Ashtalea began dancing at the age of four. She has studied Classical Ballet (in both the French and Russian method). Tap, Jazz Flamenco, Mexican Folktloric and Modern Dance.

In 1993, thanks to her ballet training, she took naturally to Mideastern dance. Always eager to try something new, she began taking classes with local Parks and Recreation under the direction of Shirley Thompson. She soon became hooked. Seeking more formal training, she hooked up with World famous Mideastern dancer 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 Xanadu Dancers”.

On top of teaching classes at the Xanadu Studio, Ashtalea has taught her own classes at “Naturally Woman Fitness Center” in Tucson AZ. Her teaching and choreography has been featured on “Good Morning Tucson”, on KGUN-9, Tucson’s ABC affiliate TV station. She has been invited to choreograph and teach workshops in San Diego CA for the “San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s” summer program July of 2001, 2002, and 2003. Ashtalea gives much attention to posture, body position, range of emotion and stage presence in her teaching. Her choreo- graphies and performances have been described as original, sharp, sensaual and dramatic.

Ashtalea presently teaches at the “Arthur Murray Dance Studio” in Las Vegas, NV.

Some Mideast Dance Instructors Ashtalea has taken class from: Kathryn Ferguson AZ, Helena Vlahos AZ,  Shirly Thompson AZ, Fahtiem CA, Mesmera CA, Suzzanna Del Vecchio CO, Eva Cernick CO, Dahlia CO, Dahiena IL, Elena NY, Dalia Carella NY, Morocco NY, Raqia Hassan Egypt, Soraya Germany