Today we’d like to introduce you to Amara Sayid
Hi Amara , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my dance journey in belly dance at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus in 2001. There I met my dance mentor and good friend, Samay. I instantly fell in love with the dance movements, the music, and the culture.
I started in the beginners level 1 class and slowly progressed to the higher levels in the program as the years went on. In 2004, I auditioned and joined Samay’s professional dance troupe. In 2009, I started teaching at the academy. In 2013, Samay passed the torch and gave me the school to direct. Since 2020, I now share the directorial role with my best friend Danna, and we’re going strong 11 years later.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When it came to my passion for dance and learning the fundamentals, the road was smooth. I worked hard and rehearsed and put in the time studying with my mentor and dancers of origin as often as I could. When I took over the school and became immersed in the community, there were struggles with various personalities along the way. There was gossip, slander, and defamation both within and outside the dance academy. I did not allow it to deter me from our academy’s mission.
Our mission is to enrich South Florida’s dance community through the vibrant cultural arts of the Middle East. Together with my team of instructors, we aim to inspire, educate, and connect by offering classes and events that celebrate this elegant dance form, fostering appreciation and understanding for its rich heritage and expressive beauty.
There was also the commercial market that has strict expectations on a dancer’s looks, which I found difficult to embrace. Though I understood it, I chose to focus on the educational and artistic aspect of the art form.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional belly dance performing artist, choreographer, and teacher. Since 2001, I have immersed myself exclusively into this cultural arts genre. Currently, I am the Co-Director of Mid East Performing Arts Academy, a belly dance school based out of Miami, FL.
What sets me apart from others is a strong focus on classical Egyptian dance (known as raks sharki, or belly dance) and folklore. For me, the classics never go out of style! It is what drew me to this performing art and it is what I share with my students as the foundation of this dance.
My classes focus on body awareness to ensure safety and longevity in the dance. I share as much as I can about a dance genre’s history and costuming to ensure that dancers are learning about the culture’s essence and authenticity. I truly care about each one of my dancers and always try to guide them to the best of my ability. In my eyes, we’re family.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For those who want to work with me, I’m just a message away! You can find me through these social media platforms:
Instagram: @amara.sayid (https://www.instagram.com/amara.sayid)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amara.5ayid
YouTube: Amara’s World (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWxEIrK4zkDBnpWpttA_v2w)
Tik Tok: amarasayid (https://www.tiktok.com/@amarasayid)
Or you can reach me via email at amarita.sayid@gmail.com
If you’re curious about our academy you can find us at: www.mideastperformingarts.com or via instagram at @mepaa.dance
I will say that the best way to reach me is via Instagram or Email. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mideastperformingarts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amara.sayid/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amara.5ayid
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWxEIrK4zkDBnpWpttA_v2w
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amarasayid
Image Credits
Ana G
Siufer Artistry
