Melinda Cowen

Melinda Patrick Cowen, PhD (AKA Gitana de la Rosa) is a passionate and highly skilled cultural dance professional with over 26 years of experience. She is an expert in a diverse array of dance forms including Hawaiian Hula, Tahitian, Egyptian, Turkish, Flamenco Arabe, American Tribal and pure Flamenco who is recognized for outstanding directing, performances and innovative choreography. She is noted for significant contributions to the field of cultural dance through executive production and direction of world-class cultural events. Dr. Cowen is Executive producer, director, and choreographer for Firestorm & Kahu Ahi, cultivating diverse and inclusive dance troupes, inspiring and nurturing talent across multiple world dance forms.
Dr. Cowen develops innovative events and has successfully performed at high-profile venues including Disney World, and international locations such as Egypt. As president of Embrace World Cultures (Non-Profit) she has the honor to host world-renowned cultural events like Fusion World Dance and Music V and Festival on the Nile International XLVIIII. Dr. Cowen believes in promoting cultural exchange and understanding through the curation of multicultural dance and music programs that are fully inclusive of all cultures. She has also won prestigious world dance awards for Hawaiian hula and Mideast dance performances, signifying her excellence in performance and interpretation.