Maria Aya, Athens, Greece

"First of all I was captivated by old Arabic music and Belly Dance is the visual poem over this music...."

How did you hear about World Belly Dance and what inspired you to participate?

I've heard about it in the Belly Dance Forums and found it a unique idea.

One day all over the world dedicated to Oriental dance in all the forms of it, that unites us all artists, and at the same time we can help people.

World Belly Dance day would show to the general public that belly dancers are highly intellectual persons that care about society and our life is not only sparkles, dums and teqs.

I participated because I truly believe in the existence of this day. I was the organizer for the Greek event. Also this day was a connecting link for almost 40 dancers from all over Greece , and Greeks from abroad ( Germany and Egypt ) that came to participate. All money was given to the school for disabled children 'Open Orizons'.

What does Belly Dance mean for you?

Artistic psychotherapy… ;-) Beyond this (which is true to a point, as art is a form of psychotherapy) bellydance is my whole life, the reason I continue dreaming. First of all I was captivated by old Arabic music and Belly Dance is the visual poem over this music.

What message about Belly Dance would you like to send to those that have not started dancing yet?

Give it a try!!!!

You could be just hobbyists, people that want another body exercise or dreaming to become dancers... the benefits of oriental dance are hidden.

You will find yourself with more confidence, open mind, friendly, you will meet people, and learn many things for another cultures. You can be traditional or revolutionary in the way you express your self. Bellydance is freedom for me, to be what I want and dream to be.

In my classes I have students, women working in factories, secretaries, teachers of Universities. In class we are all equal and the love for the dance connects us and breaks the society rules.



... and while I had a "normal life" working, being a wife, a mother of a baby girl, 16 years ago the "Oriental Tornado" hit me!! and everything changed since then.

Travelings entered my life (while I was horrified of planes), knowing hundrends of people in worldwide belly dance community (while I was the shyiest person) and most of all having music and dance be my friends at every difficult moment of my life.

After all these years, having studied with more than 60 top teachers worldwide (mostly in Egypt) I have opened the "Oriental Expression" Artistic dance and theatre studio in Athens Greece with Anna Dimitratou Actor. Combining dance and acting lessons, we are hoping to elevate Oriental Dance to the art level that it deserves. Library for Arabic Literature, History and Costuming lessons are included also.

Beside this, my life is still full of my daughter, my husband, my friends, my paintings, my books and my tanks with tropical fishes that are taking over my house! :-)

Well just sometimes I wish a day had 34 hours ;-)

"Living life through passions -
Life is not a rehearshal its the SHOW !!!"

Maria Maya, co-owner of 'Oriental Expression' Artistic dance & theatre Studio, Athens, Greece