Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Laura Torres Valdes.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have the blessing to have a very well-educated family who always appreciated art, culture, reading and performing arts as a form of entertainment. They encouraged me to choose this over TV when I was growing up.
Ever since I was a kid, I always have been very outspoken, self-confident, never had a problem being in front of audiences. I have always had a passion for dance because it comes naturally to me and always had enjoyed it. During my childhood, I tried many dance styles since ballet, jazz, flamenco, Mexican folklore etc. I also love history, archaeology, and other related topics. So, reading about other cultures and traditions were always hobbies of mine. One day some 10 years ago I “discovered” belly dance and middle eastern dances and fall in love with it. I started practicing around 10 years ago. I never pursued (dance) professionally, because in Mexico (and I guess here too), arts are not well paid and are very hard to make a decent living out of them.
But I have always kept it as my second job or craft if you may say; something that I can develop to feel inspired, to keep me active and to share with the audiences my experience of learning other dances. I always had dance classes on the side of the formal education since I was 5 years old. As I grow up I keep taking workshops, learning more about the dance and the culture. I even traveled to Egypt last year for a more realistic approach to the art. My teachers and course include classes with Egyptian, Lebanese (classical and folklore), as well as others who have performed the art for many years and are recognized in the Belly dance community.
Around 3 years ago, I decided I wanted to start dancing (Belly Dance) professionally. I had already a network at that time of people who were interested in having me at their events, and I realized that all that effort of perusing a hobby and passion has given me the tools to build an on-the-side-career that I could rely on for personal growth and money (sometimes). So far it has taken me through an amazing journey of learning and discovery that I have never imagine.
Please tell us about your art.
I perform mostly Oriental Style Belly dance and have some knowledge of Lebanese folklore. Lebanese folklore has a very specific niche. You will only see it on Lebanese Holidays and on traditional weddings. I am part of a dance troupe which performs at weddings (“zaffa” ceremonies). Some restaurants have folklore shows but are rare, (there isn’t any in Houston who has a show of this kind).
In regards of-of Belly Dance or “Raqs Sharqi” (as it is supposed to be called in the Middle Eastern Countries,) although people in this industry can be very technical and specific when defining the style; and sometimes is hard to put a dancer in a particular style, I can describe mine as American Cabaret Style.
I prefer to perform to classical Arab songs, although I also use pop songs in my show as it is the way belly dance shows are done in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon and the United Emirates at weddings and nightclubs. When preparing a show, I always take inspiration from dancers who perform in the Middle East and try to adjust it to my audience. I have found that Arab community here is very much on top of the trends as far as shows, music, and costumes that happens in that part of the world, therefore, it makes sense to create a show according to their taste.
What I would like to do when showcasing my art, is to bring authentic Raqs Sharki entertainment to Houston’s Arab and Middle Eastern Community. I believe there are several good performers in the city who wants the same and therefore organize workshops and events to bring the best teachers to the community. Middle Eastern dances and belly dance are part of those countries’ culture, and as a performer, I would like to portrait them as authentic as possible, because I wish the audience to feel reflected when they see me perform.
In this art, the line of innovation and creativity has to fall whit in the limits of what is appropriate in terms of their traditions and culture. If you fall too far from that line, your show can be perceived “orientalist” (which is when you over use the “mystic”, “harem” “odalisque” theme in your show and create a not-authentic performance), or you can portrait Middle Eastern people to non-Middle Eastern Audiences as something that are not.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Well, this I have to admit that I can’t reply with the best of my knowledge, since I don’t do this for a leaving. So far what I have encounter is that in countries such as USA, Mexico and Latin America exists a lot of work instability for artist. Most of the people that practice art full time, they support themselves with other part time jobs, or business of their own.
Art is something that people admire but don’t want to pay the price for it. Although I know about many excellent teachers and dancers who have created their dance school, and have travel abroad to perform and teach, is not something that could be taken for granted and that not all cities and countries can offer.
I moved from Los Angeles almost 7 years ago, I noticed that the interest in the arts have grown in Houston since I live here. The community seems more interested in supported some events. It is understandable that the city doesn’t have the same infrastructure to support the arts as other major cities in USA, but I have seen the interest of the Houstonians grow with the time.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I perform almost weekly. I dance for private events, you can find me at Gig Salad and Gig Masters. My preferred gigs are weeding’s, this is the most important event for a belly dancer. In Middle Eastern Countries dance at a weeding is the highlight of the event. I am constantly hired to this as well as birthdays, graduations, engagements parties and other events. Middle eastern restaurants/nigh clubs are also a place where you can see my shows. when I do, I advertise them at my FB page.
Contact Info:
- Address: Sahara- Bellydancer in Houston
- Phone: 915-820-5513
- Email: ana.laura193@gmail.com
- Instagram: sahara_bellydancer_houston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaharaBellydancer/
Image Credit:
Le Vieux Loup- Ron Mailloux
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