About Maya
Her journey beguins...
As a young child Maya expressed a love for flamenco, ballet, and gymnastics. At age 14 she began modeling. After high school she joined the international cast of Up With People. She lived with over 100 host families throughout Europe and the U.S. learning about their cultures and customs.
After Up With People, Maya returned to Europe and was hired on a fashion tour from Vienna to Milan. She returned seasonally to model for several years. Then, working as a fitness industry model and motivational speaker, she traveled to Jamaica, Barbados, Mexico City and Sweden.
During her travels she was always drawn to the North African community. Always stopping to dance with the drummers playing in the plaza, gradually making friends, eventually getting invited to intimate family dinners and fun female only parties, where she was introduced to the culture and individual stories of the people. While in college, Maya discovered a dance class that reminded her of the wonderful experiences she had with her friends overseas. This is where it all started!
After Up With People, Maya returned to Europe and was hired on a fashion tour from Vienna to Milan. She returned seasonally to model for several years. Then, working as a fitness industry model and motivational speaker, she traveled to Jamaica, Barbados, Mexico City and Sweden.
During her travels she was always drawn to the North African community. Always stopping to dance with the drummers playing in the plaza, gradually making friends, eventually getting invited to intimate family dinners and fun female only parties, where she was introduced to the culture and individual stories of the people. While in college, Maya discovered a dance class that reminded her of the wonderful experiences she had with her friends overseas. This is where it all started!
With heartfelt gratitude to her mentors...
Maya started her bellydance journey learning from veteran performer and teacher Deloris Pritchard. Continued with Danielle Van Dobben, and Gina Schanel. Maya soon moved to Phoenix where she started classes with Amanda Rose; then later was accepted into her Award Winning dance troupe Raqs Sharki Movement Collective. Where she performed in the winning piece at Bellydancer of The Universe Competition.
She has had the privilege to study with world-renowned Master Instructors Tito Seif (Egypt), Randa Kamal (Egypt), Jillina Carlano (USA), Asi Haskal (Israel), Nour (Russia). Helena Vlahos (Greece), Sadie Marquardt (USA), Ava Fleming (USA), Wael Monsour (Egypt/Italy), Khaled Mahmoud (Egypt/UK), Camelia Masreya (Egypt), Katayoun (Iran), Issam Houshan (Egypt), Silvia Salamanca (Spain).
Maya studied fire stage performance, technique and safety with Billy Tempest & Shade Flamewater (Australia), Corrine Vivers, and Trisha.
She continues to pursue precision in her artistic expression with consistent training and education.
She has had the privilege to study with world-renowned Master Instructors Tito Seif (Egypt), Randa Kamal (Egypt), Jillina Carlano (USA), Asi Haskal (Israel), Nour (Russia). Helena Vlahos (Greece), Sadie Marquardt (USA), Ava Fleming (USA), Wael Monsour (Egypt/Italy), Khaled Mahmoud (Egypt/UK), Camelia Masreya (Egypt), Katayoun (Iran), Issam Houshan (Egypt), Silvia Salamanca (Spain).
Maya studied fire stage performance, technique and safety with Billy Tempest & Shade Flamewater (Australia), Corrine Vivers, and Trisha.
She continues to pursue precision in her artistic expression with consistent training and education.
Sharing the stage...
Maya has been in several stage performances, including: Heshk Beshk Oriental Dance Festival, Bellydancer of the Universe Competition, RAKSTAR International Bellydance Festival, An Evening of Dance starring Jillina & Ozzy, Zikrayat starring Egyptian Master Tito Seif, Arizona Arab American Festival, Miss Asia Pageant, Miss Arab-USA Pageant.