Yola (aka Leggy Jewel) is of Polish heritage and has a strong background in Polish folk dance & its music. Her early 20’s were spent busy working in Sydney, playing bass in bands, & modelling part time. In 1996, she took a year off work to travel around Australia. This is when an interest in bellydance was kindled. Her bellydance experience started in 1996 in Sydney & then continued after she moved to the Illawarra region. An original member of Tribal Jewels when formed in 2004, Yola soon dedicated herself to the study of ATS, enjoying the many aspects of the dance and exploring it’s variety of formats, costuming, music, & jewellery. A sense of belonging, mutual respect & strong friendships are what bond her to Tribal Jewels. Her dance attributes to the troupe are veil, stick, & fan techniques.

A part-time primary school teacher, Yola is a dedicated mother of two gorgeous children. Her many interests are shared together with her children: gardening, cooking, listening to music & dancing. This member knows her ‘stuff’ when it comes to baking cakes!