Charisse Garrett aka Saiedeh, started dancing at the age of 4 in San Diego.  Her dance education included Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Hula/Tahitian, Gymnastics, Flamenco and Belly Dance.  At the age of 16 she started teaching officially after many years apprenticing under her long time instructor, Leah Walker.  Her dance has taken her on a vast and exciting journey, she is very happy her parents had the foresight to offer a well rounded education.  She has now been teaching 45 years.  Charisse attributes her avid love of the big World of Dance to the diverse and talented  dance instructors she has had the pleasure of learning from...and it didn't hurt that she was born on Gene Kelly's birthday!

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As a "Fusion" dancer with a multi-dance background, it was only natural to create her own "Fusion" style belly dance.  Grateful Siren Belly Fusion is a based upon belly dance blended with ballet, jazz and modern and sometimes hip hop!. She believes in learning the basics, building muscle memory and dancing from the heart. 



Saiedeh is the Director/Choreographer of Grateful Siren Belly Fusion, formerly Sirens In Sanity.  Her Dance Company has appeared at festivals, fairs and competitions around California since 1996.  Saiedeh won Grand Dancer and Trio of the Year in 2001 at The Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant.  One of the highlights of her year is performing as the "Arabian Dancers" in Benicia Ballet's "The Nutcracker"  in 2010, 2011 and again this year in 2012.  She is currently teaching Belly Fusion Technique in Benicia and Vallejo.

    

​Charisse is also a DJ at 89.5 FM KZCT Ozcat Radio as Grateful Siren with her son Mose (Benjamin) on Mondays 9-midnight.