"AH YA HELU DANCERS"

Under the direction of Ashtalea

(Heather Corral)

Arizona native, Ashtalea, began dancing at the age of four. She has studied classical ballet (in both the French and Russian method), Tap, Jazz, Flamenco, Mexican Folkloric, Modern dance and even the Can Can.

In 1992, thanks to her ballet training, she took naturally to Mideastern dance. Always eager to try something new, she began taking classes with the local Parks and Recreation under the direction of Shirley Thompson. She soon became hooked. Seeking more formal training, she began studying with Kathryn Ferguson, director of the “Xanadu Dance Studio”.

Ashtalea quickly excelled to the performing level and became a substitute instructor for Miss Ferguson’s classes and a member of the “The Xanadu Dancers”. She also taught an arobicised version of belly dance at “Naturally Women Fitness Center” of Tucson, AZ.

Ashtalea’s teaching and choreography have been featured on “Good Morning Tucson”, on KGUN-9, Tucson’s ABC affiliate TV station. She has been invited to teach workshops in San Diego CA for the “San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s” summer program July 2001, 2002 and 2003. She has been invited twice (August 2003, September 2004) to teach and perform at the “Las Vegas Belly Dance Intensive” and also invited to teach and perform at the “Winter Frolic Belly dance Intensive” in Albuquerque NM (January 2005).

Ashtalea has danced in clubs and restaurants in Tucson, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Yuma, AZ and Las Vegas, NV. While a Member of the “Xanadu Dancers” she had the privilege to perform with famed musicians, Souhail Kaspar, Naser Musa and Georges & Elias Lammam.

She just finished guest teaching the 2004-2005 school year at “Community College of Southern Nevada” also her choreography is being featured in the “Fox City Show” at the “Tropicana Resort” in Las Vegas.

Ashtalea gives much attention to posture, body position, range of emotion and stage presence in her teaching. Her choreographies and performances have been described as original, sharp, sensual and dramatic.

Presently, Ashtalea teaches weekly and private classes. She can be seen most Saturday nights performing Mideastern dance and Jazz with the “Fox City Show” in the Tropics Lounge at the “Tropicana Resort”.

If you have any questions, feel free to call

(526-1604)

or e-mail opaltopaz0618@yahoo.com any time.