Female

I began dancing at an early age with the usual classes in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. As a young adult I performed and taught modern dance, jazz and aerobics from New York to Miami. I did take some belly dance classes but my focus was modern and jazz. After the birth of the light of my life, my son, and at the suggestion of my chiropracter, I began taking belly dance classes regularly. I had no idea what a powerful dance form this was for women. It took over my life and became my passion.
It was my dear friend, Sue Bell of Gypsy Camp in Gainesville, who first introduced me to ATS. She had studied with Carolena Nericcio the founder of Fat Chance Belly Dance while living in San Francissco. We began colaborating and dancing together and our small group began to grow. Being workshop junkies we soon had the tools help our now students understand the lead and follow of tribal dance.
I think because I am a longtime artist I am just not content to teach other people's styles and I think it most important that I have my own voice and incourage others to find theirs. It is true that there is nothing new under the sun but I think there are endless and new ways of combineing elements so it was just a natural progression that my focus would best be described, if it needs a label, as tribal fusion.
When I moved to Orlando in 2000 I was happy to introduce tribal to the area where, as in other parts of the country, it has grown. I also around that time brought henna art into some of the the local theme parks. Although no longer a park vender, I am still active with parties and events.
Please visit me at my website www.rakshipnotik.com