Ashtalea's love for dance began at the age of four. She has studied ballet (both Russian and French methods), jazz, tap flamenco, Mexican folkloric, modern dance and Middle Eastern dance for a brief time during her preteens. Middle Eastern dance found its way back into her life in 1992. Thanks to pervious dance training, belly dance came very naturally to her. She has studied with many notable teachers such as, Raqia Hassan, Suzanna Del Vecchio, Elena Latini, Eva Cernick, Dalia Carella, Morocco, and the list goes on... however, the majority of Her training came from Kathryn Ferguson (Miss Ferguson still remains her favorite performer and teacher). Not only did Kathryn train Ashtalea to be a performer but trained her to be a teacher as well, paying close attention to the culture and history of the dance as well as the moves. Ashtalea was a member of Miss Ferguson's Xanadu Middle Eastern Dance company from 1996-2003. During her years as a Xanadu dancer she had the honor of dancing with famed musicians, Georges & Elias Lammam, Souhail Kaspar and Naser Musa. She has performed in restaurants, night clubs and shows in AZ, CA, NM and NV. She has taught workshops all over the southwest.

Ashtalea is best known for her unique choreography. She has choreographed for many dancers in AZ and the Vegas area. Her Performance troupe "Ah Ya Helu" shows off her love of choreographing and staging productions for large groups of dancers.

Teaching is her number one love. Ashtalea is truly dedicated to her students. "Nothing gives me more joy then to see former students of mine go out and perform professionally. I feel like a proud mom." she states.

Currently she teaches Middle Eastern Dance for UNLV Continuing Education.

For info and class schedule go to http://edoutreach.unlv.edu

or e-mail Ashtalea at: opaltopaz0618@yahoo.com