Melli Sarina is a pioneer in the Tribal Fusion and Fusion Belly Dance scene with over 26 years of dance experience. Based in Augsburg, Germany, she discovered her passion for Tribal Fusion at sixteen after a transformative workshop with Sharon Kihara. Her signature style—known as “Liquid Fusion”—blends Zoe Jakes' DanceCraft-inspired technique with the fluid artistry of urban waving, creating a powerful fusion of isolations, body control, and expressive flow. With intensive training from masters like Zoe Jakes, Kami Liddle, Mira Betz, and Jill Parker, including 49 hours at The Tribal Massive in Las Vegas, Melli has become known for her precision, biomechanics focus, and deep muscle awareness. She teaches online classes and leads her own Liquid Fusion intensives designed around body awareness, mobility, and personal movement needs. A celebrated performer and educator, she has graced stages across Europe and the U.S., earned titles like 2011 Tribal Star Award winner and 2010 Vice Tribal Bellydancer of the World, and continues to shape the next generation of fusion dancers with her technique-driven, heart-centered approach. In this episode you will learn about: - The influence of urban dance styles—especially waving—on Melli’s movement vocabulary. - The creation and meaning behind the term “Liquid Fusion Belly Dance.” - How discovering pelvic floor awareness transformed her understanding of belly rolls. - The value of working with a somatic therapist rather than just dance teachers for deeper growth. - Her thoughtful approach to teaching levels in Liquid Fusion Belly Dance. Show Notes to this episode: Find Melli Sarina on Instagram , FB , YouTube , and website . Find out what’s missing in your musicality and connection to Arabic music in 60 seconds. Take the quiz: www.maqamquiz.com Created by Maya Youssef Details and training materials for the BDE castings are available at www.JoinBDE.com Follow Iana o n Instagram , FB , and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club . Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE . Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast
