Maria Palacio
Maria is the owner and instructor of Alegria Dance Studio. Opening her studio in 2012, she wanted to provide a space to those that were interested in learning the art of Raqs Sharqi (Bellydance) but were reluctant for various reasons. Maria teaches various styles including traditional, folkloric, fusion styles including FCBD Style (AKA American Tribal Style), Datura Style, and modern fusion and Flamenco. Maria has always been a student and her teachers include Suhaila Salimpour, Rachel Brice, Carolena Nerrico and many more. When she's not in the studio teaching a class, she's most likely taking a class, traveling all over the US to learn from master instructors from the culture. She's a certified ATS instructor, Level II in the Salimpour format and level II in Datura's 8 Elements program having recently completed level III. Maria's love of dance is what drives her to be a better teacher and performer.