In 1996, Renee took "Introduction to Arabic Dance" at the U of M, taught by Cassandra Shore, and fell in love with the dance and the music. She hasn't stopped dancing since. She continued training, primarily at the Cassandra School, and had the wonderful opportunity to dance with Jawaahir Dance Company from 2006-2024. Building community, facilitating educational opportunities, and creating performance opportunities for dancers through her many years of service with the Guild of Middle Eastern Dance has been some of her most rewarding work. You can find Renee teaching workshops and weekly classes, performing as a soloist, and, now, dancing with Baratok!