Belly Dance Stories

What does it mean to build a dream life in the belly dance industry? Internationally acclaimed belly dance artist, performer, educator, and entrepreneur Shahrzad joins Belly Dance Stories for an honest conversation about artistic fulfillment, discipline, and creating a career with lasting purpose. We begin with a fun surprise interview as Alexandra asks Shahrzad and Valerick about their nearly two...

Let's dance into Luna's belly dance story as she tells us about her background and training is various styles of movement art, including dance and sports. Her insight on what "Fusion belly dance" means to her is one worth listening and reflecting on. Thank you, Luna, for an intriguing and insightful conversation! Learn more about Luna, Casa Luna and Moon Festival in Mexico at www...

How do we know when we need a collaborator? How do we know when we are ready to work with another business, solo artist, studio, or other? What are the green and red flags that we should look out for? Belly Dance Stories was founded on a collaboration turned into partnership. Valerick and Alexandra get together to explore one of the most important—and often misunderstood —parts of building a creat...

In our FIRST LIVE podcast episode, we interview Arielle, American-born dancer living and working in Cairo, Egypt. Arielle's belly dance story starts with unexpected beginnings at childhood to now living her dream in Egypt. She takes us through her journey and how her experiences have informed her work today. Thank you for your candid and warm conversation, Arielle! We love having you back in Miami...

Bozenka: A Retrospective, Part 2 In this continuation of our conversation with the legendary Bozenka, we explore her rise to international recognition and the profound shifts in her life and artistry. From her first tours with Bellydance Superstars to her collaborations with Shakira, Bozenka takes us behind the curtain of global stages, the grueling pace of touring, and the creative integrity requ...

Hello! We are back for a new podcast season at Belly Dance Stories! In this first episode, we reflect on our recent transformative travels to Egypt and all the fun experiences we brought into our hearts. Our BIG questions were: - What does it mean for women to gather and dance without an audience?- How does that impact the relationship we have with belly dance as well as to each other? We also exp...

Bozenka: A RetrospectiveJoin us for an intimate conversation with international belly dance artist and award-winning performer, Bozenka! In this episode, she share with us how her creative family roots have influenced her to her first encounter with belly dance in Miami, and the transformative journey from student to global star. From her early artistic explorations to her first professional compe...

This was one of the most fun and creative interviews we've had yet! Valerick and Alexandra sit with the amazing Lenka and have a very fascinating conversation about dance and science and how the creative process overlaps. 🌟Lenka, also known as Badriyah, is a professional Raqs Sharqi dancer and instructor based in Belgium. She is the founder and director of the online Raqs Sharqi Museum where...

If you've ever dreamed of producing your own belly dance event, or are looking to re-evaluate the one(s) you've had so far - and felt overwhelmed - you're not alone! From crafting a compelling vision to managing logistics and marketing, producing a show requires a blend of creativity, organization, and strategy. In our latest podcast episode, Producing 101 for Belly Dancers, we break d...

Sometimes we hit roadblocks on the journey, which can become valuable lessons. Alexandra and Valerick unravel juicy information about how belly dancers can find their personal aesthetic whether student or professional, avoid red flags that stunt growth, and evolve gracefully beyond teachers, mentors, and studio spaces.✨ Breaking free from creative constraints✨ Navigating artistic breakups✨ What...

Our podcast season for 2025 has launched! Tune in and listen to our main focus of the season... how to evolve in your career or your journey as a belly dancer. We also talk about belly dance as a lifestyle, not just for the professional, but for the enthusiast and those who enjoy it for fun. Alexandra talks about her book inspiration and how it is informing her next choreography, and Valerick talk...

About this podcast episode: Part 2 of 2 Come along with us as international artist from Brazil, Esmeralda Colabone, shares her rich belly dance story of how she became the woman and dancer she is today. Esmeralda's story is very unique, wholesome, and earthy with deep wisdom for all. She has toured the world teaching and performing in over 30 countries, and has worked in the dance industry of...

About this podcast episode: Come along with us as international artist from Brazil, Esmeralda Colabone, shares her rich belly dance story of how she became the woman and dancer she is today. Esmeralda's story is very unique, wholesome, and earthy with deep wisdom for all. She has toured the world teaching and performing in over 30 countries, and has worked in the dance industry of the Middle E...

It is an emotional and juicy post-event podcast as Alexandra interviews Valerick about her come-back to her production titled "Love Affair." Valerick discusses the origin story of her event, the trials and tribulations, re-branding, and the future. TIMESTAMPS 0:00:00 Opening Theme 0:00:17 Introduction Love 0:02:40 Origin Story of Love Affair 0:09:58 Risks in bringing international artist...

Belly Dance Stories had the honor to conduct mini-interviews from performers and dancers at the Orlando Bellydance Convention, 2024. Our multi-media production aims to highlight every day women who have been empowered through the art of Belly Dance. Thank you to OBC for being a 2024 sponsor of Belly Dance Stories! www.orlandobellydanceconvention.com www.bellydancestories.com

What is the story of your show? Theater production is a labor of love. We discuss the process of being producers and directors, creating our third theater show, how to build an audience, and the impact of the stage. TIMESTAMPS 0:00:00 Opening Theme 0:00:22 Intro, casual conversations, lighting the LuMo Candle 0:02:47 Producing with HGAB Studios (Shout out!) 0:09:44 What is the story of your show?...

The talented Isabella Villarroel joins us for a conversation on Fashion and Bridal Design, Belly Dance, the social "demands" and intricacies of being a woman today, more. Alexandra Molina has been Isabella's Belly Dance teacher and mentor since she began. With her collaboration and guidance, Isabella created a multi-media performance for Belly Dance Stories Volume II, with video art...

Join us for a warm conversation with an abundance of advice from Lisa Zahiya, business strategist and life coach, BS and a MBA from the University of Maryland. Her story takes us from when she left her corporate career to become a professional Belly Dance instructor, performer, and studio owner of the award-winning Studio Zahiya in Asheville, North Carolina for nearly 14 years, to where she is tod...

Happy 1 Year Anniversary! Today we celebrate the anniversary of Belly Dance Stories Volume I Theater Show! Alexandra and Valerick "coffee talk" and chat about what they've learned, what successes and challenges they've had, and what's next. www.bellydancestories.com Instagram: bellydance_stories Podcast Music by André Mateo Thank you to our sponsors Heart Hips Mind Kathy Lami...

Delve deep with Jesenia as she takes us through elements that influence her work, such as identity, sensuality, mythology, body language and psychology, and how she composed her "I'm Not Sorry" performance for Belly Dance Stories, Volume II. We discuss how a dancer can create a strong and thoughtful performance, and stay true to their authenticity. www.bellydancestories.com Instagram...

Alexandra and Valerick interview two of their sponsors and investor for an insightful conversation about event funding, the difference between sponsors and investors, tips on how to reach out for support, and more. Kendrick Vasquez is the Co-Founder & CEO of HGAB Studios.  HGAB Studios is a Photography, Video & Podcast solution for brands and the modern creator based in Wynwood, Miami, FL....

Episode 3 of Volume I Podcast: Join Directors Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary as they interview the talented and knowledgeable Yesenia Lauzurique!   Yesenia talks about her introduction to Belly Dance, her background in Theater and Group Dance Competitions, and her growth as an artist and director of the Arabian Roses.    Belly Dance Stories: Volume I Theater Show premie...

Episode 2 of Volume I Podcast: Join Directors Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary as they interview the one-and-only Kathy "Lamis" Martin!   Lamis is an admired artist in our Miami Belly Dance community. She has been writing her Belly Dance Story for over 40 years and has much wisdom to share!   Belly Dance Stories: Volume I Theater Show premiered Sunday, August 14, 2022 in Miami, FL...

Episode 1 of Volume I: Join Directors Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary as they tell the origin story of Belly Dance Stories as well as their own tales of how they started Belly Dancing.  Belly Dance Stories Theater Show premiered Sunday, August 14, 2022 in Miami, FL at the Sandrell Rivers Theater.   This podcast episode was filmed and recorded at HGAB Studios in Wynwood, Miami, FL....