Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Paz.
Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been very much into music and Latin rhythms since an early age. Growing up in El Salvador and being born in Costa Rica music is everywhere, at home, in the streets, it’s a part of the culture. It’s in my DNA. Thus, it’s only natural my journey would lead me to art of belly dancing. In 2011, I was a very dedicated Chemistry student who practically lived at the University and barely had any extra time for other extracurricular activities (i.e., dancing). However, one day while I was returning home I decided to take an alternative route, and as I was walking, I saw a big poster on a door. It was a picture of a women with mysterious eyes with the words “Danza Arabe.” It caught my attention immediately. It was New Acropolis, an international organization of a philosophical, cultural and social nature. They were advertising dance classes. Just by that poster, I was drawn. So, I went inside and signed-up to join the classes.
I remembered having very hard days trying not to miss dance class. The studio was far from my home and not in a convenient area. There were always new obstacles, but I didn’t give up. I didn’t mind walking long distances through the rain or being in danger sometimes. If anything, these obstacles made my passion for the art of dance grow. These dances classes, during this time, helped me to discover new strengths, friends, my values as an artist and exposed me to amazing dance opportunities.
Then in 2010, an unexpected event happened in my life. I got the opportunity to move to the United States and become a U.S citizens. Due to the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program. It took me one year to adapt to the country and integrate into the dance community. As I made myself known throughout Houston, new job opportunities followed. Now, since 2015, I dance professionally providing entertainment for different events. I belong to two professional groups: Bella Donna Dance Company and Al Awtar Zaffar Group (middle eastern folkloric genres and styles).
As I continue to grow as a professional belly dancer, I am constantly improving my craft by attending trainings and traveling to belly dancing festivals, including Egypt and Lebanon. While belly dancing is not my full-time job, yet, during the day I work for a nonprofit organization where I help people in need with their finances. I also like to support Houston art events and modeling when I can. I strongly believe I didn’t find belly dancing, belly dancing found me. It is my gift that I am meant to do.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Most definitely my journey to belly dancing has not always been an easy one. One of the many challenges being my family not supporting me and being against me dancing. As every parent, they want the best for their child, though sometimes want they want is not really what the child wants. I really wish I would have had their support in the beginning. Nonetheless, I have their support now. I really believe having been through all those difficulties made me be who I am. I encourage all the parents out there to support your children dreams because success is better when you can share it with your loved ones.
Tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Sure, I am a professional belly dancer in the Houston area, available for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, sweet sixteen, corporate events, lady’s bachelorette parties, weekly shows, and more.
The shows can include a variety of desired numbers:
• Dance including colorful veils, fan veils, wings, and also zills (cymbals).
• Candle tray, Sword and Shamadan balancing dance.
• Dance on a top of a drum.
• Fun Saidi dance
• Dance with LED props: Fan veils and Isis wings.
• Show including a fun mini class and more.
What I am most proud of is my ability to grow and evolve as a dancer. Never staying stagnant. What sets me apart from others is my style of dance, my personality, and my drive.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I think as every other art form there is so much to learn and It continues evolving; however this art of dance is rooted in Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. Therefore, we should keep the essence and preserve the root of the art as it is, always respecting and learning about this culture. I’m planning to continue learning, sharing and enjoying this dance as also being open to new opportunities. With so much sadness, worry, and corruption in our world. My hope is that the art of bellydance will continue to be an outlet to share love, care, and compassion. It makes me feel so happy to be able to share this with my audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dancingwithmelissa.com
- Phone: 812-567-7057
- Email: melissaorientaldancer@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_dancerhouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBellydancerHouston/
Image Credit:
Vonvis Photography, Eric C. Alonzo, Crystal Clear Photos, Dvashstudio
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