Today we’d like to introduce you to Arabella
Hi Arabella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My belly dance journey began unexpectedly in 2014 during my freshman year at Florida State University. Eager to explore the many opportunities on campus, I stumbled upon a flyer advertising “Free Belly Dance Classes!” hosted by a student organization. With no prior dance experience but plenty of curiosity, I thought “Why not” (my infamous motto of freshman year) and decided to give it a shot. That first class was both exhilarating and challenging. But I’m never one to shy away from a challenge! Encouraged to audition by the welcoming members of The FSU Belly Dancers, I thought, “Why not?” and spent the weekend scouring YouTube for belly dance tutorials and crafting a short solo routine. Miraculously, they saw my potential and I made the troupe! I was thrilled to be accepted.
What started as a casual experiment quickly turned into a passion. I progressed rapidly through lessons, troupe practices, and performances. By my sophomore year, I was elected president of the troupe and began teaching intermediate classes, roles I proudly held until graduation. During this time, I began performing at Café Shisha, a local hookah lounge, and soon started receiving invitations to private events like weddings and birthdays.
After earning my master’s degree at FSU, I realized belly dancing could remain a meaningful part of my life. I accepted a travel contract as a speech-language pathologist in Las Vegas, where I had the opportunity to dance at restaurants, private events, and take classes with Mylissa Acevedo and Aradia Wynn. It was humbling to be a small fish in a big pond, but I found immense growth and inspiration in the city’s vibrant dance community, even amidst the challenges of the COVID era.
When my contract ended, it was time to embark on my next adventure: Germany! While working at a speech therapy clinic near an American military base, I taught belly dance classes at a local Tanzschule (dance school) 4 days a week. While gig opportunities were scarce, teaching became a rewarding focus. During my time there, I also had the unforgettable experience of touring Lebanon with Simon Sako—a cherished highlight of my journey.
In 2023, I returned to central Florida and was fortunate to join Sahara Entertainment, managed by Rosanna Fontana. Through her mentorship, I’ve had more performance opportunities than ever before and connected with my current instructor, Ahmed Hussien (Egyptian master instructor). Training with Ahmed has elevated my understanding and technique in Egyptian-style belly dance, helping me to achieve a more professional quality of performances. He’s pushed me to new heights, like competing, traveling to Egypt, and performing in cities I’d never danced in before, including Los Angeles and even Cairo.
Today, I’m passionately dedicated to honing my craft and embracing every opportunity to grow as a dancer and performer. What started as a curious “Why not?” moment has become a transformative journey that continues to shape my life in ways I never imagined. This journey has been so rewarding, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
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?
Fortunately, I feel like my journey to where I am has been relatively smooth. Becoming a professional belly dancer was never part of my plan, but feels as though each opportunity came at the right time. From gigging to teaching to competing, every step along the way unfolded naturally, and I embraced those opportunities as they presented themselves.
That said, one of my biggest challenges was not having an instructor or formal training until this past year. For much of my journey, I relied on self-teaching, trial and error, and seeking inspiration from other dancers and resources. While this approach helped me develop resilience and creativity, it also fed a sense of imposter syndrome. Even though I received high praise from audience members and professional dancers, I often questioned whether I belonged in this world of dance or if others could see through my facade and recognize me as a fraud. Since working with my instructor, Ahmed Hussien, I’ve experienced incredible growth in my technique, understanding, and professionalism, which has helped me overcome much of that doubt. Receiving recognition through awards at competitions has been a meaningful source of encouragement and validation as well. It’s been transformative to finally have formal training and mentorship, allowing me to feel more confident and grounded in my identity as a dancer. Pushing through the limitations of informal training and feelings of imposter syndrome weren’t always easy, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate that the path always seemed to align with what was meant to be. For that, I’m profoundly grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my professional life, I’m a speech language pathologist with extensive experience treating communication disorders in children and adults. My clinical specialties include early intervention, stuttering, autism, speech sound disorders, and language development. Over the years, I’ve worked in diverse settings, including schools, teletherapy, outpatient clinics, and now as the owner of my private practice, Curated Communication. At Curated Communication, I provide individualized therapy while championing neurodiversity-affirming practices, parent coaching, and family-centered care. I’m especially proud of our summer horse camp, which enriches children’s language and literacy skills through engaging, nature-based activities. My approach is rooted in fostering meaningful connections, ensuring therapy is not just effective but also enjoyable and empowering for clients and their families. Advocacy and collaboration are cornerstones of my work, as I strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those I serve.
As a professional belly dancer with 10 years of experience, I specialize in the art of Egyptian-style belly dance. Known for my captivating, high-energy performances, I create luxurious experiences that emphasize audience interaction and connection. What truly sets me apart is my ability to foster genuine connections and create a shared experience with the audience, drawing them into the magic of the moment and making them feel like an integral part of the performance. I’m most proud of my commitment to creating meaningful connections—whether through empowering clients in therapy sessions or enchanting audiences on stage. In both roles, my focus is on fostering joy, inspiration, and connection in every moment.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is fluid and deeply personalized. I define success as the process of setting and achieving goals, no matter how small. Each accomplishment, whether it’s a minor step forward or a major milestone, contributes to my overall sense of success. I focus on setting small, achievable goals that can be adjusted and refined as I progress. This approach keeps me motivated and allows me to measure growth in a way that feels tangible and rewarding. While success is primarily rooted in my own efforts and the fulfillment of my personal goals, external validation plays a role in certain contexts — such as ensuring a performance resonates with an audience or exceeds expectations at an event. In these cases, success involves meeting both my own standards and the expectations of those I’m serving. Knowing that my work benefits others brings me immense fulfillment and a deeper sense of purpose.
My view of success keeps me focused, flexible, and aligned with my vision, allowing me to measure progress in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling, and ensuring that success is always within reach.
Pricing:
- $300 for 30 minute private event performance
- $150 for 30 minute restaurant performance
- $70/hour private lesson (individual or group)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arabelladance.carrd.co/
- Instagram: @ArabellaDance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellyDanceArabella
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arabelladance
- Other: BellydanceArabella@gmail.com
Image Credits
Salchata Media Project, Riri Khoury, Fotografie Oliver Decker, Greg, Mike T Media
