Miranda Betts
Miranda
Betts trained in contemporary dance and choreography, as well
as in Contact Improvisation - a relatively new and exciting dance form
which incorporates gymnastics, martial arts and acrobatics. This was
inspiring for her, as she had been leaarning Goju Ryu Karate for some
years already.
After achieving her 1st Dan (black belt) qualification, Miranda set up a number of karate clubs for children in north London with another qualified instructor. She took part in numerous competitions and after a short while got the children involved too.
Miranda was also involved in teaching dance workshops at the National Youth Arts Festival in Devon for several years. This annual event bought together young people from across the UK for a week long extravaganza of workshops and performances, and her groups would work towards giving their own performance at the festival finale.
Miranda was co-founder and choreographer of Zap Dance Company, which she set up with a friend after college. Zap taught and performed on many projects in the community, particularly in schools where dance provision was almost non-existent.
Miranda has since moved to Wales and has taught dance to groups of all ages. She continues to extend her own techniques through participating in a wide variety of dance workshops, and has been fortunate to work with many great teachers and choreographers. These include Adam Benjamin, Louise Kategera and Kirsty Simpson.
In 2003 Miranda went to Russia with leading Welsh folk performer Siwsann George, as part of The Siwsann George Welsh Road Show. Here she performed some traditional dances of Wales, interpreting some of them using contemporary dance.
Miranda is not only a dancer, she is also a talented singer-songwriter, guitarist and recording artist who performs in the UK and Europe. She has been writing songs for as long as she can remember and recorded a solo EP, Miranda, in London in 2000.
Excellent feedback from that encouraged her to take to performing her songs, and to later collaborate with Heather Summers to form Meerkat. Miranda draws her inspiration from nature, and the raw materials and emotions of life. Heartfelt lyrics, passionate soaring melodies and rich vocals are her trademark.
Miranda has also been marketing officer for Women In Tune for the last four years, promoting the only women's music festival in the UK. The festival aims to encourage women to enjoy music and participate in making music in a relaxed and friendly environment. For more information about Women In Tune, visit www.womenintune.org.uk