My name is Malia Christina and I'm a dance artist, teacher, choreographer, and nature lover. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and work with my local land energies as part of my dance journey. My art is a lifelong pursuit. I hope it brings healing to your life and inspires you to unplug, go outside, and reconnect to your body and the world around you.

 

My dance is my song and my song is my story.

With the Norns at my feet, I sing you my song.

I weave. I weave. I weave.

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I have been learning, dancing, performing, costuming, teaching, choreographing, gigging, producing, and traveling all things Middle Eastern dance for over 20 years. Now I am pioneering a new style called Nordic Fusion belly dance, a modern experience that evokes ancient roots.

I hold three formal teaching certifications from world renown master instructors, have a BS in Biology from the University of Washington, and am currently pursuing an interdisciplinary Masters degree at Reed College. I've had the honor to perform for the Consul of Oman and the Minister of Culture of Tanzania. Over the years I have taught hundreds of students, directed successful dance troupes, been repeatedly selected as a competition judge, and produced stage shows elevating the art of raqs sharqi, including one held at the prestigious Seattle Art Museum. I have been featured in The Columbian, The Seattle Times, King 5 News, The Belly Dance Chronicles, Sequins & Shimmies, and graced the cover of Belly Dance Japan.

 

Inspired by the rich cultural world of Middle Eastern dance, my passion for movement has turned towards the exploratory; from academically pursuing Kandinsky's theory of stimmung; to embracing Nordic Animism; to connecting the somatic/psyche/spirit and more. I seek to weave into movement my ancestral heritage: Anglican, aboriginal Hawaiian, and Norwegian.  My dance tells stories that are simultaneously personal and collective. Rich, organic sounds. Fluid, sensuous movement. Soulful, deep connection. A visual representation of the somatic experience. My hope is to inspire you to learn, grow, and create.

 

I teach weekly belly dance classes both online and in-person, as well as occasional workshops and performance courses. I release performance videos, filmed specifically for the digital spectator, several times a year.

 

This space welcomes ALL BODIES, ALL LEVELS. My studio is Native/BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ affirming.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me; I'm happy to connect with you. Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to dancing with you.