Master Dance Teacher · Choreographer · Theatre Director · Event Organized · Founder of Belly Art Dubai
NLP & Life Coach Certified
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With over 26 years of dedication to Arabic Dance and Performing Arts, Marilyn Barrios is a pioneering figure in the Gulf region. Performer, choreographer, master dance teacher, and author of the first belly dance book ever officially published in the Gulf countries, her career bridges artistic excellence, cultural responsibility, and professional education.
Born in Argentina and shaped by resilience, passion, and self-creation, Marilyn’s journey has taken her from humble beginnings to international stages across the Middle East and beyond. Her work reflects a deep commitment to dance as an art form, a cultural language, and a powerful tool for transformation.
" Nothing in my path was given.. everything was built with discipline & faith"
Artistic & Cultural Work
As a choreographer
As a choreographer
Marilyn has worked in theatre, cinema, and cultural productions, creating stage works that blend Middle Eastern heritage with contemporary performing arts. She recently participated as a Khaleeji choreographer in an Emirati feature movie.
As a theatre Director
As a theatre Director
In 2016, her work as a theatre director was officially recognized by the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, marking a significant milestone in her cultural contribution within the UAE.
Education & professional training
Education & professional training
As a Master Teacher, Marilyn has trained thousands of dancers and certified professional Belly Dance instructors through high-standard programs recognized for their depth, structure, and artistic integrity.
Iraqi & Khaleeji Master Teacher
She is internationally respected for her expertise in Iraqi & Khaleeji Dance, known for refined technique and profound cultural understanding.
Her teaching journey includes workshops, seminars, and masterclasses across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and internationally.
She continues to inspire dancers through an empowering, disciplined, and respectful approach to movement.
Having lived in the Gulf for more than 20 years, Marilyn Barrios approaches Khaleeji and Iraqi dance with deep cultural awareness & respect. Though non-native, her long-term immersion and dedicated study have shaped a practice that honors tradition, context, and cultural sensitivity.
'Inclusion means allowing people to participate without forcing them to abandon their identity or values"
Cultural events & social inclusion
Cultural events & social inclusion
As an event organizer, Marilyn has curated and led several cultural events at Alserkal Foundation (during 2019 only), including fashion and performance productions that actively promoted social inclusion, featuring people of determination as performers.
She has also contributed as a volunteer dance teacher at community and special-needs institutions such as Senses Center and Mawaheb Center, reinforcing her belief in art as a space for inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.
" when doors didn't exist.. I learned to create them"...
belly art dubai
belly art dubai
Through Belly Art Dubai, Marilyn channels her vision of dance as art, culture, education, and transformation a platform dedicated to preserving artistic integrity while empowering individuals through professional training and creative expression.
Mission
Marilyn’s mission is to create spaces where women can:
Express their bodies with awareness
Reclaim their energy and strength
Transform their lives through grace, discipline, and soul
" I build plataforms where artistic integrity, & professional structure coexist'
Creator of flow arabic dance healing program
Creator of flow arabic dance healing program
In addition to her expertise as a master dance teacher, Marilyn Barrios is a certified NLP practitioner and life coach, bringing a unique and intuitive approach to personal growth and transformation. With deep sensitivity and perceptive insight, Marilyn created an unique program,where helps her students and clients uncover limiting beliefs, release emotional blocks, and reconnect with their inner strength.
Her coaching integrates seamlessly with movement, enabling participants to experience profound self-discovery, emotional freedom, and a renewed sense of confidence. Marilyn’s intuitive guidance ensures that each person feels seen, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
By combining her extensive background in dance with NLP and life coaching, Marilyn creates a holistic path where body, mind, and emotions align, making her programs both transformative and deeply personal.
" Step into your power, move freely, and let your true self-shine!"
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