-owner of Juniper Well Ranch who said, "Come facilitate a dance party..." and Earth Heart Retreat was born... just days after the birth of his son, Astron Blessing. Everett practices ecstatic dance and contact improv, is a professional DJ, and keeper of Juniper Well Ranch where he lives with his partner Margaret and children Aditi and Astron.
Carrie Smith-Hardee facilitates East Valley Conscious Dance every Tuesday at Stars Ballroom in Mesa. She is beginning Open Floor facilitator training and co-founded Arizona Conscious Dance. She's a wellness arts practitioner of 19 years and owns Thrive Wellness where she specializes in Esalen Inspired Massage, intimacy coaching, and Attachment Parenting education. She is the creator and producer of Earth Heart Retreat.
