Mariyah (Elizabeth Maria Jossick) is an award-winning professional bellydancer and sought after performer of Oriental dance in the New York area. She is known for her graceful and engaging performances of traditional Oriental dance as well as creative and theatrical dance variations.

In 2007 Mariyah placed first in the "Queen of Raks Sharki" competition, a yearly event judged by Egyptian dance masters such as Dr. Mo Geddawi and Randa Kamel. Mariyah is an often requested solo performer for stage events and festivals. She has also performed for hundreds of parties, weddings, festivals and corporate events, as well as keeping a regular performance schedule at Middle Eastern nightclubs and restaurants in New York and New Jersey.

In addition, since 2002 Mariyah has been a member of the Dalia Carella Dance Collective, an ethnic, comtemporary, fusion dance theater company directed by world-renowned dancer and choreographer, Dalia Carella. As a member of the Collective, she has peformed in its Broadway and off Broadway stage productions of "Transparancy" ('02) "In Search of a Goddess" ('04) "Cabaret Macabre" ('06) and many others. Additional professional highlights include performances for the United Nations and cultural and celebrity events.

Mariyah teaches ongoing beginner and intermediate classes in Brooklyn, NY. She also offers private instruction and coaching for intermediate to advanced dancers. In 2007, with her dance partner Darshan, Mariyah co-created the DVD "Chakra Dance Flow" a program incorporating yoga, bellydance and movement meditation.

Education

Mariyah's first mentor in Oriental dance was legendary New York bellydancer and instructor Serena Willson. Mariyah's love of the dance and its varied styles led her to study extensively with such masters as Shoshana of New York, Elena Lentini and Dalia Carella. Mariyah also travels regularly for workshops and private instruction with the great dancers of Egypt and Turkey. Mariyah's varied dance background also includes Modern dance, Ballroom, Swing/Lindy Hop and Salsa.

Mariyah holds a BA from NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study where she majored in Religious Studies and Studio Art and presented her final colloquium on creativity and spriritualty, exploring the spiritual element in the creative process. Mariyah has also been a student of yoga since 1995.

Awards

2007 Queen of Raks Sharqi Competition - 1st place
2008 East Coast Classic Bellydance Competition
Fantasy Artist - Runner up
Grand champion- 3rd place