"I'm in love with this dance form, in essence this is why I teach. I trust it, I believe in it, I see its power to heal, to bring joy, passion, acceptance and community to children, youth and adults. 

I desire to learn so I can help others learn, so that this dance can be passed on and claimed by those that most need it but can least access it. I hold myself to high standards as this art form needs all of us teachers to be dedicated, ethical, innovative, to listen and to always know to go back to the roots.

My deepest gratitude to my family, my 'hermanas-amigas' and all the guides, teachers and supporters that helped me get here."
                                                                                         ~ Marta


Testimonials: what students are saying...
*Below are excerpts (posted with permission) from class evaluations and/or direct quotes from students.*


~ Marta's classes are wonderful and a unique combination of elements. Her precision, empowering teaching style, integration
   of history and social movements into the dance class, and her emphasis on the basics as the core language from which 
   personal interpretation follows, allows beginners and advanced dancers to enjoy the same class. Thank you for uniting the 
   people and keeping our roots alive and in their power.   -Sandra L.

~~~~~

~ Marta brings passion, tremendous talent, an incredible wealth of knowledge and understanding, and a caring, nurturing   
   attitude to her classes. She is very effective at pushing her students’ technique and body awareness—just a few classes and  
   her beginner students have true grace. That is one wonderful thing: Marta makes the dance accessible to all, and teaches 
   her students how to make each move—simple or complex—her “own.” She constantly presses us to better understand 
   ourselves, our communities, art, and how we do and would like to relate to them all—and she recognizes and respects that 
   everyone must find her unique balance. 

   Marta is a gorgeous, powerful dancer, but she tirelessly strives to better herself. In the years that I have known her I have 
   really stood in awe of her growth. She has been and continues to be a great, central, catalytic inspiration to me. I can’t  
   imagine where I’d be without her. Really I think Marta is the region’s best kept secret.   -Ronnie B.

~~~~~

~ Marta's passion for dance incorporates a holistic approach to life improvement.   -Janice F.

~~~~~

~ I studied belly dance with Marta for two years and I have to say be prepared to be inspired, challenged and fall deeper in   
   love with this beautiful art form! Marta’s talent, passion, and dedication truly embraced me. Her strive for impeccable 
   technique and powerful articulation challenged me to refine and deepen my movement and expression in a way that worked 
   for me and my body type. Her range of experience in various styles of dance (ATS, Flamenco, and Oriental to name a few) 
   allowed me to expand my vocabulary and experience new forms of expression.

   These classes definitely streched me and helped me build a much more solid foundation. I look forward to dancing with her 
   again in the future!   -Shirin M.

~~~~~

~ I think I may actually be Martita's #1 fan! Not only is her technique, knowledge-base, experience and enormous respect and 
   admiration to this dance form inspiring and impressive, Marta also has this ability to create an environment where each 
   woman can 'just be' and let go, laugh, learn and feel absolutely beautiful. 

   As a dancer, colleague and dear friend of Marta, I highly recommend her classes to beginners through advanced level 
   dancers. I especially recommend her class to those women who feel a bit shy about wiggling their hips and 'shimmying' it up. 
   Marta's sensitive and nurturing spirit will bring you out of your shell in no time!   -Heryka M.

~~~~~

~ Marta is very energetic and passionate, and skilled at breaking down techniques...

~ She is a patient instructor who provides much personal attention...

~ Marta's classes are incredibly challenging both physically and mentally, a fantastic cultural alternative to any gym class...

~ Marta keeps a great balance between technique drilling and dancing...

~ Her classes are wonderful, fun, and very intense. Her music selection is fantastic...

~ Marta honors the dance with her joy and enthusiasm which is positively contagious...

~ She has an amazing way of breaking movements down so that you can learn them regardless of your level and body type...

~ I wish Marta taught closer to my home in southern Maryland. Other than that I would change nothing about her classes...

~ Marta is incredible at teaching correct posture and placement. Her love and respect of the dance is motivating...

~ I would recommend Marta very highly as a teacher. Her beginner classes are an excellent introduction to oriental and tribal 
   belly dance styles...


© Copyright 2012 Move Your Belly LLC. All rights reserved.