Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrara Nour.
Hi Carrara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Connecticut and first learned to dance in CT and NY. Like so many belly dancers, my “origin story” began with an iconic Colombian singer whose hips don’t lie. The first time I saw Shakira perform on late-night TV, I signed up for a belly dance class the next day! At the time, I had no desire to perform or even to get good at belly dance. All I wanted was to try something new and see if I could master a few of Shakira’s signature moves. Little did I know, this adventure would take on a life of its own.
From my very first class, I was hooked. There was even more to Middle Eastern dance than what I saw Shakira performing onstage. Belly dance is not just a glamorous performing art but a dance of the people. Over time, I fell in love with the music, the costumes and the cultural traditions. After about two years, my mentors Adina and Careesah encouraged me to give performing a try. My first public performance broke me out of my shell and forever changed me. Stepping outside of my comfort zone made me feel confident, powerful and truly free. Pursuing a professional career felt like a logical progression from there. For the first two years of my performing career, I worked closely with my mentors to refine not only my dance technique but other skills that are just as important such as stage presence, audience interaction and running a small business. In the Northeast, belly dance teachers emphasize professionalism just as much as they drill technique. My early years shaped me into an elite performer and I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world!
In 2011, I moved to Orlando where I carved out a niche performing at weddings and higher-end social events. Belly dance is traditionally performed at weddings and parties in the Middle East. I am frequently hired by people from the culture and I see this as an amazing honor. (Especially since I am an outsider to the culture!) Even after all these years, I still learn as much as I can about Middle Eastern music, dance, culture and traditions because it’s the least I can do to give back to the people who welcome me into their precious celebrations.
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?
Yes, and no. Just like any other entrepreneurial journey, running a performing arts business can be an emotional roller coaster. At times it feels like a dream to be a belly dancer in Orlando, the Entertainment Capital of the USA. We have countless attractions, resorts and venues that hire live entertainment. Our beautiful weather brings destination weddings, conventions and outdoor parties pretty much year-round. There is a vibrant community of local artists, entertainers and creative types and we all love to collaborate and look out for one another. Orlando is a competitive market for entertainment, but performing opportunities are virtually endless if you have the drive, the talent and most importantly the personality. (So many people underestimate that last part!)
Of course, running a belly dance business is neither easy nor perpetually glamorous. Even if you have a lot of good things going for you, you’ll always have that one thing that keeps you up at night. For me, it’s the stereotypes. Some people associate belly dance with adult entertainment and think it’s inappropriate for elegant, family-friendly events. Others dismiss belly dancers as unskilled “costumed characters” and cut corners by hiring cheap amateurs. Through the years, I’ve learned to shrug off a lot of the ignorant comments, but it will always bother me deep down to think that nobody’s hiring go-go dancers in Party City tutus for productions of Swan Lake. And nobody is asking ballroom dancers if they dance with a pole! But this happens to belly dancers all the time.
Like many professional belly dancers, I spend a lot of time on education and outreach. When I first entered the wedding industry, I really had to go out of my way to win over some of the more traditional, old-school wedding planners and convince them that belly dance is just as classy and elegant for weddings as a string quartet or a live band. Attitudes are slowly changing and belly dance has exploded in mainstream popularity since I first started. At times, I still encounter ignorance, but I always try to remember how far things have come and what’s worth fighting for.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a professional belly dancer offering luxury entertainment for weddings and events in Orlando and throughout Florida. Belly dance is popular entertainment for all types of occasions and I’ve performed every type of event from birthdays to a funeral to a bachelor party consisting entirely of gay men! However, weddings are my passion and specialty. Belly dance is traditionally performed at weddings in the Middle East and for many of my couples, my performance is a great way to showcase important cultural traditions while hyping up the dance floor and creating an authentic vibe. I also work with a lot of non-traditional couples who want to bring a touch of romance and glamour to their reception and surprise their guests with something they’ve never seen at a wedding before. My performances are tailored to each client’s unique event from my music playlist to the color of my costumes and even the level of interaction with the crowd. My goal is to give the audience a complete experience and memories that will stick with them for a lifetime.
I’m really big on the personal touch and this sets me apart from so many of the bigger production companies in the area that contract out belly dancers. As a one-woman show, I personally handle every aspect of my bookings from the initial consultation to the moment I take the stage. This allows me to form a real and authentic connection with my clients and give them the seamless, professional experience they deserve. I treat each client as if they were a personal friend or a family member and I believe this energy shines through when we meet on the dance floor and get the party started.
My proudest accomplishment as a performer is the reputation I’ve built and my flawless satisfaction rating from my clients. Repeat clients and referrals make up a large part of my business. Some dancers chase fame and trophies, I am constantly chasing those 5-star reviews! It’s an honor to be part of the best day of someone’s life, and I never take this for granted.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The biggest risk I ever took was just getting started! I grew up in a community where people are pretty big on social climbing and keeping up appearances. If you didn’t pursue a career in STEM or finance, you were a nobody. When I first moved to Orlando and went all in on my dance business, people warned me that it would ruin my life. It was hard NOT to take this to heart. But I’ve never been one to conform to polite society and I knew that I was being called to do something bigger than myself. You only get so many opportunities to reinvent yourself and be the person you want to be. Of course, this wasn’t easy and there were many sleepless nights. But there are no regrets. And I’d rather look back on my life and say “I can’t believe I did all that!” than “what if I did?”
Pricing:
- Average Price; $350 (20-30 minute show)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://CarraraNour.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carraranour/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoBellydancer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarraraNour
