Malia began dancing at age two, training in classical ballet under renowned Russian coaches in Southern California. As a teenager, she performed principal roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. She later expanded her dance repertoire to include tap, jazz, contemporary, and gymnastics.

In 1993, Malia transitioned to partner dancing, competing with a Grand World Champion country dance troupe. Her passion for West Coast Swing grew during her travels, and she quickly became involved in the swing circuit while continuing to compete in country dance. By 2001, Malia also began training and competing in American Ballroom and Latin.

Malia has taught dance full-time since 2008, becoming an integral part of Atomic Ballroom in California. Over the years, she’s also competed nationally in West Coast Swing Showcase, returning to routine competitions in 2010 in the Classic Division. She competed in the Sophisticated Division at The Open in 2015 where she placed 1st with her partner. She launched her own bi-weekly dance, Whiskey Wednesdays in 2018 which ran for 2 years through the end of 2019. Before relocating to The Carolinas in 2021, she furthered her education with certifications in Corrective Exercise (NASM-CPT, CES) and Precision Nutrition, PN Level 1.

Today, Malia combines her love for dance and fitness in her role as a fitness instructor and personal trainer in focused fitness classes along with coaching dancers with an emphasis on mindful movement. She also continues to share her knowledge with the Greenville Westies in South Carolina and travels across the country and abroad to teach, judge, and compete.

Known for her approachable nature and graceful movement, Malia is a highly sought-after instructor and competitor.