BJ Barrett

Aug. 21, 1945

 

I am living my life backward, learning and doing things as a grandmother I only dreamed of as a girl. I am, nevertheless surprised at how that little girl of 5 can still be looking out through these eyes lined by decades of laughter and wonderment. I have lived in Japan to Germany and all over the USA as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, artist, businesswoman, researcher, philosopher, animal rescuer, world traveler and dancer on the Wheel of Life.

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Earning an MFA, my career was as an art teacher in high school, college, community schools and private lessons in my own studio. For over 40 years I designed and produced paintings, pottery and sculpture for commissions and shows in galleries and fine art festivals.

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After retiring, I decided to enter the fascinating world of belly dance. A decade later my love of Middle Eastern dance has expanded to include Tribal Style, musical theater, jazz, ballroom and hip hop.  Retirement also brought me the time to re-enter my parallel love of acting in local community theater. 

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Being a member of the Paris dancers since 2015, opens up new opportunities to learn and grow in this art form, surrounded by inspiring peers. I love being able to share the experience of a lifetime through music and dance to people of all ages.