Welcome to
My name is Mary Beth Abel. I am a dancer, choreographer, and performance artist and open to just about any artistic endeavor.
When performing, I go by the name Genevieve, which was my high school French name. Using this name brings back great memories of learning French from Mademoiselle Morgan at Irmo High School in South Carolina with my great friend, Kelly Stinson.
Please see my Bio page for information about my background in Middle Eastern, North African, and Turkish (MENAT) dance. I am grateful for these dance forms, for my teachers, and for the cultures these dances are from. Learning to more authentically appreciate and present these dance forms
is ongoing for me.
In recent years, I have become interested in theatrical and mixed media dance performances (that are a fusion of forms) as you will see in some of the videos posted here. In many cases, my performances are more like "studies" -- exercises to explore moving my vision to a stage. Doing this is never a solo act. I rely on many talented friends to help with music, costuming, props, videography, coaching, and dancing. And I have wonderful support from my husband, Taylor, and our sweet son, Kaden. I'm sure I never say thank you to them enough!
What is happening now?
I hope 2024 is going well for you! Last year, I performed in: Circus Serpentine on October 7, 2023. This year, I was The Kraken. Stay tuned for video and photos. Check out my YouTube channel if you don't want to wait!
I have some beautiful updates to my website with new designs by Emilie Verbinnen of Design & Vous and new photographs by Ingrid Pape-Sheldon!
These photographs were taken during the summer of 2020 in Ingrid's backyard, which she and her husband, Frank, turned into a sunny, garden studio so we could work together safely while social distancing.
My costume was custom-made for me by Michelle Poston of Azya' Michelle.
At this time, I try to take dance classes twice a week and brainstorm about my next dance adventures!
Instructors I am currently working with:
Nadira
Valentina Fusari
Go here to check out my Upcoming Performances page!
2020-2022 Performances
January 25th: The Shining during Horrific 5
July 18th: Online performance - Hasani's Raq the Harbor Hafla
July 19th: Online performance - Quirky Quarantine Improv Hafla
October 4th: Outdoor performance - Willis D. Tucker Park hafla organized by Marion Moat
October 25th: Online performance Halloween is on a Full Moon
October 30th: Online performance Hasani's Halloween Scream Show 2020
October 30th: Online video performance Hasani's Halloween Scream Show 2021
October 30th: Online video performance Hasani's Halloween Scream Show 2022