Alegria Team
Maria Palacio
Maria Palacio, owner of Alegria Dance Studio, is a certified Datura Style and ATS® bellydance instructor with 20+ years of experience. She teaches Raqs Sharqi and fusion styles, blending strong technique, musicality, and cultural appreciation in every class.
Valerie Hostos
Valerie “Walelia Kapuakaimi” Hostos is a dancer and Traditional Hula Instructor. A longtime Alegría Studio performer, she shares her love of Hula as an Alakaʻi, bringing the beauty and spirit of Hawaiian culture to the Carolinas and beyond.
Krista Haidle
Krista teaches Ballet, Contemporary for adults and kids and Hip Hop for Kids.
Karla Hernandez
Karla Hernandez was born and raised in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She grew up surrounded by the rhythms and traditions of various Latin styles. In her classes, we'll dive into the history and techniques of Bachata, exploring body movement, musicality, self-expression and much more.
Luz Alvarado
Anupama
Briam Ali
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and shaped by New York’s hip-hop scene, Briam Ali has been teaching dancers of all ages since 2017. After performing and touring in cities across the U.S. and hitting the dance floors of Atlanta, he’s now bringing that experience to Columbia.
