About Malia in Hawaii
Malia is the people's choice in Hawaii as a Middle-Eastern dance performer, and instructor. Her energy and ability to captivate her audience with her universal crowd-pleasing choreography and use of enchanting props has taken her to numerous prestigious productions and events.
Malia was born on the Big Island of Hawaii, and was eventually raised on the island of Oahu by exceptionally talented parents. Her father, a musician, and her mother, an actress, have always been a constant support of Malia's dreams. They nurtured her as she would dance, act and create choreography in the family's home since she was 7 years old. Her only goal as a child was to be a dance instructor, choreographer, and performer when she grew up.
As a young child, Malia began studying many forms of dance, which include, hip-hop, ballroom, salsa, jazz and hula. She also engaged in various forms of martial arts, such as, Tai Chi, Aikido, and Tai Kwon Do. All of her training has augmented the development of her unique form of Middle-Eastern dance, which Malia has coined her "Malia in Hawaii" style.
She was introduced to middle-eastern dance in 1999 while looking for a fun and distinctive dance class. Shakti (Sundae Merrick) was her first instructor, whom Malia deems as a mentor and remains an inspiration to Malia until this day. Engrossed with belly dance, Malia developed a soul-driven devotion to learn as much as possible. With this dedication, she achieved her life goals and is now living her dream.
As a professional performer, artistic director and choreographer, she has had the privilege of being a featured performer, and choreographer at many events such as:
- Featured performer at Mardi Gras Follies at the Hawaii Theater (2005 and 2007)
- Featured performer for "The Abduction of the Seralio" with Hawaii Opera and Symphony (2009)
- Guest performer on Late Night with Andy Bumatai (2007, 2008)
- Multiple appearances on KHNL news (2005, 2006)
- Numerous cultural festivals of all kinds
- Corporate functions
- Special guest with Harry Tannenbaum on KRON-4 San Francisco morning news (2005)
- Featured performer with University of Hawaii Symphony (2006)
- Carnival of Stars, Richmond, CA (2004, 2007, 2008)
- Rakkasah West (2003 and 2005)
- Commercials for Pyramids Restaurant (2006, 2007)
- Optimystique interactive wellness event, Audobon Center, North Shore, Oahu (2007)
Malia is part owner and producer of the National "Hawaii Belly Dancer Magazine," a free monthly magazine thats goal is to bring the belly dance community together and educate the public about Middle-Eastern culture and dance since its inception in July 2005-2008.
As an expert Middle-Eastern dance instructor, Malia has taught over 3000 students from around the world, hailing from Japan, Egypt, Germany, Brazil, France, Australia, Texas, New York, China, Dominican Republic, Russia, Philippines, Colorado, Virgina, Florida and Canada.
Malia's background training in Middle-Eastern dance includes:
- Saidi
- Ghawazee
- Folkloric
- American Cabaret
- Egyptian
- Persian
Malia continues to study dance, art and health to keep her mind, soul, and body inspired. She believes that you never stop learning!
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