Maria Hilliard

Solo ID: STW072

A lifelong passion for movement and physical expression first inspired Maria to study elements of Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, and Salsa dance. She then dedicated years to studying the Martial Art Taekwondo in which her commitment to technical excellence saw her achieve the title of British Champion before a return to her first love, dance.

Maria found her true passion for dance was ignited when she attended a course in Egyptian dance under the tutelage of Jane Manze in Brighton in 2003. Since then she has traveled the UK extensively and after settling in Southampton, she qualified as a YMCA Gym and Circuits Fitness Instructor and Professional Theatrical Make-up Artist and began studying Tribal and Fusion techniques under the tutelage of Heike Humphries.

She has succeeded in creating her own unique performance style which blends beautifully both the traditional elements of Egyptian and Folkloric Belly dance with the freedom and artistic expression of Tribal fusion. Belly dancing gives all of her pupils: Body awareness, flexibility, strength and relaxation.

Maria completed her LAMDA acting and JWAAD (Josephine Wise Academy of Arabic Dance) Foundation certification in 2008 and continues to commit to expanding her knowledge and technique within Middle Eastern dance and the performing arts. Maria teaches dance classes and workshops through Solo Teachers which focus on developing sound technique, musical interpretation and artistic expression.

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