| “You are true goddess…it was a phenomenal experience. Thank you for all the beautiful classes and for opening yourself up to share your amazing secrets. I learned to connect to my feminine energy and stay there. It was journey of exploration, discovery, creativity, revealing of layers, a journey of beautiful music with challenges and breakthroughs, sharing and opening up. These classes were of great fun and relaxation. The whole workshop was well rounded and just … perfect.” -Sofeet Berrebi, Esthetician |
| In addition to the concert and book signing was Maya’s Belly Dance Master Class, held in the JCC dance studio. I’d never before attended a dance class that was accompanied, not just by a musician, but by a band of 5 musicians! This was truly a unique experience. Maya often signaled to the musicians to continue playing the magical-yet-earthy music softly, while she spoke to us of philosophy and mystical imagery while demonstrating the flow of energy through her torso and limbs. Then she would glide us through various exercises, and finally would give us time to improvise on the principals taught to full volume musical accompaniment. She strongly emphasized the inner experience of the dancer rather than creating a “look”. All participants I spoke to afterwards agreed they had never been taught in quite this way before. Students included belly dancers as well as western-trained dancers and world dance lovers. I have since been enjoying experimenting with Maya’s teaching approach in my Modern Andalusian Fusion classes. Maya, herself, is a beautiful vessel of light…a class with her is like an initiation. From her teaching it is obvious that this dance is a spiritual practice for her and that she delights in sharing it. Seeing her perform in the concert only confirmed that for me. written by Sara Draper - choreographer, director of Dance Path company |
| “Coming to Mulana to the atmosphere, the tranquility, the candles, the music and your smile …I cannot even express how amazed I am by your kindness and your gentleness. You are graceful, beautiful, talented and a great teacher …Maya you are a real jewel to the Belly Dancing world and to every women that will meet you in her way to discover her own journey.” -Talia Van Son P.R |
| “Thank you for making Mulana a second home for us I enjoyed your hospitality, your grace and your love you embraced upon us. You are gifted, and you implanted a seed of this gift within us.” -Hava Gamliel, L.a.c Dipl. Ac |
| “You are a truly gifted teacher and a wonderful inspiration. In your class, I feel so free to just be myself and experience the true beauty that is dance!” -Abby Wills, actor, Yoga teacher |
“Your instruction of the elements of belly dance is superb…even for a first-timer like me! I also really enjoyed meditation and stretching exercises. I am particularly impressed with your patient demeanor, grace and ability to motivate and make the group feel inspired and positive.” -Yvette Martinez Bracamonte |
| Let me sketch out a picture - blue skies, puffy white clouds above.
Sunny, warm - not too warm, California spring day...We (Lishai and I)
are on the 3rd terrace of Maya Karasso's "living library"
Backyard paradise! We are surrounded by fruit trees (fig, kumquat, apricot, pear, etc) and wildflowers - a paradise in the middle of Mount Washington! Maya is conducting the workshop with her 6 1/2 year old, Shaya, and there is one other "couple." She begins with us sitting on the grass, facing the trees and flowers and has us breathing and listening and focusing on whatever we choose (flower, tree, etc). Lovely music is playing on the ipod/speaker and we connect to The Mother (Earth, that is). A little history -Maya is an amazing dancer and performer and gardener and sister! I had the pleasure of attending her adult "Belly Secrets" bellydancing classes and Lishai loved her "Fairy Class" series! So we were both looking forward to this new project of hers! After a centering and grounding meditation, she had us do movement exercises together. She gently guided us through basic bellydancing movements and next thing you know we were dancing! All in all, it was a magical, inspirational afternoon for the two of us. It is amazing to look into your daughter's eyes and really connect in such a magical environment without the "noise" and distractions of life as we know it! ` Yaelle Shapir, Healer |
| Hi Maya, Oh my goodness, I cannot thank you enough for all your amazing energy and grace. I feel so honored to have met you and I LOVE your approach and groove - it all flowed sooo well. It was so great to see everyone so in their body; so connected. I honestly was dancing with grandmother moon all night and day the next day. It was fabulous! Big love, Tiff |