Belly Dance Stories

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 East for 12 years. Her path is no straight line, yet she continues to push her own creative evolution in her own way. About Belly Dance Stories: Real stories. Powerful performances. We are a year-long multimedia production dedicated to sharing narratives of every-day women whose lives are empowered by Raks Sharqi, the Art of Belly Dance. Our initiative stands as a distinctive vehicle for women's empowerment, seeking to forge a deeper connection between performers and audiences while fostering compassion and dialogue. Theater show, Podcast, Performer Development Labs, Literature, and more...! Production directed and produced by Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary, professional Miami Belly Dance Artists. www.bellydancestories.com Sponsors ⁠Maison de Mosaics⁠ ⁠HGAB Studios⁠ ⁠The Peacemaker Studio⁠ ⁠Orlando Belly Dance Convention⁠ Kathy Lamis Martin

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 artists 0:26:27 Looking after your artists as a producer 0:33:40 Cultivating your community 0:49:02 Rebranding to Love Affair 0:53:14 Future of Love Affair 0:56:08 Closing thoughts About Belly Dance Stories: Real stories. Powerful performances. We are a year-long multimedia production dedicated to sharing narratives of every-day women whose lives are empowered by Raks Sharqi, the Art of Belly Dance. Our initiative stands as a distinctive vehicle for women's empowerment, seeking to forge a deeper connection between performers and audiences while fostering compassion and dialogue. Theater show, Podcast, Performer Development Labs, Literature, and more...! Production directed and produced by Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary, professional Miami Belly Dance Artists. www.bellydancestories.com Sponsors ⁠Maison de Mosaics⁠ ⁠HGAB Studios⁠ ⁠The Peacemaker Studio⁠ ⁠Orlando Belly Dance Convention⁠

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 and custom made costuming. Watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/DFCp-H_U7bI?feature=shared About Isabella: Throughout her life, Isabella has found creative expression to be an outlet for all of her emotions. Her art has always encompassed a journey through time, where she's been, and where she's going. A Venezuelan born, Miami raised designer who works to bind the past, present and future. Combining elegance and timeless aesthetics with modern and unique qualities. Through her experimentations with dance, paint, sculpture, and writing, Isabella has always enjoyed the beauty that lies in our femininity—while getting her hands a little dirty! She aims to explore the wild woman within, while still catering to our natural elegance, fragility, and poise. www.bellydancestories.com Instagram: bellydance_stories Podcast Music by André Mateo Thank you to our sponsors ⁠ Heart Hips Mind⁠ Kathy Lamis Martin ⁠ @HGABSTUDIOS  Andrej Gottlich

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 today helping others purse their dreams and growing seven-figure businesses. We discuss personal branding, self-worth, networking and topics on the business of Belly Dance that are rarely laid on the table. For more about Lisa Zahiya, her work, podcast and more, visit www.lisazahiya.com. www.bellydancestories.com Instagram: bellydance_stories Podcast Music by André Mateo Thank you to our sponsors ⁠Heart Hips Mind⁠ Kathy Lamis Martin ⁠HGAB Studios⁠ Andrej Gottlich

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 Lamis Martin HGAB Studios Andrej Gottlich

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: bellydance_stories Podcast Music by André Mateo Thank you to our sponsors ⁠Heart Hips Mind⁠ Kathy Lamis Martin ⁠HGAB Studios⁠ Andrej Gottlich

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. HGAB StudiosCreators Live Here. Andres Polania is the CFO of HGAB Studios and CEO of Andrej Gottliech, business development and financial advice. Thank you, Kendrick and Andres, for your support and patronage! This episode was recorded and filmed at HGAB Studios in Wynwood, Miami, FL. www.bellydancestories.com

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 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.    www.bellydancestories.com  Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bellydance_stories

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 at the Sandrell Rivers Theater.   This podcast episode was filmed and recorded at HGAB Studios in Wynwood, Miami, FL.    www.bellydancestories.com Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bellydance_stories

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.    www.bellydancestories.com  Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bellydance_stories

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 competition win, Bozenka shares stories of mentorship, resilience, and the power of dance as both personal healing and cultural expression.✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:- How Bozenka discovered belly dance at 21 and felt it as “remembering” rather than learning- The influence of her teachers, especially Tamalyn Dallal, in shaping Miami’s belly dance scene- Her evolution as an artist—from shy beginner to international teacher and competitor- The personal challenges, resilience, and magic that shaped her careerFor more about Bozenka, visit www.bozenkadance.com🔔 Subscribe to Belly Dance Stories for more conversations with dancers, artists, and storytellers who are shaping the art of belly dance today.www.bellydancestories.com

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 she aims to hold space for the voices of the past to be heard, promoting cultural awareness and preservation. Lenka travels, teaches and performs internationally, and is currently focusing her work on the rich styles and historical treasures of the 19th and 20th century world of belly dance. 🌟 Fun fact! Lenka is a space weather physicist focusing and her work in the sciences influence the way she studies the creative and cultural arts. For more about  @Badriyah_bellydance  and the Raqs Sharqi Museum, visit www.badriyahbellydance.comwww.instagram.com/lenka_badriyah🔥 Subscribe for more belly dance insights!🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode!📩 Stay connected: www.bellydancestories.comTake belly dance classes, perform, or join us for a Shimmy Social!

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 down the essential steps to help you bring your event to life successfully.Producing a belly dance show is more than just booking a venue and inviting performers. A producer is responsible for creating an experience, ensuring a seamless flow from concept to execution. From selecting the right space to managing performers and tech support, a producer’s role is multi-faceted and essential to the success of any event. However, not all producers play the same role. Don’t miss this informative episode packed with actionable tips to help you become a confident and successful producer.Are you working on your own belly dance production? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!00:00 - Introduction to Producing for Belly Dancers02:15 - What Does a Belly Dance Producer Do?07:30 - Event Planning & Logistics for Dancers14:50 - Creating a Strong Artistic Vision22:05 - Marketing & Selling Your Belly Dance Show29:40 - Budgeting & Revenue for Belly Dance Events37:15 - Handling Challenges in Production45:00 - Key Tips for First-Time Producers48:30 - Next Steps & Where to Learn More🔥 Subscribe for more belly dance insights!🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode!📩 Stay connected: www.bellydancestories.comTake belly dance classes, perform, or join us for a Shimmy Social!

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 finding your aesthetic FEELS like✨ Rebirth, authenticity, and & independence💌 Plus, we’re inviting you to write a love letter to dance—share your story with us! Email us at bellydancestories@gmail.com or submit it via this link: https://forms.gle/qpMtRQJgt258ai9bA 00:00:00 Intro00:03:23 What does finding your aesthetic FEEL like?00:11:18 Valerick's pivotal moment when she felt truly herself00:16:20 How Alexandra leave surprises in her process00:19:16 The Influence of Teachers and Mentors00:31:31 Red flags, stepping away from bad relationships00:44:18 Exit plans00:53:19 Fears, Rebirth and Authenticity01:02:54 Building something that is yours01:11:29 Love letters to danceBelly dance classes, theater shows, and performer development www.bellydancestories.com

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 talks about The Creative Act and how creativity is something we ALL have access to. 00:00 Intro04:01 Dance as a lifestyle05:22 From passion to career - important questions to ask07:04 Boundaries and Branding09:39 Seeing the opportunities when changes happen26:12 Book Inspirations: The Heroine's Journey39:02 Book Inspirations: The Creative ActLinks to books:"The Heroine's Journey" by Maureen Murdockhttps://g.co/kgs/qHrwnHa "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubinhttps://g.co/kgs/zKubu5G www.bellydancestories.comBelly Dance classes, theater, podcast, and more!

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 the Middle East for 12 years. Her path is no straight line, yet she continues to push her own creative evolution in her own way. About Belly Dance Stories: Real stories. Powerful performances. We are a year-long multimedia production dedicated to sharing narratives of every-day women whose lives are empowered by Raks Sharqi, the Art of Belly Dance. Our initiative stands as a distinctive vehicle for women's empowerment, seeking to forge a deeper connection between performers and audiences while fostering compassion and dialogue. Theater show, Podcast, Performer Development Labs, Literature, and more...! Production directed and produced by Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary, professional Miami Belly Dance Artists. www.bellydancestories.com Sponsors ⁠Maison de Mosaics⁠ ⁠HGAB Studios⁠ ⁠The Peacemaker Studio⁠ ⁠Orlando Belly Dance Convention⁠ Kathy Lamis Martin

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? 0:21:45 What it's like as a Director and Producer 0:28:50 The Power of Networking and how to build audience 0:37:59 The Prologue Video Art 0:48:22 Performance Highlights 1:09:42 How we structured Myth of the Feminine 1:15:03 The Impact of the Stage on the Every Day Woman 1:19:56 Lessons Learned 1:40:00 Closing Thoughts About Belly Dance Stories: Real stories. Powerful performances. We are a year-long multimedia production dedicated to sharing narratives of every-day women whose lives are empowered by Raks Sharqi, the Art of Belly Dance. Our initiative stands as a distinctive vehicle for women's empowerment, seeking to forge a deeper connection between performers and audiences while fostering compassion and dialogue. Theater show, Podcast, Performer Development Labs, Literature, and more...! Production directed and produced by Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary, professional Miami Belly Dance Artists. www.bellydancestories.com Thank you to our sponsors for helping us produce our exciting Myth of the Feminine Theater Show! Maison de Mosaics HGAB Studios The Peacemaker Studio Orlando Belly Dance Convention Aamar Belly Dance Festival Lisa Zahiya Business, Life Coach Macky Designs Lebanese Love Affair