BellyRoll Performers

BellyRoll Dance Company has a core group of performers. Other independent dancers and dance troupe perform with BellyRoll, and large performances often have a number of troupes dancin together. BellyRoll often organizes these events and can coordinate entertainment.

Here are the core dancers themselves:

Beka Merrifield, director

Beka began studying tribal style bellydance with FatChance Bellydance in San Francisco in 1990 and eventually became a member of the troupe “Second Skin". She performed with the troupe at a variety of events ranging from Dance Festivals to local street fairs to underground clubs.

In 1996 Beka move to Maui and started teaching classes. In 2002 she produced "Gypsy Spirit" at the Iao Theater. The show was a huge success which lead to the second Production, "Magic Carpet" at Hapa's night club in 2003.

With dedicated students such as Kristyn, Brooke & Karli, the formation of BellyRoll Dance Company in 2003 happened quite naturally. BellyRoll Dance Company teaches regular classes and performs around Maui at private parties, clubs and benefit events.

Kristyn Hale

Kristyn Ewing has been bellydancing since 2002. Though her passion for dance started at a young age with an interest in jazz and tap dance, she was 27 when she was introduced to the world of bellydance. She began studying under Terressa Emerson, a Cabaret and Rom Gypsy dancer. From Terressa she gained the skill, confidence, and passion that inspired her to explore other forms of bellydance - which led her to Beka Merrifield, under whom she currently studies Tribal bellydance. Inspired by Beka's vision, BellyRoll Dance Company became a reality in 2003 and Beka extended an invitation to Kristyn to become a member with regular performances. The experience continues to broaden her horizon on a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual level.

Brooke Gibson

Brooke Gibson has been learning various forms of dance since 1990. Hula and ballet were the first to lure her, later came ballroom and modern dance. Buried within those were short adventures with hip-hop and African dance. She has always felt the soul and passion of bellydance due to her mother’s singing and playing Turkish tunes similar to many in the Eastern regions. For too long it seemed impossible that she would ever find a good opportunity to learn bellydance. But, when she finished college and returned to Maui, she found Beka Merrifield teaching in her home town. Since mid 2005 she has been happily learning from Beka. Now she is enjoying the new world of regular performance, dance expression and innovation.

Karli Benedict

Karli Benedict took her first dance lesson at the age of two and has been dancing ever since. Trained in various styles from ballet to hip hop, she fell in love with Tribal Style bellydance after seeing a BellyRoll Dance Company performance. She then made it her mission to study under director Beka Merrifield, and was formally invited to join the troupe in 2008.