Alegria Team

Maria is the owner, artistic director and teaches Raqs Sharqi and Flamenco at Alegria.  Maria is a certified instructor in both Datura Style and American Tribal Style® (ATS®) bellydance, having earned her ATS® certification in 2011 and her Datura Style certification in 2023. Her teaching also draws from the Salimpour Format, the foundational system behind many modern fusion styles. She has studied the Suhaila Salimpour format for over a decade, deepening her understanding of both technique and cultural context.

With over 20 years of experience in these dance styles and their histories, Maria offers students a comprehensive approach—grounding each movement in strong technique, musicality, and cultural awareness. Her classes provide not just choreography, but a full appreciation of the art form’s roots and evolution.

Valerie “Walelia Kapuakaimi” Hostos found her love of dance at a young age and grew up with music and movement playing a big part of her life. She performed the folkloric dances of Puerto Rico as a member of Grupo Taíno for 10 years. She begain studying and performing Bellydance at Alegría Studio over a decade ago. Also known by her students as “Aunty Walelia”, she has been studying  Hula (traditional Hawaiian dance) under the tutelage of Kumu Mapuana Kaleoaloha, Halau Hula Alohalani, and has become the ranking Alakaʻi (team leader) for the Awapuhi Keʻokeʻo performing team under the purview of the Halau. Aunty Walelia has advanced to the position of Traditional Hula Instructor, with the goal of sharing her love and knowledge of the Hawaiian culture in the Carolinas and surrounding southern states.

Karla Hernandez was born and raised in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico.  She grew up surrounded by the rhythms and traditions of various Latin styles. While she had the opportunity to explore many styles, she became particularly hooked on Bachata, and she's passionate about sharing its beauty with you. In her classes, we'll dive into the history and techniques of Bachata, exploring body movement, musicality, self-expression and much more. Her goal is to share the rich cultural heritage that makes dances like Bachata so special. She believes music and arts bring people together, and she's  thrilled to be part of your dance journey!

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. Briam’s classes break down authentic street foundations, musically, freestyle tools and performance skills that help you find and build your own style. Expect high energy, real culture, and the confidence to battle your own limits whether it’s your first class or you’ve been dancing for years. He’s excited to join Alegria Dance Studio and ready to turn up with Columbia’s next generation of dancers. Come for the moves, Stay for the vibes