Misfit Gypsies with its members, Paula Nidiffer and Teresa Thompson, have been a source for Middle Eastern (fusion) Dance in the Tri-Cities since 2002. The troupe performs regularly around the region and the members have performed at the Virginia Renaissance Fair at Lake Anna Winery, Celtic Weekend-Virginia Highlands Festival, Shakespeare and Friends Festival in Rogersville, TN, Fun Fest, Kingsport, TN and International Day at Virginia Tech.
Gypsies interprets the music through their movements, steps, transitions, and many different dance choreographies. Misfit Gypsies introduces the idea of performing by teaching short achievable choreographies, which students can dance with others of similar ability in a group. Misfit Gypsies would like to give our students a place to dance, to explore the ideas of performance, and a place to express themselves. We hope to help our students explore their performance skills and develop stage presence.
One of Misfit Gypsies goals is to bring awareness of culturally appropriate factors in the presentation of dance. The understanding of musical rhythms and being able to help our students learn to recognize them in the music. We feel a good teacher also emphasizes the feelings or emotional aspects of the dance.
Misfit Gypsies offers lessons with a blend of Middle Eastern, Gypsy and Turkish Dance Styles and continues to study other ethnic styles. Classes are offered under the direction of Paula Nidiffer and Teresa Thompson at Xtreme Dance Studio located in Abingdon, VA 276-628-8300 and Healing Arts Center, Bristol, VA. Misfit Gypsies with their student Troupe- Xtreme Gypsies, give the dancer who is ready the unique opportunity to travel and perform at entertainment venues throughout the region