Hi, I'm Twila Jane! I am an artist with a bend to the left who wears many hats: I'm a dancer, musician, writer, costumer, stitch wizard, photographer, and I perform all of the time with my band as a singer/percussionist. I love collaborating with other artists, and a big part of my life is having art adventures with people I love, and creating space for folks to express themselves. I’ve had my own dance studio for 8 years, and tour teaching and performing fusion, theatrical, and classic belly dance.

I am also a mama to one sweet, super fun and creative pre-teen son who loves to travel with me too. We live in a funky little art house on the outskirts of Richmond with my husband, three chickens, and five bunnies, where loved ones are welcome to come and go. I look at our home as a great big art project, complete with lots of wild gardens that fill our yard through and through. Domesticity doesn’t have to be boring, and I love to cook, grow our own food, and build our little nest in new directions.

While I've travelled a lot around the US, I'm newish to international travel, and am finally taking serious my dream to see the world, which I feel is probably best experienced with folks living their lives in their own wonderful places. Being a touring artist, I have reciprocated over the years by hosting other artists in my home, something I have always enjoyed doing. It's the best to sit down with a cup of coffee and share stories and skills and experiences!

I love being outdoors, adventures on foot, seeing new things, trying new food, and am open to most anything. I love plants and new landscapes and environments, and am as comfortable in the city as I am outdoors and far away. I am not a drinker or "party gal", but do I ever love to get rowdy with friends playing games, going places, having discussions, or (insert fun hilarity) one can do while high on life or the gifts of the earth.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm looking for people to connect with and places to stay while traveling. I would love to meet up with folks coming through Richmond!

Interests

• photography
• cooking
• gardening
• beaches
• mountains
• art
• adventures
• dance
• new experiences
• accordion
• water
• new places
• bellydance
• garden
• culture sharing

Music, Movies, and Books

I love music from all over the world, and of every time period. There's a particular soft spot in my heart for 50's Motown/Stacks artists, anything with harmonies, accordion, or cellos. A couple of my favorite books are "Deathless" by Cathryn Valente, and "Jitterbug Perfume" by Tom Robbins.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Survived the world so far! ;)

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a dance teacher, and would love to share dance/movement/yoga with you. I also know how to use sewing machines and sergers; I can edit papers for you, play music, help with gardening and vegan cooking as well! I'd love to learn about anything my hosts are interested in sharing!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Dance lessons, cooking skills, gardening, kid care, pet care, general household participation/help.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Morocco, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States