Rita Jasmine Corey took an interest in dance at the early age of three. Growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she attended the Southwest Ballet Company, where she studied ballet until age eleven. Her attention then turned to theater arts. Her prodigal achievements throughout adolescence and beyond earned her a scholarship to the University of New Mexico. As a young adult, Corey relocated to New York City. There, she was able to perform original works with The Black Dog Theater and Dance Company in eclectic theaters throughout the city. In New York, Rita enhanced her performance range to include improv comedy, performance art, classical ballet, and modern dance. A passion for contemporary dance developed and remained in her heart, as it does to this day. Corey went on to both choreograph and perform modern dance at Greenfield Community College. There, she began to learn the art of belly­dance, which she choreographed and in which she participated in