About Vakasha

Vakasha began her performance career as a martial artist. She studied Tae Kwon Do with Marty Mackowski who was a 7th dan, in her teen years and obtained a brown belt. Due to ankle injuries from running track, Vakasha did not return to martial arts until her youngest son showed an interest. At the age of 39, Vakasha began studying with Master Charles Edmond, and attained her red assistant instructor belt in Tae Kwon Do and a yellow sash in Buk Sing Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu, before hanging up her sparring mitts due to a knee injury.

Dancing has always been an interest of Vakasha, and she fell in love with the music and hypnotic movements of belly dancing the very first time she saw a performance. In January 2006, Vakasha began studying the art of belly dancing with Celena "The Killer Ziller", in traditional style belly dance. In June 2007, Celena invited Vakasha to become a member of Troupe Celene. Vakasha also performs as a member of the trioShalimar.

Vakasha's passion for dance has led her to take an American/Improvisational Tribal Style workshop from Kathy Stahlman, a Rhythm Essence and Cymbal workshop from Mary Ellen Donald and Eygptian style belly dancing with Zahara. As Vakasha continues on her journey of expression through dance, she plans on broadening her dance skills through Middle Eastern and other dance styles.

Belly dancing provides Vakasha with a spiritual connection of sisterhood with her fellow dancers that will last a lifetime.