Lillian Malki
Lillian Malki was born in the United States to Middle Eastern parents (Assyrians from Lebanon and Jordan) and spent part of her childhood in Lebanon – years which were to have a profound influence on her. When Lillian started learning Middle Eastern dance in 1986, it was like coming home to her roots, to something that resonated deep within her.
After studying oriental dance with several teachers in Paris, Lillian discovered Raqs Sharqi in 1992. Three years later she began teacher training with Suraya Hilal and completed her training in 1997. Lillian began performing professionally in 1998, beginning with the former Awalem troupe. She has also danced with Anne Benveniste and others in the show “Terre Melee”. For 11 years she directed and choreographed an annual theatre performance with her students, and is now working on a larger production.
Lillian lives in Paris where, along with a job as a broadcast journalist, she teaches Raqs Sharqi classes and gives workshops in France and abroad. She has a fine knowledge of Arabic and a deep understanding of Middle Eastern culture, customs and expression ingrained in her from her family heritage and her early years spent in Lebanon.
In her teaching methods, Lillian tries to impart her fine musical sensitivity and her knowledge of Arabic culture to her students. She enjoys teaching in a way that brings out both the theatrical aspect of the dance, as well as the fun and lightheartedness. Her love and devotion to the dance have led Lillian to explore such disciplines as yoga, Feldenkrais and Pilates. She has also been training for several years in body alignment and oriental movement with the Tunisian-born dancer Hassan Ben-Gharbia. This work has helped her acquire a greater comprehension of the concept of fluidity, and enabled her to expand her repertoire.
