Meli

The concept of 'Tips from the Hip' emerged from a childhood of belly dancing on Greek taverna stages under the Parthenon at the willful, wild and eccentric hip of my Saggitarean mother, Rhea of Greece. 

Through Rhea, I come from the lineage of Jamila Salimpour's Troupe Bal Anat. Through my father's guitar, my baby self was steeped in folk music, circus arts, (probably too much second-hand weed) & hippie love. 

Today I follow my calling as movement artist and seeker.  In these internet channels and in my studio space I share my "tips" on movement, energy, well-being and more. 

Like any goddess worth her salt, I have crossed cultures and taken on different names along the way. Melinda is my birth name but Melina of Daughters of Rhea became my stage name as a kid, since the owner of the Athens by Night taverna, George Pantelopoulos, would introduce me that way. Every night I balanced a tray of lit candles on my head for hundreds of international tourists. I got to know a bit about the entire world from an outdoor stage beneath the acropolis.  

Both names contain Meli.
Meli means honey in Greek, and I love honey. 
Works for me! 

Along the way I have changed my life - and name - times. Each carries its own energy imprint and experience. However you met me is the perfect name to call me!