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 [email protected] 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:

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

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.

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

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.