I was born in 1954 in Tehran. Now I have a dance studio in Hampstead. The journey in between has been as terrific as it has been varied.

I was the founder of UK Salsa, teaching beginners to professional dancers since 1988. I've taught around the world - Cuba, Brazil, Australia, France, South Africa and now the UK. I brought Lambada to the UK in 1989. I developed the world's first syllabus for salsa, that is still being taught to this day, and over 300 teachers have attended my teacher training course. My private students include many TV presenters and personalities, from Emma Bunton to Frank Skinner. I have released a a book and a DVD.

I got into dance in such a way that everything else became secondary. Dancing gives passion, it's good exercise, and it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that dancing saved my life. My history includes a brain seizure and when I recovered I found dance and a renewed will to enjoy every moment of life.

I am also an award-winning botanist. A Four time bronze and silver winner of plant exhibition at the Royal Horticultural Society and one time winner at Chelsea Flower show. I've been known to play a bit of chess too.