Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Lleonart.
Samantha, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
In 2010 I graduated early from High School and my mom wanted to gift me with Belly dance classes because she thought I would be good at it, little did I know it would start my dance journey. At the time I danced for fun and to stay fit, but in my heart, I knew I wanted more. So in 2013, I decided to seriously pursue Belly dance as more than just a fun hobby and Ive never looked back. I found my mentor Valerick Molinary in 2014 who has guided me with so much love every step of the way, Since then I have performed across the United States as well as studying with master instructors. I have taught girls and women of various age groups ranging from 5 to 70 years. As well as teaching I regularly perform at restaurants, private parties, and events. I am truly passionate about this dance form and am incredibly grateful to be able to spread what I love to others. This is dance is liberating, inspiring, and infectious all in one, once it grips you, it never let’s go.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My art form is Belly dance also known as Raks Sharki (its real name in the Middle East). When I dance, I feel completely liberated and alive in a way that nothing else brings to me. It’s an otherworldly feeling that is so hard to describe into words. I am my very best self when I dance, and I can’t imagine my life without it. Dancing has carried me through many dark times in my life from injuries to postpartum depression; it always has given me something to hold on to. My hope through dance is to give people the same feeling I get from dancing. I want to pass on my joy and zest for life through my dance. I want to inspire people to go after what sets their heart on fire and remember that life is so much more than what it seems.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
Success can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people; to me success is being able to do what you love every day. As an artist, it can take a long time to make money off of what you love. You really have to be very passionate about what you do and do it for the right reasons, or it won’t work out for you. Its a process, it’s a journey that you have to learn to enjoy all the steps leading you to your final goal. Persistence and hard work are the foundation for the road to success. As long as you are happy and enjoying what you do, you have succeeded.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I dance at many different local events in Miami. In order to keep up with my latest performance, you can follow me at Sambellydance on Instagram or visit my website at www.samanthabellydancer.com. You can also view my dance videos on my youtube channel Samantha Bellydancer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samanthabellydancer.com
- Email: samanthabellydancer@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sambellydance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.bellydance.5
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/bellydancebysamantha
Image Credit:
Denise Marino Photography, Nestor Correa Photography, Le Vieux Loup Photography, Blood is Bond Creative
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