We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Paz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The habits I feel have helped the most are being organized with my time and to plan mostly everything related with my business and personal life. Even thought there are many times where activities, events, things don’t go as planned, it makes a big difference be prepare for everything and consider other options ahead of time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a professional Oriental Dance Artist in the Houston area, available for many kind of celebrations as weddings, birthday, festivals, weekly shows and more. I have been dancing and studying the art of belly dance since 2011. My curiosity, love for the music and exotic rhythms, passion, and traveling around the world have made me into the dancer I am today. Through my constant learning and development, I have created my own fresh and unique style. I am a dancer who posses an excellent spirit for engaging any crowd in a friendly, clean and family-oriented environment! I offer different styles. I have done a variety of festivals, competitions, stage performances, restaurants events and more. I feature props in my dance style including Veils, Swords, Candle tray, Shamadan, Fan veils, Isis Wings, Cane, and Cymbals plus LED props. I am known for my energetic, sassy, and emotionally expressive performances. I am very proud of the woman I am today, not only of my work as a dancer, but also being able to find a balance with a full time job, travel, family, etc. I continue growing and working on my creativity always. It hasn’t being an easy way since the beginning but I have overcome many obstacles and that’s makes me who I am today. I strongly believe I didn’t find belly dance, belly dancing found me. It is a gift that I am meant to do 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston has many delicious places to go eat!! I would probably take her to eat to Kasra Persian Grill, (Westhaimer) Old Sagnon Cafe (Westhaimer) Miyako (Westhaimer), El Patio, I would take her to the downtown historical bike tour, discovery green and all the fine museums.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m really grateful for many friends and family who have always supported me but I would like to give special credit to my first teacher Yanira Acosta who taught the love of this beautiful dance, and to Simon Sarkis amazing teacher who inspires me to keep going and be myself.

Website: www.dancingwithmelissa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_dancerhouston/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBellydancerHouston

Youtube: Melissa Bellydancer- Houston

Image Credits
Xica Photography Alex Santiago Lieurance Designs Photography Matt Ryan

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