Margarita has brought to Tampa Bay a unique art form, fusing together traditional Middle Eastern dance (Raks Sharki), American-style Cabaret bellydance, and the sensual merengue steps of her Puerto Rican culture.

In maintaining the free spirit essential to dance, her teaching style encourages each student to be unique: "We are each different and we will each move to the music differently. This is good! Be proud of what your body looks like! Be proud of what it can do."

Indeed, no two people will have the same degree of flexibility, stamina, or rhythm. Yet Margarita tailors each class to the students' individual needs, abilities, and class objectives. Need rigorous bellydance technique and performance polish? A challenging workout? Or do you just want to have a blast? Your class will be especially planned for you!

"I prefer to teach small group intensive classes which incorporate muscle isolation, cardiovascular fitness, core (abdominals and lower back), balance training, and strengthening. Bellydance is one of the truly exciting forms of fitness! You can work all major muscle groups, focus on different body parts, and get your heart rate up!" she says. "Plus, it's sensual, beautiful, and FUN!"

Margarita is a Certified Personal Trainer and maintains an American Red Cross CPR certification. This allows her to effectively prepare a true bellydance class with all necessary elements for a complete total body fitness class. You will get a workout + technique!

She begins each class with an easy-to-follow warm up and gentle yoga stretches. Classes conclude with deeper stretches for those warmed muscles, yoga, and breathing exercises (pranayama) to gently cool down the body.

For over five years, Margarita has trained with internationally-renowned Middle-Eastern dancers including Sevdiah, Nadirah, Madrina, the BellyTwins Veena & Neena Bidasha, and Suhaila Salimpour.

She has practiced merengue and salsa since the age of four at home and in Puerto Rico.

Her passion and innate talent for Middle Eastern dance and performance art have earned her recognition as a featured dancer at Zaeem Palace, Byblos, Capri's Mediterranean Grill, Acropolis Greek Taverna, The Mirage, Zorba's, and Restaurant Marrakesh in Disney's Epcot Center.

Margarita has taught bellydance classes at Shapes Family Fitness, Spirit & Nature Wellness Center, and independently since 2002.

She continues to advance her study of bellydance through workshops and travel.