Stacey Smart
Yallingup, Western Australia
For info & bookings for current online QOYA classes or live pop-up classes / events / retreats in the South West of Western Australia. visit: www.StaceySmart.com
I’m a certified astrologer, classically trained percussionist, drum teacher of 20+ years, mother of homeschooling daughters, perpetual student of life and so grateful for the practice of QOYA!
I specialise in helping customise simple, grounded practices, so you can truly honour your unique rhythms and authentic femininity everyday. Services include online & in-person QOYA classes, astrology readings, workshops, events in embodied movement, drumming and other inspired experiences to support who you really are and the life you want to live.
For almost 25 years, I taught drums and percussion in schools, performing professionally, from pub gigs with rock bands, touring internationally with classical orchestras and playing with African drumming groups, to more recently facilitating drum circles and workshops at festivals and retreats.
After the birth of my second daughter and returning to percussion teaching as a part time solo parent, despite ‘having it all’, life felt exhausting, unfulfilled and joyless. BEFORE EVEN KNOWING WHO SHE WAS, I HEARD THE VOICE OF THE DARK GODDESS SHOUTING AT ME “ENOUGH!! YOU CANNOT LIVE LIKE THIS!”
This awakening of the sacred feminine within began the journey of following my soul, introducing self-care rituals, immersing myself in Qoya, attending women’s circles and embodying goddess archetypes through experiential astrology work. The birthing of my own medicine drums initiated my voice, connected me with my ancestors and the spiritual path of drumming, which further activated my ongoing personal healing.
I am now passionate about sharing what has helped transform my own life, by teaching feminine embodiment and self-care, through the sacred modalities of RHYTHM and ritual. These simple and fun practices can be integrated into your busy life to find balance and your unique, authentic feminine rhythm (without necessarily adding more to the to-do list!)
When did you take your first Qoya class? My first official class was in late 2018, just 6 months before I officially became a Qoya teacher myself! About a year before, I had stumbled upon Qoya online after hearing it mentioned a couple of times in separate interviews. When I checked out the Qoya website, I immediately got a ZING up my spine and just KNEW I had to become a Qoya teacher, (even though I hadn't even tried it yet!)
What does it mean for you to teach Qoya? Teaching Qoya is part of my soul path, and all the synchronicity and blessings that have supported me in doing this is just an affirmation of this truth. To share with others what has brought me so much joy, life, creativity, fun, energy (and quite honestly pulled me out of a really hard time), is simply a divine gift! It still amazes me that Qoya is this perfect package of everything I love in one place, and the unfolding of the magic never seems to end!
What is your favorite song to dance to right now?: One of my faves is 'Golden' by Jill Scott and anything by Australian artists, Grace Barbe or Bobby Alu - especially live!
What book has inspired you on the path to embodying the feminine?: Definitely 'Women who Run With the Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estes - even though it took me over 20 years to finish, I need to read it again! Other amazing transmissions include 'When the Drummers Were Women' by the late Layne Redmond, 'Mysteries of the Dark Moon' by Demetra George and of course 'Qoya: A Compass for Navigating a Life that is Wise, Wild & Free' by Rochelle Schieck!
What would you tell someone who is thinking of taking a Qoya class for the first time? : Don't even think - just trust your heart go! And be open to the trajectory of your life changing in a beautiful and magical way!