Asha welcomed dancer and percussionist Holly Johnson
to the troupe in 2001. This home health care nurse
utilizes the healing arts aspect of music and dance in her
practice as well as for the performing arts. Holly brings
over 20 years of experience participating in world music
festivals, parades, theatrical/dance productions,
renaissance faires, schools and hospitals.
Born a "total klutz", Holly overcame her un-coordination
through years of aerobic dance classes and fitness
instructor training programs. During her psychology
studies at CSU Chico, Holly was inspired by a
bellydance troupe accompanied by live music. In 1982,
she became a dedicated student of Jo Chavez,
choreographer and leader of the troupe "Dar Ta Izzah",
who encouraged all of her dancers to participate in
drumming, singing and playing zills during classes and
performances.
Holly expanded her drum and dance passion to African
and Brazilian styles beginning in 1990. She participated
in classes and performances with Larry Baer and Jean
Christopherson of "Honor Africa" and Deana Figueria of
"Samba da Luz."
In 1993, Holly moved to Reno, NV to complete her
nursing degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. She
joined Pangaea Percussion and Winds in 1994, bringing
her ethnic dances to the new global percussion act.
Holly's favorite pastimes include dancing with troupe
choreography and bringing people together for eclectic
jam sessions. She is currently the event coordinator for
the upcoming Drum, Dance and Didgeridoo Festival and
is enjoying the new people and places that Asha brings
into her life.
to the troupe in 2001. This home health care nurse
utilizes the healing arts aspect of music and dance in her
practice as well as for the performing arts. Holly brings
over 20 years of experience participating in world music
festivals, parades, theatrical/dance productions,
renaissance faires, schools and hospitals.
Born a "total klutz", Holly overcame her un-coordination
through years of aerobic dance classes and fitness
instructor training programs. During her psychology
studies at CSU Chico, Holly was inspired by a
bellydance troupe accompanied by live music. In 1982,
she became a dedicated student of Jo Chavez,
choreographer and leader of the troupe "Dar Ta Izzah",
who encouraged all of her dancers to participate in
drumming, singing and playing zills during classes and
performances.
Holly expanded her drum and dance passion to African
and Brazilian styles beginning in 1990. She participated
in classes and performances with Larry Baer and Jean
Christopherson of "Honor Africa" and Deana Figueria of
"Samba da Luz."
In 1993, Holly moved to Reno, NV to complete her
nursing degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. She
joined Pangaea Percussion and Winds in 1994, bringing
her ethnic dances to the new global percussion act.
Holly's favorite pastimes include dancing with troupe
choreography and bringing people together for eclectic
jam sessions. She is currently the event coordinator for
the upcoming Drum, Dance and Didgeridoo Festival and
is enjoying the new people and places that Asha brings
into her life.
