I would say that unfortunately I have faced several challenges becoming a dancer- the most difficult being racism. When I started performing in restaurant venues 9 years ago, there were not any professional African-American belly dancers in my area that were really in the restaurant circuit. It was definitely a new thing at the time. So, it was very difficult trying to change the perceptions of what a belly dancer was “supposed” to look like. I was constantly judged before restaurant owners even saw me perform and often times rejected, sent home, etc. the moment they saw what color I was.

It was a very painful experience; but I persevered. I kept doing what I loved and over time, the “color comfort” factor in the community opened up a bit and it wasn’t “odd’ to see a dancer of “color” anymore. Unfortunately, even now, there are places that I know of who still refuse to hire “dark” dancers- or who will pay them less and treat them differently; but I hope to keep dancing and to encourage other dancers of color to continue to do so in hopes that we can perhaps change the minds of some who think that women like me can be successful in this industry. I can luckily say that I absolutely have been. I was determined not to let a thing so simple as color hold me back!

There’s really a transforming quality about belly dance that is simply just unexplainable. Whatever that “it” factor is- I thrive on it; and it helps me strive to be better in my art and to be the absolute best teacher and role model I can be for my students.

My classes are tough- HUGE focus on proper/accurate technique, on connecting with music and audiences, stage presence, maintain grace in performances, etc. my choreography classes are also very challenging; but a lot more fun for students, I think. I vary the choreography styles from course to course but tend to be drawn to teach pieces that are fun, high energy and flirty or either pieces that re highly emotive and require students to really connect.

In addition, I try to perform at as many charity functions as I can; and when I am unavailable, I offer those oppotunities to one of the two performing troupes that I direct. I also push myself to perform at workshop, or seminar showcases whenever I attend one- whether it’s local or in other parts of the country. I would say I do about 3 or 4 of those types of shows a year. Lastly, I host 2 large showcases a year featuring my students, my dance troupes, other local artists; so I get a chance to perform in those shows as well.

I would say that my performance style is usually fun and high energy, but also subtle and graceful. I most often perform Egyptian Raqs Sharqi or American-style belly dance; but have become known more for my tabla/drum solos and Egyptian Sha’abi pieces, which are usually audience favorites.

I love performing- I think of it as bringing the art to life. It excites me to be the medium in which that can happen- and the fact that I can expose the art to thousands and thousands of people, makes performing even more fulfilling. Because of the overwhelming joy and excitement I feel at every performance, I don’t really get nervous anymore. The only exception would be if I am doing a performance with another dancer and we have to be completely synched- and that dancer is depending on me to not make HER look bad. That’s a lot of pressure! I was formerly a part of a belly dance troupe; so we did lots of performances together. I was always a nervous wreck because I just didn’t want to be the one to mess up the whole group. Thankfully, I never did mess up the whole group

The other exceptions for me would be when I am dancing with the sword or if I am dancing for someone I consider to be famous or legendary. Recently, I had the honor of dancing for Tito Seif of Egypt (and some other world-renowed, leendary dancers) at a local belly dance conference, and I ws a nervous wreck before I got on stage! Once I get out there though, I just take a deep breath. And once the music starts…well it’s history- I instantly become a performer.

Additionally, I teach a once-monthly belly cardio class and a once-monthly “Mommy and Me” class. I am also scheduled to teach various workshops throughout the year- that schedule changes from month-to-month. More information on classes and workshops can be found on my website, www.BellyDancebySamora.com or on my Belly Dance by Samora Facebook page. I can also be contacted at: Samoraraks@yahoo.com.