Maria is a highly respected entertainer and teacher in the Middle Eastern Music and Dance genre. She has been involved in the Australian World music and dance scene since 1991. She has a versatile and unique style of performing, and gives to you the Essence of Egyptian dance, Raqs Sharqi. Maria is also a member of Melbourne's Middle Eastern Music and Dance group, Yalla! which was formed by Phil Carroll, Andrew Khulmann and herself in 1997. Other members of the band are Phil Gunter and Ernie Gruner. They bring the traditional music and dance of the Middle East to life with their own East meets West flavour. Yalla! are a dedicated group of talented artists who love what they do. They have produced a CD self titled 'Yalla!', and they tour nationally. They are well known in the folk and world music scene of Australia.
Maria also was co-founder of Melbourne's first Middle Eastern Music and Dance Club.
Maria has always loved to create. As a child she was forever busy with her hands making things, drawing, painting, crocheting, sewing, dancing and singing. Over the years she has developed her many skills and talents and created an artistically rich and rewarding lifestyle as a visual and performing artist, life model, writer and healer.