Today we’d like to introduce you to Alesha Yamal.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alesha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
BellaDonna Dance Company has been entertaining audiences in Houston for over a decade. They have been voted “Houston’s Best Belly Dancers” by Houston Press have been dancing at events, restaurants, and nightclubs in Houston and around the world since 2003.
BellaDonna was founded by Tamara, Victoria, and Zylona when the Houston belly dance scene was just beginning a new resurgence. In 2005 Sahira joined the troupe and BellaDonna released their first instructional DVD in 2007.
Since then, members of BellaDonna have been invited to perform for Arab royalty, at conventions in the Middle East, for workshops around the globe, and at numerous public and private events in Houston, Texas.
Now with BellaDonna’s sister troupe, The BellaDees, we are 16 dancers with 11 different weekly shows. There’s a chance to catch a BellaDonna show nearly every night of the week!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Our company recently underwent a huge organizational and directional shift three years ago when both partners decided to start families. (Hard to belly dance while pregnant!) We at that point re-evaluated where we were and where we would like to be and decided to begin a professional dance training program. This group of beautiful ladies – The BellaDees – is now 16 dancers strong and performing all over town. We have experienced many growing pains along the way, but the formation of the BellaDees has allowed me and my business partner to continue our work in the Houston belly dance scene while starting a family and rearranging our lives.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about BellaDonna Dance – what should we know?
We have been entertaining audiences in Houston and around the US for over 16 years. We came into the scene with no business experience, only a strong love of dance. In that time we have learned so much – about running a business, writing contracts, promotions, accounting – you name it! What I am most proud of is our reputation – we are a long-standing name and a troupe that sets the standards when it comes to professionalism and quality, not only of our dancers and the entertainment they provide, but also of the prices set in the industry and the respect that should be given to the art form.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We would not be where we are if it weren’t for our dance mothers. I have great respect for the woman who taught me to dance – namely Pat Wright and Debbie Scheel in addition to the dozens of instructors I’ve had the privilege to study with over my career. Without them, I would probably still be working as an engineer! I also have to give huge credit to the founding members of BellaDonna – Victoria Markey, Nicole Hanveya and Tamara Bouazza. They had a vision of a career belly dancer that I would not have imagined possible. And not to be left out are the many Arab, Middle Eastern, Persian and Indian business owners and event planners who have entrusted us to enter their homes, event halls, restaurants, and clubs and showcase an art form that is near and dear to their culture. And to my husband…it takes a loving and confident man to not only support his wife being a professional entertainer, but encouraging it all the way!
Pricing:
- 30-minute belly dance show bookings begin at $200 per dancer
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BellaDonnaDance.com
- Phone: 713-269-4881
- Email: sahira@belladonnadance.com
- Instagram: BellaDonnaDanceTX
- Facebook: BellaDonnaHouston
- Twitter: BellaDonnaDance
Image Credit:
Le Vieux Loup
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