Tava is a life-long dancer who began her training in bellydance as a New Year's resolution in 2000. Now, as a highly regarded instructor, choreographer and performer in the tri-state area, Tava has choreographed for theatrical productions ranging from Fantasy Bellydance to Shakespeare. She has performed at many prestigious theaters including DNA, Merce Cunningham and The Gene Frankel Theater, as well as clubs, restaurants and cultural events. Known for her fluid and expressive style, Tava has appeared on television, in print, and on multiple DVD's. www.BellydancebyTava.com

9 Things About Tava:

1. What inspires you?
I think it's important to spend time being part of an audience, rather than always being the performer. I am constantly inspired by dancers, in every genre, who floor me with their grace, emotion, and technique. It makes me strive to better all the time.

2. What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I think it's helping people to feel comfortable trying movements that may initially feel foreign or strange. My counseling background has come in handy as a bellydancer because it helps me to empathize with women of every age, size and personality when they come to my class and learn to move in a different way.

3. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
One of my mentors said this to me: "If you're going to be a professional bellydancer, don't leave the house without safety pins and red lipstick."

4. What three words best describe you?
Petite, silly, dedicated

5. What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
Just one? Now that LOST is over, I'd have to say it's coconut gelato.

6. What fitness advice can you offer to others?
Life is for living. If there's anything you've always wanted to do or try, you owe it to yourself to make sure it happens.

7. What is something that others may not know about you?
Only a handful of people believe me when I say I'm really quite shy. A true introvert until the music starts.

8. What role has fitness played in your life?
I have been dancing since I was 4. When life became overwhelming or unpredictable, I could always count on dance. It's a way for me to step outside of my head and truly be in the moment. The heath benefits are important but I think they can be secondary to the mental health benefits in my case.

9. Why should people come take your class?
Because what we call bellydance is a beautiful and sensual form of dance that women have done for centuries. In addition to being a lot of fun, It is also a low-impact cardio workout that targets core muscles.