Hi, I am Marina Viola, and I live to dance.
My Early Years In Dance
From age 4, I was dancing tap and ballet. I also took jazz and hip hop classes as a kid and was on captain of my high school dance team. I continued dancing in college, taking Latin/Salsa and West African dance classes.
How It Started
I saw my first belly dancer at around age 10, in a Greek restaurant in my home state of Washington and decided that one day I would learn how to belly dance. In high school, Shakira's dancing in "La Tortura" caught my attention and I spent time in the mirror trying to figure out the mechanics of her movements and attempting to make my body recreate her moves. A few years later, while in college at Arizona State University, I took my first belly dance class at age 19. From my first class, belly dance felt so right and natural in my body. I went on to perform in restaurants and lounges in the Phoenix area from 2010-2014.
How It's Going
Currently, I am located in Broward County and I perform throughout South Florida in restaurants and at private events. I am also an instructor at The Royal Peacock Studio, teaching beginner-level belly dance classes. I am passionate about raqs sharki (belly dance) and consider myself an eternal student of the art form. I have traveled to Egypt and Lebanon to immerse myself in the culture and study dance and I am a frequent participant and performer at national belly dance festivals in order to continue my dance education and share my art. I strive to bring not only technical skill but emotional connection to my performances.
Awards and Distinctions
USA Belly Dance Queen, 1st Place Rising Star (2012, Arizona)
Zikrayet finalist (2013, Arizona)
Hot Raqs, 2nd place Professional Cabaret Soloist (2022, California)
Jillina's BDEx Alumni (2022, Seattle)
Aamar featuring Randa Kamel, 3rd place Professional Soloist (2022, Miami, FL)
Festival on the Nile, 1st place Professional Live Drum Solo Improvisation (2024, Orlando, FL)