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MaSaYa is Tagalog, pronounced MA-SA-YA, and means "HAPPY, CHEERFUL, MERRY, GAY." It was a name GIVEN TO ME by a VERY SPECIAL Philipina nurse who cared for me during what should've been the darkest time of my life; turned out to be THE MOST REWARDING.

Las Vegas Bellydancer Masaya began dancing informally at the age of six. He has studied Hip Hop, Traditional African Dance, and even Thai dancing. Between 1997 and 2000, thanks to his African dance training, he took naturally to Middle Eastern Dance.

His passion and desire to express himself through spiritual movement led him to become an avid and committed street performer performing at local parks on natural stages of hilltops, bridges and asphalt. Fear of ridicule prevented him from taking the giant leap onto a real stage and being recognized publically for his love of bellydance. Until 2005.

Eager to not allow societal boundaries limit his artistic expression, he began taking classes in 2005 at the Clark County Library under the 30+ years experience of Ms Linn Smith (YaShara), dressed in full Egyptian regalia, dripping in costume jewelry as if to be Egyptian royalty. He became hooked. Seeking more formal training, he began studying with Heather Corrall (Ashtalea) and Kersti Dennis (Amira).

Masaya quickly excelled to the performing level, became a member of YaShara’s Shifting Sands Belly Dance Guild and currently is a Tribal Fusion bellydance instructor in Las Vegas, Nevada. Masaya also offers private instruction, teaches weekly classes, and holds periodic workshops geared towards dancers of plus size and men.

He gives much attention to feeling the music rather than counting steps and is best known for his earth-shaking shimmies. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Masaya Maharasha Mahanta by email: vegasmasaya@gmail.com