Athena became enamored with tribal belly dance at a family festival many years ago. Starting out as a once a week class quickly evolved into encompassing all her free time.
She loves the energy created while dancing. "Dance brings a rare gift of having time to be in touch with yourself and your body. It's a truly beautiful expression of self."

As Chief Artistic Director and founding member of Rakhshanda, Athena is a highly certified instructor currently holding her Gypsy Caravan Style Intermediate Level Teaching Certification as well as a Collective Soul Level 5 certification with Paulette Rees-Denis. She has recently become a member of Paulette's professional troupe, Gypsy Caravan Dance Company, International and will be featured in the up-coming GCDC, International instructional DVD. Athena also carries certifications in ATS®** General Skills, Phase I: Initiation in the 8 Elements™ with Rachel Brice, Gitano style with Amaya, Zumba and has the blessings of her Bhangra teacher to instruct Bhangra (as there are not certifications in this style of folk dance). Athena performs poi, fan, Bharatnatyam, Banghra, Rajasthani, light stage combat as well as utilizing other props.