Meet Amara Sayid | Professional Belly Dance Performer, Choreographer, and Teacher

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

Hi Amara, what do you want people to remember about you?
I would like my legacy to be the pursuit of knowledge and creative expression. As dancer and choreographer participating in a genre where I am a foreigner, it has been important to learn from dancers of origin and pass on that knowledge. It is with great respect and admiration that I can build upon that foundation and find my own expression with performances and choreographies. I would also like people to remember how much love I put into this dance, and that every choice that I have done in my career has been out of a deep respect and passion for the arts.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional belly dance performing artist, choreographer, and teacher. Since 2001, I have immersed myself exclusively into this cultural arts genre. Currently, I am the Co-Director of Mid East Performing Arts Academy, a belly dance school based out of Miami, FL.

What sets me apart from others is a strong focus on classical Egyptian dance (known as raks sharki, or belly dance) and folklore. For me, the classics never go out of style. It is what drew me to this performing art and it is what I share with my students as the foundation of this dance.

I am the most proud when I see my students develop their technique and expression. It fills me with a joy that is indescribable. Week after week I see their confidence grow, and we share in that collective euphoria after a stellar dance performance. I am the most excited when we build choreographies together and I see that passion light up inside them.

Professionally, my dance mentor pushed me to be where I am today. I was happy just taking classes and performing, but it was her that saw greater potential in me. She encouraged me to join the professional dance troupe, then teach, to then continue her legacy at the academy.

It was not easy. It did take time for me to come into my own dance style and understand my worth. When you have such big shoes to fill, it can be emotionally daunting. But with my mentor’s support, and the love of my inner circle, I soon understood that this is where I was meant to be. When challenges came I always go back to my purpose: why did I start to dance? What is the value of this dance in my life? And the answer always strengthened my resolve: to express. To show others the healing nature of dance.

A lesson I learned is that there are a lot of talented dancers, but there is a lack of business sense and ethics in the industry. For dancers who want to go pro, there has to be a balance between the two. Especially if you want to work well with others and establish a positive reputation for your brand. Talent can only take you so far.

I want the world to know that belly dance is a cultural art form that is deeply-rooted in tradition. It takes years to master and encompasses a wide variety of dance styles. It also offers a great deal of artistic expression and its movements are incredibly healing for both performers and audience members. This dance has helped me navigate difficult times in my life and has helped me develop self-love and a sense of community. I want to share that joy in the dance room with my students, and with the audience on stage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my best friends lives out of state and we have a little itinerary every time she comes to visit.

Weather permitting, we go to Bill Bagg’s Park and soak in some sun on the beach.

We love to hit up delicious restaurants! Some of our favorites are Sergio’s Cuban Cuisine, Aromas Del Peru, 1-800-lucky, PM, Shoma Bazaar Food Hall, Julia and Henry’s, Novecento, and Kush.

For drinks, we enjoy Better Days, Blackbird Miami, Ball and Chain, and Blue Martini in Brickell.

For chiller days we go the Frost Museum, the WEAM, or Perez Museum or get a massage at Lapis Spa in Fontainebleau.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my dance mentor, Samay. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She trusted me with her legacy. Because of her unwavering love and support, I was able to achieve great things in my career.

Website: https://www.MidEastPerformingArts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amara.sayid/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amara.5ayid

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWxEIrK4zkDBnpWpttA_v2w

Image Credits
Siufer Artistry
Ana G Photos
Susie B Photography