Laura Díaz
From Hobby to Professional Passion in Egyptian and Argentine Belly Dance
Laura Diaz, known simply as Laura in the world of dance, has been passionate about bellydance since she first encountered it in 2014. What began as a sporadic hobby soon blossomed into a deep dedication, and by late 2018, Laura decided to fully immerse herself in the dance, studying intensely with the dream of becoming a professional. She specializes primarily in Raqs Sharqi, with significant expertise in Saidi, and her style reflects a balance between the classical beauty of Egyptian dance and the dynamic flair of Argentine bellydance technique.
A well-rounded creative
Learn more about her career, expertise, and creative passion
Laura's Journey: From Chile to the World in Pursuit of Mastery in Belly Dance
Training with Elite Instructors Across Latin America and Europe, Laura Is Set to Become a Certified Professional in Belly Dance
Laura began her training in Chile at the Academia de Danza Árabe Macarena Palermo, where she studied under the guidance of some of the top instructors in the region. She expanded her studies at other prestigious institutions, including Amina Sharifeh, Seyyal, and Surimay, refining her skills across various styles of Arabic dance. Eager to deepen her understanding, Laura traveled to Argentina, where she took classes at the well-known schools of Saida Helou, Yamil Annnum, Mayra Huzid, and Leyla Hassen.
Her training continued in Europe, where she worked with the renowned Egyptian instructor Mahdy Emara in the Netherlands, broadening her knowledge of authentic Egyptian dance. Currently, Laura is in her final year of professional training at the Shazadi Academy, where she will soon graduate as a certified instructor and performer in Arabic dance.
Though Laura has only competed in a few dance competitions, her skill and artistry have earned her significant recognition.
Some of her notable achievements include:
Weekend Orientalisimo Festival 2024: 3rd place in the Semi-Professional category for Raqs Sharqi and Drum Solo Improv.
GoldFest Chile 2024: 1st place in the Professional category.
Additionally, Laura has been invited to perform at some of the most prestigious bellydance festivals in the world, such as Nada El Masriya in Holland (2022), Cairo By Night (2023), and From Cairo With Love (2024), Jewel of The Nile (2024). Her performances have graced various stages across Europe and South America, and she has also worked as a professional dancer at Arabic-themed events in the Netherlands.
Laura's Unique Fusion of Technique and Emotion
Blending Argentinian Bellydance with Folkloric Styles for a Powerful and Expressive Dance Experience
Laura's dance style is a reflection of her diverse training and personal artistic expression. Heavily influenced by the Argentine approach to bellydance, she incorporates a strong technical foundation with an emphasis on emotion and storytelling through movement. While Raqs Sharqi forms the core of her repertoire, she has consistently studied Saidi and other folkloric styles, blending them into her performances to create a rich and nuanced dance experience.
She is inspired by the work of renowned dancers like Julia Farid, Macarena Palermo, Sahar Samara, Saida Helou, and Dariya Mitskevich. What sets Laura apart is the fusion of different techniques from various schools of dance, which have shaped her into a versatile and unique performer.
Her philosophy revolves around using dance as a way to connect the body, mind, and soul. She believes in practicing with precision to protect the body while allowing freedom for emotional expression. For Laura, dance is not just about technique but about conveying a deeper sense of self through movement.
Laura: A Visionary in Dance and Design
Crafting One-of-a-Kind Bellydance Costumes Worn by Dancers Across the Globe
In addition to her accomplishments as a dancer, Laura is also a talented costume designer. Her interest in fashion began in 2016, when she created her first dance costume for one of her performances. This passion led her to pursue a degree in fashion design, and in 2017, she officially launched her brand, Laura Dancewear by Laura Valentina, specializing in bespoke, one-of-a-kind bellydance costumes.
Laura’s costumes are celebrated for their attention to detail and unique designs. She takes pride in offering custom pieces that are as distinct as the dancers who wear them, ensuring that no two costumes are ever the same. Her designs have been worn by dancers across South America and Europe, adding an extra layer of artistry to the performances they accompany.
Laura: Empowering Through Dance and Teaching
Bringing Inclusive Bellydance Classes to Manhattan, Alongside Global Performances and Costume Design
Laura has gained valuable experience as an assistant instructor, particularly when she worked with visually impaired women at the Academia de Danza Árabe Macarena Palermo. She has also served as a folklore instructor at the Jbelly School of Raq by Janelle Isis. With her teaching style focused on nurturing individual growth and encouraging creativity, Laura is preparing to offer regular group classes in Manhattan at Vibe Space, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels available. She will also host summer workshops that offer an in-depth exploration of various dance styles.
In addition to teaching, Laura's future plans include expanding her business as a costume designer, growing her personal brand, and continuing to perform at international dance festivals. She dreams of further developing her skills in Fusion Bellydance, incorporating new techniques into her own style, and sharing her passion for this art form with students and audiences alike.
Laura's Mission: Spreading Joy Through Dance
Inspiring Dancers Globally with Performances, Teaching, and Unique Costume Creations
Laura's mission is to use bellydance as a medium to bring happiness and self-awareness to others. She hopes to help her students discover their potential as dancers while enjoying the process of learning and growing. As her career evolves, Laura envisions herself performing on more stages worldwide, teaching a new generation of dancers, and continuing to create costumes that inspire and enhance the beauty of bellydance.
Laura: A Creative Mind Beyond Dance
Fusing Fashion, Technology, and Travel into Her Artistic Journey Across the Globe
Beyond her dance career, Laura is a well-rounded creative with degrees in fashion design and computer science. She also has a background in photography, which she uses to capture the beauty of the world around her. A passionate traveler, Laura has lived and danced in various countries across America and Europe, each experience enriching her art and expanding her perspective on life. Her love for travel and exploration continues to influence her artistic journey, shaping both her dance and costume design work with diverse cultural insights.
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