inspiration, I seek and find inspiration in everything and
everyone, from my first time students to Didem to the
latest track from Natacha Atlas.
N: Your Hawaii Bellydance Convention is one of my favorite
annual events. What made you decide to take on an annual
convention, how have you changed it over the years, and what
do you have planned in the future for the HBDC?
M: Aww that means so much to me Nizana, thank
you! I’ve always been passionate about performance art.
After discovering bellydance, as passionate as I was about
it, I often found it to be a misunderstood and an under-
celebrated art form in Hawaii. The idea of HBDC not
only allowed us the opportunity to perform, but also an
opportunity to educate the audience and community on
this art form so they can appreciate it as much as I do!
The HBDC has evolved so much over the years,
from one gala show 12 years ago, to now - 5 days of
multiple shows, 2 full days of workshops, Marketplace,
After Party and of course our latest and greatest positive
performance review REFLECTION!
N: When you are not working on the HBDC, what other
things do you have going on in your dance world?
M: All year I plan and manifest for the next HBDC,
so that keeps me pretty damn busy, haha! Also offering
weekly classes, specialty workshops, gigging for
celebrations and corporate events, hosting Hawaii’s
weekly Beauty of Bellydance show at Kan Zaman
Restaurant, leading Shimmy Stars -Sisterhood of Dance
and last but not least, offering internships and training
for visiting and local BD entertainers/instructors on the
BD business. WHEW, I’m tired just talking about it all,
Malia - Photo by Joe Marquez
Malia’s Belly Dance Company - Photo by Joe Marquez
July 2017
The Belly Dance Chronicles
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