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)
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Jillina's BDEx Alumni (2022, Seattle)
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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)