Malia McKinnon

My passion for movement is an exploratory journey; from academically pursuing Kandinsky's theory of stimmung; to intersecting my love of nature with my love of dance; to connecting the somatic/psyche/spirit and more. I seek to weave into movement that which I experience.  My dance tells stories that are simultaneously personal and collective. Rich, organic sounds. Fluid, sensuous movement. Soulful, deep connection. A visual representation of the somatic experience. My hope is to inspire you to learn, grow, and create.

I hold three formal teaching certifications from world renown master instructors, am the creative director and choreographer for Nornir Dance Company, have a BS in Biology from the University of Washington, and am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree. I've had the honor to perform for the Consul of Oman and the Minister of Culture of Tanzania. Over the years I have taught hundreds of students, directed successful dance troupes, been repeatedly selected as a competition judge, and produced stage shows elevating the art of raqs sharqi, including one held at the prestigious Seattle Art Museum. I have been featured in The Columbian, The Seattle Times, King 5 News, The Belly Dance Chronicles, Sequins & Shimmies, and graced the cover of Belly Dance Japan.

Now I am pursuing a long-held dream of opening a dance studio that caters to adults of all ages, focused on nurturing empowerment and joy through movement.

My solo projects are ongoing and incorporate both choreographic and improvisational elements. Filming solo and group projects in nature-based locations is integral to my work, as the local land connection informs much of what I do.  I release performance videos, filmed specifically for the digital spectator, several times a year.