Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Carvalho.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I had always done some form of dance or gymnastics starting at a young age. My life really changed when I moved to Egypt when I was ten years old. I started learning Bellydance (called raqs sharqi) as well as other folkloric dances of Egypt. This all coincided with my training in many other styles of dance. At that time, I had no idea that Bellydance would become such a huge part of my life. I moved back to the United States when I was 15 years old, where I was forced to stop dancing permanently by my doctors. I have some pretty extreme physical issues, and they thought it best to stop dancing to ensure I wouldn’t further damage my body. Reluctantly, and with many tears, I had to say goodbye to dance (and Bellydance) for good. At age 18, I realized that a life without dance was too painful for me, so I decided to focus on belly dancing, as it was lower impact than some of the other styles I did. Under the mentorship of Suspira, the owner of Orlando Bellydance, I was able to gain the training and confidence to start performing professionally. Since then, I’ve spent my entire adult life performing and teaching Bellydance, as well as other styles of dance. This is all a dream come true, and the rest is history.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a dancer, instructor, and choreographer. I create choreographies for myself as well as students, ranging from children to adults, beginner to professionals. Although dance to me is self-expression, when it comes to Bellydance specifically, I have a purpose beyond these things. As you know, I spent a huge part of my adolescence and childhood in Egypt. This is important because I was living in the Middle East when 9/11 occurred. This was a turning point for many people, as it changed the way many saw the Middle East and Arab people. As an American, I felt torn between my country and adopted country when I would visit the US because many people had the wrong idea about the Middle East as a whole. It was then, in 2001, that I started trying to educate friends and family about Middle Eastern culture. It wasn’t until I started performing Bellydance in the United States in 2007 that I realized my calling. I like to think of myself as a cultural ambassador. I share the beautiful music and dances of various Middle Eastern countries to people here in Florida, as well as from all over the world. I like to show people what a rich, enchanting place the Middle East can be. This helps to bridge gaps and connect people. As a teacher and performer of Bellydance and other forms of dance, I also like to change people’s lives in small and large ways. Whether it’s a smile from an audience member or dance therapy for a student, I live to spread love in the lives of others.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success can mean many things as an artist. In a nutshell, success is being able to make a living doing what I love. I am doing that, and am so very lucky. Every day that I get to dance, I am living my dream. I happen to get paid for it, which is pretty nice too. Of course, success can mean having your name recognized, having regular bookings/shows/classes, and being respected by those in your field. These things are all outward success. Success can also be within, where you feel proud of your work and your journey. I am happy doing what I love every day, even on the bad days.
To be successful as an artist, you must have talent, perseverance, and courage. Talent only gets you so far. You have to eat, sleep, and live your art. You must sacrifice for it and keep going in the face of failure. It takes extreme bravery to take something so personal and put it out there for the world to see. You must also have the hunger to learn everything you can about your art and continue researching and training to improve yourself every day. No matter the years and experience, a dancer is never a finished product. There is always more to be done.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I travel to teach and perform all over Miami, the US, and sometimes, the world. People can check my performance and class schedule on my website, www.arielledance.com and can contact me about local shows. I also post about my classes and performances on Instagram as @ariellebellydance or Facebook as “Arielle Bellydance.” Come check out a show, hire me to perform at an event, such as a wedding, birthday party, or convention, or come join me at the studio for a class. I teach weekly group classes in Miami/Coconut Grove at Belly 2 Abs (soon to be re-named Creative Hips), as well as Hype Dance Studio in Lake Worth. I teach monthly classes in Orlando and travel to different states teaching and performing from time to time. I teach private lessons in many styles and love to share my work with anyone with an open heart and mind. I teach and perform Bellydance, burlesque, samba, fire, Bollywood, Flamenco Arabe, Middle Eastern Folklore, Hula/Tahitian, Street Jazz, and more.
Contact Info:
- Address: Class locations:Belly 2 Abs (soon to be Creative Hips)
2688 SW 28th Ln.
Miami, FL 33133
www.belly2abs.comHype Dance Studio
6671B Lake Worth Rd.
Lake Worth, FL 33467
www.hypefitnessflorida.com - Website: www.arielledance.com
- Phone: 786-361-7037
- Email: ariellebellydance@hotmail.com
- Instagram: @ariellebellydance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariellebellydance/
Image Credit:
Siufer Artistry
The Dancers Eye Photography
Denise J Marino
Jessica Lauren Photography
Sveinn Photography
Charles Howse
RAW Art Photography
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