Belly Dance Stories

About Belly Dance Stories

Real stories. Powerful performances. We are a year-long multimedia production dedicated to sharing narratives of every-day women whose lives are empowered by Raks Sharqi, the Art of Belly Dance. Our initiative stands as a distinctive vehicle for women's empowerment, seeking to forge a deeper connection between performers and audiences while fostering compassion and dialogue. Theater show, Podcast, Performer Development Labs, Literature, and more...! Production directed and produced by Alexandra Molina and Valerick Molinary, professional Miami Belly Dance Artists. www.bellydancestories.com

Publisher

Belly Dance Stories

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Jan 2023

Latest episode

7 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Aug 2026

   The Woman Behind One of The Greatest Belly Dance Careers | Interview with Jillina Carlano

   Everyone knows Jillina for Bellydance Superstars and Bellydance Evolution. Few know the woman behind it.For more than 30 years, Jillina Carlano has built one of the most influential careers in belly dance. She has performed on the world's biggest stages, directed international productions, inspired thousands of dancers, and changed the way theatrical belly dance is experienced around the world.But here's the question no one seems to ask: What is behind the stage curtain?We created a bit of a retrospective conversation with Jillina, starting from the beginnings of her career, all the way to today.She opens up about the physical reality of aging as a dancer, how menopause changed her relationship with training, the moments she had to reinvent herself, and the leadership lessons that came with building one of the most recognized companies in our industry.This isn't a conversation about being a dancer, or the theater arts.It's about longevity as a human.It's about protecting your body without losing your artistry.It's about building big dreams without burning yourself out.And it's about discovering that the dancer you become at 50 may be even more powerful than the dancer you were at 25.Whether you're a professional performer, a lifelong student, or simply wondering how to build a meaningful creative life, this episode offers an honest look at what it really takes to create a career that lasts.In this episode:• The truth about a 30+ year career in belly dance• Behind creating Bellydance Evolution• How Jillina reinvented herself without losing her artistic voice• Leadership lessons from building a global dance company• The realities of aging, training, and caring for the body• Why success means nothing if you can't sustain itThis may be Jillina's most personal interview yet.If this conversation resonates with you, share it with another dancer who needs the reminder that longevity isn't about staying the same—it's about continuing to evolve.About Belly Dance StoriesBelly Dance Stories cultivates creative spaces where belly dancers can grow as artists, performers, and storytellers. Through theater productions, educational experiences, performance opportunities, and a vibrant community, we empower dancers to develop their artistry with confidence, creativity, and purpose.Our podcast brings these conversations to life by featuring dancers, musicians, and cultural leaders from around the world who share the experiences, challenges, and insights that shape their artistic journeys.Join us as we celebrate the stories behind the dance and inspire the next generation of artists.www.bellydancestories.comInterview recorded at HGAB Studios, Wynwood, Miami, FL

2. 

   6 Jul 2026

   Interview with Shahrzad: Building Dreams in the Belly Dance Industry

   What does it mean to build a dream life in the belly dance industry?Internationally acclaimed belly dance artist, performer, educator, and entrepreneur Shahrzad joins Belly Dance Stories for an honest conversation about artistic fulfillment, discipline, and creating a career with lasting purpose.We begin with a fun surprise interview as Alexandra asks Shahrzad and Valerick about their nearly two decades of friendship and how their relationship evolved into a meaningful artistic collaboration. From there, the conversation explores the realities of becoming an international belly dancer, moving to Egypt, and challenging common myths about building a successful career in dance.Shahrzad reflects on discipline, artistic growth, long-term thinking, and the courage to choose authenticity over expectations. Along the way, she shares why professional success alone isn't enough—and how listening to your true artistic voice can lead to a more fulfilling life and career.Every dancer's journey is unique. Through Shahrzad's story, you'll discover valuable insights on cultivating both your artistry and your career, and why creating your dream life begins with staying true to yourself.About Belly Dance StoriesBelly Dance Stories cultivates creative spaces where belly dancers can grow as artists, performers, and storytellers. Through theater productions, educational experiences, performance opportunities, and a vibrant community, we empower dancers to develop their artistry with confidence, creativity, and purpose.Our podcast brings these conversations to life by featuring dancers, musicians, and cultural leaders from around the world who share the experiences, challenges, and insights that shape their artistic journeys.Join us as we celebrate the stories behind the dance and inspire the next generation of artists.www.bellydancestories.com (www.bellydancestories.com)00:00 Introduction01:38 How Shahrzad & Valerick's Friendship Began08:12 The Value of Long-Term Dance Friendships13:41 Knowing You Wanted to Become a Professional Belly Dancer18:45 The Myth of the "Natural Talent" Dancer26:05 Why Discipline Matters More Than Motivation31:58 Building a Professional Career Through Consistency33:28 Why Success Wasn't Enough35:03 "I Didn't Like How My Dance Looked"36:45 Moving to Egypt for Artistic Growth38:30 Why Shortcuts Don't Create Lasting Artists40:26 Success vs. Artistic Fulfillment45:03 Moving to Egypt: The First Years47:05 Life After COVID & Redefining Success49:15 Building a Life Beyond Performing50:40 Creating Belly Dance Tours in Egypt55:02 Beyond the Stage: Building a Meaningful Career57:05 Creating Your Dream Life as a Professional Belly Dancer59:20 Final ThoughtsFor more interviews with Shahrzad, check out:Belly Dance Life Podcast (hosted by Iana) https://www.ianadance.com/bellydance-life/episode3 (https://www.ianadance.com/bellydance-life/episode3 )Belly Dance Geek Clubhouse – Episode 54: "Geek Out with Shahrzad" https://www.bellydancegeek.com/2017/09/geek-out-with-shahrzad (https://www.bellydancegeek.com/2017/09/geek-out-with-shahrzad)

3. 

   17 Apr 2026

   What is Fusion Belly Dance? Interview with Luna Poumian

   Let's dance into Luna's belly dance story as she tells us about her background and training is various styles of movement art, including dance and sports. Her insight on what "Fusion belly dance" means to her is one worth listening and reflecting on. Thank you, Luna, for an intriguing and insightful conversation!Learn more about Luna, Casa Luna and Moon Festival in Mexico at www.lunapoumian.comwww.bellydancestories.com

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

137,287

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

54

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.