Tahya

Greetings! I am very happy to learn about your publication and its mission to publish news that is positive and inspiring. Indeed, let us be the change we wish to see!

An American woman of German and Irish descent, I embrace the broad spectrum of our planet’s cultural diversity and have dedicated my life to the study of sacred and secular movements of rhythmic drumming and ancient dance arts. I have discovered art forms steeped in antiquity provide one the opportunity to recover the power of personal creativity. My dedicated study with masters of middle and far eastern dance and drum traditions has resulted in the creation of a cultural form representing traditional dance as well as maintaining artistic integrity in new pieces of choreography.

I invite my class participants to experience the wonder of ancient and enduring arts, to discover the mystique of traditions steeped in ritual and to enjoying a reawakening of inner creativity while I emphasize music and dance as a window on the unique cultures of North Africa and countries throughout the Middle and Far East.

It is my intention that the concerts, classes and retreats I produce build cultural awareness as well as hand drumming and dance appreciation, replacing misconceptions with informed concepts and boosting a respect for art forms steeped in antiquity. Furthermore, with humanity's need to express the spirit within, the intent is to

1) Engage persons of all ages to explore their creativity;

2) Bring these ancient technologies into our modern lives stirring the creative spirit within, revealing a pathway of relaxation and well-being; and

3) Illustrate the magical ability of dance and hand drumming to inspire beauty, respect and tolerance in the hearts of children, women and men while building cultural awareness.

Boston percussionist-extraordinaire Grant Smith and I, an ACE-certified Group Fitness instructor residing in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, co-facilitate Drum & Dance Weekend Retreats wherein participants “Explore Expressions of the Drum and Dances of the Heart.” Participants enjoy morning mudra musings, classes in frame drum rhythms and techniques and mentally, physically and spiritually invigorating movement sessions.

The mission of our retreat is to afford participants the opportunity to redisover the communal and healing powers of drumming and dance and to reconnect with these traditions that date back to ancient civilizations' reverence of the Divine. The participants and facilitators enjoy a positive, upbeat (pun intended!) feeling ~ and we hope this positively impacts our lives rippling in a good vibration like a pebble in water out into the communities in which we live.

May inspiration abound to find the rhythm and music that dances within us all, allowing creativity and graceful healing harmony to emerge as part of daily existence (all across the planet).

Please visit my webiste: www.Tahya.com