Maria Aya — Malema

Maria Aya, also known professionally as Malema, is a Greek Oriental dance artist with a strong focus on cultural education and folkloric knowledge. She founded and co-organised the MOSAIC Oriental Festival in Athens. Maria is also the founder and artistic director of Hamsa International Center for Culture & Arts of East Mediterranean Countries. She created the Hamsa International Oriental Knowledge Certificate as a structured educational programme for dancers. As leader and choreographer of Malema's Banat, she has developed theatrical work inspired by Oriental and folkloric traditions. She is particularly respected for Egyptian Baladi, Tarab interpretation and her efforts to place history and cultural context alongside dance technique.