Maridalia, more commonly known as La Chiky, started dancing when she was seven years old in a project called “Alma Danza” run by The National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (el UNEAC). In this program, she performed in political and cultural events and attended workshops at professional dance companies. Just four years later, in 2005, Chiky began to study rhythmic gymnastics at an institute for young athletes where she spent two years and won third place in a national competition. From 2007 to 2009, Chiky trained at la EVA (?) in preparation for her career as a professional dancer. Upon completing this training, Chiky worked in musical theatre at a dance company called the Compañía de Variedades América. Chiky now works with a dance company called VIA Danza where she has been able to develop her skill set as a dance instructor as well as her passion for teaching. Chiky gets great personal satisfaction from being able to share the dances of her culture, of which she is very proud. In addition to dancing, Chiky loves percussion and plays the “Campana”, the “Clave”, and the “Güiro”.

Chiky appreciates her MetaMovements community, and describes it as “a family that works as one single person, thus creating a positive atmosphere with lots of energy.”